The official student newspaper of florida Tech
spring, issue 5
march 26, 2013
Police called to Pike Florida Tech Lunabotics team strives for house after brawl continuous program and community outreach involving members of football team and the fraternity David Barkholz Sports Editor Palm Bay Police arrived at the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity House in Palm Bay early St. Patrick’s Day morning in response a call about a fight that included members of both the Florida Tech football team and the Zeta Sigma Chapter during a party. According to a Palm Bay Police dispatch report, five officers arrived at the fraternity house just before 3 a.m. Sunday morning after receiving a phone call informing them that six menwere going to fight each other. “It was a slugfest,” Andy Singley, a Florida Tech student who witnessed the fight, said. According to Singley, the incident began after members of the fraternity, attempting to bring the party to a close, asked a large group that included members of the football team to leave the party. “They just wanted them to leave the house,” said Bella Schultz, a current Florida Tech student. The situation continued to escalate after
that point, according to Singley. “They were not exactly accepting of that, they were a little combative about it,” Singley said. “One of them started to get up into the face of my friend and [the friend] told him repeatedly, ‘Back off, come on, man, calm down.’” At that point Singley said the two groups started shoving. “The individual who had been hanging out in the front yard started coming at my friend, at which point my friend hit him and knocked him down. The next thing I knew, all hell broke loose,”Singley said. Approximately 15 men, including some Pikes and some football players, broke out into a brawl. “There definitely was a little bit of outnumbering,” Singley said. “My friend was pinned on the ground and they were wailing on him.” “The Pikes were trying to handle it professionally,” Singley said. Joe Kallie, a recent Florida Tech
See social media, pg. 2
photo courtesy of florida tech lunabotics The Florida Tech Lunabotics team takes part in community outreach with a local Girl Scout Troop in an effort to promote STEM programs.
Kelsey McMullan Sci/Tech Editor Persistence is no longer just the act of pursuing excellence; it is a small carbon fiber robot. Persistence is the Florida Tech Lunabotics Mining Competition robot. Fifty teams from around the globe will be competing from May 20-24 at Kennedy Space Center in three main categories: on-site mining, systems engineering paper and
outreach project, with two optional additional competitions: team spirit and slide presentation. The most challenging aspect of the competition is for each team to design and construct a robot that can withstand the abrasive lunar simulant the robot will be driving and mining through while being operated remotely or autonomously. Senior Erin Owens estimated that the team as a whole will have spent
about 15,000 hours working on the project by the time competition starts. Domestic teams registered to compete are traveling from as far away as Montana, Arizona and Alaska. Eighteen international teams are also registered from Australia, India, Bangladesh, Mexico,
See lunabotics, pg. 6
FIT Confessions page sparks craze and controversy
Hershlay Raymond Campus Life Editor Editor’s Note: Due to potential disciplinary action Florida Tech could take against the administrator of the FIT Confessions page were his identity revealed, we have decided to keep the administrator’s identity anonymous. Mark Zuckerburg’s precursor to Facebook was Facemash. The temporary “hot or not” site that compared two female students at Harvard attracted 450 visitors in its first four hours online. Rapid popularity is how Facebook began, and even within the social networking site, it continues. Florida Tech - FIT Confessions went live at about 4 p.m. on March 6. By 6 p.m., approximately 100 people liked it. At 8 p.m., that number skyrocketed to 300, and within 24 hours, over 600 Florida Tech students liked FIT Confessions. “I didn’t expect that,” the administrator for FIT Confessions said. “I thought maybe, 100, 200 likes in a week. Get a little thing
going.” University-specific confession Facebook pages have popped up in the last few months, from state schools to Ivy League universities. The confession pages exist as a forum for students to anonymously vent their feelings and secrets about themselves and the school they attend. Armed with a laptop and a tablet, the admin said he began the page with the best of intentions. The “confessions” are submitted anonymously through a Google form. The identities are hidden even to the administrator running the page. The posts began innocently enough, with confessions about setting off a fire alarm in Clemente to leave an University Experience event and how a Sci-Tech Comm project may have been the inspiration for the trolley. The confessions though quickly turned dark, with vulgar confessions about female students that featured their full names and racist confessions about groups of stu-
gadget corner Staff writer Joseph Stoltz unveils the best way to carry your favorite fruit.
See gadget, pg 6
dents on campus. “I didn’t want that to happen. The first few were all decent,” said the admin. When the confessions began pouring in, the admin reached out to a friend for help. “We started reading them. The first 15 or 20 were really nice. So, we figured it was fine,” he said. “Since we had so many, we started ctrl+c, ctrl+v, ctrl+c, ctrl+v, and we didn’t really read them.” Once the stream of confessions began to slow, the admin began checking his messages and found demands to take the page down because of its content. “I was like, what are they talking about?” he said. He checked the posted confessions and said he was “disgusted” at the early confessions. “I felt really bad for not proofreading in the start. I personally apologize to the three or four girls who were named. I emailed them to say that I was sorry this happened.” The admin said he is open to any complaints directly messaged
to him. “All I want is for people to confess and have fun. That’s all,” he said. “Even though they don’t know who I am, I don’t want to hurt them in anyway.” He has since deleted the vulgar posts from the Facebook page, with large gaps of the numbered confessions missing. However, many of the posts that included full names still exist on FIT Confessions’ accompanying Twitter. The racist confessions still continue on the page to this day. The admin, who is an international student himself, said he isn’t bothered or offended by them. FIT Confessions, though popular with students, it has received a less favorable response among university administration. “I’m a little disappointed. I thought had higher quality students that wouldn’t do something like this or support something like this,” said Rodney Bowers, dean of students. “If someone can be linked to the page directly, they can be found responsible for a violation.” According to the student handbook, that violation would be harassment. The handbook defines harassment as “the use of threatening words or actions that are likely to, or do in fact, cause emotional distress.” This includes directing obscene language or gestures at another person or group of people, directing verbal abuse at another person and creating a racially intimidating, hostile or offensive social or educational environment. Many of the
greek village Learn the latest on the long awaited Greek housing in Palm Bay.
See greek, pg 4
posted confessions could arguably fall under these terms. “I think it is a lapse in judgment if you like the page or allow yourself to be associated with the page because you don’t know what the legal repercussions in the long term could be,” said Bowers. The possible legal repercussions for FIT Confessions are tricky. Private colleges don’t have any First Amendment protections. The school is solely bound its own regulations and policies, according to Frank LoMonte, who deals with first amendment issues daily as the the executive director of Student Press Law Center. “If the school has a disciplinary policy that allows punishment for off-campus activity and there are no free-expression guarantees in school rules,” said LoMonte, “then there would be nothing legally to stop the school from demanding that the website be pulled down and punishing students for what they write there, if they can be identified.” The number of confessions posted to the page has dwindled over the last week, and likes have only just reached over 900. “Given that the page is already winding down in popularity, I would wager school administrators will lose interest in the page as well,” LoMonte said. The admin says he has been spending less time on the page, visiting briefly during the day and during nights and on the weekend. But he doesn’t plan on stopping it anytime soon.
campus life................. 2 sci/tech....................... 6 entertainment............ 7 OPINIONS....................... 9 sports........................ 10
2 -march 26, 2013
CAMPUS LIFE
the Florida tech crimson
Challenge course provides training and team building opportunities to student groups Rebekah Duntz Staff Writer The grand opening ceremony for the new ROTC Challenge Course was held on March 11, where the Florida Panther Battalion showcased zip lining and obstacle drills for the onlooking crowd. Florida Institute of Technology has combined efforts with the U.S. Army and the City of Fellsmere to fund, build and maintain this course. Through appropriations, the U.S. Army donated about $400,000 for the course, and the U.S. Army and the university have joint ownership of the course. “Florida Tech provided the equipment and the oversight, and the City of Fellsmere donated the land,” said Major Troy Glassman, department head of Military Science. Florida Tech president Anthony Catanese attended the grand opening, along with Florida congressman Bill Posey, Fellsmere city manager Jason Nunemaker, Fellsmere mayor Susan Adams, Indian River County commissioner Peter O’ Brien, Florida Tech vice president Frank Kinney, and Captain Lawrence Lewis. The course offers a training opportunity to the public when Florida Tech’s ROTC cadets are not training. It will be rented out to groups with a minimum of 10 people, at $60 per person, and these earnings will be used to maintain the course and keep the program running. Florida Tech and the City of Fellsmere intend for groups like law enforcement, Boy Scouts of America or corporate teams to use the course for team building. Thirty JROTC cadets were given the opportunity to experi-
ence this course on March 13 when they visited Florida Tech, and will enjoy this benefit again in April— a convenience that was not available before, as the nearest course was about three hours away, in Jacksonville. “There’s nothing in the area like it,” said Glassman. The only other course that resembles the new one is in Fort Luis, Washington, a course that the ROTC students visit their junior year here at Florida Tech. “It’s the biggest course in South Florida.” The course is located just off the I-95 exit, and is a span of 20 acres in the middle of a 100-acre park used for recreation and ecotourism, and will be open for reservations year-round. The course features high ropes equipment, a Marine obstacle course, airsoft courses, a leader reactionary course and a number of other obstacles courses designed to test a person’s mental and physical stamina, and to strengthen skills in cooperation and leadership. Some challenges include the Weaver, Confidence Climb, the Tough One, the Tarzan course, and Skyscraper. Many organizations on campus plan to use this course to their benefit as well, such as Greek Life and Student Government Association. “I think it’s good for bigger organizations who have a lot of members to develop team building exercises, and just as an icebreaker,” said Brian Thai, senior President of SGA. “I think for SGA it’ll be very important too, because we have members who don’t know each other at the beginning of the year, and it’s important for them to get comfortable working with each other, “said Carla Deras, Vice President of SGA.
Social media clash follows physical fight STORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 graduate, also attended the party that night and saw the fight.“Brawl might be the wrong word because there were only a couple Pikes and a whole lot of football players,” Kallie said. “It didn’t seem very fair.” The crowd dispersed quickly upon the arrival of a Palm Bay Police, according to Kallie and Schultz. Witnesses said members from both sides sustained injuries during the fight. At least one student was taken to the hospital, according to Singley. In the days following thefight, social media erupted with posts and comments from Florida Tech students over the two university groups. Freshmen fullback Juan Biggerstaff took to Twitter early Sunday morning around the same time the fighting occurred. “It’s safe to say that the team can’t be f***** with,” Biggerstaff tweeted. The message was retweeted by first-year defensive lineman Anthony Gambardella. David Rollins, third-year aerospace engineering major and member of the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity,
voiced his opinions on the FIT Confessions Facebook page. “People were open minded to the football players,” Rollins wrote. “But then we met them. Then they came out to parties. Nope, they’ve lost our respect.” Pi Kappa Alpha submitted an official fraternity-wide statement to The Crimson. “In regards to the situation in question, members of each party have met and appropriate action has been taken,” the statement reads. “Our organization hosts events to foster a social environment at Florida Tech. Safety and security are of utmost importance at our events. We also strive to develop relationships between all organizations in our campus community.” Head football coach Steve Englehart also submitted a statement. “The situation in question has been reviewed by appropriate university staff and administration, and subsequent action has been taken,” Englehartsaid. “We set high standards for conduct and enforce those standards. We also work diligently to maintain good relations with all members of the community. We will continue to foster this positive attitude, working hard to be a point of pride for Florida Tech.”
Campus life
3 - march 26, 2013
Florida Tech to host five April concerts
The Florida tech crimson
Florida Tech purchases neighboring 7-Eleven Laura Fitzsimmons Campus Life Editor
photo courtesy of jamie younkin The Florida Tech Concert Choir performs at the prestigious Julius Montgomery Awards.
Travis McConnell Contributing Writer April is the month for music lovers at Florida Tech, with the schools various eclectic musical ensembles performing five free concerts in venues around campus to showcase the skills developed throughout this year. All five concerts start at 7 p.m., and the first is on April 13, when the Florida Tech Concert Choir Ensemble performs their Choral Soup for the Soul: An Evening of Vocal Inspiration in the Denius Student Center’s Hartley Room. “The choir has grown year by year, by number, and in quality, and were glad to see them flourish,” said Jamie Younkin, the music program chair at FIT. Younkin said it will be a very nice program with some Italian pieces and more complex works. Karmen Law, one of FIT’s talented musicians, will accompany the choir on the piano. According to Adanna Ryce, a member of the vocal ensemble and junior at FIT, the concert features lots of different types of music including a piece called “Animal Crackers.” “It’s silly but musical at the same time,” Ryce said. According to Ryce, one of the best things is the variety of different types of music.
“If classical isn’t your thing, there are other types in the concert,” Ryce said There are 26 people in the choir and the musicians earn course credit in a humanities elective for participation, according to music instructor and director of choral and string studies, Eliza Dorpira. The Panther Big Jazz Band will perform the next concert, April in Paris: A Tribute to Count Basie, on April 16 in the Gleason Performing Arts Center. According to Younkin, who directs the band, the full scale jazz band will explore lush, classic sounds of producer Count Basie. The performance will also include a piece by Dave Brubeck, who is a big name in jazz and music education. “We tell audience to prepare themselves,” Younkin said. “It’s an extremely dynamic and energetic ensemble.” Movie fans should mark the date for April 19, when the FIT Wind Ensemble will perform their concert, A Celebration of Music for the Stage and Screen, at the Gleason Performing Arts Center. The concert will feature music from the films “Saving Private Ryan” and “The Hunger Games,” and include computer gaming themes, Younkin said. The en-
semble will also be playing a fairly new style to them, minimalism, in a 20th century piece by John Adams called “Short Ride in a Fast Machine.” According to Brooke Adams, a clarinet player from the ensemble and sophomore at FIT, the latter is the hardest piece from the concert. Brooke said the piece has a repetitive nature that introduces small variations throughout. On the following evening, April 20, the FIT String Ensemble will perform their Adventure on The High Seas: String Music for The Ultimate Explorer, in the Hartley Room. The concert will be nautically themed and have many repertories. Younkin said they’re doing some really exciting pieces including “a Nordic suite and a very beautiful song without words” that has been used in many movies. According to Dopira, one of the interesting things about the concerts is that “many have songs prepared by individual students and there are small ensembles within the group that practice separately on their own.” According to Dan Smith, a Vocal Ensemble member and senior at FIT, the concerts are “a great way to get all of the efforts out there. Everyone has worked really hard on these things.”
Within the next couple of weeks, Florida Tech will officially own the 7-Eleven convenience store located between University Plaza and the Mobile gas station on Babcock Street. “The contracts are all signed,” Dr. Robert Niebuhr, senior vice president of financial affairs, said. “The closing of the property was waiting on the environmental studies.” “We had to do an environmental study to make sure there was no groundwater contamination from the gas station next door,” Niebuhr said. “The results were fine, so we’ll go ahead with the purchase.” According to Niebuhr, the property that houses 7-Eleven was previously owned by a trust out of Texas. When the trust holder died about a year ago, the heirs were able to sell the land. “They weren’t allowed to sell it while the trust was still in existence,” Niebuhr said. “When the trust holders died, they decided they wanted the money.” When first asked if they wanted to purchase the property, Florida Tech declined the offer, as the owners wanted to sell it at a price that Florida Tech was unwilling to pay. Nine months later, the owners came back to Florida Tech and asked what they would be willing to pay for the property. “We paid much less,” Niebuhr said. “About 60 percent of what they wanted.” Although the 7-Eleven will soon be owned by Florida Tech, nothing can be done to the building until the original lease expires. The parent company, Southland Corporation, still has the lease for an additional four years. “We own the land, the property and the building, but we won’t be able to do anything for four years,” Niebuhr said. According to Niebuhr, the 7-Eleven is responsible for all maintenance and taxes until the lease expires. “All we do is get a rent check every month, and that’s
enough to pay our mortgage on the property.” “We look to that as a win-win situation,” Niebuhr said. “The owner got the money they wanted, and we got a piece of property which for four years doesn’t really cost us anything.” As of now, no specific plans have been made for the property. “At some point I’m assuming that both University Plaza and 7-Eleven will be completely taken down and something new will be put there,” Niebuhr said. “But I have no idea what that would be.” Katey Leban, a senior majoring in biology, first heard about the purchase at the Student Leader Luncheon held on March 11. Leban understood the motives for purchasing the 7-Eleven and consolidating the land that Florida Tech owns. “I think it would be nice if they converted the rest of University Plaza and used it for classroom or student space,” Leban said. Rachel Peters, a senior majoring in marine biology, wonders how the purchase will affect students. “I would stop going there if prices increased,” Peters said. “I stopped going to Old School Pizza because their prices increased.” Although there is no information regarding future prices at 7-Eleven, it is likely that Florida Tech students and faculty will not receive any type of discount, at least during the remainder of the lease. “I don’t think we’ll get a discount,” Niebuhr said. “In this case, the leasing is already established and they’re probably not going to give us any additional benefits in that manner.” The purchasing of 7-Eleven was presented to and approved by the Florida Tech Board of Trustees. “Anything that’s adjacent to the campus, if we can see a use for it, then we will try to acquire it,” Niebuhr said. “We would like to make our entrance more prominent.”
CABE members break out of traditional spring break with aviation-themed trip Laurie Fieman Contributing Writer To most students, spring break is that time of year to let loose in the warm weather with friends, and for some, end up forgetting much about the week. But for the students in Collegiate Aviation Business Executives club, spring break was anything but forgettable. The members of CABE ventured out on a frigid, week-long road trip up north, making pit-stops at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport, as well as some of our nation’s finest historical sites in D.C. The trip cost students $150 each, covering everything but food, far less than expensive than most spring break trips. CABE president Rosie Piscitelli said that costs were kept low by fundraising efforts including an on-campus raffle and a “Chili’s night.” While in Atlanta, the group was given an airside tour and also visited one of the cargo facilities on site. “We got to walk inside and check out the actual shipments waiting to be loaded into the aircraft” said Piscitelli. They also witnessed a China Airlines 747-400F land and pull into a spot right in front of them. After, Piscatelli said, they visited the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fight-
ing station. “At the ARFF station, the trucks were driven out of the garage and members were allowed into the trucks and some got to use the controls and spray water,” Piscatelli said. CABE member Junior Lindsay also enjoyed the tour of Atlanta. “I am even applying for an internship this summer at Atlanta’s airport as the people there are really friendly and it seems like a wonderful place to start a career in aviation,” Lindsay said. At Philadelphia International Airport, the group met in the executive conference room with the CEO of the airport and representatives from different departments. The CEO gave them an overview of the airport, followed by separate marketing and airport operations presentations. “We went on an airside tour, for a look at the concourses and cargo, then to the Air Traffic Control tower,” said Brendan Newcott, CABE treasurer. “We saw the Terminal Radar Approach Control Facilities and the ARFF facility.” “The people were awesome, and there were a bunch from Florida Tech. I would love to work at PHL,” he said. When not touring airports, members hit the town to eat and visit some renowned places. “Philadelphia was a great city to visit,” said Matt Fitzgerald, junior
in aviation management. “The area is scenic and we saw some of the tourist attractions like the Liberty Bell, Rocky statue and had cheese steaks from Geno’s Steaks while we were in the city.” The group also visited other famous areas in D.C., including the Smithsonian Air and Space Museums, the Library of Congress, the White House, and several memorials, according to Piscitelli. “I learned many things about the history of our country and Congress,” Piscitelli said. Lindsay, who is from Trinidad, shared the sentiment. “D.C. is really nice and seems fast paced,” Lindsay said. “I even learned that it is not a state but rather a district.” Fitzgerald concluded that the trip was a worthwhile experience as opposed to any other spring break vacation. “For the cost of the week-long trip, we saw and learned a lot as well as creating some valuable aviation industry contacts. Some of us are in the process of applying to airport and airline positions and added the professionals to our network on LinkedIn,” Fitzgerald said. “We met several FIT graduates currently working in the aviation industry and got some valuable advice from them that will definitely benefit us since it’s such a close-knit field of professionals.” Piscitelli has been on three
CABE spring break trips, with this being her last before she graduates this May. She said she’s sad that it was her last trip with the club, but that she had a “great time.”
“I learned a lot and for me, airports never get old,” she said. “Travelling is something I want to do more in the future, and this is a great start.”
photo courtesy of cabe Members of CABE pose in front of the Capitol building.
4 -march 26, 2013
CAMPUS LIFE
the Florida tech crimson
Florida Tech opens pockets for new Greek Housing Travis McConnell Contributing Writer After many years of hinting from university administration, Greek housing is finally here. This winter break, Florida Tech purchased the Pelican Bay apartment complex for $5.7 million for the purpose of creating its Panther Bay and Greek Village student residence, according to the Brevard Clerk of Court’s records. The property has changed hands several times in the last few years, according to appraiser records. Pelican Bay sold for $10.7 million in May 2008, Then again for $3.2 million in December 2011. Florida Tech purchased the property in December 2012 for $5.7 million. This amount was $2.5 million more than the previous sale, leaving FIT paying 78 percent more than the previous buyer. “I think it was a very good buy for FIT, it will be even better if they can make a profit,” said Michael Montgomery, owner of Pacific Ventures Realty, a company specializing in real estate investment, development and brokerage. Montgomery explained the uniqueness of Pelican Bay’s fivebedroom apartments justifies the price FIT paid. Complexes with that kind of specialty-purpose design aren’t common and the layout is very valuable to a college, Montgomery said. According to FIT’s Greek Life webpage, the purpose of the Greek Village is to use safe, common and functional spaces specific to Greek affiliated organizations to promote a positive and unified fraternity and
sorority community. The residence will also help “free up space in other campus facilities as the university continues to grow,” said Robert Niebuhr, FIT’s senior vice president for financial affairs, in an email interview. “This is an amazing opportunity for the fraternity and sorority members on our campus and hopefully will allow our community to continue grow,” said Jason Fisher, a senior at FIT and Greek Life housing committee coordinator. Fisher has been working on the Greek Village project for two years and says, “This is something that the Greeks on our campus have been looking forward to for a long time and are very excited to have for the future.” The six-building property is located a half-mile east of the corner of Palm Bay Road and Babcock Street. The facility has a clubhouse, pool and furnished 1,850-square-foot apartments that the Greek Life webpage advertises, include flat-screen televisions and personal bathrooms. Niebuhr commented, FIT “has not yet added the flat-screen TVs.” The Greek Village rooms are considered on-campus housing, meaning they are covered under financial-aid and scholarships. All utilities are paid by the college, including internet and cable. The average Greek Village room will cost roughly $4,000 per semester, as opposed to Harris Village’s $4,100, Southgate Apartment’s $3,800 and Columbia Village’s $3,500 according to FITs website. Niebuhr said, “That is the pricing under the current plan.
photo courtesy of greek life The current Pelican Bay will soon become Panther Bay, the home of Florida Tech Greek housing. Greek Village residents will be part of a five-year contract that will result in each fraternity or sorority committing to renting three units each.” However, Niebuhr said, “Final contracts with the Greek organizations have not yet been signed.” According to FIT’s Greek Life webpage, the facility will not have resident assistants, and policies and requirements will be made by the Office of Greek Life instead of Residence Life. Niebuhr said, “Residence Life will still be in charge of the facility, but it will have a coordinated oversight effort with Greek Life. There will be on-site presence of both groups.” According to Niebuhr, Greek Village residents will have indi-
vidual contracts with Residence Life that include the same university policies as other on-campus students’. According to the Greek Life webpage, non-trolley transportation will be provided to students for going to and from campus. Niebuhr confirmed, “There is a planned fall semester expansion of the current transportation system, which is, FIT aviation transport of international flight students to and from Buehler.” Karen Rhine, FIT’s news bureau chief clarified that doesn’t mean it’s just for flight students, “It’s not something new; it’s an expansion of something that was already in place.” Students don’t have to be in
a fraternity or sorority to live in the new facility. “The Greek Village will only occupy half of the Panther Bay apartment complex,” said Niebuhr, “the major difference is that we are allowing Greek freshmen and sophomores to be in Panther Bay.” FIT will limit nonGreek under-classmen from living in the new residence. Robert Moroney, a current member and previous vice president of Tau Kappa Epsilon, said, “I think it’s a great way for all of Greek Life to have a better interfraternal life with each other.” Moroney added, “A lot of my fellow brothers and other Greeks that I know are very interested in the new housing and are excited to move in once it is established.”
Panther Battalion senior class travels to nation’s capital for battle analysis John Fred Press Release President’s Day weekend for many students is a chance to relax or get caught up on school work. However, the senior class of the Florida Tech Army ROTC had a much more unique experienced planned -- a five day trip to tour the historic battlegrounds of Gettysburg and a tour of the White House, Pentagon, Capitol Building and other sights in Washington, D.C. It started bright and early on Feb. 14. While most Florida Tech students were sleeping, these cadets were already on their way to the airport to make the trip to D.C. from sunny Florida to cold Washington. The sudden change in climate was certainly different for some of the cadets who have been Florida locals their entire life. For some, it was even their first chance to see snow. Their first stop was Gettysburg, where they walked the grounds of the most famous battle in American history. The guided tour led them from Seminary Ridge to Little Round Top and Cemetery Ridge, where they walked on the same ground that tens of thousands of soldiers did 150 years ago. The second stop of the trip was the center of all things military, the Pentagon. The senior class got a guided tour of the building where so many deci-
sions with regard to the United States Department of Defense are made. “It was very exciting to see the very rooms and offices where our top leaders work every day,” Cadet Jamel Freeman said. “It really puts it into perspective. It also makes you think if any of us will make it here someday.” After the Pentagon tour, the cadets had the opportunity of a lifetime; they walked the halls of the White House. The very building where the President of the United States lives and works was open to the cadets as they got to see such rooms as the Blue Room and the Center Hall. To most of the cadets’ disappointment, they did not get to see the president himself, who was actually only a few miles south of Florida Tech at the time. Their third and final stop was the Capitol, where they got to see where the many laws that keep our nation free are created. Inside the building, the massive rotunda above them was full of art that depicted the beginnings of our nation and the Constitution. Thankful for the great experience, the senior class of the Panther Battalion returned home on President’s Day to continue their studies. Maybe only a “see you soon” would be appropriate for some to say as they left Washington D.C., as their careers may bring them back shortly.
photo courtesy of rotc The Batallion poses for a photo in Washington, D.C.
6 -march 26, 2013
SCI/TECH Lunabotics team pushes to become a permanent program
the Florida tech crimson
image property of florida tech lunabotics The Lunabotics team’s rover will ideally be autonomous, a feature that will almost definitely win over judges at the competition.
story continued from pg. 1 Poland, Canada and Colombia. “NASA is not a small company,” senior Anfal Hathah said. “It’s a really good thing for your resume to have a project with them.” Senior Billy Albritton proposed the name “Persistence” after looking at the names of previous NASA vehicles. “Everyone thought it was awesome,” Albritton said. The team working on Persistence is not daunted by any of the tasks set forth by the competition.
They are currently under budget and expect to have the robot constructed and tested well before their deadlines according to senior Vincent Scotti Jr. Albritton is a transfer student from the University of North Florida and this will be the third Lunabot that he has worked on. He originally became interested in the Lunabotics competition because of his dream to be a part of space exploration. “I think a lunar base on the moon should be our next big space exploration milestone,” he said. “I’d like to participate in devel-
oping the technology for such a base. I want to study lunar surface support systems.” On the Persistence Lunabotics team this year are Joshua Polley, Anfal Hathah, Erin Owens, Billy Albritton, Kyle Everly, Robert Ritter III, Codrington Barzey, Paul Marley, Brandon Baxter,Vincent Scotti Jr., Robert Mulligan, Devin Peck, Scott Fuller and Elie Louesse. The team and their faculty advisors are trying to transition from a competition team into a continuous program at Florida Tech. As part of the competition,
Gadget Corner Joseph Stoltz Staff Writer
the marugoto tamachan With this new gadget I’ll just get straight to the point due to its bewildering nature that may force you to ask questions appertaining to its existence in the world and why doesn’t everyone own one. That being said, this amazing gadget’s name is the Marugoto Tamachan, and will be the best investment of your life. The Marugoto Tamachan is an amazing gadget crafted by Joybond, with grace and gifted with the ability to hold a medium sized watermelon and keep it cooled or heated to your personal preference. Since the device has temperature control, you will always be able to have a cold slice of precious watermelon, or even heated watermelon in the winter if you like that warm watermelon flavor and texture. This device is also ergonomically designed for your precious watermelon cargo in order to give it maximum comfort and to keep it away from the really bad people who want to eat it before you get too. While some devices are lacking in the aesthetics, the complete opposite is to be said for this device. The developers artistically designed the Marugoto Tamachan to look like a cross between an eloquently designed rolling luggage bag and a beautifully designed modern toilet with alien egg pod accents added for additional elegance. Any watermelon owner would be proud to display a watermelon in this fine device. Sadly if you want to buy this amazing gadget and fashion accessory to hold your beloved watermelon, you will have to import it in order to get one. According to the website Tech Crunch, the Marugoto Tamachan is only available in Japan and its price is about $230, which is a very low price to own this wonderful device.
the surveillance 100 The next must own gadget is not technically a gadget, or at least the description left out some details if it is, but nonetheless it is quite the item to own, or at least to be used in terrorizing guests, children, and so on. Designed by the Swedish art company, Humans Since 1982 (yes, that’s its name), the Surveillance 100 is a set of three surveillance cameras connected to one stand that actually work together as a functioning light fixture. This light fixture is a must have for anyone who wants that penitentiary in the living room decor; great for guests. Surveillance 100 is most definitely the last place anyone would expect for you to hide real surveillance cameras, thus making this the perfect birthday gift or Christmas present. However, a writer for Technabob said “ironically, none of the available photos seem to show the lights turned on, so these really could just be video cameras,” so really half the job may already be done. If you would like to buy one of these lovely and invading, I mean innovating, lamps, then all you have to do is go to the online store GenerateLE* and ask for a pricing, because it’s only “available on request”; that translates into really, really, really, expensive. You have to be quick since there’s only 12 left, but if you’re interested in the newer chandelier version that offers 360 degree viewing, or “lighting” as some say, there are only five left, so act fast. You know you want to watch people eating watermelon!
the team is responsible for community outreach. Owens says that the team has done a variety of outreach events including having a Girl Scout Troop come in to see what they are doing. The group also worked with Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School’s FIRST Robotics team. Another aspect of the competition is social media outreach. “We get points for the competition by getting ‘likes’ on Facebook and followers on Twitter,” said Scotti. NASA is placing this priority on community outreach and social media because of its potential to grab the interest of K-12 grade students interested in science, technology, engineering and math. NASA hopes to get children interested and retain those that are interested by showcasing all the potential and engaging projects that they can. Barzey and many of the other team members became interested in the project after listening to a presentation in their junior design class. “After learning about the competition and the countless challenges that came along with it, I knew it was something I wanted to do,” Barzey said. “In my eyes it’s one competition at Florida Tech where you can design and build something of your own from scratch. It is a competition that truly gives you the opportunity to be innovative and to contribute unique solutions to real world problems.”
Ronald Reichard, senior design coordinator and one of the faculty supports for Persistence, is trying to turn the competition into a continuous College of Engineering project. Reichard and the team members hope to get freshman and sophomores involved to with the robot. “We want to get them involved so we have a constant supply of interested people. We set the team up as per a NASA systems engineering approach,” Scotti said.” It’s a real life approach to make everything continuous and work well.” Peck is one of the team members working to develop an autonomous program for the robot. “No one has ever done that before. If a team could do it, they are pretty much guaranteed to win,” Peck said. If the team can get the autonomous programing to work, the robot will be able to judge where it is in the area, go to a mining site, collect the material and take it to the deposit site, or Lunabin, all on its own without assistance from a controller. This is a steep challenge for the team, but they are working hard to get there. To win the competition Persistence must have the most overall points. The winning team will receive the Joe Kosmo Award for Excellence, which includes a trophy, certificates for members, and a $5,000 team scholarship. Last year’s team placed 11th out of 62 teams. This year Persistence and its team are mining for top three.
Operating system review: Ubuntu Christopher Pangalos Staff Writer According to PCWORLD polls among others, Canonical’s “Ubuntu” is currently the most popular distribution among Linux users with Redhat coming in second. With the recent release of Ubuntu 12.10 in response to Windows 8, it may soon grow in popularity. Ubuntu originated from the Debian distribution which in itself is very popular, though due to a development fork they’ve both become very distinct over time. With its growing popularity over the years, Ubuntu has becomes somewhat of a “flagship” for the Linux community and has made an increasingly obvious point of trying to rival Windows in every conceivable way from support to applications. The intent of Ubuntu was to create a more user-friendly variant for those unfamiliar with Linux. They did this by creating an easy to navigate environment similar to Windows and Mac OS. Ubuntu is as easy to install as Windows and like Windows has high compatibility for plug and play devices. Like Debian, Ubuntu is based strongly on the open-source philosophy and remains completely free to distribute or modify. As a result Ubuntu itself has had numerous other Linux distributions built upon it including: Xubuntu, Backtrack, Linux Mint, and Aurora to name a few. Ubuntu has expanded to include support for a variety of platforms including Servers, Tablets, and Phones in addition to standard PCs. Most Ubuntu installations come along with free variations on standard Windows applications
such as: an office application (Libre Office), image editor (Gimp), media player (VLC), and web browser(Firefox) to name a few. Another characteristic that separates Ubuntu is large community and support. Since many Linux variants are distributed by small groups for little or no profit they often suffer from lack of updates and quickly lose compatibility, fading from use. Such is not the case with Ubuntu which has large support communities to answer questions and provide assistance. In addition Linux is constantly updated like Windows, version 12.10 guarantees support for 18 months while version 12.04 is a long-term support release promising support for five years. Ubuntu, along with many other Linux distributions, features live CDs which you can boot to directly to try the OS before installing, as well as installations that can be run within Windows unfortunately the newer installers are quite large and will likely require a DVD. Last month the popular game platform “Steam” released Steam for Linux which seem to be tailored toward Ubuntu in particular. According to Steam’s February survey 2.5 percent of their users use Linux and out of those 1.8 percent prefer Ubuntu specifically which is significant compared the 3.3 percent who use the pricey Mac OS. The newer versions boast cloud computing integration and with rapidly growing support, Ubuntu may make a viable alternative to Microsoft’s less than well received Windows 8.
7 -march 26, 2013
ENTERTAINMENT
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Movie Review: Oz the Great and Powerful
image property of walt disney pictures “Oz the Great and Powerful” proves neither great nor powerful, but if you go in with the lowest of expectations, you won’t leave disappointed.
Angelina Bonilla Staff Writer Going into “Oz The Great and Powerful” expecting a revisit to the land of Oz and nothing else is the only way you will be able to go into this movie and be remotely satisfied with your experience. If you expect almost nothing from the film, then you will get a semi-enjoyable film that manages to transport you into the world of Oz that you knew so long ago. This movie is best viewed from a childlike perspective and general escapism rather than any form of critical thought whatsoever, because once you look beyond the
breathtaking visuals you have more problems than you can throw a barrel full of flying monkeys at. This film is really pretty and that’s the first thing you are going to notice about it. When you are in the land of Oz, everything is breathtaking and wonderful looking. Even the actors themselves look more colorful and vibrant and it’s really a sight to see. If I could recommend anything about this film, see it cheaply somehow in 3D and it’s really a great looking film. The story is a simple one and at its core is a good fairy tale story. In a non-spoiler summary, a “magician” named Oscar Oz (played
by James Franco) comes into the land of Oz from the faraway land of Kansas via tornado only to find out there is a prophecy about him saying he’s the next ruler of the land of Oz. He meets Theodora (played by Mila Kunis), a good witch with a naïve nature that takes him to the Emerald City where her mysteriously British sister Evanora (played by Rachel Weisz) tells him he must slay the evil witch in order to save the land of Oz from her tyranny and flying baboons. If this was all there was to the plot this story would have been fine...but no, with a few “unexpected” twists it takes these characters into a very unfortunate direction.
These characters are horribly underdeveloped and it’s not the fault of the actors because they really try to fit into the roles with the lines given. This film is two hours and 10 minutes long and there still
wasn’t enough effort behind all of these characters. It’s honestly really depressing. This film could have be an in-depth look at all of these characters and really gotten into their motivations. It is extremely hard to sympathize with a lot of these characters that they show us because they are either stupid, extremely unlikable or just flat depthless pieces of paper in comparison to even the original film. Only one character is sympathetic and she is the best part of the film when she’s there. She adds so much to the scenes she’s in and honestly, if it was more focused on her at points instead of Oscar, it would have been more interesting. This could have been a beautifully complex story and what it gets boiled down to is so infuriating it makes this reviewer cringe while thinking about it. Expecting anything from this film other than a basic fairy tale will leave you disappointed. Just see it if you can just turn your brain off completely and not look at the more problematic aspects of it you will be fine and will have a great time at the movies. If you actually want something with substance, run down the yellow brick road the hell away from this film.
The Crimson says: 2.5 paws out of 5
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entertainment
8 - march 26, 2013
Florida Tech brings the French Arts to Foosaner Heather Macy Entertainment Editor It is no surprise that Eau Gallie Arts District (otherwise known as EGAD) is the place to be when you are looking for something new and exciting in the world of art. So perhaps it is even more fitting that they are offering the members of Brevard an exciting, first-time event dubbed “April in Paris.” The Foosaner Art Museum (located at 1463 Highland Ave in Melbourne) is ushering the coming of spring to Florida with their French Film Festival. Starting April 4 with Jazz Friday and EGAD’s Friday Art Walk, there will be plenty of music and food, all inspired by the lovely French lifestyle, including crepes, wine, beer and a Parisian style open-air market. From March 23 to May 12, the works of famous French photographer, Leon Herschtritt, will be on display. In addition to the gallery viewing, there will be five French films shown throughout April: “The Red Balloon” (April 5 at 8:30 p.m.), “Jules et Jim” (April 6 at 2 p.m.), “Breathless” (April 11 at 7 p.m.), “L’Amour Fou” (April 13 at 2 p.m.), and “Belle de Jour” (April 18 at 7 p.m.). “The Red Balloon” will be shown as a free event outdoors at the Eau Gallie Square while the rest will be shown at the Harris Auditorium. Seats are $5 per person. For more information, you can call (321) 674-8923 or email spetrosky@fit.edu.
april 5 (free admission)
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Movie madness: what’s coming up in April
april 6 Heather Macy Entertainment Editor
april 11
Now that spring break has come and gone, there is a little less than half a semester left to go so, undoubtedly, you are wondering “What can I do to take a break from all the studying I should be doing?” Luckily for you, avid reader, I have just the trick: movies! Yes, the movies, hanging out in the dark with strangers, your feet sticking to questionably sticky floors that have more butter than your popcorn does, and the chance to be overcharged for the film you can watch in three months on NetFlix for half the cost. Who wouldn’t want to spend their time at the movies? Luckily, there are plenty of fun films coming up in April that are worth the trip.
Jurassic Park 3d april 13
april 18
What is it? Back in 1993, a brilliant man released an incredible film that sparked the interest of millions and spawned two sequels, all based off a rather decent series of books by Michael Crichton. Now, two decades later, “Jurassic Park” is back, released this time in mindblowing 3D. So, why should I care? First off: it is “Jurassic Park,” back on the big screen. Secondly: it is “Jurassic Park,” back on the big screen. If those words alone don’t make you want to fork over $12 to see this multi-award winning
masterpiece, I don’t even know why you’re still reading this. In 1993, this writer was six years old and was absolutely blown away with the idea of living dinosaurs wreaking havoc across the big screen. Frankly, I’m ready to re-live that moment again, and I know I’m not the only one that feels that way.
evil dead What is it? Next on the re-leased, re-treated films is “Evil Dead.” Initially released in 1981, this remake will hopefully live up to the cult-classic that the original film became. So, why should I care? Unlike the original (and its sequels), which accidentally turned out a little more “comedy” than “horror,” this remake promises to the point of bragging that it will be nothing but pure fright.
42 What is it? Do you like sports films? How about films filled with big name stars, like Harrison Ford, Christopher Meloni and Ryan Merriman? Well, “42” is right up your alley! Telling the story of Branch Rickey, the innovative general manager for the Dodgers, this film is bound to be a feel-good sports flick. And, hey! Chadwick Boseman will play Jackie Robinson! Who could ask for more? So, why should I care? Well, unless you like historical films, sports films, and/or historical
sports films… you really don’t have much to get too worked up about.
scary movie 5 What is it? “Scary Movie 5” is the continued tale of stupid people doing stupid things, like making mock-comedies under the guise of humorous parodies. Chock-full of celebrity appearances, this film is bound to stay in character with the rest of its brethren. So, why should I care? If you liked any of the previous “Scary Movie” films (and, let’s be honest, they’ve been becoming films of poorer and poorer quality as they go on), then you’ll probably enjoy this one. According to the listed plot, it will include moments ripped from films like “Paranormal Activity,” “Black Swan,” and “Mama.” But will it be of any actual quality? Only time will tell.
jobs What is it? “JOBS” is a docu-drama, biography-esque picture about Steve Jobs and the powers that drove him from 1971 up through 2001. Rumored to be a “sweeping epic,” it promises to be dialogue-heavy and have insight to his major moments and defining character influences. So, why should I care? Five words: Ashton. Kutcher. Plays. Steve. Jobs. Enough said.
OPINIONS Editorial: I confess that I like FIT Confessions
9 -march 26, 2013
Christopher Penta Opinions Editor FIT Confessions, a recent social media phenomenon at Florida Tech, rose quickly as a quirky manifestation of the frustrations of living at a tech school. An anonymous board for posting “confessions” about day to day life at FIT, it quickly gained the ire of not only school administrators, but also the various targets of the confessions. Because of its anonymous cloak and dagger nature, the administrator or administrators of the page are totally unknown to any of the parties involved.
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Within minutes, the page began attracting posts that were abusive, hateful and some downright creepy. An intense debate about the legality of this page and its harassment of FIT students has naturally ensued. To help clear up these issues from a legal standpoint, I consulted Frank LoMonte, the executive director of the Student Press Law Center. The response I got confirmed some of my suspicions, but some of his expert opinions surprised me. Florida Tech itself can do very little in terms of attacking the page itself, and given the anonymous nature of the administration, the same applies to going after students involved with the page.
“If the school has a disciplinary policy that allows punishment for off-campus activity […] then there would be nothing legally to stop the school from demanding that the website be pulled down and punishing students for what they write there, if they can be identified,” LoMonte said. Barring illegally obtained subject matter (invasion of privacy), or false information (libel), I don’t see the school administration wasting its time trying to shut down FIT Confessions. In fact, given that the page is already winding down in popularity (it garnered 700 likes in its first 24 hours, but has failed to break 900 nearly two weeks later), I would
wager school administrators will lose interest in the page as well. When you cut through all the nonsense, I find the page as a whole to be thoroughly entertaining. With thousands of “confessions” (many of questionable legitimacy), I get a chuckle out of delving into the strange and sordid troubles that FITers get into. However, the page was far more interesting and amusing when it involved freshmen getting caught in intimate situations in unlikely places, such as security golf carts, Crawford elevators (those humanities majors) and the parking garage. Now that the page has slightly matured, most of the content entails freshmen boys venting about
how they have trouble talking to women. Why? Why would you profess your love to someone on an anonymous Facebook page? I never saw this as the primary purpose of FIT Confessions, but for some reason, its niche has drifted in that direction. At some point within the next month, the page administrator(s) will become bored with the 24 hour postings, people will have run out of stories to make up and the sheer volume of spam sent to the page will take their toll on FIT Confessions. But in the meantime, it’s fun to watch.
CAPS PSA: Suicide and self-injury: how to help a friend Latasha L Nadasdi CAPS Those who engage in selfinjury usually put effort into hiding their injuries, so it can often be hard to detect. But if you are worried that a friend might be engaging in self-harm behaviors, there are various signs you can look out for: •Unexplained wounds or scars •Bloodstains on clothing, towels or bedding •Sharp objects or cutting instruments on their person •Frequent “accidents” •Wearing long sleeves or long pants, even in hot weather •Needing to be alone for long periods of time, especially in the bedroom or bathroom It can be very confusing and upsetting to find out that a friend is self-injuring, and you may feel helpless, but there are things you can do to help! Let your friend know that even though you may not understand what they are going through, you are there for them and want them to feel better. Respect your friend’s boundaries, and accept if they are not ready to talk yet. Just knowing you care and that you are there when they are ready to open up might be enough. Make sure to avoid sounding accusatory or judgmental. Although there is a stereotype that people self-injure to get attention, this is largely false. Remember that your primary goal is to make your friend feel comfortable coming to you for help, and focus on being supportive. It is important to avoid giving advice without doing your research and developing a better understanding of self-injury. There are many different types of self-harm, and people engage in self-injurious behavior for many different reasons. Self-harm may involve cutting, scratching, burning, or picking at the skin, hitting oneself or banging one’s head, sticking objects into one’s skin, intentionally preventing wounds from healing, swallowing poisonous substances or inappropriate objects, choking oneself or engaging in reckless behavior. People may engage in selfharm to express pain and intense emotion, to calm and soothe them-
selves, to feel in control, to serve as a distraction, to feel something when they normally feel disconnected and numb, to release pain, tension or anger, and/or to punish due to feelings of guilt or selfloathing. Self-injury may help your friend feel better for a short amount of time, but this relief is temporary and very dangerous to his/her wellbeing. It is not enough to tell your friend to “just stop.” Self-injury is likely the only way your friend knows how to cope with a bigger problem. In order for your friend to get better they will need to identify the deeper reason behind their self-injury and find healthier ways of dealing with these problems. When your friend is ready they will likely need professional help, but for now, do your research so that when your friend is ready to talk you have some resources to share with them. 1. S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) ALTERNATIVES is a nationally recognized treatment approach, professional network, and educational resource base. •www.selfinjury.com •1-800-DONT-CUT (1-800366-8288) 2. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the student counseling center located here on campus where students can make a free and confidential appointment to speak with a professional •www.fit/edu/caps/ •321-674-8050 3. To Write Love On Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, selfinjury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery •twloha.com 4. Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour service available to anyone in need of help. •1-800-273-TALK (1-800-2738255) •http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Helping a friend who may be engaging in self-injury can be very difficult, so make sure you take care of yourself during this process.
You should take time to relax, make sure you don’t fall behind with your work, and talk to your friends or family about any difficult feelings you may be having. Additionally, you may consider seeking help yourself from one of the resources mentioned above if you feel you need support during this process. Only your friend can fully understand what he/she is going through, so try to spend more time listening than giving advice. It is better to say supportive things like “I know you are going through a lot,” or “that must have been really hurtful,” rather than providing your own opinions. Remember self-injury is a very private thing and likely very difficult for them to open up to you about. You can be there for them to listen and provide support, and offer them resources and assistance in seeking professional help. When your friend is ready to speak to a mental health professional, they may feel nervous or hesitant to make the first steps. Just be supportive and ask how you can help. It may be helpful to walk with them to seek help, stay with them in the waiting room, and to be there for them afterwards to talk. It may even be enough just knowing they can talk to you about their fears. Although it is important to support your friend through this difficult time, it is equally important to keep doing the things you usually do together. Continue to invite them places and spend time with them. Although it is essential to be there to talk when they need it, you do not want them to feel like your friendship is being dominated or changed by their struggles. If you are concerned that a friend may be suicidal, it is important to be there for them without judgment and offer them support. Most people who attempt or commit suicide do not actually want to die; rather, they want to stop hurting. Early intervention is essential in preventing suicide, so it is important to recognize the signs someone may be contemplating suicide: •Hopelessness (saying things are “unbearable,” dreading the future) •Dramatic mood swings or personality changes
UPCOMING CAPS EVENT
•Loss of interest in normal activities •Seeking access to lethal means (guns, pills, etc.) •Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence, talking about suicide •Self-hatred •Giving away prized possessions •Saying goodbye (making unusual calls or visits to people, saying goodbye as if they won’t see you again) •Sudden sense of calm (sometimes sudden calm or happiness after a period of extreme depression can mean they have made the decision to commit suicide) The first step is to speak up and let your friend know you are concerned about them. Listen, offer support, and be direct. It is okay to directly ask them if they have thought about suicide, it shows you are concerned, taking them seriously, and that it is okay for them to open up to you. You want to know if they have a plan and if they have the means (pills, gun, etc) and intent to carry out their plan. If your friend says yes to any of these, it is essential you get your friend help immediately. Remove any dangerous objects, call for help, and do not leave your friend alone. You can call CAPS, campus security, or 911 and report you are concerned your friend may be suicidal. Even if you are worried your
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friend will be mad at you for reaching out to assistance, remember it is better to risk losing a friendship than risk losing a friend. Want to learn more? CAPS is hosting the following student event: “Suicide and Self Injury: Who Does it? And Why? Wednesday, March 27th at 7 pm in Evans Hall Room 202. Join us to learn more about reasons for self-harm, the dangers of these behaviors, and the best way to cope with them. Safer and healthier alternatives will be provided, as well as resources on what to do if you or someone you know is engaging in these dangerous behaviors. CAPS is here on campus to offer additional support for many personal difficulties faced by college students, including depression, anxiety, self-injury and other issues you may be facing. Counseling services are free and confidential to all enrolled students of Florida Tech. Students can call (321) 674-8050 or come into the center to make an appointment. The CAPS website (www.fit. edu/caps/) also offers screenings for depression, stress, anxiety, eating disorders, and alcohol use, as well as additional information regarding resources, services, and groups. You are not alone, and CAPS is just one of the many resources at Florida Tech that is here to help!
the Florida tech crimson
SPORTS march 26, 2013
Water polo hosts first ever Space Coast Classic at Panther Aquatic Center
photo by katie skura The water polo team at a practice in the aquatic center last year.
David Barkholz Sports Editor Students slowly made their way back and forth past the recently built aquatic center on the hot Sunday afternoon, only occasionally stopping to peer through the black metal bars that guarded the water. Inside, about 30 people sat scattered around the large pool, most just holding quiet conversations with the person next to them while they waited. “Does anyone know the score of the North Carolina/Miami game?” one man wearing a speedo and
matching cap on his head shouted off to the side before leaping into the pool to join his teammates. Just then, the sharp sound of an official’s whistle echoed through the lifeless facility, signaling the start of the home team’s final match. In front of a small crowd that consisted mostly of opposing fans, the Florida Tech Water Polo Club hosted the first-ever water polo tournament inside the Panther Aquatic Center St. Patrick’s Day weekend. “I didn’t see a whole lot of people from the student body
Upcoming Florida Tech Home Games Wednesday, March 27 Tennis vs. Merrimack 6 p.m. at the Desoto Courts Baseball vs. Palm Beach Atlantic 6 p.m. at Home Thursday, March 28 Softball vs. Saint Leo 3 p.m. at Home Friday, March 29 Men’s Lacrosse vs. MIT 5 p.m. at Home Baseball vs. Lynn 6 p.m. at Home Tuesday, April 2 Men’s Tennis vs. Florida Southern 3 p.m. at Fee Avenue Wednesday, April 3 Men’s Lacrosse vs. Florida Soutern 7 p.m. at Home
come out,” said Travis Hunsucker, an ocean engineering doctoral student and one of the founding members of the water polo club. “Perhaps we didn’t promote it enough within the school.” The free-to-attend tournament, named the Space Coast Classic, took place March 16-17 in multi-elimination style format, with Loyola Puerto Rico defeating YCF Water Polo in the championship game.
FIT placed fifth in the seven team tournament. “We’re still a young club – the majority of us are freshmen and sophomores,” Hunsucker said. “We also played our first ever tournament a year ago this past January. For that, we’re playing really good.” FIT Water Polo, which has existed since the opening of the Panther Aquatic Center, has competed in multiple tournaments since its creation, traveling as far as to the University of Florida. While the club has grown in size, from five at its founding to approximately 12 today, fielding a full team of Florida Tech students is still something it struggles with. “We’ve got some guys from the local area who are not students,” Hunsucker said. “They’re playing with us and helping us out because they have a lot of experience.” Aaron Struckmeyer, a UF graduate, was one of several FIT players who filled in for the Space Coast Classic. “My friend coaches the FIT team,” Struckmeyer said. “They needed some extra bodies this weekend, so I came in to help. Struckmeyer, who played water polo at UF for four years, had never played with FIT before this tournament, but knew how important the Space Coast Classic was for the young team. “It’s good to host a tournament and get that experience,” he said. “Not everyone can always travel to
other tournaments, and it’s easier to get people involved when it’s a home tournament.” Paige Carlton and Riggs Brusnighan, both first-year students at Florida Tech who went to watch the team’s final game in the tournament, seemed to echo his comments. Carlton, who had only been to one water polo tournament before the Space Coast Classic, said she would attend more on-campus tournaments. “Definitely, why not?” she said. “I mean you’re out here in the sun. You can’t complain.” Brusnighan, who actually plays with the water polo club but was working the concession stand due to an injury, said he really enjoys the sport. “We practice three times a week,” he said. “There’s no experience needed. For the most part, we just throw around the ball and run a couple drills. It’s a lot of fun.” Hunsucker, meanwhile, is continuingly trying to promote the FIT Water Polo Club. “Here at this school, it’s a very small, close community and we all support one another,” he said. “I’ll go to a basketball or softball game for support and because it’s fun to watch. I mean, how many students have ever seen water polo live? It’s a fun game to watch, plus you get to sit out in the pool and enjoy the sun.”
Softball’s 13-game win streak ends Press Release Florida Tech Athletics Florida Tech won its third straight Sunshine State Conference series after taking game one of Sunday’s doubleheader over Lynn, but its 13-game win streak ended with a loss in the series finale at Lynn Softball Field. The win streak was the program’s longest since it won 17 consecutive games in 2006. The Panthers (22-13, 9-3) runruled the Fighting Knights (17-16, 3-6) in game one, winning 9-1 in five innings. In game two, Lynn used a seven-run second inning to prevail 10-4. Although they split the doubleheader, they are tied with Barry and Rollins for first place in the SSC. “We played hard as usual today,” head coach Val Silvestrini said. “In the second game, we had one bad inning where we gave away too many runs and it was hard to come back. Overall, we had a great pitching performance from Amanda Smith and hit the ball well.” Amanda Smith, who earned the
win in Saturday’s series opener, started both games of the doubleheader. She surrendered just three hits, one hit was a solo home run, in five innings of game one. Before she toed the rubber, she had the luxury of working behind a 2-0 lead on Lindsy Dugan’s team-leading fifth home run of the season. Taylor Peterson scored on the long drive and led off the third and fourth innings by reaching base. She scored both times on back-to-back doubles by Ashley Montion. Brooke Smith connected on a double in the third to bring in the Panthers’ last two runs of the inning. She then stroked a two-run single to left-center field in the fourth to finish 2-for-3 with four RBIs. FIT’s first through seven hitters accounted for all 12 hits, while its four through seven hitters had all nine RBIs. Elaine Brown, Dugan, Montion, Amanda Bueno and Brooke Smith had two hits each to lead FIT. Amanda Smith (15-5) pitched all five innings and struck out six. Brown was 2-for-2 in stolen bases
and has swiped 17-of-22 stolen bases this season. In game two, the Panthers jumped out to a 1-0 lead just two batters into the game on a double by Kara Dickinson, which scored Brown. After the first out was recorded in the second inning, Lynn sent 12 batters to the plate and scored seven runs on four hits, all were singles, and six walks. Trailing 9-1 in the fifth, FIT cut its deficit to five by scoring three runs. One run came in on the second of three doubles by Dickinson. She finished the game 3-for-4 and now has 13 doubles this season. Smith (15-6) received the loss in game two. The Panthers will look to start a new win streak on Thursday when they welcome Saint Leo to Nancy Bottge Field for a three-game SSC series. Game one of the series will begin at 3 p.m. The second and third games are set for Friday starting at 1 p.m. Live audio and stats will be available for the entire series at FloridaTechSports.com/live.