Vol. 94, Issue 11 | Feb. 21 - Mar. 5
The puzzle isn’t complete without U. Cast your SG vote today. WHAT’S INSIDE A guide to the Student Government elections
The creatives behind UM’s first undergraduate feature film
’Canes baseball sweeps opening weekend
News // Page 8
A&E // Page 4
Sports // Page 12 Roberta Macedo // Graphics Editor
February 21, 2024
NEWS
2
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
Legal battles mark the potential end of AI as an academic resource BY KSENIIA NOVICHKOVA
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STAFF WRITER
s universities adapt to the advancements of artificial intelligence, there arises the possibility of reverting to traditional methods due to legal constraints. Such an outcome could impact access to AI tools at universities across the U.S., tools that have become a major asset to students in the past year. The New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging copyright violation on the grounds that these companies utilized millions of their articles to train AI technologies, including ChatGPT, on Dec. 27. On Feb. 16, California judge, Araceli Martinez-Olguin, dismissed claims against Open AI by two bestselling authors, Sarah Silverman and
Paul Tremblay, for illegally using their novels to train AI language tool, ChatGPT, and create human-like responses. The case was ultimately dismissed because the authors couldn’t prove a direct similarity between ChatGPT responses and their books. These legal battles reflect the increasing complexity of intellectual property battles and the rapid advancements in AI. “Producing original independent journalism is at the heart of this mission. . .The Times’s newsroom produces groundbreaking journalism across every major storytelling format,” The New York Times stated in their complaint to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Michael Froomkin, a law professor at the University of Miami, highlights the critical role web scraping– the process of extracting data from
web pages using machine learning techniques–plays in this legal battle. As technology rapidly advances, legal framework and guidelines regarding the utilization of web scraping technologies are still in the process of being established. “Scraping is the most important question. What will AI be capable of, scraping the whole internet and training data with copyright content?” Froomkin said. AI companies have claimed in an OpenAI blog post that they are able to lawfully use such content obtained by scraping for training their technologies since the material is public, and they are not duplicating the content verbatim. Froomkin pointed out that content generated by AI isn’t technically free of copyright, noting that, “students need to be sensitive to copyright and just because it came from AI it
day’s Time.” Inspired by Time Magazine’s annual lists of influential moments and people, as well as the upcoming election year, the theme outlines the symposium’s goal to bring attention to the importance of voting and the development of personal identities. “I think the theme is very creative and innovative, which is a great combination to get students interested and involved with the symposium,” said Tryston Smiley, a first-year nursing student. To tie in with the theme of “The TIME is Now,” the symposium hosted Xiye Bastida, a Woman of Impact ambassador and climate change activist, as the keynote speaker. Bastida discussed the importance of preserving and caring about the drastic climate changes in our world, especially in a city such as Miami, as well as the power of youth when getting involved in advocacy to reduce the threat of these issues. The symposium emphasized the importance of interaction between diverse students and
created an environment where they could meet and learn more about each other. “I enjoyed the positive and interactive environment during the symposium, meeting new people and hearing about their perspectives. I truly value the importance of interaction and loved how SOCS made this possible through a great organized event,” said Jaziel Cortez, a freshman studying international relations and public policy with a minor in computer science. On the day of the symposium, students started to mingle and kick-start their morning during a light breakfast, followed by open remarks from the president of student affairs and the MSA office. The opening remarks were followed by an interactive breakout session where the UM’s chapter of Get Out the Vote presented tips for voting and filling out a ballot appropriately. The second breakout session was centered around the importance of being creative in advocacy, showing students the ways that various art forms can utilize creativity in a way to spark change within
doesn’t mean it’s okay.” The courts will ultimately decide whether these AI technologies illegally copied content from sites like The New York Times which can affect the legal definition of copyright in the context of AI-generated content. In their complaint, The New York Times calls for the destruction of all GPT or similar LLM models and the training datasets that incorporate materials from The New York Times. This request aims to prevent further unauthorized use of their copyrighted works. If The Times wins, the court may order AI tech companies to destroy their data sets and start over using original license work. However, it is unknown whether that will be possible and how long the process would take. A computer science junior, Sydney
Divozzo said, “I use AI to help me get an idea of how I should code my projects for my classes. When coding in Python, it is helpful to use AI to create an outline for the project that I am working on. If ChatGPT were to leave, I would be really pissed.” The legal battles against OpenAI mark a major change in how content is made and used due to the potential impact on intellectual property rights and the regulations of AI technologies. The outcomes of these cases aim to shape not only current practices but future legislative initiatives. Students at the university have their own reasons for incorporating AI in their academic studies. The potential disappearance of ChatGPT may cause distress among the students if they are forced to readjust their habits.
MSA Students of Color Symposium declares “The Time is Now”
BY TRENTON CAMPBELL
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STAFF WRITER
omplimentary breakfast, impactful words of advice from multigenerational leaders and various ways to connect with UM organizations have been hallmarks that the Students of Color Symposium offers each year. Having celebrated its seventh annual symposium this past weekend, the SOCS is becoming an unforgettable aspect of University life that ‘Canes are cherishing for good. The UM Office of Multicultural Student Affairs hosts the symposium every year during February in hopes of further developing the many ongoing diversity initiatives on UM’s campus. The symposium continues to be one of MSA’s traditional opportunities for all students of color to network and listen to key advice from speakers who have walked their same paths both professionally and personally. This year’s theme is “The TIME is Now: Advocacy in To-
“I truly value the importance of interaction and loved how SOCS made it possible through a great organized event” Jaziel Cortez
their communities and during their time at UM. After the empowering words from Bastida concluded, students were sent to the Social Change Resource Expo, where they were allowed to connect and contact multicultural and leadership organizations on UM’s campus and in the MiamiDade community. “The 2024 SOCS was eyeopen-
ing,” junior sports administration and political science student and SOCS speaker, Emoni Davis, said. “Multiple issues in multiple areas need to be addressed, and there’s no time better to cater to them because time is now.” Visit the MSA website and follow their Instagram account @ um-msa for more details on future events and updates happening on campus.
NEWS
February 21, 2024
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
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NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL
Estudiantes chilenos de UM lamentan un incendio devastador
ectadas. Mientras los ciudadanos se recuperan y honran a los fallecidos y los cuerpos de emergencia continúan con sus labores, las causas de los fuegos siguen siendo investigadas por el gobierno chileno, confirmó el presidente Boric. Más de 31 helicópteros y aviones han sido enviados con grandes cantidades de agua a las zonas afectadas. 1.300 militares y voluntarios y 1.400 bomberos combaten las llamas. El gobierno también está tratando de ayudar a los animales afectados, estableciendo grandes centros de rescate en Santiago y otros lugares para enviar agua, alimentos, artículos de limpieza y alimentos para los animales afGobierno de Chile, CC BY 3.0 CL <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ cl/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons ectados por incendios. veterinarios voluntarios Presidente de la República, Gabriel Boric Font, realiza sobrevuelo por zonas afectadas Los por los incendios forestales de la Región de Valparaíso brindaron asistencia a los animales uegos incontrolables en pasando y empeorando,” dice Chile dejaron poblacio- Belu Rubines, una estudiante de nes enteras en cenizas. primer año de la Universidad de Las llamas destruyeron hogares y Miami El presidente de Chile, Gabriel familias, dejando restos humanos BY ETHAN MANNELLO difíciles de identificar para las au- Boric, declaró estado de emergenSTAFF WRITER cia, pidiéndole a los ocupantes de toridades. At the debut of the LAUNCH Durante la primera semana de zonas afectadas evacuar de inLeadership Summit, a new Stumediato, declarando el lunes y el febrero, 120 kilómetros al norte dent Government mentorship de la capital de Santiago, dos ciu- martes días de luto por víctimas initiative, seasoned campus dades, Viña del Mar y Quilpué, del fuego. leaders shared their paths to También anunció la donación han sido afectadas por los incensuccess with fellow students, de los Juegos Panamericanos de dios. Muchos residentes se han sparking an inspiring dialogue quedado sin hogar y con pérdidas 2024 a los damnificados y peron what it means to be an efdonó las deudas por las cuentas de incuantificables. fective leader in one’s personal Ha sido clasificada como una agua para las 9,200 casas afectaand professional life. das por los incendios. de las más grandes que ha ex“This summit can turn people Residentes desesperados y perimentado el país en este siglo, who feel like they were just a después del terremoto de categoría desconsolados siguen buscando number or a nobody into some8.8 ocurrido en febrero del 2010, a los cuerpos de familiares que body,” Niles Niseem, student probablemente no sobrevivieron que dejó a más de 2 millones de government president, said. a los incendios, mientras que cada damnificados. The summit, designed by Los habitantes no estaban pre- día aumenta el número de desapamembers of the First-Year parados para estos incendios. El recidos. Leadership Council and the Adicionalmente, un jardín bopeligro de desastres naturales esstudent government, is deperados en esta zona viene de los tánico de 107 años fue destruido signed to promote underclasspor los incendios forestales y una tsunamis o terremotos. men to get involved in leader“Nunca imaginé una situación trabajadora del mismo falleció a ship around campus. causa de la conflagración. La inasí de trágica en mi país y mucho The summit took place on menos causada por el ser humano. stitución espera un milagro para Sunday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. Me parte el corazón saber que a recuperar a las diversas especies to 4 p.m. in the Shalala Student esta altura a mucha gente todavía de flora afectadas. Center. La magnitud de los incendios no le importa el planeta. Lo que The day began with a lecture pasó en Chile es una consecuencia ha sido captada desde el espacio from vice president of student de nuestras acciones y si no cam- por la NASA, mostrando extensas biamos nuestros hábitos seguirá nubes de humo sobre las zonas afBY GABRIELLA PAEZ STAFF WRITER
F
afectados por la tragedia. Los centros de vacunación ofrecieron vacunas antitetánica y prestaron especial atención a aquellos que sufrieron daños oculares causados por los incendios. Meteorológicos confirman que este ciclo del fenómeno “el Niño” aumenta en intensidad y frecuencia por causa del calentamiento global, provocado, en gran medida, por los humanos. El cambio climático ha llevado las temperaturas a nuevos extremos a lo largo del litoral pacífico chileno, creando problemas que jamás han tenido que enfrentar los residentes de esta zona. De hecho, en los últimos diez años, varias regiones de Chile han sufrido una grave sequía. Anthony Calfa es estudiante de primer año en UM y miembro de ECO Agency, la organización de
medio ambiente y conservación aquí en UM. “El cambio climático que está experimentando Chile impacta negativamente la tierra por lo cual hace que el clima sea más caliente y dure más el calor, aumentando el riesgo de incendios. Lo más triste de todo esto es provocado por los seres humanos y la cantidad de fábricas que hay hoy en día. Lentamente estamos destruyendo la flora y la fauna,” Calfa dice. Está mega sequía ha sido la más larga que Chile ha visto en mil años, de acuerdo a expertos meteorólogos. Por esta razón, los suministros hídricos del país están bajo presión y áreas aún más extensas se están secando. Todas estas condiciones han sido catalizadoras perfectas para la tragedia de gran magnitud que vive el pueblo chileno.
LAUNCH takes leadership to new heights affairs, Pat Whitely, who talked about the crucial role student leadership has played in building up the university. Students also heard from Dean Ryan Holmes, who delivered a talk on what it takes to succeed in one’s day-to-day life. “Success isn’t an event, it’s a lifestyle,” Holmes said. “If you want to be successful, you have to do it every day.” Between sessions, students were broken off into smaller groups and rotated between five different break-out sessions. Sam Palmer Shields from The Launch Pad taught students about intrapreneurship or how to act as an entrepreneur within a company. Niseem informed students on how to build their own brand and implored them to ask themselves three questions: “Who am I? Why am I? How did I get here?” Niseem used these questions to give himself a sense of purpose at a time when he felt like he had none and hopes students will too. Andres Concha, senior, external
adviser to President Frenk and fou advisor to the SG president and founder of the Leaders of Tomorrow Initiative, also shared his leadership experience at the event, speaking to students about how to develop meaningful business relationships and conflict resolution skills. For instance, one of the key qualities Concha believes is the most important in a business relationship is the most obvious – to be kind. “People like nice people,” Concha said. “People want to listen to you and help you if they like you.” Students also heard from the chair of Hurricane Productions and the Student Activities Fee Allocation Committee. These organizations equipped students with the ability to fund and market their clubs. In the eyes of those who set up the event, it was a success. “Everyone here has been super engaged and asking great questions,” said Eusinhurth. “I think we are all improving just by being here today.”
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
February 21, 2024
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
Meet the creatives behind UM’s first undergraduate feature film, “COLLAGE” BY SAMANTHA RODRIGUEZ STAFF WRITER
U
M students and aspiring filmmakers Chiara Padejka and Evan Friedmann are working with fellow students to produce “COLLAGE,” the University’s firstever undergraduate feature film. In their fictional mockumentary, videographer David Torres records artists Luna Monroe and Vasil Daskalov tied together by a ten-foot rope for a year-long creative experiment. Torres captures every second of the artist’s joy and heartbreak as they test humanity’s ability to coexist. Dimiter D. Marinov, from Apple TV’s “For All Mankind,” Indy Shorts’ “Pickled Herring” and the Oscar-winning film “Green Book,” will star as Daskalov. New York avant-garde model and actress Carl Nowak joins him as Monroe. After years of planning, “COLLAGE” concluded filming this January at the Wynwood art district with UM film professor and award-winning cinematographer Edmund Talavera. The team is committed to delivering an unique cinematic experience entering post-production. “The film is shot in a handheld documentary style,” Talavera said. “The camera is an actual character in the movie. The actors must deal with it and react to its operator as he intrudes into their lives.” Its Bulgarian press release describes “COLLAGE” as a “twisted tale of love and art.” “The story of ‘COLLAGE’ is an exploration of how we have been feeling in this kind of postpandemic world,” Padejka said. “We wanted to test the lengths to which people would go to get a human connection.”
Padejka, a senior studying motion picture production and art, found the COVID-19 pandemic to be a universal relationship test. “The pandemic really showed us that when you have to live with someone in really close quarters, or if you’re isolated and really far away from people, how that affects you psychologically and physically,” Padejka said. “You learn something about your partner or yourself that you really never would have found out otherwise.” Both writer-directors aim to explore a relationship without privacy. “[There’s a] heavy theme of secrets, and what we do in the shadows must come out in the light,” Friedmann said. “When you’re with someone for so long, that mask that you kind of put up, it’s hard to keep it up.” Friedmann, a senior studying criminology and film, was inspired by a real-life creative experiment titled, “Rope Piece,” which follows two artists tied together by an 8-foot rope for one year. A relationship between two characters bound together captured Padejka and Friedmann’s imagination. “It’s very different than what we are doing,” Friedmann said. “Whereas [in] ours, the rope is sort of an excuse to get these two people stuck in the room, and it’s not about the rope. It’s about these two characters and their relationship.” The creative team dedicated endless hours of research to understand their characters. Watching documentaries about artists like Marguerite “Peggy” Guggenheim and Jackson Pollock and HBO’s “Scenes from a Marriage” grew their understanding of artists and strained relationships.
Personal connections with the characters in “COLLAGE” added to their understanding. “Chiara’s family comes from communist Bulgaria, which is a similar background to Vasil. And then my grandparents came from occupied Germany,” Friedmann said. “[We tried] to grasp at each piece of relatability, and that really grew from the first draft to where we are now.” The young filmmakers faced challenges with logistics, hiring actors and trying to accommodate various interests while maintaining their creative vision. “Most directors will say making movies is just problem-solving,” Friedmann said. “It’s just about having a plan A, B, C and D — just all the way through — and you can never be prepared for everything.” Balancing “COLLAGE” and academic responsibilities tested the filmmakers’ time management skills. Padejka recalled sacrificing commitments to produce “COLLAGE.” With every sacrifice, the filmmakers aim to show production companies the power of young storytellers. “It’s just two characters exploring their relationship,” Friedmann said. “We can make those movies too.” Padejka and Friedmann want to show future film students the importance of risk-taking. “It’s better to make a bad film than no film,” Padejka said. “That’s why we can take a chance like this because we’re young and we still have time.” “COLLAGE” is expected to be completed by the year’s end and submitted to various film festivals. Supporters can donate to the “COLLAGE” Venmo @Collage-Film to help the film reach theaters and beyond.
Photo Courtesy of Chiara Padejka
The artist (Dimiter D. Marinov) and his muse (Carl Nowak) eat while tied to each other with a rope during the filming of “COLLAGE.”
The camera is an actual character in the movie. The actors must deal with it and react to its operator as he intrudes into their lives. Edmund Talavera UM Film Professor
Photo Courtesy of Chiara Padejka
UM student Chiara Padejka and film professor Edmund Talavera during the filming of “COLLAGE.”
February 21, 2024
A&E
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
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PREVIEW: Ring Theatre becomes an indoor soccer field in “The Wolves” BY ANDY ACUNA
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
T
he Jerry Herman Ring Theatre opens its spring season with the dramatic comedy, “The Wolves.” From March 1-8, audiences can witness the eye-opening conversations that a high school girls’ soccer team has during warm-ups. Written by American playwright Sarah DeLappe, the one-act play details the conversations the teammates have about their opinions on subjects like menstrual cycles, global politics, genocide, drugs and boys. “The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre has been turned into an indoor soccer field,” said Jordan Tisdale, a sophomore musical theatre major who will play #25, the team captain.
“Since the start of this semester, the cast gets together every weekend to practice playing soccer and develop some fun skills we can use during the show.” Christian Miller, a UM musical theatre alum and a former soccer player, offered to coach the cast of nine girls. They’ve also received training from the UM girls’ soccer team. “We do passing drills and practice tricks. Most of us have never played in our lives, so it’s been so awesome to see us all improve so quickly”, said Sasha Lippis, a senior musical theater major who will play #13 in “The Wolves”. Over the course of 90 minutes, the nine players engage in these difficult conversations while also battling struggles of their own in these dif-
ficult conversations while also battling struggles of their own. “I think that UM students will really resonate with these girls’ insane determination. We’ve all been in highpressure environments, we’ve all worked hard for something and everyone’s got baggage,” Tisdale said. The themes of their conversations are often controversial and cause conflict between teammates. “The play explores themes like womanhood, growing up, loss and grief. It’s definitely what I would call a coming-of-age play,” Lippis said. The play was originally produced off-Broadway in 2016 and it received a lot of recognition. It was a Pulitzer Prize finalist, an Outer Critics Circle Nomination and a Yale Prize finalist.
“The Wolves is a play about a community — a wolfpack. The loyalty, organization, and hunger for power that encompasses a true pack of wolves, is also very present in this production,” Tisdale added. “I truly think that every person in the audience will be able to see themselves as a member of this team.” UM students can get a $12 ticket with a valid student ID, and all other tickets range from $15 to $30. The Ring Theatre box office windows open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m., as well as 2 hours before each curtain. Content warning: this show discusses sensible topics like sexual assault, war crimes, substance abuse and depression, among others.
IF YOU GO: WHAT
“The Wolves”
WHEN
March 1-8
WHERE
Jerry Herman Ring Theatre
COST
$12 student ticket
Malibu Barbie Cafe opens in Wynwood BY OSVALDO ESPINO STAFF WRITER
“H
i Barbie! Hi Ken!” is what guests are greeted with as they walk into the Malibu Barbie Cafe, a pinkcovered wonderland in Wynwood. Entering the new pop-up dining space set up by Bucket Listers will have attendees feeling the “Kenergy.” Open now until April 21, visitors can reserve a ticket for 90-minutes from Wednesday-Sunday. Visitors are instantly transported to Barbieland with an outside patio sporting a life-sized Barbie box, pink garden swing and Malibu Beach lifeguard tower. Past the entrance lies the Impala skating rink, which is available to skate around in after donating at least one dollar to Girls, Inc., a nonprofit organization that hosts afterschool programs for young girls in the area. The Impala skating rink offers the ability to rent a pair of roller skates just like the ones from the movie. Iconic California tracks play in the
background, giving the rink a retro feeling. Across from the skating rink is the outside patio bar, which serves refreshing “Think Pink” Strawberry Margaritas and a “Groovy” Arnold Palmer, the latter of which can be served as a mocktail. Next to the bar is the Barbie shop where guests can buy all sorts of exclusive Barbie merchandise. Inside the restaurant and past the “sunsational” pink Barbie boombox is the entrance into the official diner where most of the seating is. A pink bar takes center stage while surfboards surround the walls above along with a mural that gives a history of Barbie. Several photo ops with beach backgrounds transport visitors to the dreamhouse they might’ve had or dreamed of as a kid. The menu was set up by Becky Brown, a skilled executive chef, restaurateur and culinary consultant who received national recognition as a finalist on FOX’s “Masterchef” in 2012. Since then, she has helped open up other culinary experiences
including ones based on “Family Guy” and “Mean Girls.” For as low as $29, the menu comes with a choice of an entrée, side item and cake pop. The 90-minute reservations give full access to the Malibu Barbie Cafe experience with additional drinks, shared plates and desserts available for purchase. Attendees at the cafe’s opening were treated to a variety of options including Beach Burger sliders, Live Your Dreams grilled cheese, Good Vibes beet hummus, Follow The Sun fruit skewers, french fries and cake pops. The sliders, fries and cake pops — especially the lemon one — are the way to go for a quality culinary experience. The grilled cheese, hummus and skewers were either average or slightly above, and they all left more to be wanted from this experience. The cafe is a must-try experience for everyone visiting the Wynwood area. Malibu Barbie Cafe Miami is located at 301 NW 23rd St., Miami, FL 33127.
Photo Courtesy of Bucket Listers
The Malibu Barbie Cafe pop-up in Wynwood transports visitors to 1970s Malibu, California. The pop-up is open now through April 21.
Photo Courtesy of Bucket Listers
The menu, curated by Chef Becky Brown, includes Barbie-themed options like the Make Waves Avocado Toast and the Beach Burger.
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February 21, 2024
A&E
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
Hairology to host second-annual hair show “Afro-Illumine” next month BY LUCIA MOGLIA
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A
t Hairology’s Hair Show, the year will no longer be 2024. As model after model walks the runway, audiences will be transported to the future of Black innovation. Following the success of last year’s debut Hair-A-Tige show which embraced the past, this year’s show, Afro-Illumine, will explore a futuristic hair odyssey. Hairology is a student organization that celebrates natural hair and seeks to uplift everyone in their hair care journey. “We aim to educate, bring awareness and promote the acceptance of all hair types and textures,” said Hairology copresident Arielle Swilley, a senior studying gender and
sexuality studies and French. “Beyond that, I believe Hairology’s mission is celebration and we aim to encourage larger conversations about cultural diversity.” As the vibrant hub of natural hair at UM, Hairology showcases the diversity and beauty of all hair types during its annual Hair Show. This year the event will showcase an innovative, captivating theme. “We are definitely elevating the production quality of the show this year,” Swilley said. “Audiences should anticipate an immersive experience and exciting stories.” That immersive experience will come from the three pillars of this year’s show: alternate history, fantasy and magical realism. To put the show together, Hairology’s members have been
hard at work since the summer. “Getting everything ready involves many elements like rehearsals, budgets and making sure everything runs smoothly,” said Hairology vice president, Yohanna Getahun, a sophomore studying economics and health management & policy. “The biggest thing with planning Afro-Illumine’s success is a team effort, and we’re working hard to make this vision come to life in the best way possible.” That vision is a show that will foster a sense of unity and diversity at UM. A campus that attracts all types of students from all around the world, it is essential to hold events that build an inclusive environment for all individuals. “More than just a showcase, these events empower individuals through a focus on self-care
and unique expression,” Getahun said. “Ultimately, the hair show becomes a powerful vehicle for unity, creativity and the celebration of individuality at the University of Miami.” The hair show is an overall opportunity for young talent at the university to exhibit their skills and love for all things hair, fashion and culture. “We only ask for student models, hair stylists and makeup artists, so it really is about showcasing the multitude of talent and creativity present on our campus,” Swilley said. Hairology members hope audience members will be entertained by the hairstyles, as well as enjoy the music and food that will be provided at the show. The aim is that attendees immerse themselves in the whole experience.
“What I imagine are students leaving the ballrooms discussing a hairstyle or a section, and what the meaning behind it could be,” Swilley said. “I’m excited to hear the interpretations, and I hope they leave feeling inspired and wanting to be a part of the show next year.” To get involved in the Hair Show, students can attend this year’s event and join Hairology. The club is always looking for new members to be involved in their initiatives, such as the Hair Show committee. The show will be held on March 6 at 7 p.m in the Shalala Ballrooms. Students can get tickets to the show by following Hairology on Instagram @ umiami.hairology and clicking the link in their bio to join their Engage page.
IF YOU GO: WHAT
2nd Annual Hairology Hair Show
WHEN
March 6 @ 7 p.m.
WHERE
Shalala Ballroom
COST
Free after joining Hairology on Engage Nicole Daitschman // Staff Designer
February 21, 2024
A&E
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
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REVIEW: “Legally Blonde” at Actors’ Playhouse is 2 hours of pure fun BY LAYOMI ADEOJO A&E EDITOR
T
he iconic 2001 movie “Legally Blonde” got a fresh update in its musical adaptation, which debuted on Broadway in 2007 and recently opened at the Actors’ Playhouse on Miracle Mile. Written by Heather Hach with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, the musical is a colorful, heartwarming celebration of girl power. UM theatre arts professor of professional practice Brandon M. Newton and programs assistant director Eric Nelson are a dynamic duo in “Legally Blonde” as the scenic designer and lighting designer, respectively. Newton’s two-story set, built on a turntable, transforms from a sorority house to a courtroom, a restaurant, a clothing shop or a beauty salon with a simple spin. While pink is the primary lighting color that complements Newton’s set, its blue counterpart appears at key moments, and rapidly-changing lights accompany the upbeat dance numbers choreographed by Sarah Crane. Their efforts come together to create a neon-pink world where dreams come true. Between the pink-lit stage curtain, the bright pink sets and the Barbiestyle ponytailed silhouettes, this production of “Legally Blonde” is reminiscent of last year’s “Barbie” movie. Think of protagonist Elle Woods as Lawyer Barbie, strutting from her UCLA sorority house into the halls of Harvard Law School with pep, privilege and passion. Becca Andrews makes her Actors’ Playhouse debut as Elle Woods, the bright-eyed sororitygirl-turned-law-student. After starring as Elle in five other regional productions of “Legally Blonde,” it’s no wonder that the character comes naturally to her. With her blonde hair, blue eyes
and pink attire, she looks right at home in the role. But beyond appearance, her nuanced performance brings an out-of-touch Elle back down to earth. This time, it feels more believable that she could score one point away from perfect on the Law School Admission Test. But her boldness doesn’t just come from within. Paulette Bonafonte, an unsure beautician, gives Elle timely advice while also finding her own confidence. Heather Jane Rolff plays Paulette with all the delicacy her character requires, perfectly walking the line between comedy and melancholy. Also helping Elle to reach her potential is Emmett Forrest, the Harvard teaching assistant and love interest played by “Dear Evan Hansen” star, Stephen Christopher Anthony. The Miami native pulls off the kid-next-door with ease, right down to the awkward body movements and nervous laughter. His performance is a delight to watch. Alexander Zenoz rounds out the love triangle as Warner, Elle’s ambitious ex-boyfriend, while Hana Slevin plays his new girlfriend and Elle’s nemesis, Vivienne Kensington. Slevin’s interpretation of Vivienne aligns more closely with the musical’s “girl power” message than the original movie. Watching her and Elle work together is one of the show’s most endearing moments. The remaining principal cast members include UM theatre arts lecturer Michael Dean Morgan as the twofaced Professor Callahan, Stephanie White as fitness queen Brooke Wyndham and the trio of Whitney Renee, Nicolette Hernandez and Camryn Handler as Pilar, Margo and Serena, Elle’s melodic muses. Renee, Hernandez and Handler steal the show, backing up Elle vocally and morally as her priorities shift from winning Warner back to successfully defending Brooke in a heated trial. The three friends provide much
of the comedy with their laughout-loud lines and random dance moves, which the Harvard Law admissions committee hilariously calls “ethnic movement.” Supporting the principal cast, the ensemble of “Legally Blonde” elevates the show with their commitment to acting at all times, even when the attention is off them. Standouts include Diego KlockPérez as Kyle the UPS guy, winning Paulette’s heart and earning laughs with every movement. Ensemble member David Nick Alea delivers a scene-stealing performance as the Wyndhams’ pool boy, Enrique, who testifies during a murder trial. Though slightly dated, the hilarious accompanying song titled “There! Right There!” will have audiences in stitches as Elle and her legal team try to determine if Enrique is “gay or European” — or both. Looking past the very-obvious wigs and camp fashion, the production features elaborate dance numbers with the entire cast that make for visually-stunning moments. The real-life professional pups playing Elle’s chihuahua Bruiser and Paulette’s bulldog Rufus are a surprising, adorable addition. A fun musical full of dancing, energy and heart, “Legally Blonde” pays its respects to the movie, but stands on its own two feet. By the last curtain call, audiences will have danced in their seats, laughed until their abs hurt and shed a few tears along the way. Run, don’t walk, to see “Legally Blonde” at the Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre on Miracle Mile, showing now through Feb. 25. Students with a valid student ID can pay $15 for a rush ticket available 15 minutes before a weekday performance. Regular tickets are on sale for $55-$100 and can be purchased at the Box Office, by calling (305) 444-9293 or visiting www.ActorsPlayhouse.org.
Photo Courtesy of Gregory Reed, MFA 2024
Becca Andrews (Elle Woods) and the cast of “Legally Blonde The Musical” at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre.
Photo Courtesy of Gregory Reed, MFA 2024
Alexander Zenoz and Becca Andrews in “Legally Blonde The Musical” at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre.
Photo Courtesy of Gregory Reed, MFA 2024
Stephanie White (Brooke Wyndham) and the cast of “Legally Blonde The Musical” at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre.
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February 21, 2024
NEWS
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
ROY CARRILLO ZAMORA
JOSHUA ABEL
ZOE MUTOMBO
CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT
CANDIDATE FOR TREASURER
Roy Carrillo Zamora from San Jose, Costa Rica, enters the bid for Student Government president with a clear mission to get students and their organizations the resources they need to succeed. As a junior majoring in legal studies and business analytics with a minor in health management and policy, Carrillo Zamora is currently the director of academic affairs in SG and serves as a first year fellow in Mahoney Residential College. Before that, he served as a member of the Academic Liaison Council and a liaison for the Office of Academic Enhancement, where he helped pass a bill in the Faculty Senate that allowed students to apply to become Foote Fellows instead of being chosen upon admission. As president, Carrillo Zamora hopes to create the SG Presidential Fund, which will intend to fill financial gaps in student organization budgets that are often overlooked by the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee.
Joshua Abel is a junior from New Milford, Connecticut, majoring in political science and French and entering the bid for SG vice president. Abel currently serves as the chapter president of Lambda Chi Alpha and is a part of both the President’s 100 and the Office of Undergraduate Admission. This past year, Abel also served as a vice chair of the Homecoming Executive Committee. A candidate with a heart for mentorship, Abel helped spearhead the First-Year Leadership Council’s first LAUNCH Leadership Summit, a leadership training event, which took place this year on Feb. 18. Having also seen a significant increase in Greek Life participation as president of a fraternity on campus, Abel hopes to amplify Greek Life representation in SG and give students the support they need during recruitment season. Abel also hopes to shape the role of vice president into one that is more mentorshipbased and focuses more on leadership development.
Zoe Mutombo is a junior from Pembroke Pines, Fla., majoring in health management and policy and entering the bid for SG treasurer. Mutombo’s goal as treasurer is to maximize the role to help student organizations have as much access to financial resources as possible. For instance, by enhancing the treasurer training process, Mutombo aims to help students better understand the nuances of submitting a budget to SAFAC and ensure their organizations are on-track to succeed. Mutombo previously served as assistant director of SG’s outreach committee and treasurer of the African Student Union. Currently, she serves as external vice president for the African Student Union and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi.
STAND FOREVER
A guide to the 2024 student “My goal has always been to push people a little bit outside of their comfort zones to help them reach things they never once dreamed of.” Joshua Abel Candidate for Vice President
E
lection season is in full swing at the University of Miami as two opposing tickets, “Stand Forever” and “Elevate,” launched their Student Government campaigns with community events and giveaways planned throughout the week of Feb. 18. During this year’s SG elections, students will vote in a new president, vice president and treasurer as well as vote between new senate candidates. The polls opened on
Monday, Feb. 19 and close out on Wednesday, Feb. 21. The “Stand Forever” ticket is a team of three juniors competing for spots in the student government executive branch, with presidential candidate Roy Carrillo Zamora, vice presidential candidate Joshua Abel and treasurer candidate Zoe Mutombo. As an administration, they plan to advocate for student employees by creating a Student Employee Liaison within the Cam-
pus Liaison Council and enhance Greek Life experience by opening more dining options during the spring recruitment process. Additionally, they plan to improve public transportation for UM students in collaboration with other Miami-Dade colleges by speaking with local government officials to increase the college student discount. The opposing ticket, “Elevate”, introduces presidential candidate Kat Hernandez,
February 21, 2024
NEWS
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
KAT HERNANDEZ
BOBBI WARD
NIK HOWELL
CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT
CANDIDATE FOR TREASURER
Kat Hernandez is a junior from Miami, Fla., majoring in history, political science and psychology with a minor in business law. From early on in her undergraduate career, Hernandez has been an active member of SG, starting in the Senate in the spring semester of her freshman year and is now currently serving as Speaker. In this role, Hernandez has worked on projects like providing free menstrual products in women’s bathrooms across campus, making sure every restroom is fully stocked. Additionally, Hernandez created a first-generation student senate seat by working with First Gen ‘Canes. Outside of SG, she serves as vice president of internal finance for business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, as well as chair of the hospitality and finance committee for commuter organization Great Start. In her bid for president, Hernandez hopes to run on a platform of transparency and approachability while amplifying diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across campus.
Bobbi Ward is a junior from Asheville, North Carolina, majoring in political science with a minor in business law on track to pursue a dual MDJD degree. Currently, Ward serves as recruitment chair for pre-med fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon, a secretary and founding member of the Slavic Culture Club, President’s 100 and a member of the Health Professions Mentoring Program. In her role as recruitment chair for PhiDE, Ward has brought in three new classes and mentored over 90 new members throughout their undergraduate experience. As a candidate for SG vice president, Ward hopes to inform students on all the resources available to them through SG by supporting the president’s initiatives, advocating for an environment marked by belonging, transparency and accountability within SG and the broader student body.
Nik Howell is a junior from Destin, Fla., majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in health management and policy on the pre-med track. Currently, Howell serves as a liaison to the Office of Undergraduate Research in ALC and previously served two consecutive terms as a senator, where he was the chair of the policy and finance committee. Outside of SG, Howell is involved in President’s 100, ‘Cane Kickoff Orientation and serves as the founding treasurer of the Slavic Culture Club. As a candidate for treasurer, Howell hopes to reinvent the role of treasurer to be more transparent with not only AG finances, but SAFAC and university finances as well, including the Ever Brighter campaign. Additionally, for students struggling with the rising costs of tuition, he hopes to work with the financial aid office to create smaller scholarships for students to help finance their time at the U.
ELEVATE
government elections vice presidential candidate Bobbi Ward and treasurer candidate Nik Howell. Student initiatives on the Elevate ticket range from creating international and first-gen student mentorship programs to giving students access to resources like Grammarly+ and discounts for test prep services not limited to the MCAT and LSAT. Each year, students are given the opportunity to select their representatives for the upcoming school year and let their voices be heard. From
Monday to Wednesday, candidates are campaigning on campus, introducing themselves to students and informing them about their initiatives. Additionally, students who vote in this year’s elections will be automatically entered into a raffle, hosted by the UM Elections Commission, for a chance to win a Stanley cup or a JBL speaker. Students can cast their votes on the Student Government website before polls close on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 11:59 p.m.
BY SYDNEY BILLINGS & CAROLINE VAL CO-NEWS EDITORS
“We want to make sure that all students have the ability to make the most of their time here at the U, and we want to do our part as student leaders to elevate their voices and make sure that they are able to maximize their potential and be a part of their success.” Nik Howell Candidate for Treasurer
9
OPINION
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part of what we’re supposed to do a little bit anyway,” said Jake Newiger, a senior in the Frost School of Music and RA of three years. In reference to offering conversations specifically surrounding money, Newiger said, “I definitely think it would be reasonable, and, now that you bring it up, would be something that would be useful in our RA training because they don’t really walk through budgeting with us.” Making matters more difficult, finances often involve family, which potentially comes with guilt. There’s no question that living in Miami and attending UM is expensive. Asking family members to front that cost not only can make students feel like a burden, but explaining that feeling to future roommates can be very difficult and requires vulnerability. Leaving students, especially freshmen, to handle these complicated conversations and emotions without guidance is a recipe for roommate ruin. If family members support the cost of tuition or housing, their opinions will likely come into play. It often falls on students to initiate conversations surrounding housing simply because they tend to have more information than the families. But when should this family discussion happen? If everyone has a conversation with their family at different stages in the process, solidifying a plan becomes nearly impossible. For instance, your friend may think her parents are fine with her living off campus, so you begin touring apartments. Three days before the deadline to apply to live in Lakeside closes, she finally calls her mom who immediately shuts the idea down. Now you’re both stressed and scrambling for a new plan.
It doesn’t help that UM’s housing timeline is confusing and doesn’t distinguish between appointment time versus housing application. An RA guiding the process and encouraging residents to talk to their families by a set date would clear up some of the confusion and hopefully prevent lastminute surprises. The next potentially awkward and nuanced conversation arises when you must inform your current roommate that you won’t be living together again. If you choose to have this conversation at all, it could go one of the following ways: Scenario one: You and your roommate equally dislike each other or it’s clear that you both just don’t want to live together again. In this case, a quick conversation about not rooming together can’t hurt and is essential to confirm you’re on the same page. This conversation also shows basic respect for one another by not leaving anything up in the air and is the mature thing to do. While an RA may not be needed here, the conversation has the potential to turn hostile if you both dislike one another, and a mediator couldn’t hurt. Scenario two: You and your roommate are friendly and live well together, but haven’t discussed next year yet. You don’t want to keep living with your roommate, but you’re pretty sure your roommate assumes you’re living together next year. This conversation will be hard and awkward, but you should initiate it anyway if you value your friendship with your roommate. Just because you’re close and enjoy each other’s company doesn’t mean you have to live together again. It’s okay to want a change. Hopefully, your roommate takes the news well, but if they don’t, there should be someone armed with information and readily available for the fallout (hint: I’m talking about your RA). Scenario three: Scenario three begins the same as scenario two, but in this case, you
I don’t want to live with you. deal? deal.
I don’t want to live with you but I value our friendship.
HOUSING HEART-TO-HEARTS How RAs can help guide tough conversations BY KATIE KARLSON STAFF WRITER
W
ith housing applications open and students scrambling to sign leases for next year, roommate breakup season is officially upon us. Switching roommates after winter break may be inconvenient and dramatic, but the timing makes sense. What doesn’t make sense is stepping over piles and piles of moving boxes and seeing name tags ripped off of doors four weeks into the semester. This is happening more often than you’d think, and resident assistants could play a larger role in reducing the inevitable drama and quashing conflict before it starts. What is it about this time of the semester that’s so problematic? I’d guess that housing applications for next semester have a lot to do with the heightened tensions and frequent moves. Navigating the housing situation for next year in such an expensive market where demand exceeds supply creates an immense amount of tension, resulting in conflict among current roommates and potential roommates-to-be. Students would greatly benefit from an RA’s guidance on handling tricky conversations and decisions about living arrangements. According to UM’s website, RAs should “provide support, continuing experiences, and engagement for on-campus students that promotes community and success at the University and beyond.” Just as RAs require roommates to sign agreements at the beginning of the year, RAs should provide opportunities to discuss housing options and guide students through the necessary but difficult and potentially sensitive conversations. For instance, RAs can help potential roommates talk through budgeting, something that’s always awkward, to help mitigate potential conflict or embarrassment. For residents uncomfortable with talking to their RAs, budgeting spreadsheets could be provided that would help students understand their housing options. “I definitely think it would be feasible to have the guidance, I feel like that kind of is
February 21, 2024
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
well, okay.
scenario 1
scenario 2
push off the conversation until the very last minute or don’t have it at all, despite having known for a while that you won’t be living together again. This scenario leaves your current roommate scrambling, and likely causes problems within the friendship. While your roommate may have assumed you’d be living together, you are the one who let the assumption continue, which isn’t particularly nice. If an RA had been pushing residents to have this conversation sooner, this whole situation and subsequent stress or loss of friendship may have been avoided. RAs could even send surveys to residents to get a better sense of how they could help steer the conversation. “I think it definitely is one of those things that unfortunately people could take personally even though it’s not meant to be that way. I would be happy to facilitate a conversation with both parties,” Newiger said. While these extra conversations may appear to place a large burden on the RAs, they are here to help their residents, and guiding these conversations is a crucial part of that. There’s no doubt our RAs work hard –– I’ve seen my RA working the front desk at sunrise and hear him doing rounds at midnight. However, I’ve also stopped to chit-chat with my RA and others while they work. Many of these conversations could easily happen during an RA’s shift at the desk or when it’s their turn to stay in and monitor the floor. Talking about money, housing and roommates can be very emotional and nuanced, and a little structure and guidance throughout the process could help simplify it and prevent conflict before it starts. It’s not worth it to let these hard but necessary conversations ruin friendships. And to everyone yet to go through the Lakeside lottery … good luck (you’ll probably need it).
PUFF
my roomate left? what now?
scenario 3 Roberta Macedo // Graphics Editor
February 21, 2024
OPINION
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
11
Duo Mobile is the worst thing that’s ever happened to me BY CAL CHAPMAN STAFF WRITER
I
’ve taken a lot of L’s in my life. That being said, waiting for Duo Mobile to verify that I really am who I say I am is at the top of the list. Duo Mobile was hired by the University of Miami to be the bouncer of the club which is our email. The issue is that no UM students, as far as I know, are working for the CIA. Therefore, our accounts aren’t that interesting and I find Duo Mobile unnecessary. Now this would be easy for someone who’s never been hacked before to say, but unluckily for me, I frequently get scammed. I am borderline overqualified to speak on the topic. I used to be just like the rest of you. I ran such a professional Instagram account that you would’ve thought I was an influencer. One day I received an Instagram direct message that would change my life forever. I received a link from a foe to vote for them as an ambassador and so I pressed on it. The very next thing I knew, I was logged out of my account for what would be the last time my Instagram handle was cal__chap. From that day on, my account was cal___chap (yes, with three underscores, like a fool) and sold bitcoins on my Instagram story.
The Miami
HURRICANE Founded 1929
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My Facebook suffered a similar fate. Somewhere along the line Mark Zuckerburg and the gang decided if I ever wanted to see the cringy photos my mother posts of me with a caption that makes no sense, then I would need to verify that it really is me. So, I did what had to be done. I sent them a picture of my passport and license. To my surprise, my account was still locked. So, naturally, I tried again. To this day I can’t get into my account. With no Facebook and no Instagram, I can still be reached on LinkedIn. Please though, only reach out to me with serious business inquiries. I’m just going to say what’s been on all our minds. Duo Mobile is the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. I just want to know where my class is. I’d like to ultimately turn in my assignments even if they’re a few weeks late. I want to occasionally check my email, and while I have close to no motivation
Pro: No scammer reads my homework and does it for me. Con: It takes me longer to read what my homework is, thus giving me more reason to delay it.
Staff ASST. A&E EDITOR Morgan Fry
MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Ferrer
SPORTS EDITORS Luke Chaney Zachary Macer
OPINION EDITOR Pari Walter ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Layomi Adeojo
Con: It takes me longer to read what my homework is, thus giving me more reason to delay it. Pro: When they send me a text with the code it seems like I have friends when my ringer goes off. Con: I don’t actually have friends. Pro: Nobody signs into my account and pays my semester tuition. Con: Nobody signs into my account and pays my semester tuition. Pro: It’s a good conversation starter. For example: “Hey, I hate duo mobile.” “YES, FINALLY SOMEONE WHO GETS IT.” Con: That’s about as far as I can get into a conversation before I run out of dialogue and revert to constraining projectile vomit from occurring out of my face. I’d even go as far as to say scamming builds character. Let’s just say I have more character than anyone you’ve ever met because I once handed $600 cash to two men for a speaker system in their trunk. If Duo Mobile were there to protect me, I may have not purchased a $40 speaker system which was too risky to plug into an outlet. But I wouldn’t have had a $600 lesson, which is truly invaluable. At this rate, soon we will have to prepare to check Blackboard and Canelink like we prepare for an international flight and give ourselves three hours to get through security. If that’s the case, then ahoy matey, because I’ll travel by sea. One point for me, zero for Duo.
To reach a member of the staff visit themiamihurricane.com’s contact page.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jenny Jacoby
NEWS EDITORS Sydney Billing Caroline Val
to complete any of those tasks as it is, waiting only lessens it. Okay, it’s not that I enjoy getting scammed. That being said, as someone who has been scammed before and who will surely be scammed again, I’d prefer to be scammed than try to remember the code Duo Mobile sends me. All those times I was making friends and getting scammed, Duo Mobile wasn’t there for me. Why should I believe that now will be any different? It is time to demobilize the duo and take our odds in life. Have I not proven time and time again that I’ll give you my password if you just ask for it? I’ll send you my passport and identification. I’ll let you sell cryptocurrency to my friends. Let me break this down into a simple pros and cons list of life with Duo Mobile: Pro: No scammer reads my homework and does it for me.
PHOTO EDITORS Alexandra Fisher Cecilia Runner GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR Roberta Macedo COPY CHIEF Ashley Sewall
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The Miami Hurricane is published biweekly during the regular academic year and is edited and produced by undergraduate students at the University of Miami. The publication does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of advertisers or the university’s trustees, faculty or administration. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Miami Hurricane’s Editorial Board. Commentaries, letters and cartoons represent only the views of their respective authors. The newsroom and business office of The Miami Hurricane are located in the Student Activities Center, Student Media Suite 200. LETTER POLICY The Miami Hurricane encourages all readers to voice their opinions on issues related to the university or in response to any report published in The Miami Hurricane. Letters to the editor may be submitted typed or handwritten to the Student Activities Center, Student Media Suite 200, or mailed to P.O. Box 248132, Coral Gables, Fla., 33124-6922. Letters must be signed with a copy of your Cane Card.
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SPORTS
February 21, 2024 THE MIAMI HURRICANE
’Canes baseball sweeps opening weekend in Arteaga’s coaching debut Miami wins big in finale ’Canes walk off opener BY IAN GRAVES STAFF WRITER
H
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eading into the bottom of the ninth inning tied at seven runs apiece, the Hurricanes needed some late-night heroics. Luckily, they got just that, as senior catcher Carlos Perez laced a single into left field, bringing in the winning run as Miami defeated the New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders by a score of 8-7 on Friday night at Mark Light Field. The bottom of the ninth was a UM clinic on the little things of baseball. To get things started in the inning, freshman Daniel Cuvet, in his ‘Canes debut, lined a single into left field with nobody out. Next up, Jacoby Long put down a beautiful bunt that was so perfect it ended up being a single. Like Long, Dorian Gonzalez Jr. also laid down a perfect bunt to load the bases. One batter later came the hero Perez, who scorched a single through the infield for the Miami win and sent the Light into a frenzy on day one. “It felt great,” Perez said. “First game of the season. We battled and we came through. It’s a great feeling.” While the late-game heroics stole the show, the unsung hero of this game was the Hurricanes’ bullpen. After a shaky start by Gage Ziehl, who gave up seven earned runs, the bullpen followed up with 4.1 scoreless innings, giving the offense just enough time to get back into and eventually win the game. The workhorses out of the pen were Julian Hernandez and Nick Roberts, who gave up a combined one hit and one walk in 3.2 innings, pitched and killed all NJIT momentum. “Nick Roberts was outstanding his first time out. Julian was outstanding his first time out,” head coach J.D. Arteaga said. “You kind of want to get their feet wet the first time around and they got thrown into the fire right away, and they responded the way we expected them to respond.” Offensively, UM had its ups and downs. Early on, the offense was on fire. NJIT starter Aidan Kidd had control issues throughout his short start, and the ‘Canes made him pay. After loading the bases on two walks and a hitby-pitch, Gonzalez came up to the plate and smoked a line drive over the left fielder’s head for a bases-clearing double, putting Miami up 3-0 in the first. UM tacked on one more in both the second and third innings thanks to a Blake Cyr sacrifice flyout and a Lorenzo Carrier opposite-field home run to extend the lead to 5-0. Following back-to-back rough innings in the field, the Hurricanes trailed 7-5 with the offense at a standstill. Cyr came to the rescue at just the right time, blasting a shot to dead center field and bringing Mark Light back to life. The Cyr homer sparked a small rally that saw one Charisma Jones // Staff Photographer more run across the plate on a Jason Torres sac-fly, knotting Senior Lucas Costello celebrates before finishing his journey the game at seven. Tying the game up here set the stage for to home plate, one of his two runs during the 16-0 evening win the Miami walk-off in the ninth. against NJIT on February 17, 2024.
-0
BY JAYDEN GONZALEZ STAFF WRITER
I
n the second game of a doubleheader, with members of the 1999 National Championship team in attendance at Mark Light Field, pitcher Herick Hernandez and the Miami Hurricanes put on a show, defeating NJIT, 16-0. The Hurricanes dominated all facets of the game Saturday night, with Miami-Dade transfer Hernandez controlling the bats against the NJIT offense. In his first start of his Hurricane tenure, the lefty allowed zero hits, zero runs, three walks and struck out ten batters in six impressive innings of work under the lights. It wasn’t until the seventh inning that NJIT’s Kevin Putsky put the Highlanders in the hit column after stroking a double into the left field gap off Miami’s Brandon Olivera. The away team finished the evening with three hits while failing to produce much offense with runners on. UM, however, continued to flex its muscle on the attack, scoring a staggering 16 runs against the NJIT pitching staff. The Hurricanes have now scored at least eight runs per game in their first three games of the season and finished Saturday as a whole with 35 total runs on offense. In his first at-bat of the season, catcher Jack Scanlon sent a rocket to right center field and over the fence for the team’s first home run of the game. The backstop’s two-run shot allowed the Hurricanes to jump to an early 3-0 lead. Miami took advantage of the pitching woes of the Highlanders, smashing 14 hits while batting .400 with runners in scoring position. NJIT starter Brandon Peterson struggled against the ‘Canes’ firepower, allowing five runs and walking three batters on six hits in only four innings of work. The Highlanders were forced to rely on their bullpen throughout the game. Wake Forest transfer Lucas Costello had the best performance of his young Miami career, crushing his first home run as a ‘Cane deep into the Miami night. Costello finished the night going 2-of-3, tallying four RBIs and a walk. The corners of the infield for the Hurricanes dominated this afternoon, leading the way for a day filled with offense. In two games Saturday, sophomore first baseman Jason Torres tallied seven hits, five RBIs and 15 total bases, including two long home runs in the first game of the doubleheader. Trying to fill the hole left by former ‘Cane Yohandy Morales, freshman third baseman Daniel Cuvet stepped right into the shoes of the former All-American infielder. In the doubleheader today, the rookie flexed his power, hitting two home runs and tallying seven hits and seven RBIs to power the Hurricanes into another blowout. Cuvet dealt the finishing blow to the Highlanders, hitting a towering grand slam over the right field wall to seal the deal for Miami. The former highest ranked third baseman prospect’s home run extended UM’s lead to an insurmountable 16-0 score.
February 21, 2024
SPORTS
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
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UM triathlete Alex Westover does it all, including Team USA The triathlon community welcomed medical technician. Westover as soon as he began racing. Being an EMT isn’t easy, but Westover “Triathlon is really all about building approaches it with the same down-topeople up into the sport,” he said. “Once earth attitude that makes him a leader on you’re in there, everyone loves you for it.” campus. As he ventured further into the triathlon “I take a very brotherly approach to it,” world, Westover began writing “go one he explained. “The rapport you build with more” on his them goes arm before beyond their every race. condition.” The mantra In these has even moments spilled over of crisis, he into other relishes the aspects of his ability to stay life. level-headed “Go one and provide more. aid to those Whether it’s undergoing in training, disaster. whether it’s “To your in academics, patient, it’s whether it’s the worst Alex Westover in life in genday of their eral,” he said. lives, right?” Long Distance Triathlon, Team USA “You always Westover have somesaid. “I thing left to give and you’re so fortunate thoroughly love the fact that in those rethat you’re able to do so.” ally dark moments, you can be someone’s Westover refuses to keep his positive hope.” attitude to himself, instead spreading the Through it all — the emergency response virtues of “go one more” to everyone he work, the club leadership positions, the knows, including his fellow triathletes. rapid rise to some of racing’s highest “He’s one of the most encouraging heights — Westover remains modest. It’s people possible,” Brenner said about not about any glory or recognition; it’s Westover. about helping others and encouraging them In the summers, when all he does during to be their best selves. the school-year has stopped, Westover “If I get the opportunity to just make one applies his “operating at 110%” attitude to person make positive change for thema different test: working as an emergency selves, I’m happy.”
“Go one more. Whether it’s in training, whether it’s in academics, whether it’s in life in general.”
Jared Lennon // Staff Photographer
Senior Alex Westover participates in the Miami Marathon on Jan. 28, 2024.
club triathlon team, he oversees training and evaluation for the President’s 100, serves as vice president of the scuba club lex Westover may just be the and works as a creative director with UM busiest man in Florida. One of his Athletics. latest ventures: racing in triathlons. “I love operating at 110%,” he said. “It’s It’s a journey that started on a whim. just how my mind is wired.” “I started triathlon on a dare from my Westover’s unparalleled time managemom,” said Westover, a senior at the Uniment skills have not gone unnoticed by his versity of Miami. “I was like, ‘Okay, this peers. might be a fun hobby to pick up.’” “It’s absolutely crazy what this kid is doThat “fun hobby” has since evolved into ing,” said Teddy Brenner, the president of a lifestyle for Westover, who qualified for a TriCanes. “I have no idea how he does it.” spot on Team USA in December. By finishBut Westover isn’t just some adrenaline ing in the top 18 racers in his age group, he junkie. He does everything with purpose, earned a trip to Australia later this year. and this is especially true of his work as a There, he will compete at the World Tritour guide with the President’s 100. athlon Long Course World Championships, “At the end of the day, it’s really cool to where he hopes to be the first American to walk around campus and have someone win a medal since Matt Chrabot took home come up to you and go, ‘You don’t remembronze in 2016. ber me, but you gave my tour and you’re “It’s really cool to be able to represent the reason I came to the university,’” the United States that way,” he said. “All Westover said. this stuff is exciting to me. There’s always Westover’s attitude stems from “go one something more to do, and that excites the more,” a motto he initially adopted from a crap out of me.” nutrition company. While most athletes of Westover’s caliber “Those three words – I used to say them tend to spend their free time either trainas a party trick,” he said. “But the more ing or resting, he chose a different route: I’ve raced, the more I’ve trained and the joining just about every club and activity more I’ve dove into this world, the more under the Coral Gables sun. When he’s not they’ve meant so much more.” working with TriCanes, the university’s BY WRIGLEY KORDT STAFF WRITER
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February 21, 2024
SPORTS
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
‘Canes lose fourth straight game on the road versus Boston College BY LUKE SIMS STAFF WRITER
D Charisma Jones // Staff Photographer
During the second quarter of the six-point loss against FSU, junior Shayeann Day-Wilson navigates around FSU defender Sara Bejedi before passing the ball off.
Hurricanes fall to rival Florida State, 74-68 BY CALEB SHAPIRO STAFF WRITER
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t seemed as if the Florida State Seminoles were just one step ahead. “When they haven’t played well, they have not shared the ball like that,” said Miami Hurricanes head coach Katie Meier following the 74-68 loss to the Seminoles. “They were willing to share it tonight because this game meant a lot to them.” The final score was reminiscent of the first matchup between the rivals, where the ‘Canes fell 75-68 in Tallahassee. However, the contextual difference between these two games is considerable. For one, Miami didn’t lead going into the fourth quarter; in fact, UM didn’t lead past the 2:48 mark of the second quarter. After a strong first frame where the ‘Canes went on a 7-0 run, out-rebounded FSU 25-8 and led 16-12, the Seminoles fought back quickly. After a pair of free throws from Florida State junior forward Makayla Timpson to put her team up 31-30 with 2:48 in the second, Florida State never looked back. The win was despite outstanding performances from transfer guard Shayeann Day-Wilson and junior forward
Jasmyne Roberts. The pair combined for 36 points, with Day-Wilson and Roberts scoring 21 and 15, respectively. Day-Wilson had her first 20-point outing as a ‘Cane, building on a now 11-game streak of double-digit scoring. Roberts added 13 rebounds to her stat line, registering her first career double-double. “At a certain point we were calling [Jasmyne], [Shayeann], [Jasmyne], [Shayeann],” said Meier. Rebounds came in bunches for the ‘Canes, as they grabbed 51 on the night. This was a season-high for the ‘Canes on a night when Miami took the rare loss when out-rebounding its opponent, falling to 11-2. For all their effort, just six points came out of 21 offensive rebounds. Missed opportunities, combined with turnovers and mounting frustration, are hardly a recipe for success. “You can’t have those empty possessions that are turnovers,” Meier said. Even so, Miami kept the game within striking distance. After FSU’s O’Mariah Gordon extended the lead, 72-61, with two and a half minutes remaining, the ‘Canes responded, bringing the score to 72-66 with under 40 seconds to play. It
was about as close as UM would get. Miami converted on its next possession, but not after burning half the clock. Then, a failure to foul quickly resulted in Seminole Ta’Niya Latson at the foul line with 1.9 seconds to go, securing their win. Latson was virtually unstoppable, dropping a game-high 29 points on an efficient 13-of-22 from the field. “We played hard … and generated some opportunities in special situations to make it a game. That’s what Miami does and if there’s a second on the clock I’m still thinking we’re winning the game,” Meier said. “I really … need my team to pick up on that spirit and that confidence.” A key storyline circulating not just in this game but throughout Miami’s season is the loss of transfer guard Lemyah Hylton. The sophomore underwent season-ending surgery for a lower-extremity injury she suffered against Clemson on Feb. 8. Earlier this season, against FSU, Hylton scored 15 points off the bench.“She was a spark off the bench,” Roberts said. “We really could’ve used her tonight and we miss her a lot being on the floor…her energy, her personality, her charisma.” Miami is on a two-game skid and looks to rebound on the road against Virginia on Thursday. Tip-off is at 7 p.m..
espite a strong overall effort, it just was not enough for the Miami Hurricanes, as they fell 85-77 to the Boston College Eagles in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Conte Forum was packed on a Saturday night to watch this matchup. The inflated final score tells a deceiving story of the game. The Hurricanes battled and made this a tightly fought game until the end. A high-scoring first half saw Miami tie the Eagles at the break. Boston College led by as many as 11 early in the first, but the ‘Canes were able to battle back and keep the game neck-and-neck until the end. Juniors Matthew Cleveland and Norchad Omier both scored 20 points, but it was not enough, as the Eagles’ top scorers outdid Miami’s. Guard Mason Madsen led all scorers with 25 points, and forward Quinten Post was able to add another 23 for Boston College. The injury bug struck again for the ‘Canes, as junior guard Nijel Pack was out for this game. Listed with a lower-body injury, Pack is expected to return in the coming weeks after scoring zero his last time out. Freshman Paul Djobet contributed 20 solid minutes in Miami’s rotation while adding eight points off the bench. The other freshman can not say the same. This was a rough performance for freshman Kyshawn George as he only played 15 minutes, contributed zero points and fouled out. Unlike in past performances, Miami shot the ball very well. The team shot 53% from the field and shot a whopping 50% from three-point range. UM was just never able to have a consistent defensive effort. This loss only reinforces the thought that Miami will not play in the NCAA tournament this season, which is a disappointing reality for a team that had such high preseason expectations. Miami gets another tough test against the Duke Blue Devils next Wednesday at home in the Watsco Center. Tip-off for this game is set for 7 p.m. and will air on ESPN.
February 21, 2024 THE MIAMI HURRICANE
V’S TAKE
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Chips, dips and tits: Chipotle is not the place for your undressed trips Pool parties, g-strings and dirty sneakers are back. Now let’s be real, no girl escapes the University of Miami without getting at least one yeast infection from a frat pool party. This, I can consider acceptable. What is not acceptable in pool party season is bringing your Miami-modest thong bikini outside the confines of the college world. We’re young, and serving cunt is part of being in your 20s, but having some respect for yourself, your body and others is important. Susan B. Anthony did not fight for the female right to bounce in the bouncy house as practice before bouncing on that short frat dick later in the night. The bathing suits in your pre-poolparty balcony pics are turning into something that Kanye West would post his wife in, and I’m here for it. But how did we get here? Is it the Miami culture or just a UM thing? Shein bikinis and cowboy boots are the confirmed UM Saturday uniform. At 1 p.m. you guys are slaying, but post-foam pit you look like wet rats that crawled out of the US-1 gutter. Unless Chipotle turns into a strip club where we all rub guacamole on our tits after 5 p.m., I’m here to encourage some situational awareness.
The five-year-olds trying to get some protein after soccer practice are not ready to see bare ass just yet, give them a few years until they at least know what the SAT is. I want to raise you up just as high as the elevated surfaces raise your halfnaked bodies dancing to Doses and Mimosas, but I’m also looking out for those snobby, retired investment bankers who are taking their grandkids for a treat. You probably just ran away from a cop car busting a house darty, so I doubt you want the sirens to keep chasing you to Lakeside after you just gave that poor grandpa a heart attack. Now where is it acceptable to get some fast food naked? Where can you shake some ass while chowing down? The dining hall. Plus, there’s a whole new batch of fresh meat that wasn’t at the pool party for you to scout out. Since this is strictly a UM tradition, let’s try and keep it on campus. After all, we are a college in a suburban town. Also, Doordash was invented in 2013. If you need some help learning how to use the app, definitely send me a text. This is not a hot take, and I’m not trying to be a hater, but next time you get the munchies, be sure to put some pants on first.
ADVERTISMENT
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February 21, 2024 THE MIAMI HURRICANE
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