Spring Issue 7: March 21, 2016

ISSUE 7 MAR. 16

SPRING 2016

Botanical Fest brings in students, community Photo by Nathaniel Ashton Florida Tech was visited by a plethora of people and plants on March 5th.

The 11th annual Botanical Fest Plant and Garden Sale was held on Crawford Green from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event featured many plant and garden vendors from around the state, showcasing a variety of plants such as palms, shrubs, succulents, and flowering plants.

The entirety of Crawford Green was covered with booths belonging to 47 different vendors, gardens, and organizations, as well as five food vendors. Each booth laid out samples of their own species of plants,

all of which were available for purchase.

The event itself served to not only provide the community with the opportunity to purchase plants from nurseries scattered across the state, but also to inform the community of the diversity of Florida’s greenery, as well as professional gardening advice.

Pam Pedersen, Director of Production and Projects of WFIT commented, “It’s just peaceful to see all of the plants, and you can see what a good turnout it is, it’s a very popular event.”

Elemental Nursery, based in Kissimmee, showed off Bonsai plants and car-

nivorous plants. Gardino Nursery from Delray Beach specialized in rare tropical plants including vines, succulents, and ferns. Hopkins Nursery, from Immokalee, displayed tropical fruits, butterfly plants, fragrant plants, and spices. All the way from Homestead was a nursery called Going Bananas that, not surprisingly, brought bananas.

Florida Tech students Jonathan Cirillo and Shelby Stansell visited the botanical fest in search of several herbs. “We are getting delicious herbs to amplify our cooking ability and make sure we have a taste of home,” said Cirillo.

Other booths provided more than just plants. Our Vital Earth Inc brought along worms, worm composters, and worm tea.

Woodworking by the Starrs showed off cedar furniture, and Rusty Gate Gardens presented garden decor and art, all of which was repurposed from old vintage items.

A handful of the booths did not have anything for sale, but instead provided information on plant care, gardening, environmental awareness and sustainability. Florida Tech’s Student Organization for Sustainability Action was on the scene to answer questions

regarding sustainability, in addition to describing potential education and career paths for environmental science and sustainability.

The vendors paid a rental fee to for space for their booths. The money from the rental fees will go into updating and maintaining the Botanical Garden. Six of the vendors were sponsors of the event, as were 98.5 The Beach Radio Station, Florida Today Communications, Hometown News, and WFIT. v // BENJAMIN GOESS CONTRIBUTING WRITTER

Protesters interrupt Trump 12 times at Orlando rally The Donald Trump rally in Orlando was packed outside with protesters lining the streets at the CFE Arena on March 5.

Supporters and protesters alike set up early in the morning that day to hear him speak and either support or challenge his candidacy.

The rally inside was at capacity, as several hundred Trump supporters were told they could not enter the building and had to stand outside because they had reached fire marshal occupancy limits. The venue holds 10,000 people.

As the speakers ringed with Trump supporters’ testimonies, the protestors could be heard chanting, “No more hate! No more hate!” and other messages.

“We’re out here because we need to demonstrate that this group of people

and Donald Trump are not reflective of what America is,” said Jordon Woodworth III, a protestor at the scene.

One protester, Lauren Finley, explained the peaceful protest was about.

“What that means is it’s not in favor of any particular candidate, it’s against his message and what he promotes, which is hatred, racism, and fascism. And that’s not to say that everyone here is a bad person, I’m seeing a lot of kids here,” she went on, “And that’s what we're here for.

We’re here to say this is what America looks like, and we will not stand for this.”

Finley had been standing there for two hours, and some people had been there all day. The rally began at 2:30 p.m., though it had been pushed back twice earlier that day.

Many protesters had been there since 9 a.m..

Once Trump started speaking to his supporters, he was interrupted 12 times by protesters that had gotten a ticket and sat in on the rally, according to other reports.

“Get ‘em out!” boomed over the speaker, and hundreds of voices erupted in cheer outside as the protesters one by one came back outside, celebrating their victory among the crowd.

Meanwhile inside, Trump talked of how “he loved his protesters.”

Police set up caution tape to create some distance between the two groups of people and "keep the peace," an officer said. v // REBEKAH DUNTZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Photo by Rebekah Duntz

In this issue Chopper Dropper Sexversations Women's History Month Feature SPORTS: basketball & women's rowing

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ISSUE 7

MARCH 16

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OPINIONS

CAPS PSA: LGBT 101

It is very likely you have a friend, family member, or classmate who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). However, many people do not realize that the things they may say to their friend who identifies this way may not be respectful.

Join our CAPS’ event “Born This Way” on Tuesday March 22nd at 7:00pm in Evans Hall, Room 202 to learn more about your own and others’ identity, difficulties “coming out,” and the best terms to use when getting to know and understand others.

Below are some examples of what NOT to say and why:

“Wow. I never would have guessed that you’re [LGBT]!”: While you may perceive this as a compliment, it can still cause some offense, since it implies that being LGBT is something to be hidden.

Not all those who are of the LGBT community will fit into the stereotype many pop culture references give them, just as you may not quite fall into a specific stereotype of your own gender or sexuality.

“Who is the boy and who is the girl?”: Not all relationships are based on the traditional gender roles.

As in any relationship, marriage, or partnership it is about commitment, sharing responsibilities, and caring for one another- not about what gender someone is.

“I have a friend who’s [LGBT] you should meet”: Just because someone is LGBT does not mean they are interested

in interacting only with others in the LGBT community.

Every person, no matter how they identify, has their own personality, interests, hobbies, and experiences.

“How do you know you don’t like girls/boys if you never dated one?”: When you ask this question, think about your own experience.

If you identify as heterosexual, how do you know you do not like someone of the same sex if you’ve never dated them? You may quickly realize this question is not appropriate to ask of someone just because they are LGBT. Asking someone who identifies as part of the trans community, “What’s your real name? What did you used to look like?!”: This can be offensive to those who have or are going through their transition process. Asking about someone’s past is not appropriate. Instead, see them for who

they are today and as the affirmed gender they live in.

Just as you may not like sharing your baby pictures with a stranger, neither will they! Also, how often does someone get to know you by asking about your past rather than your current experiences? Not too often.

Asking a trans person, “Do you like boys/girls?”: Keep in mind that sexuality is not about gender, and those who identify as part of the trans community are free to like anyone, just as you are able to.

Telling someone who identifies as part of the trans community, “Well you’re not biologically [male, female] yet.” -or- “Have you had the surgery ‘down there’?”: This can be offensive to someone who identifies as part of the trans community. Remember that gender is not about biology, it is about psychology. Also, just as was mentioned above, see them

for whom they are today and as the affirmed gender they live in. This is what is truly important.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their gender identity, sexuality, or just needs someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to ask for help by contacting the student counseling center (CAPS)!

To request services, call (321) 674-8050 or walk into the center, located next to the student health center, on the corner of Country Club Rd. & University Blvd.

Also, check out CAPS’ groups and other outreach events, as well as other helpful links on a variety of college issues on the website: www.fit.edu/caps.

CAPS is just one of many resources at Florida Tech that supports maintaining a happy and healthy you! v //KENDRA BARTEL CAPS OUTREACH COLUMNIST

Exercise may be best option for boosting cognitive ability The true value of drugs that boost mental ability or websites that claim to improve cognitive function may be up for debate, but extensive research has concluded there’s a far more reliable and effective method to improve mental ability-- exercise.

A study published by the University of Illinois showed that mice who ran regularly on wheels placed in their cage had a greater number of neurons than those that did not. Additionally, mice who ran regularly had more complex connections between neurons, meaning that neurons in the brain were more capable of completing multiple complex tasks,

rather than just one or none at all. Finally, the mice who ran regularly did better on cognitive tests, such as completing mazes.

In 2009, a school took part in an experiment that had students exercise for 20 minutes on treadmills or exercise bikes before starting their math class.

Teachers noted a marked improvement in students’ ability to concentrate, participate, and retain information during the class after they had exercised as compared to when they attended class without exercising before class.

Exercise clearly provides noticeable mental benefits, but the timing and intensity of exercise is also a major

factor in determining the code that information into benefits reaped. memories.

According to Goethe If exercise is too rigorous University in however, memFrankfurt, Gerory absorption Exercise many, light excan actually ercising during clearly provides be hindered, study is the and it becomes noticeable most effective more difficult way of improv- mental benefits, to recall inforing memory relater on. but the timing mation call and perforBut who wants mance on tests. and intensity of to bench 300 Light-intensity pounds while exercise, ac- exercise is also studying mocording to the a major factor in lecular biology lead project anyways, right? manager Maren determining the The study Schmidt-Kasby Goethe benefits sow, elicits University low levels of physiological also found that one should arousal which in turn helps exercise and study the day prime the brain to intake before the quiz or exam, new information and en- not on it, and that doing

the latter will not improve performance on the test any more than if you had studied on the same day without exercise.

Exercise, in addition to itsphysical and cognitive boons, provides other benefits as well. A 1999 study by Duke University showed that exercise helps to improve mood and ward off depression. Additionally, exercise is a proven and effective method to alleviate stress and anxiety.

All in all, when it comes to living a healthier, smarter lifestyle, there’s no better alternative to exercise. v //EVAN LINDEMAN STAFF WRITER

ISSUE 7

MARCH 16

CAMPUS LIFE

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YOUR VOTE MATTERS In a presidential race that has been perhaps the most tumultuous and bizarre of any in the last century, many college students may find themselves turned off by the lack of choices left in the running.

That’s understandable, as for many the republican candidates like Cruz, Trump and Rubio may be seen as too extreme, wishy-washy or unseasoned, whilst others may see the democratic candidate Clinton as not in touch with the American public or her opponent Sanders as incapable of appealing to minorities.

Despite the inherent flaws in all the potential candidates this

year however, one will inevitably become our president. It is the product of American democracy that makes such a truth so, and unless that president commits an act so atrocious it leads to their impeachment, they will be America's’ president for the next four years.

That is why each and every vote matters, for, as was proved in the famous presidential election in 2000 when George H. W. Bush won the electoral college in Florida against Al Gore by just over 500 votes to claim the presidency, it takes less than a thousand people deciding not to vote for their favored candidate for whatever excuse to

change the political landscape of a nation of over 300 million people for the next eight years.

Unfortunately, voter apathy in the U.S is atrocious compared to many countries, and has been for the past century. For example, the election of John F. Kennedy in 1960 had one of the all-time highest voter turnout-rates at 63 percent, but this is dwarfed by countries like Italy, Belgium and Germany who on average from 1960-1995 had voter turnout rates of 91 percent, 90 percent, and 86 percent, respectively. In comparison, the U.S had an average overall turnout rate between that time of 44 percent.

The U.K and France are both

at 77 percent.

A study done following the 2012 presidential election by the U.S Census Bureau estimated that around 4 million Americans eligible to vote did not simply because of a lack of interest or dislike of any of the candidates available.

As a free country, each and every American has a right to choose to vote or not, but one should keep in mind the importance of the individual in shaping a democracy, and that your vote and the vote of everyone else is just as welcomed. v //EVAN LINDEMAN STAFF WRITER

Thousands support athletics scholarships at Chopper Dropper said Florida Tech Basketball’s Corbin Jackson, three-time winner of the Sunshine State Conference Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Florida Tech Sporting Affair is the largest annual fundraiser for Florida Tech's 22 sports teams.

It benefits Florida tech's growing number of student athletes.

“As someone who has an athletic scholarship, I want other people to have this opportunity,” said Taylor Eller. “We want the community to know we care about it, and we want to give back.”

Even some prospective Photo by Nathaniel Ashton student-athletes from MelThe sheriff's helicopter dropped 2,000 golf balls over a hole, and many participants won prizes. bourne High School came The annual Florida Hole-in-One Shootout. got their one shot at taking The revenue from these to help set the event up and Institute Of Technology Then a silent auction home $1 million if they events went to Florida learn more about Florida Sporting Affair brought featured sports memorabil- got a hole in one from 165 Tech’s athletic scholarships. Tech Athletics. This event thousands of people to the ia such as an autographed yards.

There were players from is an important moment for Suntree Country Club to Doug Flutie Patriots jerThen at 6:15 p.m., 13th soccer, football, basketball Florida Tech, for the stusupport Florida Tech Athsey, an autographed Bruce annual Chopper Dropper and other sports there. They dents to give back, for the letics on March 11.

Jenner Sports Illustrated was next. The sheriff's volunteered to sell raffle department to raise money There were several ma- magazine from the 1976 helicopter ascended cartickets, and help with the and for all the supporters jor events throughout the Olympics and complete rying 2000 numbered golf silent auction, or just talk who get a day of golf, a day, starting with the Sport- vacation trips. balls. These golf balls were with and thank supporters. chance at some prizes and ing Affair Golf TournaThe One Million Doldropped over a hole marked “It’s a great opportunity a nice diner and reception. ment. The tournament ran lar Hole in One shootout with a red flag and a paint- to put faces to names, see v almost all day, with some was next, featuring the ed target: the owner of the us off the field or court, players finishing just before best 10 players from the balls that landed closest to and personally thank these //NATHANIEL ASHTON the One Million Dollar tournament. All 10 players the hole then won prizes. people for their generosity,” STAFF WRITER

ISSUE 7

MARCH 16

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NEWS

Sexual assault story grabs students’ attention The “Sexervations” sem- experienced inar on March first sounded a miscarriage like it would be all fun and from the rape. games, but instead was a She experienced serious talk dedicated to a severe nightserious personal story. mares and went Best friends Kelly Addthrough intense ington and Becca Tieder anxiety attacks. gave a talk at Gleason She was an Auditorium about consent average young and sexual assault. Their woman in her speech was informative senior year of and factual, but unlike the college. She expected Title XI lecture was a dual major with good students may have assumed grades. She was in a soit would be. rority, had a part-time job Addington shared a and internship. She never frightening personal story thought she would be a about her expevictim of sexual rience involving She was an assault. being drugged After tellaverage young ing friends and and raped by someone she the woman in her spreading knew on an avword months afsenior year of ter it happened, erage night out with friends. and college. She Addington She was Tieder were drugged at some never thought astounded by point while at a she would be a people’s rebar on a Satursponses. Friends victim of sexual admitted to day night. Not knowing what similar situations assault. was happening, of sexual assault her boyfriend and designat- from personal experiences ed driver at the time took they never had the courage her home and took advanto report, or had friends tage of her. who went through similar Her attacker initially de- scenarios. nied having anything to do “We didn’t want what we with it. Then, a few months didn’t think”, Tieder says, had passed, and Addington “would happen to one us, to

happen to someone else.”

They explained that six in ten sexual assaults occur in someplace you know, like home or a friend’s house. They revealed a horrifying statistic that says 78% of people know someone who has been sexually assaulted.That statistic is very slowly decreasing, but what is not decreasing are facts involving alcohol with sexual assault.

Seventy-five percent of campus sex crimes involve alcohol, a percentage the has been slowly increasing over the years.

Although sexual assault and rape cases are more common than people would think, Addington and Tieder have a positive outlook for the future.

“We have the power”, Addington says, “to shift the culture here on this campus”.

The speakers also gave advice on what to do if someone tells you of a sexual assault incident that happened to them. Their first tip is not to express how you want revenge on your friend or family member's attacker. The person sharing their story may instantly defend their attacker.

The most important thing they stress to do, is to give the correct response when a person tells someone about such a traumatic event like this.

“The most important thing you can do to help someone”, Tieder begins, “is to tell them that is it not their fault and ‘I believe you’.”

So many victims fear being accused of making up a sexual assault. In response, they often do not report it.

Florida Tech students

showed positive support to Addington’s story.

“I think learning about things like this is good because it opens the reality of the situation”, says junior Katrina Dutton, “and it shows you what you should do and what you can do to help and change things.”

Females were not the only ones with an enthusiastic response to their story.

“It was not what I expected”, says sophomore Drake Parker, “they livened it up and made it entertaining, yet at the same time touched on serious issues.”

Addington and Tieder’s story has reached over one million students. They have visited over 450 colleges, now one of them being Florida Tech. // MARY KOZAITIS STAFF WRITTER

Professor entertains, educates in chemistry seminar Attendees to a seminar on Wednesday, March 2 at the Florida Tech department of chemistry were treated to an exciting lecture from one of the country’s top organic chemists.

Brian Stoltz from California Institute of Technology presented “Complex

Natural Products as a Driving Force for Discovery in Organic Chemistry”.

The lecture is the 201516 installment of the A. H. Blatt Distinguished Lecture Series, and is the first since 2012-13 when Stoltz’s colleague at Cal Tech Dr. Robert Grubbs presented.

The A. H. Blatt lecture al fellow at Nobel Laureate series is named in honor of E. J. Corey’s lab at Harvard Professor A. Harold Blatt University. who was an Although he influential fig“There was a didn’t always ure in foundto be point in time want ing the Florida a chemist; Tech chemistry when I thought “There was a department in in time I was gonna be point 1974. when I thought Blatt was a a drummer.” I was gonna be revered chema drummer.” ist, who was But Stoltz found But Stoltz most famous his way and is found his way as an editor of and is now the prestigious now pushing the pushing the book Organic limit of chemical limit of chemiSyntheses and cal research. research. co-author of the Stoltz’s classic text The research foChemistry of Organic Com- cuses on the synthesis of pounds. incredibly complex organic Stoltz came to Florida molecules, using molecules Tech by way of collaboisolated from nature as an ration with Florida Tech inspiration. professor Dr. Nasri Nesnas, These molecules are who spent several months often incredibly difficult to recently on sabbatical at synthesize in a laboratory Cal Tech. setting, but Stoltz insists Stoltz, who has been that that isn’t the only endteaching at Cal Tech since goal. By striving to create 2000, before that he earned these compounds, inforhis PhD at Yale, and spent mation is learned about three years as a postdoctor- the molecules, creating a

feedback loop that can help drive new methodology and new analogues of these organic molecules.

One incredibly difficult feature of the molecules Stoltz tackles is the issue of all-carbon quaternary centers, which feature a carbon with four carbon-carbon bonds.

These are incredibly difficult to synthesize in the desired configuration and have been a driving force for Stoltz to create new methodology.

Professor Stoltz has received awards from numerous pharmaceutical companies including: AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Pfizer, and Eli Lilly.

He has also received numerous medals from chemical organizations and journals across the world and has authored or coauthored over 180 journal articles. v //WILL HENDERSON STAFF WRITER

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MARCH 16

Women’s history month highlight: Lisa Perdigao FIT Professor Lisa Perdigao didn’t always know the next turn to make in her road to success. Allowing passion to be her destination, Perdigao learned to navigate through the road bumps in her journey toward being a successful professor and department chair.

Perdigao is the Florida Tech Crimson Woman of the Week for Women’s History Month, this March.

She was the second faculty member from the School of Arts and Communication

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FEATURES and the second female professor to win the Award for Excellence in Research.

Perdigao teaches courses in American and British literature, children’s and adolescent literature, cultural studies, film, and television. She was promoted to full professor, that is the final threshold for FIT professors, and the Humanities Department Chair in 2015.

According to Perdigao, there were a trinity of women who helped to shape her education and career.

Professor Tanner was one of Perdigao’s graduate school professors at Boston College who taught her a new field of study that is still currently the foundation of her work.

This field of study focuses on how the representation of death changes in twentieth and twenty-first century Amer-

ican literature, poetry and fiction. She studied how the representation of death, specifically in fiction film and novels, portray the ideas of crisis at the end of a story, closure, and resolution.

More recently Perdigao has been studying cultural media.

“Professor Wilcox’s scholarship in cultural, literary and media studies has inspired me and really shaped the path that I am on with my career, my research and my teaching,” Perdigao said. Professor Rhonda Wilcox is a faculty member at Gordon State College.

The FIT professor noted her mother as a constant supporter and her biggest cheerleader in the process of figuring out what she really wanted to do professionally. Perdigao reflected on how much her parents sacrificed so much so that her and her siblings could have the opportunities they

didn’t have. “My mother taught me a love of learning…and the belief that I can accomplish any goal I set my mind to,” Perdigao said.

One obstacle in Perdigao’s process to her current career was not knowing exactly how to chart the course she is on. She recalled her mother wishing she could help her more, outlining the steps that she would have needed to take to arrive at the place where she is today.

“However, it is because of the great support system that I had and the ability to make decisions — and mistakes — on my own that I was able to figure it out. It is a simple case of following my passion,” Perdigao said. “It has been a process of connecting the pieces until everything clicked.”

According to Perdigao, film and television have become more complex in

“My mother taught me a love of learning…and the belief that I can accomplish any goal I set my mind to.”

recent years, making them rich sites for study. She likes to think that she plays a role in identifying how and why these texts matter, why stories are fundamental parts of who we are. Perdigao said, “I have always encouraged my students to think critically about the world around them, including things that we often take for granted as entertainment.”

This woman of the week has published 16 articles and essays, authored two books and has contributed her expertise, time and efforts to invest in FIT students and professional organizations as a mentor.

More notable, Perdigao has received the Award for Excellence in Research in 2014, the Kerry Bruce Clark Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2008, and the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society Excellence in Teaching Award in 2005.

Perdigao is slated to publish eight more publications.

//SHANTEL HANA STAFF WRITER

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Writing positions available in: - News - Campus Life/ Features - Sports - Entertainment/ Arts & Culture - Science and Technology Looking for page designers and photographers. Positions at the Crimson are paid.

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ISSUE 7

MARCH 16

SCI-TECH

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Government may require Apple to hack terrorist’s iPhone Apple has been struggling over the FBI's recent order to unlock an iPhone owned by terrorist Syed Farook, who killed 14 people in the San Bernardino shooting.

The issue has raised many questions ranging from whether companies are obligated to leave security holes that make it possible to access data under warrant and how much power government has in requiring companies to assist in these circumstances.

The Federal District Court for the District of California issued an order requiring Apple to unlock the phone, which was appealed by Apple.

According to the New York Times, the FBI has proposed a reading of the All Writs Act of 1789 allowing Judges to require “third parties” to execute court orders that are appropriate in the aid of their jurisdiction and agreeable to the usages and principles of law.

They cite a 1977 ruling requiring phone companies to set up a pen register.

Both The White House and Republican contender Donald Trump have expressed their support for the FBI and Department of Justice in unlocking the Phone.

Apple has received support from major tech companies includ-

ing Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, and others who filed a court brief on March 3 in opposition to the government’s arguments to unlock the phone.

On Feb. 16, Apple CEOTim Cook, posted a public letter on Apple's website explaining their stance.

According to Cook, Apple was asked to write a new version of iOS that could be used to bypass security protections and support brute force hacking of Farook’s iPhone.

While Apple admits this is possible, they add it would both undermine security and set a precedent of government being able to force companies to create or modify software which could be used for surveillance, recording, or tracking.

According to Apple, different law enforcement agencies around the country have hundreds of phones they want unlocked if this software is developed.

Cook said, "In the physical world, it would be the equivalent of a master key, capable of opening

millions of locks...in a world where all of our data is under constant threat, it would be relentlessly attacked by hackers and cybercriminals."

On March 10, The Department of Justice released a filing saying that Apple must unlock the iPhone as they have been unable to prove an undue burden.

The filing states "This burden, which is not unreasonable, is the direct result of Apple's deliberate marketing decision to engineer its products so that the government cannot search them, even with a warrant."

The Justice Department adds that the order only applies to a single iPhone and Apple is not compelled to unlock other phones or provide a "master key."

According to USA today Apple general counsel Bruce Sewell said "The tone of the brief reads like an indictment."

The filing also implies that Apple has been sharing sensitive information with the Chinese government. A hearing on the issue is scheduled for March 22. //CHRIS PANGALOS STAFF WRITER

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MARCH 16

SPORTS

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Women's basketball shames preseason picks with postseason appearance Women’s basketball defied all regular season expectations with their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2012.

The Panthers were picked to finish a lowly sixth out of nine in the conference in the preseason selection. Not only did they finish second in conference, but the Panthers went on to compete in the South Region NCAA Championships.

Only two teams, Nova Southeastern and Rollins, were able to beat the Panthers in conference play during the regular season.

Their final conference record of 12-4 gave FIT the advantage of hosting for postseason play.

The Panther’s first step on the way to Regionals was Eckerd, a team they swept in the regular season. Head coach John Reynolds made it clear that those sweeps meant nothing.

“This is not 2015-16 anymore, that season is over,” Reynolds said.

“The last two games between them and us don’t really matter. The records for both will be 0-0. The new season starts tomorrow and we need to start it with a win.”

The Panthers had a slow start, but came out with a 70-62 victory over the Tritons to advanced to the semifinals.

Shequana Harris was named Second Team All-Sunshine State Conference the day of competition and she showed her talent during the game. As the driving effort on the court, Harris put up 26 of the

Panther’s points, a personal season high, and garnered six rebounds, four assists and three steals.

“Here’s what happens with big time players, they show up in big games,” said Reynolds. “One of the main things I noticed about Harris tonight, no matter what happened or what was called in the game, her body language stayed positive.”

The semifinal game was against Florida Southern. Their last matchup ended with a FIT victory in overtime.

The close play of regular season was but a memory for the Panthers.

Their 71-62 victory was decisive, and sent the Panthers to their first SSC Championship Final since the 2010-11 season.

The Panthers faced No. 5 seed Tampa in the championship battle. Tampa’s victory over No. 1 seed Nova Southeastern to get to the final was just third time a No. 5 seed has upset in SSC history.

The Tampa squad was not about to be sent home and defeated FIT 68-59. It was a close game going into the half with the Spartans leading by only 1 point, but Tampa’s 12-2 run in the third quarter sealed the deal.

Despite the loss, Harris and Tiesha Flagler were named to the SSC All-Tournament Team for their post-season performances.

“I’m really proud of these

kids,” said Reynolds after the Eckerd victory. “No one expected us to be here from the get-go, but this team just grinds it out.”

The grind paid off as Florida Tech’s 20-9 overall record was enough to get the Panthers a bid to the 2016 NCAA South Region Tournament.

As the 7th seed, the Panthers would have to face the No. 2 seed Benedict. The Tigers were ranked 11th in the nation overall and sixth in scoring defense preceding the competition.

With a final score of 51-30, Reynolds said that his team played hard.

They didn't lose the game them-

selves, they simply got beat by a better basketball team.

The depth of the Tiger’s bench was their secret weapon, outscoring the Panthers’ bench 39-4.

“This isn’t the most talented team I’ve had, but it’s the grittiest team I’ve had,” Reynolds said. “To be able to get to 20 wins, I couldn’t be more proud of this group. I’ve had teams that grind out a game.

I’ve never had a team that grinds out a season. This team did that, they took us as far as we could go.

It was a good ride all the way.” // AUDREY GANGLOFF SPORTS EDITOR

Women's rowing sweeps assumption in first race of season FELLSMERE, Fla. (Women’s Rowing) – Florida Tech began its 2016 campaign with three victories over Assumption on Saturday at Canal 54.

“It was good to get some kinks out of the system early in the season,” head coach Adam Thorstad

said. “We rowed well and will work to be more aggressive the next couple of weeks.”

In the opening race, the varsity eight, stroke Aurelia Gervasi, Taylor Troy, Jordan Ursch, Paige McGroarty, Emily Hall, Natalie Miller, Tania Kilcullen, bow Federi-

ca Pala and coxswain Hana Ito led FIT to a first-place finish by more than 35 seconds at 7:20.9. Assumption was second at 7:56.2 followed by a second FIT crew at 8:05.0. The Panthers’ second boat included stroke Michaela Allen, Shaula Rey, Jessica Weatherman, Molly Kingston, Leigh Amsterdam, Suzanne Beims, Katie Coughlan, bow Kayla Magee and coxswain Kayleigh Painter.

Following a 45-minute break as the teams prepared for two varsity four events, the Crimson and Gray won the Division II varsity four with a time of 8:28.5.

Rey stroked the boat that also included Allen, Beims, Weatherman at bow and Painter as the coxswain. The Greyhounds of Assumption were second at 9:22.5.

The Panthers wrapped up racing

with two boats competing in the varsity four. FIT ‘A’ won by over 45 seconds at 7:58.2. Assumption was the runner-up at 8:44.0 and FIT ‘B’ was third at 9:10.8. The 'A' boat was led by Gervasi at stroke, Troy, Ursch, Pala at bow and Ito as the coxswain. The 'B' boat featured Kilcullen at stroke, McGroarty, Hall, Miller at bow and Ritu as the coxswain.

Saturday’s race was the first of five races over the next five weeks.

The Panthers have one more home race on Saturday, March 19 as they will host the Governor’s Cup with Barry, Columbia and Miami competing.

“We need to keep our nose to the grindstone, be aggressive and keep working hard,” Thorstad added about next week’s race. “We have the defending national champions in Barry and a Division I team in Miami that we’ll race against. We need to make sure we come in focused and ready to go.” //UNIVERSITY PRESS RELEASE