Feb. 16, 2017 The Minaret

THE VOLUME

83

ISSUE

16

FEBRUARY

16, 2017

THE

UNIVERSITY

OF

TAMPA

FAIR FOOD FRENZY p. 11

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MINARET

M EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tess Sheets MANAGING EDITOR Bianca Lopez

NEWS AND FEATURES Arden Igleheart

Liz MacLean ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Regina Gonzalez Ivy Velazquez OPINION Carissa Economos Andrew Foerch SPORTS John Feltman

HEAD COPY PHOTOGRAPHY GRAPHIC DESIGN MULTIMEDIA

Katelyn Massarelli Julia Albini Christian Maldonado Regina Gonzalez

FACULTY ADVISER David Wheeler

VOL. 83

NO. 16

NEWS

FEBRUARY 16, 2017

OPINION

Freshman wins entrepreneurship award with unique shoe pitch

Kellyanne Conway spins lies for Trump

BY BILL DELEHUNT PAGE 17

BY MICHAEL YU PAGE 3

Behind the silver screen: Getting to know Greg LeSar

BY JENNA MANTO PAGE 4-5

Don’t shame Lady Gaga, dance in her footsteps

BY FAITH PONTI PAGE 18-19

The breakdown: Trump’s troubling speech at MacDill Airforce Base

Zamparas has the key to success

BY VERONICA SANSUR PAGE 6

BY INDIRA MOOSAI PAGE 20

A+E

SPORTS

BY KATELYN MASSARELLI PAGE 8

BY SIMON BRADY PAGE 22

Volcano Bay and Pandora: 2017 brings new attractions to Orlando

Dooley dazzles, earns SSC Pitcher of the Week

BY LAUREN WONG PAGE 9

BY DEVON CONWAY PAGE 23

Knights of Sant’ Yago sail through Ybor

An in-depth guide to the All-Star Game

Cast lists announced for spring productions

BY CASSI MANNER PAGE 10

Baseball wins second straight home series

BY ELENA DE ALFREDO PAGE 24-25

Watts earns first SSC honor

COVER Fair food frenzy

WRITERS

Simon Brady Kimberly Conroy Devon Conway Elena De Alfredo Bill Delehunt Cassi Manner Jenna Manto Indira Moosai Faith Ponti Veronica Sansur Neva Warren Lauren Wong Michael Yu

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BY KATELYN MASSARELLI PAGE 26

Golf team tees off season at tourney

BY KIMBERLY CONROY PAGE 27

BY NEVA WARREN PAGE 11-14

COPY EDITING Hannah Farrow Kayla Jacobus

PHOTOGRAPHERS Allie Crump Hannah Hughes Amanda Martino

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COVER

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NEWS

Freshman wins entrepreneurship award with unique shoe pitch Michael Yu Contributing Writer michael.yu@spartans.ut.edu

With a pitch for an adjustable and customizable high heel shoe, Morgan Barse, a freshman marketing major, took the first place prize at the Entrepreneur’s Organization of Tampa business pitch competition on Jan. 25. She competed against eight other entrepreneurs from around the nation with two others also being UT freshmen. Barse is the first and only freshman to win this award.

Her idea for an adjustable heeled shoe came from an earlier accident in her life and general travel inconveniences she’d had.

“One of my partners left his blazer at a Chipotle and so we ended up being 30 minutes late and I was wearing heels, which I later had to take off, and at that moment wished I could adjust them,” Barse said. “Also, when it comes to packing, you want to make sure you have matching shoes in accordance with your outfit. This design not only is adjustable in height, but can also be customizable to swap colors as well.”

The event consisted of a 12-minute idea pitch and a 10-minute question and answering session in front of judges. After that, contestants were judged on their business plan, knowledge of business and sustainability.

“Morgan presented herself energetically and very well prepared,” said Laura Webb, the chapter president of Entrepreneurs Organization of Tampa. “She was eager to receive feedback, she definitely did research on her finances and she strategically incorporated props which helped with her presentation.”

Although UT’s nationally accredited entrepreneurship program has hundreds of students, Barse’s ambition made her a stand-out to her professors.

“We have several things we look for in our entrepreneurs, and two of them are passion and follow-through, and Morgan possesses both,” said Kevin Moore, a former entrepreneur and director of operations for the Lowth Entrepreneurship Center. “She exhibits passion for her fashionable, yet comfortable idea for a shoe and she demonstrates pursuit and follow-through in her diligence with the details to her work.”

Barse’s first-place award granted her a $3,000 prize that

Photo by Julia Albini/The Minaret SHE’S A SHOE-IN: Morgan Barse, a freshman, created an adjustable high heeled shoe. The design won first place at the Entrepreneur’s Organization of Tampa business pitch competition on Jan. 25.

is given by alumni. She also will receive coaching and feedback to further develop her skills to become successful in business, which Barse said she really looks forward to.

“One thing I have learned being a young entrepreneur is that it is sometimes really discouraging at times being an entrepreneur alone, so just to have the feedback in areas I can improve upon and encouragement makes it that much more optimistic moving forward,” Barse said.

Despite winning such a prestigious award, she will not be one to tell you about it, according to Kiana Hughes, a freshman political science and journalism major and classmate of Barse. “Oftentimes, I get frustrated with her

because she is just so humble and hates to brag,” Hughes said. Hughes went on to further praise Barse on her ability to pitch, “I have gone to one of her entrepreneurship meetings and seen her utterly blow the room away; it was beyond impressive.”

Hughes said that she is excited to see what Barse will achieve in her next few years at UT. “This girl is one of a kind and I know that her future will hold a ton of successes and she is definitely on the rise,” Hughes said.

CAMPUS CRIMES ON STRIKE

GIVE ME CREDIT

GRAND THEFT CART

THAT BLOWS

On Feb. 6 at 9:25 p.m., a student attempted to strike a Campus Safety official intentionally with his car.

On Feb. 6 at 1:24 p.m., a student reported unapproved usage of her credit card.

On Feb. 11 at 3:04 a.m., two intoxicated, underage students were referred to Student Conduct for the theft of a university-owned golf cart.

On Feb. 5 at 1:53 a.m., three students were referred to Student Conduct for an off-campus incident. Two of them were also found with fake drivers’ licenses.

THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

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NEWS

Behind the silver screen: Getting to know Greg LeSar 4

THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

NEWS

Photo by Hannah Hughes/The Minaret MORE THAN A PROFESSOR: Greg LeSar teaches his Sound, Image, and Motion class on Tuesday, Feb. 7. On the side, LeSar holds numerous positions across Tampa such as Resident Video Artist at The Venture Compound. He also is a teaching staff member at the Tampa Museum of Art and is a digital art teaching staff member at Bryan Glazer Family Jewish Community Center in Tampa.

Jenna Manto Contributing Writer jenna.manto@spartans.ut.edu For Adjunct Professor of Film Greg LeSar, growing up with a sheltered childhood from a small town in Ohio sparked his initial interest in philosophy.

“I realized that I was naive and sheltered,” LeSar said.

“My only sense of culture was television and movies. I was seeking different ways of looking at the world.”

Since 2009, LeSar has taught at UT and now teaches Sound, Image, and Motion as well as a theory course for beginners, called Digital Citizenship, with a focus on learning how new modes of communication are used and how they can be implemented effectively.

“I think the best thing about teaching and learning is that you can have fun along the way,” LeSar said in a phone interview. “I tend to relate to like a sort of stand up comedian conversation. I think you can have fun and make a connection at the same time.”

Kelly Hauck, a junior communications major, is currently taking LeSar’s Sound, Image, and Motion class to fulfill her minor requirements.

“He finds different ways to help us,” Hauck said. “Last class he showed us a bunch of short films that he made and he told us what’s good and what’s not good. He gave us different examples of a lot of different films which I thought was nice because he was using his own stuff.”

She says that LeSar is passionate about teaching the course and clearly has experience.

“He’s one of my favorite professors here, if not he is my favorite professor. Just say that — ‘He is my favorite professor,’ because then maybe he’ll give me extra credit,” Hauck said jokingly.

LeSar said that his teaching philosophy is similar to great cinema: students have to be willing to connect with the

material to learn something from it. Recently, LeSar was discussing the movie The Notebook, and how most people have seen it and most people end up crying by the end.

“That’s great, really great, it means you connect to it with your heart but you learn about people, the world, justice and you gain wisdom from seeing it,” LeSar said.

Based off his experiences while receiving his doctorate in education, LeSar stressed that a professor must recognize that there are different learning styles and assess how his students learn in order to best teach them.

When speaking about his secret to success in the classroom, LeSar said that what really matters for college students is that their professor cares about them as individuals and cares about the work that they produce.

“It was always important for me to know that my teacher cared about what I was doing. I actually care what my students are doing and what they’re learning,” LeSar said.

LeSar also holds numerous positions across Tampa such as Resident Video Artist at The Venture Compound, teaching staff member at the Tampa Museum of Art and digital art teaching staff member at Bryan Glazer Family Jewish Community Center in Tampa. LeSar also collaborates with music video artist Justin Barnes.

Currently, LeSar is working with Barnes on, as LeSar describes, a “multi-channel audio/video installation experience that has an incredible amount of complex moving parts and involves work in disciplines like photography, ceramics, fibers and robotics.”

Before taking on these positions, LeSar graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Xavier University and later on an MFA in Film and Digital Media from The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

During his time at SCAD, LeSar was focused on listening his inner voice — “not the one that doubts you, the one that encourages you.”

“So much of what I had accomplished there has shaped me into the person I am today. Intoxicating to me, was that

all of these people are there to live and work and grow in this incredibly stimulating environment where you had to be sharp and bring your best ideas to the table,” LeSar said in a pre-interview e-mail correspondence.

LeSar also mentioned a moment during his undergraduate and graduate studies where he spent a weekend at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

At this particular exhibition, he was drawn to a painting called “Girl with Ball” that had a background painted in a shade of yellow that LeSar describes as “the best yellow, the perfect yellow.” He ended up purchasing the postcard of this painting and eventually bringing it with him to The Savannah College of Art and Design. One day he went to Home Depot, scanned the postcard to this machine, and was presented with the exact same shade of yellow paint.

“I used my loan money. I painted everything this super beautiful primary yellow,” LeSar said.

He went on to say that while he is no professional painter, “There’s something so beautiful about smearing paint around and it makes me so happy.”

Upon graduating with an MFA, LeSar was faced with the question, “Now what?” His mentor and professor at SCAD advised him, “Greg, go make art.”

“So I did. I travelled the country and the world ever since and worked on all kinds of TV, movie, and art projects,” LeSar said.

Last summer LeSar worked and lived in Beijing with a Chinese contemporary arts and entertainment company, Cheetah Yassa, under executive producer and feature filmmaker Pauline Chan who Lesar describes as his “fairy godmother.” He had brought a former UT student, Michael Musselman, to work alongside him creating broadcast packages “out of thin air.”

Currently, LeSar and Musselman are co-writing a feature length screenplay auctioned by the Chinese animation company.

THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

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NEWS

Zamparas has the key to success

Photo courtesy of UT Video Channel/YouTube PIANO MAN: Professor Grigorios Zamparas plays with Justin Justice, a violin performance major. Zamparas grew up in Greece and has played music professionally in nearly every continent, and in May, will play several shows in South Korea and around Europe.

Veronica Sansur Contributing Writer mvsansurzapata@spartans.ut.edu Professor Grigorios Zamparas: the real meaning of music Many people wonder about the life of professors outside classes. Sometimes, little is known about them and the things that they do for living. Music Department Chair Grigorios Zamparas not only teaches piano, music history, and performance classes, but he also is a recitalist, orchestra soloist and chamber musician.

A native of Greece, Zamparas knew that music was his passion since a young age. He said his interest began with his father, who always played classical music records to him.

“So then you get used to the sound of the symphony orchestra, of the violin, of the piano, the pipe organ and different things,” Zamparas said. “Then you have all these influencers; you get to know the composers. Then it came naturally that I wanted to take classes to play the piano.”

Zamparas was never alone in his journey. With nostalgia, he remembers his mentor back in Greece, a man who, according to Zamparas, taught him everything he knows.

“His name was George Manessis. He was amazing and passed away two years ago. I was with him so many years,” Zamparas said. “He was my inspiration, and let me play with professional musicians from other parts of the world.”

Zamparas has travelled to nearly every continent to play

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his music. From Brazil to Bulgaria, he has been presented as a soloist in more than 20 different piano concertos. He has also attended numerous festivals including his favorite, the Newport Music Festival.

Zamparas says that Newport in Rhode Island has always been special and that it is intense, lasting two weeks and requiring many performances.

“I’ve done this for more than 10 years every summer,” Zamparas said. “Every year there is something new to play and the audience is always enthusiastic.”

This year, his big concerts will take place in two weeks in Sarasota. In May, he will have several in South Korea and around Europe. Zamparas also mentioned the place when it all started, which he goes every year no matter what.

“Of course, in Greece, is always special too,” Zamparas said. “I always play the Porto Heli festival where my teacher use to play; he actually found this festival. Now his former students continue doing it. It is an amazing experience every time.”

For Zamparas, music has a variety of meanings.

“It’s a way out of this crazy world, it’s a shelter, a great thing that makes you always find things about yourself.

You get more mature,” Zamparas said. “Music is amazing, it makes you alive, it makes you always want to learn more and it keeps you going on.”

Talia Shuman, junior psychology and music major, said that although she hasn’t taken classes with Zamparas, he is an amazing professional that always transmits his passion

for music.

“In the mornings, when GZ [Zamparas] walks in his office, instead of drinking a cup of coffee to energize himself, he would play the fastest piano piece he can,” Shuman said.

“It doesn’t matter what his energy level is. It is incredible.”

To Zamparas, there is something specific that makes him play music until the end. To him, teaching is his greatest inspiration that motivates him every day.

“My students make me want to practice and play more,” Zamparas said. “So, I could learn different things like a new piece of music which is always exciting, something you haven’t played before — you discover something new. A repertory is endless.”

A piece of advice from Zamparas for those who are starting their stories as musicians, is that in music, people can succeed in different things even if they are not performing. He said that they could be onstage, be a good teacher, a producer or run a festival — the secret is to keep going until the end and always do it with love.

“Music is a very important part of education. It makes people better, it is good for the intellect and for the heart,” Zapamparas said. “It makes you smarter and sensitive, it makes you love someone. It is quite sure that in this crazy world we need more music.”

ADS

WE GIVE YOU DIRECTION. YOU LEAD THE WAY. Graduate Programs Information Session Saturday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m.

Sykes College of Business, Room 235 Come learn more about UT’s graduate programs!

Get advice from faculty, admissions counselors, academic advisors, current students and alumni.

The session will begin with a general overview of graduate studies at UT, followed by separate breakout sessions for each program area of interest.

Refreshments will be served.

INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED ABOUT: • 4 +1 MBA and other MBA programs • M.S. in Accounting • M.S. in Entrepreneurship • M.S. in Finance • M.S. in Marketing • Certificate in Nonprofit Management

• 4 +1 M.Ed. and other M.Ed. programs • M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology • M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice • M.S. in Exercise and Nutrition Science • M.S. in Nursing • MFA in Creative Writing

RSVP AT UT.EDU /GRADVISIT OR CALL (813) 258-7409

A+E

Cast lists announced for spring productions

Photo by Katelyn Massareilli/The Minaret STRIKE A POSE: (Left Photo) Olga Maria Villalba and (Right Photo) Chris McCoy, Devan Kelty and Dr. Robert Gonzalez rehearse for the upcoming play Blood Guilt: Orestes on Trial. This play will be one of three productions being brought to Faulk Theater this semester.

Katelyn Massarelli Head Copy Editor katelyn.massarelli@theminaretonline.com The spring productions are coming and the cast lists are out. The speech, theatre and dance department is diversifying the performances coming to Falk Theater with productions like Beehive: The ‘60s Musical, Ahhh… MEN! the cabaret and Blood Guilt: Orestes on Trial the play.

Three theatre professors will be taking on the productions as the directors. Assistant professor of theatre Paul Finocchiaro will be directing Ahhh… Men! and choreographing Beehive: The ‘60s Musical alongside director and theatre professor Karla Hartley. Associate professor of speech, theatre and dance Robert Gonzalez will be directing Blood Guilt: Orestes on Trial.

“All of the shows are unique and different in every way, shape and form,” Finocchiaro said. “We want to expose the audience to as much diversity in production we possibly can.”

Beehive: The ‘60s Musical is an all women cast of six actresses that will be using their own names in the production. Though using their names, they will be embodying the singers of the ‘60s and using the stage to explain the importance behind the music.

“Beehive is a musical revue, with narration that gives these songs context and tells the audience what was happening when they were written,” senior musical theater major Marissa Volpe said. “We’ll be singing all the songs that were

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adored in the ‘60s and remembered now, with our own little spin.”

Volpe is one of the six actresses performing in Beehive: The ‘60s Musical alongside fellow cast mates. Beehive: The ‘60s Musical is a much different performance with less cast members, according to Volpe.

Contrasting to the all-women cast, Finocchiaro has created a cabaret to bring to the UT audience that will feature 10 male actors. A cabaret is a series of songs that all have a connective thread to each other, according to Finocchiaro.

His intentions in creating the cabaret were to utilize the male students of the department, and Finocchiaro feels the 10 actors featured are the strongest for the performance.

“My decisions were tough because there is so much talent in this department,” Finocchiaro said. “I probably could have cast all the men who auditioned, but I wanted to look at the vocal balance and stick to an and manageable number of cast members.”

Featured in the all-male cabaret and Blood Guilt: Orestes on Trial is senior musical theatre major Gershom Vacarizas.

The cabaret doesn’t follow a storyline, but it draws from popular and classical musical theater songs, according to Vacarizas. The group of men set to take on this cabaret will have to rely on one another and perform as a unit.

“No one is a lead character,” Vacarizas said. “Everyone gets a spotlight moment. A lot of the performance will be influenced by theatrical elements, so we can ensure that we will be actively engaging and on our feet.”

Vacarizas may be a veteran to Falk Theater after performances in past productions like Dogfight last spring

semester, he will be taking on his first performance in a play with Blood Guilt: Orestes on Trial. He was double-casted to play Calchas, the prophet of Apollo and Greek God of the Sun, and one of the Argo Elders, storytellers who interact with the principle characters.

Blood Guilt: Orestes on Trial incorporates Greek Mythology with mythological figures for each character entangled in their own deep history, according to Vacarizas.

Director for the play Gonzalez is no newbie to the classical roots of theater. He has directed The Seagull which was performed last spring semester.

“It will be my first time working with Dr. Gonzalez, and so far, I have found every rehearsal to be insightful and fascinating,” Vacarizas said. “I always strive to understand how his mind works during each rehearsal, as he takes an analytical cooker approach; paying close attention to detail and emphasizing the importance of acting with an organic conviction.”

With these unique performances coming soon, actors, actresses and directors are preparing to bring these performances to life for UT students and other audience members.

“The department has a lot to bring to the table this semester and a lot of talent that needs to be seen,” Vacarizas said. “I can’t be more thankful to work with new people, learn from talented performers that I admire, and above else, have the time of my life every single day.”

A+E Volcano Bay and Pandora; Orlando brings new attractions to 2017

Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks/YouTube FINALLY: While many lost hope that Animal Kingdom’s Pandora Park would ever open, Disney continues to make dreams come true with the park set to open May 27, 2017. Entering the world will take you on a walk through the Avatar movie as it will feature floating mountains, a nighttime jungle, and themed innovative expeditions for those of all ages.

Lauren Wong Contributing Writer lauren.wong@spartans.ut.edu It’s a thrilling year for Orlando as they have announced the plans and future grand openings for new theme parks that could be bigger than Mickey Mouse and Cinderella’s castle. Heading to the area will soon look different as the city is expected to unveil Volcano Bay water park in Universal Studios and Pandora coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this coming May. Being less than two hours from these attractions, it could make for an exciting road trip and reason to visit Orlando for UT students.

VOLCANO BAY Volcano Bay is a new water park opening on May 25 at Universal Studios in place of Wet ‘n Wild.

The main attraction is the 200-foot-tall Volcano, “Krakatau.” It towers over the park and has a flowing waterfall during the day and lava at night. There are four new attractions to the park including the “Volcano”, “Wave Village”, “River Village”, and the “Rainforest Village.”

Volcano Bay isn’t only adding new water rides to Universal Studios but an alternative to the traditional way of waiting in line for your turn. As you enter Volcano Bay, everyone receives a TapuTapu wristband. With this, whenever you see a totem you simply tap your TapuTapu and it will hold your place in line allowing you to explore the park in the meantime. When your time to ride comes, your wristband will notify you and you can go enjoy your slide – a.k.a. no more standing in line. Your band also

allows you to unlock surprise features around the park such as lighting effects, water jets and more. All this information and more specifics can be found on universalorlando.com.

Dominik Cydzik, a freshman majoring in Biochemistry, hopes to be able to visit this upcoming park in the future.

“The last Blizzard Beach outing organized by UT was a lot of fun and it was the first time I experienced a U.S. water park. I hope they have another event like that to the Volcano Bay,” Cydzik said.

PANDORA Pandora is opening May 27 in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. This park is themed after the movie Avatar, which came out in 2009. The opening of this park has been anticipated for years and many had lost hope that it was ever going to be opened, but finally a date has been realised. This movie was one of the most the top-grossing movies in history and earned nine Oscar nominations according to Wikipedia. This park’s goal is to place you inside this blockbuster movie.

Features in this park include two new rides, “Flight of Passage” and “The Na’vi River Journey.”

According to disneyworld.com there is a lot to look forward to, “magnificent floating mountains and an iconic nighttime jungle filled with bioluminescent flora, this sprawling new land includes innovative expeditions, along with themed dining and shopping opportunities.”

Freshman nursing major Kaylee Romagna shares her excitement, “Avatar has always been one of my favorite movies and I was so thrilled when I saw the announcement that Disney is opening this new park so soon.”

Photos Courtesy of Walt Disney World/Facebook SPLASH:Volcano Bay Visitors will be able to dip into a refreshing wave pool from a volcanic water erruption.

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A+E

Knights of Sant’ Yago sail through Ybor Cassi Manner Contributing Writer cassandra.manner@spartans.ut.edu Gasparilla celebrations continued this past weekend as the Krewe of Sant’ Yago put on its 43rd annual Knight Parade. The nighttime celebration is the biggest of its kind in the southeast according to Visit Tampa Bay and parade chairman Ray Favata.

Over 100 floats paraded down Ybor City’s 7th Avenue Feb. 11, each one more unique and colorful than the last. Each float featured a different pirate theme and most had a live DJ or blaring sound system to get the party going both on the vessel and in the crowd. Floats were accompanied by hundreds of invading pirates, sharing their most valuable booty – beads. Crowds lined the parade route, hoping to catch some treasure to take home.

Favata coordinated this year’s event. He discovered his pirating passion at the age of six and has pursued it ever since. In fact, the parade has a deeper meaning to this Krewe of Sant’ Yago member. Joe Granda, his grandfather, founded the event in 1974, the same year graduated from UT. The parade was well organized, giving each pirate crew their moment to shine as they passed the crowd without overlap. “Months and months of prep go into it,” Favata said. His planning proved worthwhile, as the parade held an exciting and positive vibe throughout, undoubtedly making his grandfather proud.

Favata encouraged the public to, “come early and make a day out of it.” Many did just this, traveling to the event from both in and out of state by car and even motorhome, setting up a tailgating area and staking out their spot for the parade.

Many spectators proclaimed their love for the yearly happening.

“The Gasparilla (Knight) parade has an electric atmosphere, making it an awesome experience. Each float had bright lights, beads, music and dancing pirates, it was exciting,” junior marketing major Alec Dollard said.

Alongside pirating, safety is also the parade’s top priority.

“We haven’t had an arrest in over seven years during the parade,” Favata said.

The parade coordinators have worked to make the originally adult-geared event more family oriented.

With police officers stationed throughout the event, the environment offered a safe and welcoming atmosphere despite its location in a part of town with a notoriously high crime rate. A fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy occurred in a neighborhood near the parade as it came to an end, though any connection to the event has not been made by authorities.

“Despite such a large crowd, I felt security was wrong and felt safe,” Dollard said.

The densest portion of the crowd was located in central Ybor, where dozens of Tampa’s favorite establishments came together to celebrate this

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cultural tradition, while adding their own personal twist. Attendees and staff members agreed, smiling and dancing to the music as the seemingly never ending floats poured down the narrow street.

“It was my first time attending and I was overwhelmed with the amount of people,” Dollard said. Ybor was united as one big pirate-loving community.

Bars, clubs and restaurants were packed to capacity as the pirate partying went on into the night.

“It was chaos, so many people,” Narad said. Parade

members even joined the crowd as the parade finished, making it almost impossible to tell who was part of the event and who was spectating. Tampa natives broke out their favorite pirate apparel, with 65 pirating crews involved.

The Krewe of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade is sure to keep the tradition alive in years to come in the following weeks after Gasparilla for those pirates that just can’t get enough.

“I definitely plan on attending next year,” Dollard said.

Photo by Cassi Manner/The Minaret AHOY: The Krewe of Sant’ Yago brings a day of festivities including music, tailgating, and dancing in the streets of Ybor City. They continue to keep Gasparilla tradition alive tossing beads to people in the stands of the Knight Parade .

FAIR FOOD FRENZY

FLORIDA STATE FAIR FEB. 9 - 20

COVER

Photo by Julia Albini/The Minaret KEEP IT CORNY: Freshman Neva Warren explores the Florida State Fair, keeping notes on all the tasty (and not-so-tasty) foods offered. Warren used her own scale to rank the some of the stranger treats and put this fair to the ultimate taste test.

Neva Warren Contributing Writer neva.warren@spartans.ut.edu In the children’s movie Charlotte’s Web, there is a particular scene in which the barnyard rat gets a gander at all the foods left on the ground at the fair.

“This fair is a rat’s paradise,” Templeton the rat said.

“This will be a night to remember.”

This was the scene playing in my head as I entered the gates on a hot and packed day at the Florida State

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Fair with the sun beating down on me. In my hand, my notepad and pen. In my stomach, nothing.

Each food item will be scored on a scale of 1 to 5 (i.e., fried butter would be a 5/5 on the scale because even though the concept is gross, it tastes delicious; chopped onions in a cup would be a 0/5 because it is entirely gross and not delicious at all).

CORN DOG First, I stopped by a brightly colored little tin box called “Pronto Dogs.” Since I judge my food on

how fast it can get from the cook to my tummy, I appreciated their efficiency. They gave me a sample of their corndogs, and I was walking away from the window within 30 seconds of deciding to patronize this establishment.

This gritty, greasy treat was worth exactly zero dollars. Its bland, grainy texture and cool inside made me glad I didn’t shell out any money to gag on the sweet corn batter.

Score: 1/5

COVER CHEDDAR NUGGETS Next, we spotted a sign that said “Wisconsin Cheese, and below that, “Hot-N-Tasty.” Perfect!

They were kind enough to give us a sample of their “cheddar nuggets” and I set my leftover fried cookie dough down (what, do you think I threw the rest away like that nasty corn dog?).

I took a big ole bite. My mouth was filled with the sticky, rich taste of semi-melted batter-covered cheese.

It was pretty good cheese, though. Thinking about the sugar and cholesterol now coursing through my veins, I heard the voice of Seth Macfarlane (in the famed “A Million Ways to Die in the West”) say, “People die at the fair!”

Score: 2.5/5

DEEP FRIED COOKIE DOUGH I saw a sign that said “Deep Fried Funnel Cakes” and knew this place was for me. On the outside of their food truck, it advertised their ability to fry nearly anything, including butter, Pepsi and French fries.

(The sign said Deep Fried Fries and I wasn’t exactly sure how that cooking process would go.) Although this was the only fair food that didn’t contribute a sample, my choice of deep fried cookie dough (on a stick, because duh) was a measly $6.

Before I knew it I was knee-deep in fried cookie dough deliciousness. This was truly an experience. For the first time in my life, I felt true love in my heart and I knew that I wanted to marry this cookie dough on a stick. Powdered sugar cascaded down my shirt but I forgave the cookie dough because that’s what love is. I am salivating just remembering this food. “Ten out of 10,” I mumbled through my sugary, chocolate smeared face.

Score: 6/5

FRIED OREO After a bit of walking and being turned down by a few other establishments (can’t say I’ve ever been rejected by a man selling roasted corn before, but now I have) for free samples, we came upon a psychedeliclooking stand called “Totally Fried.” They kindly offered me a fried Oreo cookie (a very popular item at the fair), and I bravely added a bite to my currently tumultuous tummy.

I wrote in my notes, “Sweet, sweet, sweet!” It was by far the sweetest thing I’ve ever eaten, and mind you, I had fried cookie dough in my mouth not 10 minutes earlier. It had none of the hard crunch characteristics of an unfried Oreo, and was just completely soft and sticky. Like eating yummy melted playdough.

Score: 3.5/5

Photos by Julia Albini/The Minaret

Photo by Regina Gonzalez/The Minaret VIEWS: Students ride over the Florida State Fair during sunset. The fair features typical carnival rides, but the real attraction is the food, with stands offering a variety of unique treats.

THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

13

COVER

CHOCOLATE COVERED BACON We were nearing the other end of the fair when I saw the sign. “Chocolate Covered Bacon.” It beckoned to me. I do not like bacon, but I knew I needed to grit my teeth and do my journalistic duty. After all, the line was longer than any of the previous food trucks.

This place was called “Fresh Sizzling Glazed Bacon,” so you know it’s owned by someone who’s a little too descriptive (no, I didn’t design the food truck). They gave me a chocolate covered slice of bacon, woven back and forth on the kabob stick like modern art, or a lamp at IKEA. I took the fateful bite.

OK, this one was really bad. It was tough, and cold, and bacon-savory while also managing to be bittersweet. It was crunchy and chewy and interrupted by strings of fat. After you bit past the dark chocolate color, the inside was a brown not unlike the carpet in an old den. I asked my photographer, Julia Albini, if she wanted a bite before I threw it away.

“That’s pretty good!” she said. The psychiatric tests aren’t back yet.

Score: 0/5

Satisfied with my five fair food groups (corn dog, sugar, cheese, fried candy, and bacon), I waddled back down the fair’s grandstand. I tried to belch quietly so as not to offend the dainty Albini. I was bloated, covered in grease and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

I’m surprised nobody tried to put me on a stick and sell me. In the end, like Templeton, my belly swished back and forth with the smorgasbord of garbage food I consumed, but on the way home I felt gratified fulfillment rising in my chest.

Oh, wait, no, that’s not fulfillment, that’s nausea, oh my god, can we pull over?

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THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

Photos by Julia Albini/The Minaret YOU’RE BACON MY HEART: Warren tries a chocolate-covered bacon concoction served by a food truck at the fair. While Warren did not find the treat to her liking, senior Julia Albini enjoyed a taste before the bacon met the trash bin.

DIVERSIONS ON CAMPUS FEB 16-18

Spring Dance Concert

Falk Theater 8 p.m.

Free

FEB 19

Baseball v.

Southern India

UT Baseball Field 12-3 p.m.

Free

FEB 20

Campus Movie Fest Finale Falk theater 7:30 p.m.

Free

OFF CAMPUS

SUDOKU

FEB 16

Chris Roach

Side Splitters Comedy Club 8 :30 p.m. $10-12

FEB 20

Aaron Tippin

Florida State Fairgrounds 6 p.m. $11

FEB 21

Lightning v. Oilers Amalie Arena 7:30 p.m. $21

websudoku.com

COLORING CORNER

STUDENT SUBMISSIONS

ODE TO BACON Bacon is Red Bacon is Rough One Strip of Bacon Is Never Enough - anonymous, senior bacon lover

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THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

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SYMBOL OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

OPINION

Kellyanne Conway spins lies for Trump Bill Delehunt Contributing Writer william.delehunt@spartans.ut.edu

morning shows and said Spicer was using “alternative facts.”

For those of you whose first language is not “politician,” the English translation for “alternative facts” is “lying through your teeth.”

Conway does not just spin others’ lies, though. In a national interview with Hardball host Chris Matthews about the Trump Administration’s court case on banning U.S. entry to visa and green card holders, Conway said such action was vital to national security. Otherwise, there could be another, under reported, terrorist attack like the Bowling Green Massacre. If you wonder how you could have missed such a hideous assault on U.S. soil, relax. You didn’t miss it.

It NEVER happened. Conway fabricated the entire attack, deliberately over-blowing the actual incident in which two refugees were buying weapons over the internet and sending them to groups in the Middle East. There was no “massacre” in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Maybe it was just more, “alternative facts?” But, this is where Kelllyanne Conway’s lie gets really interesting.

The next day, Conway took to Twitter to retract her statement, saying she had misspoken and used the wrong word, “massacre,” instead of the one she meant, “terrorist.”

Casting herself as a victim, she blamed the media for making so much out of her one word faux pas. However, it turns out she already told that same lie about the Bowling Green Massacre to Cosmopolitan magazine in an interview four days before puking it into Chris Matthews’ lap.

It’s difficult, but let’s see if we can count all the Bowling Green Massacre lies from this single story. Conway lied about this non-existent attack on a Thursday, lied about it being a mistake on Friday, and we know that’s a lie because she had already told the same lie the previous Sunday. It’s a ménage à trois des mensonges, a threesome of lies.

So, we’ve got either the National Security Advisor lying and the Vice President covering for him by lying, or the National Security Advisor lying to the Vice President who isn’t bright enough to figure it out. The Counselor to the

President of the United States told a lie, then told a lie about the lie, and we know that was a lie because she had told the first lie once before.

Or maybe these are all just alternative facts.

Highlighting a full week’s worth of the Trump administration’s missteps, blunders, misdirection and outright lies is so difficult to keep up with that you’d almost wish The Minaret was a daily newspaper. (No, really, none of the staff wishes that.)

Let’s talk about lies.

In December, President Barack Obama declared 35 Russian diplomats “persona non-grata” and expelled them from the country, claiming they had spied on America and may have tampered with the presidential election. The day after that happened, ex-National Security Advisor (NSA) Mike Flynn, who held no government position at that time but was designated by Donald Trump to be NSA, had a phone call with Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak. Flynn denied twice that he had discussed the Obama administration’s sanctions on Russia since that would be both unethical and illegal. Undercutting the outgoing president by making promises to a long-time rival/ enemy could be seen as treason. Vice President Mike Pence reiterated that message, that there had been no discussion about sanctions, in defense of Flynn. Now, nine current or former senior intelligence officials say that is exactly the conversation which took place between Flynn and Kislyak, and they have a recording to back up their version (yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and he listens in on Russian telephone calls in the U.S.). Flynn backtracked, saying he did not recall whether or not the sanctions came up in his phone call, directly contradicting his earlier denials. Either Flynn lied to Pence, or Pence lied to the American public.

That’s not good, especially for guys who have only been in office three weeks. The first rule of lying is to make sure that everyone is telling the same one. Rule two is to make sure there is no evidence that shows you are lying. On Feb. 13, amidst all this drama, Flynn resigned his position as NSA w- a telling sign.

But let’s move on from those two and focus for a moment on political activist and presidential consult Kellyanne Conway. Conway began the 2016 presidential campaign working for Texas Senator Rafael ‘Ted’ Cruz. President Donald Trump dispatched Cruz from the race in part by continually referring to him as “Lyin’ Ted” Cruz. After “Lyin’ Ted” pulled out, free agent Conway signed on board with the Trump campaign. After her big win, Conway continued to work for Trump as counselor to the president.

In a December interview with Fox Business Network, she claimed to be able to juggle her work responsibilities and home life, “Because I don’t play golf and I don’t have a mistress.” Really? How much time does a mistress take up?

One wonders, but that’s neither here nor there. We could ask her new boss, who is an expert on both those subjects, but pointing that out is just rude.

Since assuming the spokesperson role of, “What the president meant to say, is,” Conway has been trotted out frequently to address the national press. She is glib, slippery and can change the subject so quickly the interviewer is Photo courtesy of Loco Steve/Flickr (above) Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr (below) disarmed and misdirected. After White House spokesman LIAR LIAR: Kellyanne Conway speaks at the 2015 Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor Maryland. Conway Sean Spicer lied to the press corps about the size of the fabricated a story about a massacre in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in an attempt to emphasize the need for increased national security measures. crowd at the inauguration, Conway went on the Sunday

THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

17

OPINION

Don’t shame Lady Gaga, dance in her footsteps 18

THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

.

Photo Courtesy of Lady Gaga/Facebook

OPINION Faith Ponti

Contributing Writer

faith.ponti@spartans.ut.edu “I’m proud of my body and you should be proud of yours too. No matter who you are or what you do. I could give you a million reasons why you don’t need to cater to anyone or anything to succeed. Be you, and be relentlessly you. That’s the stuff of champions.”

Posted on Instagram a few days after the Super Bowl, this is the response of the incredibly talented, strong, independent, successful and hot musical goddess Lady Gaga, who, after performing fiercely during the Super Bowl halftime show, found herself swamped with online comments and tweets from bullies and body-shamers.

Mostly aiming at the appearance of her belly during the show, viewers criticized the pop star’s apparently lessthan-perfect body. As the hashtag #GagaBelly trended throughout the night, Tweeters threw out insults like “Lady Gaga SuperBowl: Making America Fat Again” (@styzzznyc) and “is it a bad time to point out that Lady Gaga could lose 5-7 pounds?” (@garrettmleynek).They criticized the way her costume fit. They insulted the way her body moved when she danced. In essence, they rejected the way Lady Gaga was truly, ferociously and unapologetically real.

But wow, what a relief it was for me to watch someone with a body like mine move confidently on stage. How amazing it was to witness Lady Gaga rocking a crop top with all the elegance and badass-ness in the world, without feeling the need to cover the softer parts of her body. How refreshing it was to see someone publicly prove how women don’t need to have perfect, tight bodies in order to be sexy or confident or powerful. Lady Gaga took ownership of her body, both on stage and in her online response, and refused to give her power away to anyone else. She is the epitome of a goddess on Earth, using her confidence and sense of self as armor against the anonymous faces of hate and ignorance.

She loves herself, honors her flaws and stands strong in the face of criticism, all while pressing us to do the same.

And honestly, we all desperately need to hear her message. At some point, whether that’s in high school, college, or later in life, we all come to the realization that there are parts of our bodies that we will never change.

Sure, our BMI will always fluctuate, and we’ll continue to gain or lose weight depending on our cardio-to-Oreo ratio.

However, unless we pay some big money, our hip bones will always stay relatively stationary, and the texture of our hair won’t change. Our noses will stay their shape and our eyelashes their length. There are some things that Mother Nature, or God or the random organization of the universe has given us, that we will naturally always have.

That’s where Lady Gaga’s message comes in. As beautifully unique humans, we have to make a pact with ourselves in order to stay sane and keep ourselves going. To find inner peace, we have to decide that we aren’t going to stress the parts of ourselves that we can’t change. We have to choose to accept ourselves fully, knowing that we are exactly as we are meant to be. We need to treat ourselves with love and compassion, because if we don’t, we’ll be susceptible to the darkness that comes from ignorant people who want to see us fall. There will always be someone who thinks you’re too big, too small, too soft, too dark, too light, too natural, too something. If you don’t love and accept yourself, you’ll start to believe that ignorance. You’ll fall into a cycle of self-hatred and criticism. You’ll want to alter yourself to fit someone else’s ideal. You won’t be yourself.

Photo courtesy of Lady Gaga/Facebooi BORN THIS WAY: Lady Gaga bares her midriff during the Super Bowl halftime show in Houston, Texas. Although she has been shamed on social media for her lack of rock hard abs, people could learn a thing or two from her body confidence.

You have to believe that you are enough, because you are. You are enough exactly as you are. You have a purpose, and you are the way you are for a reason. Don’t let someone take away your power. Reclaim yourself, and know that you deserve to stand strong and be yourself. When you feel

otherwise, try to channel your inner Lady Gaga. Flaunt that belly, show those flaws, laugh at the darkness and reclaim your sense of self. You are worth it.

THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

19

OPINION

The breakdown:

Trump’s troubling speech at MacDill Air Force Base Photo Courtesy of TIME/Facebook TRUMP IN TAMPA: Trump spoke to troops at MacDill Air Force Base on Monday, Feb. 6. The content of his speech was alarming, suggesting favoritism towards his campaign supporters and bias against the media.

Indira Moosai Contributing Writer indira.moosai@spartans.ut.edu President Donald Trump made a visit to the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa on Monday, Feb. 6 for national security briefings and to speak to troops. His speech contained many faulty statements, including alarming word choices and attacks on the press.

He strangely started off by celebrating his new role as President, stating, “We had a wonderful election, didn’t we?

And I saw those numbers, and you liked me, and I liked you. That’s the way it worked.”

There is a disconcerting problem with this; while it didn’t harm anyone, it’s a display of favoritism that shouldn’t be there once one takes a seat in the executive office. A person in his position shouldn’t boast about his victories then proceed to talk about who likes who. It is unclassy. This implies that his high opinion of the military stems from the individuals who supported his campaign and not from the work that they do or the service they provide. As stated in the Washington Post, exit polls suggest that veterans voted for Trump at almost a 2:1 margin; given that this speech was made in the swing state of Florida, this was definitely on his mind. So, they’ll be receiving extra perks.

After the opening, he proceeded to inform the military audience that they’d be receiving “beautiful new planes and beautiful new equipment.” In his classic, Trumped-up style, he claimed, “You have been lacking a little equipment.

We are going to load it up. You are going to get a lot of equipment. Believe me.”

He seemed to be trying to pursue the military, wooing them with promises of fancy equipment. It was as if he

20

THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

was giving a campaign speech all over again. This in itself doesn’t make much sense, for it is known that the military is legally not supposed to get involved in politics; they stand to be nonpartisan. According to Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, “Members on active duty should not engage in partisan political activity,” and “Members not on active duty should avoid inferences that their political

“He claimed he wasn’t ‘fully briefed’ after signing an executive order to give Steve Bannon a seat on the National Security Council. In this situation, he seemed to have signed off on an executive order that he didn’t understand the details of, and he needed someone to explain it to him.” activities imply or appear to imply official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement.” This suggests that Trump may just be oblivious. Ridiculous? Yes. Unexpected? No. We have seen him commit other absurdly unpresidential acts. For instance, he claimed he wasn’t “fully briefed” after signing an executive order to give Steve Bannon a seat on the National Security Council. In this situation, he seemed to have signed off on an executive order that he didn’t understand the details of, and he needed someone to explain it to him. This suggests that he doesn’t read the orders he carries out, which is disturbing.

Trump then praised Governor Rick Scott for endorsing him, calling him “a great friend of [mine]”. He continued, “If they don’t endorse, believe me. If you’re ever in this position, it’s never quite the same, ok? You can talk, but it never means the same.”

By “they,” Trump is referring to other political actors that may not support him. This is a troubling statement, given the previous instances of biased favoritism and wooing; he is saying that if one doesn’t agree with him, or share his point of view, trouble is ahead. This is not an empty threat. Trump fired Attorney General Sally Yates on Jan. 30 for advising the justice department not to defend his travel ban. In other words, he is setting a dictatorship under democracy.

Towards the end of his speech, Trump took a few moments to discuss the press. He did so in an unsavory manner. Referring to terrorist attacks such as 9/11 and the Boston marathon bombing, Trump stated, “the very, very dishonest press doesn’t want to report it. They have their reasons and you understand that.”

Trump didn’t say anything more about the press in this speech, but this attack on their credibility is terrifying.The media is supposed to be unbiased and impartial for the purposes of keeping the people informed. If people don’t trust journalists to deliver accurate and honest news, the resulting uninformed speculation will force them to biased sources, such as Trump himself.

From reading these statements, it is clear that Trump’s speech at MacDill Air Force Base would be considered a decline in presidential standards. Our president may know how to deliver a campaign speech to rile up the crowds, but that may be all he can do.

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SPORTS

Baseball wins second straight home series

Photo by Amanda Martino/The Minaret

HOME STRETCH: Senior first baseman Adrian Chacon makes an excellent defensive play during Feb. 12 game against Georgia College. The Spartans may have lost their series finale on Sunday, but they were able to pick up victories on Feb.10 and Feb.11 to secure another series win.

Simon Brady Contributing Writer simon.brady@spartans.ut.edu The UT men’s baseball team grinded its way to two out of three victories against Georgia College in this past weekend’s home series. Now with its two opening series in the books, the Spartans are positioned well at 5-1 this season thus far.

Having played Georgia College in the past and being aware of their success, head coach Joe Urso knew this weekend’s series would be a challenging one for his team.

Given Georgia College’s great ability on the offensive end, Urso knew great play out of the pitching staff was crucial for a successful series. “They have a lot of power offensively, so our pitchers will need to locate their pitches well to have success,” Urso said.

The first matchup on Friday went just as planned for the Spartans, beating Georgia College 8-1. A huge third inning in which the Spartans registered four runs turned out the be the biggest inning of the night.

Senior shortstop Kevin Santa had a huge night at the plate, going 3-4 with an RBI and two runs. Meanwhile Urso’s wish of outstanding pitching play was granted as they kept the Georgia College bats in check all day.

After being named Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Pitcher of the Week performance in the opening series against Bentley, junior right handed pitcher Garrett Cave had a tremendous five inning outing totaling five strikeouts and giving up just one hit and one run.

Junior Cody Martin and freshman Colton Widdows

22 THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

relieved Cave, each going two innings and giving up a mere three hits and zero runs combined.

Georgia College would respond to game one’s lackluster performance on Saturday in a hard-fought contest in game two of the series. However, the Spartans would prevail in back-to-back games with a thrilling 6-5 win.

A breakthrough fifth inning for Georgia College in which three runs were scored, put them up 4-1 on the Spartans, who were in need of a rally from there.

UT responded in the sixth and eighth innings scoring one run in each on RBI base hits from senior third baseman J.D. Osborne and junior outfielder Andrew DiLacqua, respectively. However, still down 5-4 heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Spartans would need some late game magic to come back and win their fifth straight.

Junior outfielder Richie Rivera knotted up the game at 5-5 with a solo homerun to left field. With Santa in scoring position on second base, a wild pitch sent him to third. And after an intentional walk, with the bases loaded, Osborne schorched a single up the middle to drive in Santa and the winning run.

The Spartans appeared to be on their way to a sweep of Georgia College going into game three as they got off to a hot start.

UT had a four run first inning including a three run homer from DiLacqua.

Georgia College quickly responded with five unanswered runs as they regained the lead after four innings. The bats for Georgia College kept coming after that, as the Spartans found themselves down 8-5 after six innings.

The Spartans would not go down without a fight, as RBIs

from Osborne and senior first baseman Adrian Chacon cut the Georgia College lead to one. The Spartans would then be held scoreless the final two innings as Georgia College closed out an 8-7 victory to take one of three from the Spartans in the series.

Senior Kevin Santa reflected on the series as a whole touching on the importance of winning this series. “Our goal coming into this series versus Georgia College, especially a regional team, was to win the series and we did,” Santa said.

Although Santa and and the team are upset losing their first game on the season, they plan to use it as a positive moving forward. “We were a little upset about losing that last game because we didn’t expect to lose, but we know how to bounce back too so we’re going to be just fine,” Santa said.

Santa also discussed the biggest strengths he felt the Spartans displayed in this weekend’s series. The versatility from the Spartans’ offense stuck out in Santa’s eyes. “I feel like our hitting pretty much carry us throughout the whole series. We executed most of our situational plays, using small and long ball,” Santa said.

The Spartans now move onto their third straight home series as they host Southern Indiana this weekend, starting this Friday night, Feb. 17 at 6:00 p.m. At second place in the SSC standings behind only Florida Tech, the Spartans are in prime position to contend for a conference title if they continue to play at the high level they played against Georgia College this weekend.

SPORTS

Dooley dazzles, earns SSC Pitcher of the Week Devon Conway Contributing Writer katelyn.massarelli@theminaretonline.com Keep swinging, the catcher likes the cool breeze.

Sophomore pitcher Makaleigh Dooley sure felt this way after her two wins against the Chadron State Eagles and the Eckerd College Tritons in the Eckerd Tournament in Clearwater on Feb. 4 -5. After Dooley’s stellar performance, she earned Sunshine State Conference (SSC) pitcher of the week for the first time.

“It feels awesome to be pitcher of the week,” Dooley said. “I’m honored and thankful to have such a great team backing me up. I really couldn’t have done it without them.”

In Dooley’s first game in almost a year as pitcher for the Spartans, she recorded a 3-1 win against Eckerd College. She only allowed four hits and a walk while striking out seven Triton batters.

“The game I had seven strikeouts was the first game I’ve played in about 10 months now because I wasn’t eligible for the fall,” Dooley said. “I really was just so excited to be back out on the field with my teammates, so that was a really fun game for me. The energy was up in the dugout and the intensity on the field was great. We are really satisfied with the way things turned out this weekend.”

Just a day later, Dooley was on the mound again pitching for the Spartans while they took on the Eagles.

Dooley pitched a perfect game shutout and recorded seven strikeouts, again. Dooley was also able to contribute to the scoring aspect of the game. She hit a single to the shortstop, allowing junior out fielder Sahrina Cortes to score from second base and put the Spartans on the scoreboard.

The Eagles were only able to get three hits during the seven innings and drew one walk. With Dooley’s superb play against Eckerd College and Chadron State, she is currently 2-0. For the tournament during the weekend, the Spartans recorded an 8-1 win over Chadron State, a 3-1 win over Eckerd, and a 2-0 win over Chadron State.

Head coach Leslie Kanter was very impressed with Dooley’s performance during the weekend.

“I thought she pitched phenomenally for our first weekend out,” Kanter said. “She didn’t get to play in any fall games, so I was interested to see how she would handle the situation. When she got to play this Spring, I think she did great. She was pitcher of the week in the conference and she struck out a few batters. I think she is going to get stronger as the season goes on and play a big role for us this year.”

Dooley has high hopes and expectations for herself and the Spartans for this season.

“Some goals for this upcoming season would be for me to keep my earned run average under a one,” Dooley said. “I know some goals for my team would be to play our hardest every single game and to keep the mental errors to a minimum. Of course a huge goal for us would be nationals, but for now we’re taking it game by game, just trying to get better everyday.”

Dooley and the Spartans took on Flagler, Georgia Southwestern, and Newberry this past weekend. The Spartans fell short to Flager 5-0, but beat Georgia Southwestern 7-0 in the first game and 7-3 in the second game. The Spartans also beat Newberry 10-2. The Spartans are set to play Rollins College on Feb. 17&18 in a three game

matchup.

“We missed post season last year for the first time in a while, so our plan is to get back to post season,” Kanter said.

“If we can win the conference while doing that, it will just be a bonus. Our main goal is to make regionals.”won without carrying out his plan. He deserved it.”

Photo by Allie Crump/The Minaret

SWING AND A MISS: Makaleigh Dooley poses after winning her SSC Pitcher of the Week award. Dooley made hitters look foolish during a two game stretch against Eckerd College and Chadron state recording fourteen strikeouts.

THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

23

SPORTS

An in-depth guide to NBA All-Star Game Elena De Alfredo Contributing Writer elena.dealfredo@spartans.ut.edu

The NBA All-Star weekend will be held in New Orleans, La. on Feb. 17-19 at the Smoothie King Center—this is the third time that New Orleans will host All-Star Weekend.

The showcase, which brings the best players in the world together, will be capturing the attention of all NBA fanatics.

There will be a series on display of different events ranging from the Rising Stars Challenge to the All-star Celebrity Game, as well as the individual competitions that can captivate the viewers, making memorable moments as we have seen throughout the past year, like the dunk or the three point contest.

Here is an in depth-look at the different NBA All-Star events: FEB. 17: The NBA All-Star weekend will open up with the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at 7 p.m., televised by ESPN. Famous stars from television, sports, movies and the music world will be playing at this game. The guest coaches of the West and East teams will be Michael Smith and Jemelee Hill, co-hosts of Sports Center’s 6 p.m. show, respectively.

Among the public figures, some names that stand out are the two-time MVP and No. 1 pick in the 2008 WNBA

Photo Courtesy of Edmund Moller/Flickr MAKE IT RAIN: Point Guard Steph Curry matches up against John Wall in a regular season game.

24 THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

Draft, power forward/center Candace Parker, for the West team, as well as the basketball legend and Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer small forward Oscar Schmidt for the East team.

The Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Compass Rising Stars Challenge, kicks off at 9 p.m. and will be televised by TNT. It will be in charge of maintaining the interest of the annual basketball event, by showcasing the young talent.

This game will put a list of 20 first and second year players, 10 from the U.S. against the other 10 from all around the world, selected by the league’s assistant coaches.

For the U.S. team, Karl-Anthony Towns, the 21-yearold center for the Minnesota Timberwolves and last year’s unanimous Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, along with 20-year-old guard Devin Booker for the Phoenix Suns are the stand out names to guide their team.

In the World’s team, the standout name is the 22-year-old center Joel Embiid for the Philadelphia 76ers, who earned both Kia NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Season.

Also, the 21-year-old power forward Kristaps Porzingis, who plays for the New York Knicks, is another name to highlight among others.

FEB. 18: After a Friday full of glimpses of greatness, the individual events will capture the world’s attention starting at 8 p.m. on TNT. The night will show three different events: The Taco Bell Skills Challenge, James Bullough Lansing (JBL) Three-Point Contest, and the Verizon Slam Dunk.

The Taco Bell Skills Challenge will be the opening event for the individual showcase for the NBA stars. This competition will have a total of eight participants, bringing two players to compete at the same time on an equal path, where the faster to finish passes on to the next round. The second round will have the four winners. Two more oneon-one competitions define the two finalists.

The JBL Three-Point Contest is set to be the second event which also features a total of eight players. This is a timed competition. The contestants have five shooting racks set all around the three-point line. Four of those racks contain four orange balls each worth one point and one colored ball, called the “money ball,” worth two points. The fifth rack contains all “money balls” and each participant can place this special rack in any of the five spots they choose.

The players would have one minute to shoot as many times they can from the 25 attempts they get. Only the three with the highest score will go onto the championship round.

All eyes should focus on the defending champion shooting guard Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors.

Thompson will compete against players like Cavalier’s point guard Kyrie Irving, who won the competition in 2013.

The 2017 Verizon Slam Dunk Contest is the closing event for an exciting Saturday night.

There are five judges who score every dunk on a scale from six to 10. This two-round and timeless competition have four players who each have a maximum of three attempts to convert two dunks in the first and final round.

The players choose their dunks and all four get a total of two dunks in the first round. The two competitors with the highest combined score on their two dunks will face each other in the final round. The champion will be the player with the highest score combined for their two dunks in this last round.

Last year, one of the most breathtaking dunk contests of all time took place in Toronto. Minnesota’s shooting guard Zach LaVine, back-to-back and current champion, and Orlando’s forward Aaron Gordon, starred one of the most memorable showdowns.

Both went on a flight battle with • Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns(SG) outstanding dunks considered as one of the best dunks • Demarcus Cousins, contests in NBA All-Star history. Sacremento

Skills Challenge

Kings(C) • Anthony Davis, New Orleans FEB. 19: Pelicans (PF) The ceremony forPhilidelphia this NBA basketball week• closing Joel Embiid, 76ers end is served by the 66th NBA All-Star Game. Grammy (C) Award-winning hip-hop group, The Roots, will perform • Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz(SF) prior to the All-Star game coverage offered

by TNT at 8 p.m.

The actual NBA All-Star game will tipYork off at 8:30 p.m.

• Kristaps Porzingis, New Knicks (PF) All-Star Starters: For the first time in the NBA All-Star • Isiah Bostonmedia Celtics history, NBAThomas, players and basketball participated in the(PG) selection of the 10 starters, along with the fan base.

Fans’ votes accounted for 50 percent of the vote while NBA • John Wall, Washington Wizards players and media accounted for 25 percent each. In case there(PG) were any players tied in score, fans’ votes counted as the tiebreaker to select the starter.

3 PT Contest

All-Star Coaches: The coaches to command each conference team at the NBA All-Star game, are the ones with the most wins in their own conference. Following the “Riley Rule,” coaches are now allowed to have back-to-back appearanc• This Eric Phoenix Suns (SG) es. rule Gordon, was created after Lakers’ head coach Pat Riley team’s success,Irving, which made him earn the coaching position • Kyrie Cleveland in theCavaliers(PG) Western Conference team eight times in nine seasons (1982-1990).

• Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors (PG) Eastern Conference players: • Wesley Matthews, Dallas Mavericks (SG) LeBron James, Cavaliers’ forward: all-time NBA All-Star • CJleading McCollum, history scorer with Portland 291 points, this would be his 13th Bazers(SG) All-Star game in a row as a starter in 14 seasons • Klay Thompson, Golden State Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers’ point guard: 2014 All-Star MVP and Warriors (SG) Irving is averaging 24.4 ppg and current NBA champion.

5.9 in hisYoung, 2016-17 season.

This would be his fourth All• apg Nick Los Angeles Lakers Star selection in six seasons.

(SG) • Kemba Charlotte DeMar DeRozan,Walker, Raptors’ shooting guard:Hornets Toronto’s alltime leading scorer, all-time minutes leader, and all-time (PG) minutes played, will make his third All-Star game overall and his second in a row

Dunk Contest

Jimmy Butler, Bulls’ shooting guard: called to be in three total All-Star games but last year was selected as a reserve because of a knee injury and was replaced by Spur’s center, • Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic Pau Gasol. This is the third straight time selected and the (SF)as an All-Starter first-time

• Deandre Jordon, Los Angeles

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks’ small forward: first-time Clippers All-Starter and first(C) Milwaukee player selected since 2003, when Michael Red was selectedII, Indiana Pac• Glenn Robinson

ers (SF)

Eastern Conference Reserves: Paul George, Pacers’ small • Derrick Jones Jr.,power Phoenix forward; Kevin Love, Cavaliers’ forward;Suns Kyle Lowry, Raptors’ point guard; Paul Millsap, Hawks’ point guard; Isa(SF)

SPORTS

Photo Courtesy of Keith Allison/Flickr KING JAMES : Cleveland Cavaliers’ small forward Lebron James storms up the court during a regular season game. The king has been an absolute monster ever since entering the league back in 2003, earning his 13th consecutive start in the All Star Game.

Last year, one of the most breathtaking dunk contests of all time took place in Toronto. Minnesota’s shooting guard Zach LaVine, back-to-back and current champion, and Orlando’s forward Aaron Gordon, starred one of the most memorable showdowns. Both went on a flight battle with outstanding dunks considered as one of the best dunks contests in NBA All-Star history.

FEB. 19: The closing ceremony for this NBA basketball weekend is served by the 66th NBA All-Star Game. Grammy Awardwinning hip-hop group, The Roots, will perform prior to the All-Star game coverage offered by TNT at 8 p.m. The actual NBA All-Star game will tip off at 8:30 p.m.

All-Star Starters: For the first time in the NBA All-Star history, NBA players and basketball media participated in the selection of the 10 starters, along with the fan base.

Fans’ votes accounted for 50 percent of the vote while NBA players and media accounted for 25 percent each. In case there were any players tied in score, fans’ votes counted as the tiebreaker to select the starter.

All-Star Coaches: The coaches to command each conference team at the NBA All-Star game, are the ones with the most wins in their own conference. Following the “Riley Rule,” coaches are now allowed to have back-to-back appearances. This rule was created after Lakers’ head coach Pat Riley team’s success, which made him earn the coaching position in the Western Conference team eight times in nine seasons (1982-1990).

EASTERN CONFERENCE: LeBron James, Cavaliers’ forward: all-time NBA All-Star history leading scorer with 291 points, this would be his

13th All-Star game in a row as a starter in 14 seasons Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers’ point guard: 2014 All-Star MVP and current NBA champion. Irving is averaging 24.4 ppg and 5.9 apg in his 2016-17 season. This would be his fourth All-Star selection in six seasons.

DeMar DeRozan, Raptors’ shooting guard: Toronto’s all-time leading scorer, all-time minutes leader, and all-time minutes played, will make his third All-Star game overall and his second in a row Jimmy Butler, Bulls’ shooting guard: called to be in three total All-Star games but last year was selected as a reserve because of a knee injury and was replaced by Spur’s center, Pau Gasol. This is the third straight time selected and the first-time as an All-Starter Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks’ small forward: firsttime All-Starter and first Milwaukee player selected since 2003, when Michael Red was selected Eastern Conference Reserves: Paul George, Pacers’ small forward; Kevin Love, Cavaliers’ power forward; Kyle Lowry, Raptors’ point guard; Paul Millsap, Hawks’ point guard; Isaiah Thomas, Celtics’ point guard; Kemba Walker, Hornets’ point guard; John Wall, Wizards’ point guard.

Eastern Conference Coach: For his first time, Boston Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens.

The Celtics are currently no. 2 team in the Eastern Conference with a 23-9 record.

The No. 1 team is the Cavaliers with a 24-6 record, but because of the “Riley Rule,” head coach Tyronn Lue is not allowed to command the East team, because he already did last year.

WESTERN CONFERENCE: Stephen Curry, Warriors’ point guard: Current two-time Kia NBA MVP holder; This would be the fourth time in a row selected for the All-Star game as a starter (four times overall).

Kevin Durant, Warriors’ small forward: Holds the alltime highest average in point per game in the NBA All-Star history with 25.6 ppg. He is selected to the All-Star since the 2009-2010 season, to make eight All-Star games total Anthony Davis, Pelicans’ power forward: All-time field goal percentage leader in NBA All-Star history with 89.5 percentage. He is named All-Star for the fourth time (since 2014) Kawhi Leonard, Spurs’ small forward : Two-time KIA NBA Defensive Player of the Year title holder; Leonard made his first All-Star selection last year and now makes a total of two both as an All-Starter.

James Harden, Rockets’ point guard: for the Rocket’s alltime 3-point field goal made and attempted leader, this is his fifth time selected to the All-Star game.

Western Conference Reserves: DeMarcus Cousins, Kings’ center; Marc Gasol, Grizzlies’ center; Draymond Green, Warriors’ power forward; Gordon Hayward, Jazz’s small forward; DeAndre Jordan, Clippers’ center; Klay Thompson, Warriors’ shooting guard; Russell Westbrook, Thunder’s point guard.

Western Conference Coach: For his second time, Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr. The Warriors are currently no. 1 team in the Western Conference with a 29-6 record.

THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

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SPORTS

Watts earns first SSC honor

Photo by Allie Crump/The Minaret FACE OFF SPECIALIST: Mid Sam Watts sprints up the field in a game against Tusculum College. The transfer student played exceptionally well in his first game as a Tampa Spartan, and will look to continue his face off dominance down the stretch.

Katelyn Massarelli Copy Editor katelyn.massarelli@theminaretonline.com The opening face-off is the first opportunity for each team to swing the momentum in their favor. It continues to set the momentum throughout the game and the player who wins the face-off is the one who gains control for his team.

The players trained to take on this role are specialists.

In the game against Tusculum College, junior midfielder Sam Watts took the field for the first time as a Spartan on Feb. 5 after transferring from Onondaga Community College (OCC). Serving as the specialist for UT, he was recognized for his performance as the first Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Specialist of the Week of the season.

“Feels great to receive an honor like this,” Watts said. “I couldn’t have done this without the team’s win. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

In his first appearance on the field as a Spartan, Watts won 17 out of 20 face-offs and registered 10 ground balls.

Watts may be a newbi to UT, but he is no newbie to being a part of national title winning team. In his freshman year alone, he started four games and led his team to 168 face-off wins and was named Region III Male Athlete of the Week. His team went on to win the National Junior College

26 THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

Atheltic Association National Championship.

His team made it to the National Championships again, but came up short in Watts final season before making the transition from Lazer to Spartan. Last year’s loss only seems to keep him fired up to get to the NCAA Championship with UT’s lacrosse team. Knowing the UT’s lacrosse came close last season to a National Championship, he’s ready to make a statement this season for UT. “Once you get one [National Championship] ring on your finger, you want to be able to go back and get another one,” Watts said.

Coming on the team as a transfer, Watts noticed the large amount of energy each teammate brings to the field, including team captains Marty Heyn, Jake Schmidt, Conor Whipple and Charlie Cummins. Watts said the four captains are players to look up to because they have done their part on the team as veterans who have continued to dominate the field.

The lacrosse program has shown support for Watts as a player and has put trust into his abilities on the field, according to Watts. This is something freshman attacker James Pugliese has seen as well.

“Sam Watts is a hard-working player and has proven to the coaches that he deserves the starting face-off position for our team,” Pugliese said. “He has quick hands and has a fast reaction time, which will hopefully help us make it to the

NCAA championship and claim the Division II title.”

UT fell short in the NCAA Semifinals against Limestone College with a close score of 13-10. Feb. 25 will be the chance for the lacrosse team to redeem themselves against their NCAA rival. Never having competed against Limestone, Watts has heard all about Limestone from his teammates and it is said to be the most challenging game the team will face this season.

“We have to get past Limestone,” Watts Said. “They don’t really scare me. I don’t worry about the team we’re playing against; I’m just worried about the game we play.”

Since the first win of the season against Tusculum College, the lacrosse team landed another win against Queens University that ended with a final score of 14-9.

Watts totaled a 13 out of 20 face-off wins.

Going forth with the rest of the season after earning SSC Specialist of the Week, Watts is using the honor as a motivator to continue to put in the work necessary to end this season as an NCAA Champion along with the hard work of his teammates.

“This only makes me want to work even harder and do better this season than any other season,” Watts said. “The biggest thing is bringing it in practice everyday, trying hard, staying healthy and playing my best in every game.”

SPORTS

Golf team tees off season at tourney Kimberly Conroy Contributing Writer kimberly.conry@spartans.ut.edu

consistent,” junior Jessica Wild said.

Jones says that freshman Kira Riihijarvi along with Wild will be key players on the green. “[Wild] has grown every year, her work ethic is phenomenal,” Jones said.

The next three tournaments are going to be different The women’s golf team will head to Lakeland to than normal. They will be competing from before compete in the annual Florida Southern Invitational dawn to dusk, with no practices in between the games February 19-21. Florida Southern, UT’s rival, will be like they normally do. Normally, the team competes hosting the event at Grasslands Country Club. during the first day, has a practice right after and then According to head coach Missey Jones, the team competes again the next day. This tournament, they has been getting better every tournament. For will be playing from dusk until dawn, something the this upcoming tournament, four freshmen will be freshman have never done. competing, like in the last tournament, and have “The hard part is trying to get in shape mentally,” been practicing hard.

Jones said.

Upperclassman have also been trying to improve Not only are the freshmen preparing for, but even their game before the weekend. “For our next veteran players need to get ready for the exhausting tournament, I’ve been working on all aspects of weekend. my game. My short game this past tournament was “The mental preparation of golf is probably one better than it’s ever been, but I still want it to be more of the hardest things to do,” Wild said. “36 holes in one day is exhausting, both physically and mentally, but for me it takes a bigger toll mentally. You start preparing for your round as soon as the sun is up and you’re out on the course until the sun goes down.”

After breaking a team record and completing a decent overall season, the team ended on a high note in the fall. After winter break, however, they didn’t have much practice time before their first invitational.

On Feb. 5-6, the team competed in the Flagler World Golf Invitational in St. Augustine. Riihijarvi led the Spartans with a score of 154, followed by Wild with 160, and freshmen Katelin Lawson with 162, Sofia Cadavid with 163, Kensi Olson with 168. UT shot an overall score of 646 and finished 15th out of 18 schools.

Wild, who was the top finisher in the first two tournaments, finished second among the Spartans.

“It feels really great to be one of the top finishers not only this past tournament but last semester. My hard work is really paying off. I definitely still have a long way to go, but I’m really happy with how consistent I’ve been” Wild said.

But a long winter break changes the game. Each player practiced individually, but when you are from areas where there’s snow, it makes practicing difficult.

“When you’re gone away for winter break you don’t have the ability to practice, practicing in a dome is not the same as on grass,” said Jones. “We are very fortunate because of how supportive people in the city of Tampa are for the team,” about local courses allowing the team practice time before the big event.

Other Sunshine State Conference (SSC) competitors present were Barry University, who took the team Photo Courtesy of Tom Kolbe champion, as well as Florida Technical College (No.

2), Saint Leo University (No. 3), Lynn University (No. 4) and Nova Southeastern University (No. 5).

The team’s goal this tournament is to break their one day record of 308. “All 10 of my girls are working hard, they practice under pressure, they are super coachable, and they play because they love it,” Jones said. “We are going to surprise a lot of people.”

S

PARTANS

TANDINGS MEN’S BBALL

15-9 WOMEN’S BBALL

15-7

MEN’S BASEBALL

5-1 WOMEN’S SOFTBALL

6-1 MEN’S LAX

2-0 WOMEN’S LAX

0-1

FOUR: Freshman Sofia Cadavid takes a swing during the Flagler Invitational. The team will travel to Lakeland and compete this week.

THE MINARET FEB.16.2017

27

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