The Miami Hurricane: Nov. 5, 2019 by The Miami Hurricane

Vol. 97, Issue 10 | November 5, 2019 - November 11, 2019

Homelessness crisis persists in California OPINION // Page 8

Owner of ‘Rez Drums’ shares his shop’s story EDGE // Page 10

Miami defeats FSU for third straight year SPORTS // Page 12

“MARCHA POR JUSTICIA” ABM employees protest working conditions

NEWS // Page 2 STANDING STRONG: ABM employee of nine years, Olga Martinez lines up along U.S. 1 with fellow workers, demanding better treatment and holding a sign that translates to “ABM stop pushing us to the limits.”

Rohama Bruk // Staff Photographer

NEWS

THEMIAMIHURRICANE

November 5, 2019 - November 11, 2019

COMMUNITY

‘Overworked’ janitorial staff protests employer ABM By Natalia Rovira & Noor Khaled News Editor & Staff News Writer

For the past 15 years, Blanca Quebredo has worked at the University of Miami sweeping floors, taking out trash bags and scrubbing showers. Wednesday through Sunday, she clocks into work for a full shift of hard manual labor, knowing that the responsibilities of her job cannot be entirely fulfilled. Her current employer, ABM, is contracted by the university to maintain all of the facilities across campus. Recently, Quebredo and her coworkers reported feeling that ABM, whose motto is “Building Value,” does not respect their fundamental rights as employees. Quebredo explained that over time, many employees left ABM, causing the workload for janitorial staff to increase drastically. Workers feeling abused by the company decided to form a union against the facility management provider, believing that the operations are inefficient and unfair. “They overload us,” she said. “And we don’t agree with it.” Quebredo herself has felt the burden of her job grow after taking on the duties of a colleague, Maria Elena, that left her position six months ago. Quebredo is only one of many employees taking on the responsibilities of others. According to her, there is an imbalance between the amount of facility work that must be completed and the current number of ABM workers. On Wednesday, Oct.16, a meeting was conducted between the ABM staff and their management. The company asked for a one-week extension to decide whether or not to comply with the workers’ demands to hire more employees. Then Wednesday, Oct. 23, ABM released its decision to only partially assent to their request for a greater labor force at the university. According to the union, they decided to hire only two additional full-time workers––a number significantly less than what

the union was expecting. As a result, the workers decided to conduct a protest. Janitorial workers took to the streets Friday, Nov.1, beginning their protest on campus at the Chapel of the Venerable Bade at noon and ending it an hour later along the side of U.S. 1. The protest, sponsored by the Service Employees International Union, was called “MARCHA POR JUSTICIA Y DIGNIDAD,” or “March for Justice and Dignity.” Employees marched down Stanford Drive chanting, “Si se puede,” or in English, “Yes we can,” motivating their co-workers to take action. Many protesters held up homemade posters and signs reading “ABM stop pushing us to the limit,” “Justice and dignity” and “ABM, respect our leaders and work.” “ABM! Listen! We are in the fight!” was shouted by the group in Spanish throughout different points of the protest. “We are peacefully protesting in the name of justice for workers, so they don’t mistreat us by making us do the work we didn’t sign up for,” Quebredo said. Task delegation is the primary concern for workers. They believe that there is too much work that is inefficiently allocated among the staff. One worker, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “we do not have enough time to finish our work,” and “one person cannot do three, four, five things at the same time.” Additionally, Quebredo explained that “ABM wants to take away the union, take away the salary we have, take away all the benefits we have and hire part-time workers.” She went on to say, “If they take away the benefits we have now, the company will get even more money. I don’t know how the university can agree with that.” Quebredo said she believes that this is a multifaceted problem that not only affects the well-being of workers but students as well. “We want the students to know that if a good job is not being done with keeping the university clean, it is not the fault of the workers

Rohama Bruk // Staff Photographer DEMONSTRATING DEMANDS: ABM employees call for respect and fairness at their March for Justice and Dignity on Friday, Nov.1

because the workers want the best for the students, they deserve the best,” she said. Another anonymous janitorial worker operating in the residential colleges said, “It’s been two weeks since the Stanford showers have been clean.” ABM employees were not alone in their demonstration on Friday. Several students and UM faculty members were there to support the ABM staff. The protest was also staged in the hopes of sending a message to the university, which has yet to intervene. “The university has such little respect for the fact that we are also human beings and that we also have rights and deserve a normal life,” said Quebredo. “The university is not giving any solutions. The company does what it wants, and UM doesn’t say a thing.” Several workers expressed their desire for UM administration to

pressure ABM to meet the workers’ demands. UM administrators have not yet responded to comment on the protest and the employees’ grievances. Before turning to ABM, UM contracted its janitorial services from a Boston-based company, previously known as UNICCO, now called United Group Limited. Janitors at the time went on strike between Feb. 28 and May 3 of 2006, demanding that their employer pay them a better wage, grant a better insurance plan and facilitate better working conditions at the university. In partnership with the SEIU, the workers and UM students protested until they received a positive response from the university. Former president Donna Shalala released a statement that March urging companies to set higher pay standards, which

resulted in a raise for employees. The salary ABM workers currently make essentially covers being able to eat and live, according to Quebredo. Despite expressing dissent for their working conditions in 2006, Quebredo said, “We’ve never been through a situation like the one we’re going through right now.” She wants to emphasize the importance of having support from the students and professors that have been so helpful in giving the workers the voice they need. She said the union hopes that even if the university will not listen to the employees themselves, maybe they will listen to the complaints of others who can see what is wrong and how it can be made right. Alicia Novoa and Naomi Feinstein contributed to the reporting of this story.

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NEWS

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CAMPUS LIFE

Distraction, Ibis recognized by College Media Association By Natalia Rovira News Editor

Ever y year, college media g roups from across the countr y come together for the College Media Association conference. Hundreds of students gather for four days of mediarelated activities–– listening to famous speakers, attending workshops, having their work professionally critiqued–– and spend their free time enjoying the sur rounding area. This past weekend, several University of Miami student publications took par t in the conference, held this year in the nation’s capital. In addition to gaining insight for future productions, the CMA recognized the dedication UM students have for their work in the highly anticipated Associated Collegiate Press Awards ceremony. Distraction and Ibis stood out among the university’s media outlets, coming home with a total of ten awards: eight individual ACP Awards and two ACP Pacemakers––a prestigious accomplishment only g ranted to the most preeminent in college media. The ar t magazine was awarded for various achievements, winning four individual ACPs, one honorable mention and taking home the highly competitive 2019 Magazine Pacemaker Finalist award. For junior Isabella Vaccaro, the magazine’s cur rent editor-in-chief, these awards validate the hours of hard, creative work she puts into Distraction. “We’re able to come back to campus and show that Distraction is more than a publication for UM,” said the jour nalism student. “We’re a publication that holds its own among other publications across the countr y.” “It’s always really amazing

that we are able to be recognized at a national platfor m,” said Distraction co-ar t director Marissa Vonesh, a senior in the university’s Plus One Scholars prog ram. Vonesh, a histor y and jour nalism double major, has been involved with Distraction since her freshman year and previously ser ved as the editor-in-chief. Ibis, notorious for being an award-winning publication, lived up to its re putation once again. Placing in four different individual ACP Award categories, it stood out most to judges in the Design of the Year bracket, winning first place for the Yearbook Page/Spread award. Ibis also placed as the finalist for the 2019 Yearbook Pacemaker award. “It just sheds light on how hard ever yone works in Ibis,” said editor Karina Sloan, a senior majoring in communication studies. “We win awards ever y year.” Sloan has been involved with the yearbook since last year and will take on the role of editor-in-chief for the fall 2020 issue. Graduate accounting student Jorge Chavo has worked with both Distraction and Ibis for the past four years. As a member of the business school, he enjoys dedicating himself to work so different from what he studies. “Ever y year they win awards, and ever y year I want to come back to work for them because I know it’s so well done,” he said. Being sur rounded by an ar ray of talented media g roups at the conference motivated and inspired several of the students. “On campus, we like to think that Distraction is the best magazine, but when you come to these conferences, it’s humbling to see how amazing other colleges’ magazines are,” said Vaccaro.

Photo courtesy Randy Stano WINNING WORK: 2019 editor-in-chief Morgan Thomson takes a picture with Ibis advisor Randy Stano and the yearbook’s publisher, Stephanie Palmer.

Vonesh similarly enjoyed being around other student media organizations and was also inspired by the various keynote speakers. “It really affir ms what I do as both a writer and a designer,” she said. For Ibis, the dynamic of both ser ving as an example to other yearbooks and lear ning from the productions at the conference was unique, according to Sloan. “To see the energ y of so many different publications that work so hard and being a publication that people look up to, it just inspires me to work harder,” she said. The Miami Hur ricane was also nominated as a finalist for the 2019 Newspaper Photo courtesy Randy Stano Pacemaker award. It received PLENTIFUL PLAQUES: The Ibis Yearbook took home several ACP individual and ACP Pacemaker Awards. an honorable mention for the prize.

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November 5, 2019 - November 11, 2019

Celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the Signing of the MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING between

THE MICCOSUKEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF FLORIDA IRON ARROW HONOR SOCIETY and THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

Comes now, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida (the "Miccosukee"), the Iron Arrow Honor Society, and the University of Miami to present this Memorandum of Understanding, Having discussed the existing climate of paternalism and cultural appropriation, the Miccosukee—under their sovereign authority—and Iron Arrow Honor Society—under its status as the highest honor attainable at the University of Miami-jointly: Recall and reaffirm the inherent sovereignty of the Miccosukee, having survived the onslaught of colonialism, military incursion, disease, cultural assimilation, and termination efforts of the United States and others; Recognize the Miccosukee's unique status as a sovereign nation and Iron Arrow Honor Society's unwavering support of the Miccosukee Tribe since 1926; Proclaim that the Miccosukee have the sovereign authority for self-determination and may recognize whatever group it decides—consistent with Miccosukee practices and culture since time immemorial; Declare that the Miccosukee fully endorse and support the Iron Arrow Honor Society of the University of Miami and their continued existence as an honor society that acknowledges, praises, and practices the traditions and culture of the Miccosukee; Announce that the Iron Arrow Honor Society commits its inductees-past, current, and future—and their resources to the advancement of the Miccosukee to ensure the growth, education, and prosperity of the Miccosukee people; and Decide that this joint declaration shall remain valid, in perpetuity, until otherwise decided by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida or the Iron Arrow Honor Society, severally. Signed the 2nd of November, 2018

Honorable Talbert Cypress Secretary Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida

@IronArrow

Adrian Nuñez, B.B.A. Chief Iron Arrow Honor Society

@IronArrowUM

IronArrow@Miami.edu

Julio Frenk, M.D., M.P.H., PH.D President University of Miami

IronArrow.Miami.edu

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OPINION

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

Opinion

The Miami

HURRICANE Founded 1929

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November 5, 2019 - November 11, 2019

NATIONAL POLITICS

The homelessness crisis in California Would it surprise you to know that the state with the fifth largest economy in the world also has the highest homelessness population in By Shruti Mishra the country? Contributing California, Columnist one of the most liberal and progressive places in the United States, has proven with its weak and inhumane attempts to combat homelessness that their left-leaning tolerance has a threshold. Homelessness has skyrocketed alongside the rise of housing prices. According to the New York Times, San Jose counted a 42 percent increase in homelessness in the last two years, while Oakland reported a 47 percent uprise, and San Francisco and Los Angeles trailed behind with 17 percent and 12 percent respectively. Josh Rubenstein, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department considers homelessness “the crisis of our generation,” and some people are pushing for the state to declare a state of emergency. In addition to the rise in homelessness, there have been reports of increased drug use, open-air drug transactions and

crime. Streets are contaminated is already compromised does not with bodily waste, needles and address fundamental drivers that syringes, resulting in concerns push people to the streets. Addressing the underlying about environmental and public health. Frustrations with the problems of homelessness must unsafe conditions of public spaces be tackled first. Many residents have resulted in San Francisco’s attribute homelessness to the residents installing boulders housing shortage, but addressing on sidewalks and homeowners the housing shortage is much in LA planting prickly plants. easier said than done. Proposed In an effort to deter homeless policies to address gentrification, individuals from occupying the impose price controls and streets, Californians are doing develop more affordable housing away with their humanity in solutions are extremely divisive. In San Francisco, the “Yes in exchange for a superficial fix for a My Backyard” crisis that will m o v e m e n t only continue is calling for to worsen. more affordable The LA “The general public h o u s i n g Times reported development, over the last five should be reminded and earlier this years that deaths year, the group on the streets that castigating sponsored State have risen 76 Scott percent in homeless individuals is Senator Wiener’s Senate LA and 75 a human rights issue.” Bill 50, a zoning percent in bill that would S a c r a m e n t o. up zone singleViolence by family housing h o m e l e s s individuals is on the rise, as well lots for developers to build as violence against them. In LA duplexes, triplexes or fourplexes, in August of this year, three men especially targeting areas along used a pipe to beat a 59-year- transit routes. The bill was opposed by the old man to death. Homeless encampments throughout the NIMBY group, as well as the state are routinely subject to LA City Council. It seems like violence and anger. While the general public, social-activist the question of public safety groups and the government itself is one of utmost importance, is divided amongst themselves, the public’s current method of contributing to the lack of vilifying those whose livelihood substantial efforts to undertake

For more opinion columns, visit themiamihurricane.com

the housing issue. “Cleaning up” the streets is a short-term approach that does not prevent individuals from turning to the streets in the first place. Dumping buckets of water on homeless people, installing bench dividers to prevent people from sleeping outside and boycotting homeless shelters are inhumane and cruel methods of deterring people from residing on the streets. Criminalizing poverty will not stop people from being poor. As the state searches for a solution, the general public should be reminded that castigating homeless individuals is a human rights issue. The people who eat, sleep and live on the streets are not happily choosing to do so. The fundamental drivers that push people to the streets are more controversial and laborious to solve, but passing policies to create more affordable housing is crucial. Rev. Andy Bales of the Union Rescue Mission shared with Forbes, “The longer we leave people on the streets the more danger all of us are in.” If California wants to live up to the diverse, accepting utopia that it presents itself to be, it’s time it starts taking the actions to do so. Shruti Mishra is a senior majoring in political science and Spanish.

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

OPINION

November 5, 2019 - November 11, 2019

You should care about Canadian politics You should know if your neighbor’s house is on fire, and my neighbor’s house has been burning for three years straight. Thankfully, this isn’t literally the case, but it is the prototypical reason I give when people ask me— a red-blooded Canadian— why I care so much about American politics. Being from the great white north, I get a lot of questions about what it’s like being Canadian: Are Canadians really that nice? Is Tim Horton’s By Daniel Shwartz better than Dunkin? While entertaining, Contributing and while I enjoy the mostly positive light in Columnist which my home country is displayed around Americans, there is a bit of a less amusing and sometimes more heated discussion which occasionally arises when talking about my life as a Canadian: politics. While I am well aware of the eye-catching, charismatic popularity of newly re-elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, things aren’t all rosy-red in Canada. I understand that yes, Trudeau is unusually good-looking for a world leader and that does indeed give him appeal both at home and abroad, youthful looks don’t solve political issues. Frankly, I think Trudeau leaves a lot to be desired. Does this mean I’d trade Trudeau for his American counterpart Donald Trump? Not a chance. The point I want to make here is we have a duty to be aware of the issues affecting our neighbors. If you’re reading this, and you’re American, compose a little thought experiment to prove the point: Try to suggest a single political issue Canada faces right now. Understandably, this may prove to be difficult, as Americans are

indeed painfully unaware of the issues outside their own country. Further, I want to once again touch on the popularity of Justin Trudeau. He has redeeming qualities: He is a breath of fresh air, progressive, sensitive to social issues. But he too has his pitfalls. Perhaps above all else, he embodies some of the less flattering stereotypes of being Canadian: He gets pushed around, and most recently, he disavowed his commitment to racial issues after photos emerged of Trudeau dressing up in blackface on more than one occasion. I understand the United States is bound by the shackles of divisive politics, but Americans must not allow their own contentions to blind them from the world beyond. Sadly, there is a disproportionate ratio of Canadians who are invested in American politics as opposed to the opposite. On the note of bilateral participation in politics, I want to make note of the somewhat testy relationship between Trump and Trudeau. While it seems like Americans are far more interested in relations with countries such as Turkey, Russia and China, the relationship with their largest trading partner is often left in the dark. While I watch from the foreground the smoldering of my neighbor’s house, I remember that this is but an era that which we will one day read about. While obscure and uneasy for many, I can rest assured knowing that I’ve done my duty in observing, participating in and learning from the American political landscape. The takehome lesson here is that not being able to vote in a neighboring country’s election does not preclude one from the shared political responsibility indelibly linked by a shared border.

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Daniel Schwartz is a master’s student studying philosophy.

POPULAR CULTURE

Why hate on Kanye West’s ‘Sunday Services’? Kanye West, a 42-year-old rapper from Atlanta, has been facing mixed reviews and opinions concerning his new series “Sunday Services.” At many of his recent services, he has been scrutinized for using the religious setting to advocate for support of Donald Trump and other political views. Members of the administration at Howard University, a historically black university where West recently held a service, spoke out against By Jarrod having a performer they claim is “anti-black” Houseknecht Contributing at their university. Columnist These services are being held across the nation, and West said he hopes to provide a spiritual journey through music. I grew up with West’s music around me. I remember hit songs “Monster,” “Stronger” and “Gold Digger” blaring out of the stereo. I see no doubt that West, winner of 21 Grammys, has the talent to release an album based off of his Sunday Services. As a white man, I don’t feel qualified to give an opinion on the racial aspect of his actions. Having been raised in a heavily religious area, there are a few things that I can say. We live in a time when many people, including myself, feel as if they do not belong in certain Christian denominations. If West wants to unite people of various races, sexual orientations and genders through his Sunday Services, I see no problem. The new “era” of Kanye West goes against a lot of his previous albums. Those albums focused on the usual themes of sex, drugs and

money. Combining gospel and religion for mainstream audiences could be a positive change. This wouldn’t be the first time that West has gotten religious in his music. One of his famous tracks on his breakout album “The College Dropout” is titled “Jesus Walks” and contains many religious themes. After watching videos of West’s services and seeing how beautifully he combines inspirational music from black church choirs and ignites happiness inside the attendees of his services, I see no harm in this. Artists as popular as West infrequently give smaller churches and choirs a platform like Kanye does. Celebrities of all races, genders and sexual orientations have attended his services with praise, and he has caught the attention of many preachers across the nation. Perhaps these services are West’s way of working on something personal and spiritual within himself. His behavior at his Sunday Services is that of someone who seems to be revived with faith. I’ll admit that I gave into labeling him as the “bad guy” that social media has painted him as lately. He’s a celebrity who has messed up with his fair share of controversies. Hasn’t every celebrity of his size, though? Kanye is going to do Kanye, so why not let him find personal happiness in gospel if that’s his reason in putting on the services? West has even been seen smiling lately. And if this new Kanye isn’t for you or is too religious for your liking, don’t pay him attention. No one is making you listen. Jarrod Houseknecht is a sophomore majoring in communication studies and public advocacy.

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Resurrection Drums: MUSIC By Luke Franc Contributing Writer

Resurrection Drums is a percussionist’s dream. Located in Hollywood, Florida, the business has become “the largest drums-only store in the United States,” even forging an informal partnership with the Frost School of Music that has lasted 25 years. In the words of Steve Rucker, head of jazz drums at the Frost School of Music and former drummer for the Bee Gees: “In order to really experience the place, you have to set aside the day. You know, hang out with the dog, check out some gear, talk to Jeff.” Rez Drums, as many call it,

Independent store, personalized experience is the product of three decades of craftsmanship and perseverance. “Rez Drums started at a warehouse in 1983. It was a drummer and his carpenter brother-in-law resurrecting drums,” said owner Jeff Lee. “Incidentally, the first owner was a born again Christian,” general manager Evan Kline said of the store’s name. Now very successful, the business undeniably came from humble beginnings. The original owners were evicted from their warehouse by the state of Florida and later opened up locations across South Florida before finally settling in Hollywood. At the time, Lee was not yet involved. But over 10 years before he took over Rez Drums, his zeal for all things drum related led him

to Steve Rucker. “I knew about the U, so I just went down there and knocked down doors until I met Steve and said, ‘Dude, let me just pay you to study privately because I wanna get better.’” Lee said. Lee also recalled how he originally got started working in the store, saying, “I started teaching here in 1989. I started working the floor after a while because I knew everybody that came in the door.” “Jeff and I obviously go way back, because he’s this enormous Canes fan,” Rucker added. He recalled Lee saying something like, “Anybody who comes into town and wants drums or equipment, come on in, and I’ll give them the big discount.” He even remembered his

Luke Franc // Contributing Writer PERCUSSION PASSION: Jeff Lee started working at Resurrection Drums roughly 30 years ago. Now the owner, he strives to create a personalized customer experience.

disbelief when Lee once turned away a Gator Cases sales representative because of UM’s rivalry with the Florida Gators. As the store develops, Lee said he believes that there is a fundamental difference between Rez Drums and the Guitar Centers of the world: the employees. “The kids there don’t have the knowledge we have,” he said. “I’ve been playing since I was six, and I just turned 60.” Lee added that while many of his employees have been working with drums for years, chain stores have a high turnover rate and employees who are less committed and experienced. One of Rez Drum’s biggest distinctions is “the shop” they have on site, where Lee and the crew regularly hand make drums available for purchase. Now, after owning the store for more than 20 years, the level of craftsmanship is higher than ever. Rez Drums is authorized by multiple international manufacturers to hand-build drum sets for them, including one kit which Shannon Leto took on tour with rock group Thirty Seconds to Mars. “They know their reputation is at stake and that we do exceptional work,” Lee said of Sonor, the company that asked Rez Drums to build the kit. “That kit was gonna be heard by a million people, so Sonor wants that drum set to sound amazing.” Unfortunately, though Rez Drums has serviced many high profile clients– as is the case with many small businesses– the store has not always prospered. “This is not a wealth making job,” Kline said. Together, he and Lee have observed drastic shifts in the industry, many of which have been a result of technology.

“It’s destroyed the business model,” Kline said. “Instead of encouraging and motivating and exciting people to go out to music stores and check stuff, it’s like, ‘Oh, I’ll just sit on my iPad and check it out online.’” But in the face of that adversity, the tight-knit drumming community has allowed Rez Drums to survive for so long. “There’s a culture here,” Kline said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, what you love, what you look like, everyone can be themselves here.” In that way, the store continues to offer each and every drummer who comes through Frost a sense of purpose and community. “We give you the right tools, so your art can get across the way you want it to get across,” Lee said, adding that those tools are often what separates the elite drummers from the average ones. He explained how this dynamic plays out in real world auditions: “Two drummers, we can come in, we can both play just as good. You can have a drum set that’s dialed in that has just the sounds you want, and mine, I could not really know what I’m doing, and you’re gonna get hired.” At the end of the day, their business model remains dependent on individual relationships. “It’s so important to create a community and make people aware,” Lee said. That personal connection is exactly what’s kept Kline coming back to the store for 25 years. “Jeff is like my older brother, and he’s a beast of a player,” he said. “I’ve got mad respect for him, working with him for 25 years.”

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8 . v o N d n e s t i portra

12 SPORTS

THEMIAMIHURRICANE

November 5, 2019 - November 11, 2019

FOOTBALL COMMENTARY

Miami plays to potential, defeats Florida State By Austin Pert Staff Writer

In a season full of defensive inconsistencies, offensive struggles and field goal mishaps, Miami put the first eight games of the season behind them and won the biggest matchup to date. In their third straight win in the rivalry series, the Miami Hurricanes never trailed in a 27-10 win at Florida State’s Doak Campbell Stadium. “We’re becoming what we thought we could become as a team,” head coach Manny Diaz said after the win. “And to do it at Doak Campbell Stadium, like I said, I couldn’t be more proud.” While fans may wish that the team turned in a performance like the one seen Saturday a few weeks earlier, Miami is now 5-4 and are now on the bubble of the race in the ACC Coastal Division.

Williams Boasts Arm Strength UM fired on all cylinders when it mattered most. Quarterback Jarren Williams proved he can sling the ball deep downfield, hitting receiver Jeff Thomas in the end zone for 39-yards in the first quarter for the game’s opening score. Williams followed with a 56-yard connection to Dee Wiggins in the final quarter to effectively put the game out of reach. The redshirt freshman finished 21-37 with 313 yards and two touchdowns. The long, downfield throws were something that Williams has taken some heat for not being able to consistently hit, but Saturday brought some of the quarterback’s best plays this year. “It’s just something we worked on in practice,” Williams said on the deep balls. “We got the look that we worked on in scout team, [so] it just

correlated.” The Lawrenceville, Georgia native also applauded the improvement of the offensive line protection, which gave him more time to stay in the pocket and throw the ball. “Up front we’re young, but you know it’s week nine, they got a lot of games under their belt,” Williams said. “They got a great feeling for the game and kind of understand different situations and different things the defense does to try to throw us off. I feel like each game they are getting better and better and better.”

Defense Suffocates Fans have been wondering why aspects of last year’s Hurricane defense had disappeared for most of 2019. After finishing first in the country in tackles for loss a season ago with 10.5 per game, that number has slipped to a modest 7.5 per game this year, tied for 17th best in the country. But Miami’s defense came out of the gates with an attitude on Saturday and didn’t slow down until the fourth quarter clock hit zero. The defense allowed just 203 yards while forcing two turnovers and recording nine sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Defensive end Gregory Rousseau had a historic outing, with eight tackles, including four of the team’s sacks and five tackles for loss. The redshirt freshman from Hialeah is now tied for the most sacks in the country at 12 and was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week. “You can see he has some really God-given talents that he does a great job utilizing,” defensive coordinator Blake Baker said. “There’s not a lot of guys in college football that can do the things that he can do.”

Photo source: Hurricane Athletics SACK CITY: Defensive lineman Greg Rousseau throws up his hand in celebration of a successful play against the Florida State Seminoles. Rousseau had four sacks and five tackles for loss.

Taggart Fired Growing increasingly irritable with the lack of apparent progress that the Seminole program had been making, Saturday’s game was the final straw for the Florida State, as they officially fired head coach Willie Taggart on Sunday. Taggart is now owed an $18 million buyout, which FSU officials say has been raised by boosters. Defensive line coach Odell Haggins Jr. will serve as the interim coach. The next Florida State head coach will be the third in

four years. “It’s unfortunate,” Diaz said on the Joe Rose Show on 560-AM Monday morning.

Bottom Line Winning on the road is one thing, but to defeat a rival in their house is simply everything that Canes fans could’ve asked for going into the weekend. Miami’s program took a big step forward. With three games left in the season, Miami will most likely have to win at least one of

them to be guaranteed a bowl game. This week, the Hurricanes face Louisville at Hard Rock Stadium, then FIU at Marlins Park and finally Duke in Durham, NC. Louisville and Duke present a tough test, but after this weekend’s performance, its safe to say that all three games are winnable. Ending the season on a five game winning streak would give Miami a chance to play in a better bowl than many would have expected a few weeks ago.

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SPORTS 13

November 5, 2019 - November 11, 2019

BASKETBALL

Hurricanes’ basketball anticipates upcoming season Women’s team to capitalize on experience, depth this season By Isabella Didio & Austin Pert Sports Editor & Staff Writer

If last year’s season proved anything, it’s that the Hurricanes have the ability to play with the best teams in the country. Ranked No. 18 in the AP Preseason Top 25, Miami is looking to rebound from last year’s season ending heartbreak and play the way head coach Katie Meier knows they are capable of playing. Led by Beatrice Mompremier and surrounded by a mixture of youth and experience, Meier and her team look to take the next step this season. Mompremier, a redshirt senior, has been showered with accolades all offseason and into the fall, most recently being named the Atlantic Coast Conference Preseason Player of the Year. Last year, she was an Associated Press AllAmerican Honorable Mention and First-Team All-ACC and Meier is excited about what Mompremier will do this year. “I do believe she’s the best post player in the country and she’s one of the best, if not the best player in the country” Meier said. “We’re fortunate to have her.”

Meier and Mompremier both emphasized that the she is focused not only on expanding her game, but taking on a leadership role to ensure the success of the team. “Last year we had Laura and Emese, who were great leaders, but me being a senior and my last year, I’m more focused on finding way to improve our team and teaching the younger players,” Mompremier said. The Canes are bringing in a large freshman class that will make both an immediate and long-term impact on the program. “The freshmen are going to be very special,” Meier said. “Even though we return a lot, there is room for them. There are a couple of really special players in that class that are ready right away, and all five of them are going to be very impactful throughout their careers here.” Guard Kenza Salgues and combo player Moulayna Johnson Sidi Baba join Meier’s team from Europe and are set to be immediate factors. “I think [Kenza Salgues] is going to be very special, very high IQ. [Moulayna Johnson Sidi

File Photo ALL SMILES: Sarah Mortenson, center, celebrates with her teammates Feb. 7 at the Watsco Center during the Canes’ upset victory against Notre Dame.

Baba] is that that swing player, that utility player that has been very successful in our program as well,” Meier said. Guard Yasmeen Chang, forward Brianna Jackson and center Sydnee Roby round out the first-year players for the Canes.

Meier assured that she will never have an issue with depth, but will instead look to make sure she is playing the right combination of players. “There’s at least 10 to 12 players that you could say should start on my team, and they’re not

all going to,” Meier said. “So that’s going to be my job as well to make sure that I get the lineups right.” The Hurricanes open their season against Jackson State at 3 p.m. on Nov. 10 at the Watsco Center.

Men’s team looks to rebound from losing season By Isabella Didio Sports Editor

Coming off their first losing season since 2011, the men’s basketball team will face a steep challenge this season with one of the toughest schedules in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Miami plays 20 ACC games, with 11 against teams that qualified for the NCAA tournament last year, including their season opener against No. 5 Louisville. “We also have one of the most challenging schedule, not

only in Miami basketball history, but in the history of the ACC,” head coach Jim Larrañaga said. “The schedule is ridiculous. We certainly have our challenges, but as any competitor would tell you, they love the challenge of competing against the best, and that’s what we do every night in the ACC.” Junior Chris Lykes and senior DJ Vasiljevic are Miami’s two best returning players. Both averaged double digit scoring last season. Lykes, who averaged 16.2 points per game last season, was named to the pre-season allACC second team.

Miami is also expecting junior guard Kam KcGusty, who sat out last year after transferring from the University of Oklahoma, and Rodney Miller, a redshirt junior center, to play a big role this season. Miller redshirted last year and lost 45 pounds in the offseason. “If Rodney can stay healthy and play at the level he is capable of getting to on a regular basis, he may be the most improved player in the ACC,” Larrañaga said. Rounding out the returners are junior forward Sam Waardenburg and redshirt

sophomore forward Deng Gak. The 6’10 Waardenburg started 11 games last season and averaged 25 minutes per game, while Gak will be back in the rotation after his season ending injury last year. There are three freshmen joining the team: guard Isaiah Wong, forward Anthony Walker and guard Harlond Beverly. “We’ve got a good blend of youthful enthusiasm and veteran experience,” Larrañaga said. Predicted to finish ninth in the ACC, the combination of experienced players and newcomers should give Miami

enough talent to compete in the ACC but may not be enough to make the tournament in March. Larrañaga says his team is very self-motivated but still has a lot of improvements to make to play at the level he wants. “I think what motivates players is winning. We want to win. We want to compete with the best players and the best teams, but we want to beat them. These guys are working hard, but we have a lot of work to do.” Miami opens their season on Nov. 5 against Louisville at 6:30 p.m. at the Watsco Center.

14 SPORTS

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November 5, 2019 - November 11, 2019

ATHLETICS

University of Miami athletes surpass national average graduation rates By Amanda Gonzalez Contributing Sports Writer

For many students at the University of Miami, a typical week consists of five days of classes and cheering on their favorite team from the stands on the weekend. For some, however, the distinction between the two isn’t so clear. Student-athletes make up a fair portion of the student body at UM, yet their daily lives differ greatly from that of the typical student. Nonetheless, they seem to be achieving success not only on the field but in the classroom as well. In October, the National Collegiate Athletic Association posted the Graduation Success Rate, which analyzed the percentage of student-athletes graduating in Division I institutions across the country. UM scored a 92 percent GSR, four points above the national average of 88 percent, and tied for second-best in the school’s history. The survey also ranked UM as having the best overall 2019 GSR among Division I institutions

in Florida and tied for 20th nationally among Football Bowl Subdivision schools. UM’s above-average GSR rate is a result of studentathletes dedicated to their academic success. “During the season, I find it pretty hard [to manage academics and athletics]. We practice five days a week plus a game on Saturdays,” explains Miami football punter Louis Hedley. “And every away game we miss class on Fridays, which puts us behind,” he said. Several student-athletes have found ways to manage their schedules throughout the years, striking a balance between how to achieve both athletic and academic success. “My first year was harder than it is now. It takes a lot of maturity not to procrastinate,” said volleyball player Priscilla Hernandez. She also emphasized how one of the most difficult tasks for a student-athlete is neither in the classroom nor the court, but in the social setting. “In reality, our lives are pretty much volleyball and school, so it’s difficult trying to find

File photo ACADEMIC ATHLETES: The women’s basketball team is one of eight sports teams at UM with perfect graduation rates, according to the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate.

time for a social life,” says Hernandez. Acknowledging the struggles student-athletes face, UM

provides resources to make sure they stay on track to graduate on time. “The school provides a lot of help for the student-athletes, which gives us more than enough opportunity to do great things with the academic side of being a student-athlete,” explains Hedley. This help consists of things such as scheduling tutoring appointments, enforcing study hall hours every week, and checking grades every few weeks. Despite the busy schedules and the struggles they face, student-athletes are proud to

represent the U on and off the field. “It truly is a privilege to be able to play for the University of Miami,” Hernandez states. The combined effort of student-athletes and the university’s athletic department significantly contributed to UM’s GSR rating, with several athletic programs earning 100 percent graduation success rates. These sports with perfect graduation are the men and women’s basketball teams, men’s cross country and track and field, golf, men’s diving, soccer and volleyball.

For more sports coverage, visit themiamihurricane.com File photo SCHOLASTIC STAR: UM’s soccer team also has a perfect graduation rate. This contributes to the university’s overall rate of 92 percent, 4 points above the national average.

THEMIAMIHURRICANE

V’S TAKE

November 5, 2019 - November 11, 2019

Experimenting outside of the lab Dear V, For the first time in my life, I am confused about my sexuality. Having always identified as straight, I unexpectedly started to notice girls a lot more. I am curious what it would be like to be with a woman not only sexually, but also romantically. How would I explore this?

Have a question for V? Email

dearv@themiamihurricane.com.

Love, Not So Straight Dear Not So Straight, With the annual Monster Mash officially over, there will be no more late nights working in the lab for me. So many straight women have tested the waters with me that I’m beginning to think I’m a prerequisite for STEM majors. Each time I get put under the heterosexual

microscope, it counts for a lab credit. Honestly, I understand why straight women are so easily impressed by me; it’s not their fault they have to date men. Earlier this fall, a friendship with the strictly dickly girl across the hall morphed into an unexpected sexual tension. Our platonic snuggling evolved into giving each other hickies which progressively got hotter and heavier. Feelings naturally developed between late night visits to the Botanical Gardens and our first romantic kiss in the Frost practice rooms. However, I found myself emotionally exhausted and caught up in a relationship which she could not sort for herself. After an open conversation, we agreed that it would be better for the both of us to be friends. This is real life where you affect real people. No one wants to be the guinea pig

in your sexuality quest, even though our college years make it seem acceptable. Before exploring with a partner, I recommend jumping down the sapphic online rabbit hole whether it’s PG-13 or XXX movies. If you’re experimenting with someone, my advice is to be honest with your expectations and make sure your partner is not only comfortable with the situation but also their own sexuality. Rather than trying to mold yourself to a specific sexual identity, allow yourself to experience freely. Even if you don’t find your curiosity matching reality, you are going to wish you could. Women are that amazing. Best, V

THEMIAMIHURRICANE

November 5, 2019 - November 11, 2019