3
4
New album releases
Exciting new music is scheduled to be released in the upcoming year
Men’s Basketball
Bearcats face off against tough competitor in Thursday’s game
THE NEWS RECORD / UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI THURSDAY, JAN. 12, 2016
NEWSRECORD.ORG
College athletes not receiving their value
UC athletes may not be getting the scholarships they count on MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV | TASS | ABACA PRESS | TNS
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a reception at the State Kremlin Palace on December 28, 2016, in Moscow.
Students react to Russian hacking TIM GOLDENBERG | CONTRIBUTOR
With the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump drawing closer, recent briefs from the intelligence community to government officials reported that the Russian Federation was directly involved in influencing the results of the U.S. Presidential Election. While the Obama administration already rolled out an initial set of retaliatory sanctions in response to the report, President-elect Trump’s response has been more doubtful. Congressmen on both sides of the isle, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have called for a bipartisan probe into the situation. Trump repeatedly expressed doubt on the conclusion that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime was involved in the U.S. election. This tone, however, changed at his first press conference since Election Day. “As far as hacking, I think it was Russia,” he said. Concern in the University of Cincinnati student community, though, was still evident. Third-year international affairs student Chris Strohofer drew his own conclusion about the conflict. “The FBI report seems to be another drop in the bucket of a dozen or more intelligence agencies that have concluded Russia was behind the DNC hacks. The fact that Donald Trump has finally admitted Russia was probably involved kind of removes all the doubt from my mind,” Strohofer said. In his press conference, Trump claimed that the U.S. government was incredibly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. “Out of a list of 17, in terms of industries, it’s the worst. It’s No. 17 in terms of protection,” he said. While that claim itself is unsubstantiated, there was still concern from students about American cyber security moving forward. “This only highlights a weakness in our cyber security that now needs to be fixed and modified so it can’t happen again,” said second-year English student Ryan Clady. Second-year computer science student Ellana Sell saw the situation as an important opportunity to realize the importance of computer science and cyber security. An opportunity for increased education may hold the key to combating cyber security risks. “Federal grants need to help universities pay computer science professors more because they have a much higher monetary incentive to work in the corporate world instead of teaching the next cyber generation of programmers,” said Sell. In regards to potential effects on the incoming administration, there was significant doubt from students. “Trump’s rhetoric towards Putin has consisted of only admirability. Even after our current president took action to impose sanctions on Russia in response to the hacking, he decided to compliment Putin for not responding to them. It is clear our presidentelect considers Putin as an ally, even though it should be obvious now to all Americans that he is, in many ways, an adversary,” said fourth-year political science and history student Niel Skalican.
FILE ART
DAVID WYSONG | SPORTS EDITOR
Many college athletes are awarded athletic scholarships from the schools they choose to attend. However, due to restrictions from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), athletes may not be receiving an amount equaling their value to the school. While Division I college football teams can award 85 scholarships to their players, men’s baseball has a limit of 11.7, according to the 2015-16 NCAA Division I Manual. The University of Cincinnati men’s baseball team has 37 roster spots, meaning the players have the scholarships divided among them. Coaches can divide athletic scholarships any way they choose, possibly leaving some players
without any financial assistance to claim. In addition, despite football teams having 85 total scholarships to award, some athletes still go without as it is considered a head count sport, meaning that since they are awarded 85 scholarships per year, they are only allowed to have 85 scholarship athletes. UC football has 109 total athletes on their roster. Other head count sports at Cincinnati include volleyball, tennis and men’s and women’s basketball. Ramogi Huma, executive director of the National College Players Association, says that universities would offer more scholarships to their players if it were not for an illegal price-fixing scheme controlled by the NCAA. The NCAA was found guilty of illegally price fixing scholarships in 2014
during the O’Bannon vs NCAA case. “What if all the oil companies got together and decided to start price fixing the price of gasoline, and they said tomorrow we now have to spend at least $10 a gallon for gas?” said Huma. “Well, guess what, we would be spending $10 a gallon for gas, that’s why there are anti-trust laws to protect American citizens from illegal price fixing. And college athletes have those same rights, and O’Bannon proved it, they just have to be assertive.” The NCAA is not the only one to blame in regards to the scholarship cap. Schools could also change the rules to help more athletes financially. “The schools themselves are collectively enforcing an illegal price-fixing scheme,” said Huma. “Every school, they vote on these rules and they say that ‘We don’t want to give
full scholarships in every sport.’” Despite their cap on scholarships, schools do not have to use every scholarship at their disposal. At UC, some coaches use all their scholarships, but most of them do not. “Usually, every sport has at least one scholarship open,” said UC’s Director of Compliance Lindsay Jaffe. Universities receive more media attention from sports than academics, according to Huma, who shared that while many athletes do not receive the benefits of a full scholarship, they are widely used for publicity by the universities. “If you only have a 25 percent tuition, that means you’re paying the school 75 percent. They are making money off of you. In addition to your use as an advertising arm of the school, you’re actually
paying as well,” said Huma. The lack of financial stability can hurt athletes, as many do not have time for part-time jobs in addition to classes and the hours they put into their given sport. Student athletes may spend more than 40 hours a week practicing, according to a lawsuit against the University of North Carolina. Huma said that athletes give many hours to their team without receiving compensation for it. “There are still a lot of short falls where you are not receiving year-round benefits,” said Huma. “Yet, they are being required to work out year-round and participate year-round. They pretend summer workouts are voluntary, but they’re anything but.” However, Alex Pfeiffer, an offensive lineman for the SEE SCHOLARSHIP PG 4
Rob Richardson announces bid for Mayor of Cincinnati JUSTIN REUTTER | NEWS EDITOR
JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Rob Richardson speaks about his time at UC, and how he is going to change Cincinnati if he becomes mayor. Monday, January 10, 2017.
JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Rob Richardson speaks about the issues that Cincinnati is experiencing that are not being dealt with properly. He believes he can help change that if he becomes mayor of the city. Monday, January 9, 2017.
Former University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees Chairman Rob Richardson recently announced a run for mayor. Richardson is a graduate of UC, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 2002 and his Juris Doctor degree from UC as well in 2005. While a student at UC, he established the first college chapter of the NAACP in the Cincinnati Tri-State area and was elected student body president in the spring of 2001. Having served on the Board of Trustees since 2008 and as chairman for one year, Richardson was present on the board when Ray Tensing shot and killed Sam Dubose during a traffic stop in July 2015, and was chairman during the Ray Tensing trial. After Dubose’s death, the university made drastic changes to its policing practices, including hiring an independent monitor and training UC cops to ensure the tragedy does not happen again, according to Richardson. “All you can do is be transparent and open,” said Richardson. “We did our best to make sure our voices were heard.” The university is currently being investigated for allegations of a sexually hostile environment. University records reveal more than 400 Title IX complaints were filed in 2015, according to a recent article in The Enquirer. Only four individuals were found responsible and disciplined for committing physical abuse or harm, which is the charge that sexual assault would fall under. The Title IX complaints include incidents that are sexual in nature and non-sexual. There were more than 260 of those cases in 2016 up to Sept. 20, and none of the accused parties were found responsible, according to the documents. “We are working to make sure we get that right, and I believe it is important for students to continue advocating change,” said Richardson. Students for Survivors, a student group dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, was launched during the time Richardson was acting chairman. When the group went before
THE STUDENT VOICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
administrators, including Richardson, they were largely ignored, according to Grace Cunningham, co-founder of Students for Survivors. “UC has currently failed survivors, and has done little to nothing to make sure that this campus is a safe space for survivors to learn, grow, live and thrive,” said Cunningham in a statement on the group’s website. The main planks of Richardson’s platform are innovation and Inclusion. “A few years ago, the valedictorian from Hughes High School could not make it into main campus. This is when I realized there was a problem,” said Richardson. To counter this, Richardson helped create the UC Scholars Academy bridge program with Hughes STEM High School, which focuses on college readiness and leadership development for students “with the drive and potential, but lacking opportunity,” according to Richardson. Similarly, Cincinnati’s heroin problem must also be addressed with innovation. Richardson believes that a heroin crisis correlates to lack of opportunities and jobs. A Richardson regime would address the root of the problem by providing access to jobs and opportunities, said Richardson. The current Cincinnati government “majors in minor arguments,” according to Richardson. One example of this is over the expansion of the streetcar to uptown. “The Streetcar is here to stay,” said Richardson. The better question is how to get the most out of the situation. Coordinating with regional institutions to create a comprehensive transportation plan falls under Richardson’s proposals. While a possible streetcar expansion is a controversial topic in Cincinnati, the streetcar is a minor argument, according to Richardson. “Our bus system is wholly inefficient. It is not about just the streetcar, it is about a larger vision.” Richardson believes he should be elected because he believes he has a vision for Cincinnati, “not just the next political argument.” This profile is part one of three on the candidates of the 2017 Cincinnati mayoral race.
FREE
2 / NEWS THURSDAY, JAN. 12, 2016
UC College of Medicine’s impact ZACHARY PERRIN | STAFF REPORTER
JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
The CARE/Crawley Building is located on Medical Campus, a place where students and scientists can interact and share their ideas, Monday Jan. 9, 2017.
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine has created an annual economic impact of approximately $1 billion for five consecutive years. A study done by the UC Economics Center founds that from fiscal years 2011 to 2015, the UC College of Medicine’s regional impact was $4.6 billion due to its expenditures. The study broke down the several ways in which the college impacts the region’s economy, but it did not show the impact of the over 750 physicians who provide patient care services through UC Health. Compensation and benefits for employees had the largest impact on the economy — about $3.3 billion over the study’s five years. “The college has done a really good job over the last six years of working
with the University of Cincinnati on all their efficiency initiatives, which has allowed us to do things better and more efficiently. Where we really spend our time investing is on our faculty and research labs,” said Lori Mackey, senior associate dean for operations and finance. During the course of the study, direct employment from the college steadily decreased while indirect employment steadily increased. Part of the decrease in direct employment is also due to an initiative that transferred clinical personnel from the College of Medicine over to UC Health, according to Mackey. The local tax earnings from direct employment also increased from $4.9 million in 2011 to $5.8 million in 2015, resulting in a total of $26.7 million in tax revenue for the city of
Cincinnati. Capital expenditures had a total economic impact of $21.3 million for the five years studied. “Capital for us is either purchasing of equipment, a microscope in a lab, or it would include the tremendous amount of renovation around campus to have a good work environment,” said Mackey. The total impact of capital expenditures in 2011 was about $500,000. In the years following, it rose substantially to $5.2 million the very next year in 2012 and then remained constant over the rest of the study. “Direct employment is employees directly employed by the College of Medicine. Indirect would be any downstream employment that may happen, it may be local venders that are hiring because of an increased business environment
in the region,” said Neil Holsing, associate dean for operations for the College of Medicine. Other expenditures such as operational costs, scholarships, reinvestment of donations and fees were measured separately. Both the direct and indirect impact of those expenditures saw a gradual decline from fiscal years 2011 to 2015 but remained a large part of the total impact, pumping $1.3 billion into the regional economy. New money, which is money that comes into the college from students and organizations outside of the region, is also a big part of the college’s economic impact and was measured separately from expenditures. It created an approximated $2 billion impact over the course of the study.
Cincy Exchange Project provides aid to addicts JUSTIN REUTTER | NEWS EDITOR
The Cincinnati Exchange Project (CEP) allows heroin users to exchange dirty needles for clean ones. It is a one-to-one exchange project, providing one clean needle for each dirty one. The aim of the project is harm reduction, a public health philosophy that seeks to reduce the harms associated with drug use and ineffective drug policies, according to the project’s website. Cincinnati is in the midst of a well-documented heroin crisis. Over six days in late August and early September, Cincinnati paramedics reported 174 overdoses and estimated that at least 100,000 people in the Tri-State area are addicted to heroin or other painkillers, according to WCPO. Additionally in 2015, 488 people died from heroin or synthetic drug fentanyl in Hamilton County alone, a 47 percent increase from 2014. As the No. 1 county in the No. 1 state for overdoses, Hamilton County is ground zero in the U.S. heroin epidemic, according to the Center for Addiction Treatment in Cincinnati. Some believe providing clean needles for addicts can have many benefits. “It reduces spread of disease, and it builds trust with clients so that they might eventually get other services,” said Program Manager
Billy Graham. Currently, UC SSDP is holding a fundraiser for the exchange program. The program is designed to combat the spread of blood-borne disease such as HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis C, as well as providing access to social services and treatment if it is wanted. The program also provides testing for the aforementioned diseases, according to their website. The Cincinnati Exchange Program educates substance abusers on safer sex, safer injection use and where to obtain drug treatment and medical care. Additionally, if the situation warrants, the program makes referrals to additional health services. Occasionally, although the program does not have access to a constant supply, Naloxone, a drug that will reverse the effects of an overdose, can be provided. At the moment, the exchange program is very limited, operating out of a rented transit van. The program sets up at various times and locations depending on the day of the week. One step toward curing the heroin epidemic would be to give more funding to the program, according to Bryan Kirwen, co-president of UC Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP). It may help to soothe the epidemic to make it easier for
people to access treatment rather than trying to get people to stop using heroin. Funding an exchange program is just a start. “What Cincinnati really needs is a heroin clinic,” said Kirwen. A heroin clinic is a location where users can inject under the supervision of medical staff to prevent them from overdosing.
“This way they are not a danger to themselves or a danger to others,” said Kirwen. “They are not driving around, and it is much safer.” An example of this is Vancouver’s Insite, North America’s first and only heroin clinic. About 100 sites like this exist across Europe and Australia, according to CNN.
WHO IS THE BEST OF
UC?
! e d i c e You d
Founded 1880 University of Cincinnati 45221-0135 Newsroom 509 Swift Hall 513-556-5912 chief.newsrecord@gmail. com Advertising 510 Swift Hall 513-556-5902 newsrecordbiz@ gmail.com
FILE ART
The News Record is the editorially independent student-run news organization of the University of Cincinnati. It serves UC students, staff, faculty, alumni and the Cincinnati community with award-winning news and information on a variety of media platforms. The free newspaper is published on Mondays and Thursdays and is distributed to more than 80 locations on and near UC campuses. TNR’s website, www.newsrecord.org, is updated as news breaks and offers video, audio and interactive features. TNR’s app and podcasts are available for download on mobile devices. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook TheNewsRecord Twitter @NewsRecord_UC Instagram TheNewsRecord SoundCloud The-News-Record-1 STAFF Editor-In-Chief Jeff O’Rear Managing Editor Lauren Moretto News Editors Justin Reutter Parker Malatesta Chief Reporter Emily Stolz Life & Arts Editor Isabella Jansen Opinion Editor Karly Williams
23 n a J , y a ond M y b e t Vo
Sports Editor David Wysong Copy Editor Cheyenne Krieger Photo Editor Shae Combs Chief Photographer Jean Pleitez Online Editor Stephanie Smith
www.newsrecord.org/bestofuc2017
Designer Gabrielle Stichweh Broadcast Reporter Emily Wilhelm Videographer Michelle Fisk
LIFE & ARTS / 3 Winter activities in Cincinnati THURSDAY, JAN. 12, 2016
NIALA WAGSTAFF | CONTRIBUTOR
ALEXANDRA TAYLOR | SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
Nov 22, 2015. Fountain Square’s annual Ice Rink is a downtown staple during winter months.
Winter break has officially ended, classes have resumed and it is back to the daily responsibilities of a college student here at the University of Cincinnati. With the unreliable winter weather we are experiencing here at UC, you may find your choice of winter activities limited. Luckily, there are many fun, affordable activities to enjoy during Cincinnati’s snowy – or not so snowy – season. Fountain Square Ice Rink is a popular winter destination for seasonal activities. Fountain Square is a venue that features warming tents, a full-service bar and concessions with hot and cold snacks. General admission is $6, and individuals may bring their own ice skates or rent a pair for $4. Despite the occasional fall, ice skating is an entertaining and safe
winter activity that never gets old. Snow tubing at Beach Mountain is another interesting activity to do during the winter. For $20, guests can spend their entire day sliding down a 400-foot hill in an inner tube. If you choose to try this winter activity, it is a great opportunity to get a group of friends together for a fun-filled day. If the day proves too cold for outdoor activities, Cincinnati has an abundance of activities to get you out of the house while still keeping you away from the frigid weather. The Cincinnati area is filled with great art museums and galleries. Explore the art of today by visiting 21c Art Museum, a museum that is solely dedicated to collecting and exhibiting art of the 21st century. This art museum features dynamic group and solo exhibitions by both
established and emerging artists. Admission is free and the doors are open to the public 24/7. This museum can be found downtown in Cincinnati’s Boutique Hotel and Museum. Cincinnati Escape Room is another great alternative. Completing and solving clues to escape room requirements is an adventurous way to spend a night out with a group of friends. At the start of your visit, you will receive your mission and be placed inside a themed escape room. Each room must find all of the puzzles and escape the room before time elapses. Cincinnati Escape Room provides free parking for all visitors, along with free admissions for first-time visitors. If none of this seems to catch your interest, there are always activities going on downtown, especially in Over the Rhine. This
is a place where you can experience some of the best restaurants and bistros Cincinnati has to offer, no matter what the weather. This could be a fun way to explore some of the new restaurants, small boutiques and unique shops. One may even be inclined to explore the emerging area of Cincinnati while snuggled up in a horse-drawn carriage. You can do so by making a reservation, or walking up to one on the side of the street, spur of the moment. Although there are perks to relaxing, hanging out under a warm blanket and binge watching some of your favorite shows on Netflix it should not turn into an everyday ritual. Use your free time to explore this beautiful city of Cincinnati, and allow yourself to experience as many of the endless opportunities it has to offer.
Happy hour, drink specials of Clifton ISABELLA JANSEN | LIFE AND ARTS EDITOR
The area where the University of Cincinnati finds itself placed is one of its best attributes. While UC provides students with a great education, the location does not hurt. Clifton is home to numerous bars and restaurants that are in walking distance of students living in on and off-campus housing. Many businesses around campus provide specials and happy hours, making for an ideal place for students to spend their free time. One of the more infamous hangouts would include Uncle Woody’s, a bar located at 339 Calhoun St. It has been home to many of our parents and grandparents before us. Second-year psychology student Sofia Geiler describes it as “the epitome of a college bar” where “the bartenders are always ready for action, with a smile on their face.” While each night has its own special, Friday night is one that always attracts UC students as it provides 15 refills on draft beers for five dollars starting at 5 p.m. Another option down the street
from Uncle Woody’s is Keystone Bar and Grill. Each night at Keystone is a different food and drink special. For example, Mondays are dedicated to half price mac & cheese and $4 mules. Apart from the daily specials, there is happy hour Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. Customers can enjoy half price appetizers and wine, along with discounted draft beers. Mr. Sushi is another staple restaurant in the UC community that provides students with a chance to enjoy half price sushi every day from 4 p.m. to close. Aside from their food specials, Mr. Sushi has a great night life as well. Every Wednesday is a “Wine Wednesday,” which provides specials like $5 glasses and $20 bottles. Thursday nights offer half price beer, which always seem to draw in a busy crowd. “Mr. Sushi is a fun place to be if you are wanting to run into people you know. I have been there for group events and can’t say I have ever been disappointed,” said third-year operations management student Tyler
Bellman. The opposite side of campus, which becomes more and more popular each semester, offers many restaurant and bar specials of its own. Over at 2701 Vine St. sits Ladder 19, a fairly new bar opened by the owners of the beloved Uncle Woody’s. Every Saturday and Sunday, Ladder 19 offers a brunch special for $19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This includes your choice of bottomless mimosas or Bloody Mary’s, served with your choice of one of the brunch options. This special was so popular that Ladder is now offering “Weekend Wednesdays” which is the same special except on Wednesday nights from 5-9 p.m. Across the street is the 86 Coffee Bar and Concert Venue. This specific establishment offers free pancakes every Wednesday from 8-10 a.m. It is the best kind of breakfast: free, warm and made by someone else. This is the perfect opportunity for students who have not bothered to eat breakfast since they had a food plan. Whether you are looking to drink or eat, there are specials all around
AARON DORSTEN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
January 10, 2017. Ladder 19, located on Short Vine, is a popular Happy Hour hangout for UC students.
AARON DORSTEN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mr. Sushi on McMillan is a popular restaurant for UC students.
AARON DORSTEN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Uncle Woody’s, located on Calhoun, is known locally for their Happy Hour specials
PROVIDED
PROVIDED
2017 predicted to be amazing year for music releases JOEY MORAND | CONTRIBUTOR
While 2016 was a great year in the music industry, the albums and playlists releasing in the coming months of 2017 may blow last year out of the water. Drake is coming off a huge year in 2016 with his album “Views,” topping the Billboard Charts and earning him two Grammy nominations. Starting the year where he left off, the rapper is set to release a new playlist early this year. The playlist “More Life” had a rumored release date of December 2016, but was delayed. Drake’s manager Oliver El-Khatib announced on OVO Sound Radio that the playlist would drop early in 2017. “Fake Love,”“Two Birds, One Stone” and “Sneakin’” are the three songs from the playlist that were released to give his fans a taste of what is to come. Chance The Rapper also had a successful year and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Chance’s mixtape “Coloring Book” was streamed more than 57 million times on Apple Music. It was the first streaming-exclusive album to not only break the Billboard’s top 200, but to also make it to No. 8 on the list. Chance has put in work for some time now on what he says could be his first studio album. The name and date have not yet been released, but it is safe to say the industry should expect to see Chance’s first studio record on the top of many music charts. Since 2011, rumors have floated around about a J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar collaboration album. As
it turns out, 2017 could be the year that the rumors become a reality. Ab-Soul, a member of Kendrick Lamar’s rap group Black Hippy, told Charlamagne Tha God of “The Breakfast Club” that a Kendrick and J. Cole album does exist, but he did not give much detail about the songs on the album or an expected release date. Regardless, the rumors have been confirmed, and the music world has something to look forward to this year. Additionally, Twenty One Pilots, an incredibly popular band, talked about the creation of their newest album. The album is still a work in progress, but lead vocalist Tyler Joseph told the Alternative Press that he feels a greater sense of freedom and less pressure in creating this album. If Joseph felt pressured and tied down while writing the band’s last hit album “Blurryface,” one can only imagine the chart toppers he will produce in the duos latest album. As far as Kanye West goes, many believe he can do no wrong. After the success of his album, “Life of Pablo,” it is hard to argue this claim. One can only imagine what is to come for his highly anticipated 2017 release. Whether it is epic or just average his loyal fans will not be disappointed. There are many more great albums set to be released throughout this year. As for popular name such as A$AP Rocky, Lorde and Nine Inch Nails are just a few of the other big names trying to top the charts this year.
The best ways to save money on your required textbooks this year ISABELLA JANSEN | LIFE AND ARTS EDITOR
Any struggling college student understands the anxiety that comes along with buying textbooks. As soon as you feel like you have a little money in your pocket from working endlessly over summer or winter break, you walk into class or read your syllabus, only to realize that extra money no longer exists. Third-year industrial management student Franco Sabato spends $250 a semester on books alone. Unfortunately, there are some students who surpass this already unmanageable amount. Luckily, there are some steps a money-conscious
student can take in order to save money on textbooks this semester. Oftentimes, going to the campus bookstore can be a costly mistake. While it is convenient, it can sometimes be more expensive. Unless the material is necessary for your class and only found in your campus bookstore, avoid it until after you have checked other places for books. This is where companies such as Chegg and Amazon come in to play. More often than not, both these sources provide textbooks for a significantly cheaper price compared to the campus bookstore. They also deliver within the
week of purchase and return shipping is free. Another key to saving money is buying used books. When buying a used textbook, you are always purchasing it at a discount. You then have the opportunity to resell this material when you are finished. While renting a book may seem better short-term, you have no chance of getting your money back in the long run. When you have the funds to buy instead of renting, you should always choose buying. Another option is using an older edition of the necessary materials, which Sabato tries to do. “Teachers do want to help
you out and allow earlier editions in class because of the cheaper price,” said Sabato. Sabato also recommends looking in the UC libraries, where you can sometimes find a copy of the text you need for class. For some students, the solution is not buying the textbook at all. “I try not to unless I have to,” said third-year prepharmacy student Chris Smedley. A good way to see if the text is absolutely necessary, despite what your professor says, is by checking rates and reviews left on various websites. This allows you to get advice from students
who have already taken a course and have stated whether or not the book was essential to success within the class. When the book is necessary, Smedley looks for the online version, often a cheaper option compared to the paper text. It should be noted that sometimes the online versions are more difficult, and some students prefer ease over price. As simple as it sounds, sharing is also a perfectly acceptable option. Many times students schedule classes with friends, making it easy to buy a textbook with another individual to split the cost. Textbooks do not have to
be a burden for struggling college students. There are other options that require minimal effort.
TY WESSELKAMPER | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Du Bois Book store is located on the corner of W Clifton Street and Calhoun Street. Du Bois has worn Best of UC 30 times in a row.
4 / SPORTS THURSDAY, JAN. 12, 2016
TNR chooses this week’s NFL playoff winners DAVID WYSONG | SPORTS EDITOR JASON SZELEST | STAFF REPORTER ETHAN RUDD | STAFF REPORTER
The NFL playoff divisional matchups take place Saturday and Sunday, with eight teams attempting to make it to their conference’s championship game. Our sports experts David, Jason and Ethan, who regularly appear on the “On the Record Sports” podcast, predict the winners for the four games.
The Seattle Seahawks at the Atlanta Falcons Jason: Seattle | David: Atlanta | Ethan: Atlanta Jason: The Falcons
high-flying offense has been impressive this year, but defense wins in the playoffs and the Seahawks have a considerable advantage on that side of the ball. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson is a proven playoff winner with an 8-3 record in postseason games, while Matt Ryan is 1-4 in those situations. Ethan: Unfortunately for the Seahawks, it isn’t 2014. Marshawn Lynch is not around to help them control games and they will miss Earl Thomas – their best cover safety – against a very good Falcons offense. I’m taking the Falcons, even though their defense may be susceptible. The Houston Texans
at the New England Patriots Jason: New England | David: New England |
Ethan: New England Jason: This game will not
even be close. Predictably, Tom Brady came out on fire following a four-game suspension for deflated footballs, tossing 28 touchdowns compared to two interceptions this year. The Texans defense will keep them in it for a while, but, ultimately, Brock Osweiler’s inability to run an offense will bury Houston. David: This is simple. The Texans are complete, utter trash – especially on offense – and the Patriots won’t even need to cheat their way in to a win. Houston ranked at No. 29 in total yards this season, and the only teams that trailed them were three of the worst teams in the NFL: the 1-15 Cleveland Browns, the 2-14 San Francisco 49ers and the 4-12 Los Angeles Rams. The Patriots will win by more than three touchdowns and will not even need deflated footballs to do so.
Le’Veon Bell are one of the best trios to ever be teamed up in the NFL, and their defense has surprisingly become good. In addition, Pittsburgh has now won eight-straight games after dismantling the Miami Dolphins 30-12 in the Wild Card Round. The Steelers win in a close one. Ethan: I’ll take Kansas
City over Pittsburgh, regardless of the regular season shellacking the Steelers put on the Chiefs. Travis Kelce is looking like Rob Gronkowski and Tyreek Hill looks like he can score anytime he touches the ball. In addition, the Steelers are down a valuable pass rusher in Cam Heyward.
The Green Bay
Packers at the Dallas Cowboys Jason: Green Bay | David: Dallas | Ethan: Dallas Jason: Dallas easily
handled Green Bay in the regular season, but this is a very different Packers team. The Packers have won their last seven games by an average of 14 points.
To put things more simply, a rookie is not going to outplay Aaron Rodgers in the playoffs. Ethan: Although the Packers have a red-hot offense, I’m thinking the Cowboys will win. Ezekiel Elliot will help keep Aaron Rodgers off the field and Dak Prescott will make enough plays to pull away.
The Pittsburgh Steelers at the Kansas City Chiefs Jason: Kansas City | David: Pittsburgh | Ethan: Kansas City David: Don’t get me
wrong, I want the Chiefs to win. However, the Steelers were one of my preseason Super Bowl picks and they are on fire right now. Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger and
RICHARD W. RODRIGUEZ | FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM | TNS
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs for a first quarter touchdown run as Dak Prescott looks on as the Cowboys take on the Detroit Lions Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
UC and SMU collide in Thursday’s matchup of conference unbeatens
FROM SCHOLARSHIPS PG 1
University of Toledo, claims that it is the athlete’s fault for not having sufficient finances. “If you budget your money correctly as a scholarship athlete, it is not hard to make it by with ease,” said Pfeiffer. “Being smart with your money is the most important thing to remember.” Despite workouts during the offseason being titled as voluntary, athletes can still see their scholarships taken away from them if they do not attend. “Under NCAA rules, it’s a one year revocable scholarship. So, if you’re not showing up to your socalled voluntary workouts, you may find that you may not have a scholarship that following year,” said Huma. Due to the amount of time athletes give to their schools, the debate on whether they should be paid or not has grown. Andrew Alvey played linebacker at Faulkner University, but is now a third-year political science student at UC. He believes athletes should only be paid through their scholarships and a monthly stipend. “The stipend should be paid by the university and should only be enough to feed, clothe and shelter the athlete,” said Alvey. Pfeiffer, on the other hand, thinks scholarships are enough. “Given the chance to get your degree for free is getting paid within itself,” said Pfeiffer.
JASON SZELEST | STAFF REPORTER
There are two teams that have yet to lose a game in the American Athletic Conference this season: Southern Methodist University and the University of Cincinnati. Those teams will square off Thursday night in a matchup deciding who will take over sole-control of first place in the conference. Head coach Mick Cronin is fully aware of the challenge UC’s team will face. “SMU is just a tough out,” said Cronin. “They are a really good basketball team. They have two things that stand out to you: they are really well-coached, and they got very good players. They play smart, they pass the ball and they’re physical.” One player the Bearcats will have to prepare for is Semi Ojeleye, who is averaging 18 points and eight rebounds in his first season with the Mustangs. “He can score in different ways,” said Cronin. “He posts up, he gets fouled and he has a one-on-one game from the threepoint line.” Kyle Washington will, more than likely, be tasked with guarding Ojeleye on defense, while also looking to improve on a 19-point performance against the University of Houston. “I need to stay diligent and keep on working hard,” said Washington. “I’m just going to keep on trying to help my team win.” Although Washington wants to treat this like any other game, he realizes the threat
that SMU poses. “It’s going to be an intense game,” said Washington. “They have a good pedigree of players and coaches down there. They built a good program and it is going to be an exciting game.” While there are several one-on-one matchups providing intrigue, Cronin believes the biggest key to a Bearcats’ victory will be rebounding. SMU averages 41 rebounds per game, ranking No. 16 in the nation. “They are the best rebounding team statistically that I think I have ever played against,” said Cronin. “In conference play they are plus 20 on the glass. It’s going to be, obviously, a point of emphasis for us to do a good job with our defensive rebounding. It is going to determine whether we have a chance to beat SMU.” In order to do this, Cronin wants his team to all play more like senior guard Kevin Johnson. Despite often being the smallest player on the court for UC, Cronin loves Johnson’s willingness to compete on the glass. “What we need to do as a team, we need to all become Kevin Johnson,” said Cronin. “Kevin Johnson relishes contact, he is our toughest guy and he is by far our best box-out guy because he likes contact. We show Kevin Johnson edits of the way he blocks out.” The teams will tip off at 9 p.m. in Fifth Third Arena, with the game airing on ESPN.
FILE ART
Travis Kelce goes from Bearcat to best NFL tight end CLAUDE THOMPSON | STAFF REPORTER OPINION
As Travis Kelce prepares for his upcoming NFL playoff game with the Kansas City Chiefs against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, he does so following the best season of his career. Kelce earned his secondstraight Pro Bowl invitation and a first-team All-Pro selection. In addition, he has begun to garner serious respect from national media pundits, fans and even his opposition. Before the 2016 NFL season even started, Kelce was having a great year. During the week of last year’s Pro Bowl, Kelce agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Chiefs. This keeps him in Kansas City until at least 2021, netting him $46 million with around $20 million in guarantees. That extension was earned after back-toback seasons of over 50 receptions, 800 receiving yards and five touchdowns – more than any season he had in college. In addition to the offseason payday, Kelce
was also the star of his own reality dating show called “Catching Kelce” that aired on E! during the first few weeks of the season. Speaking of college, a small portion of Kelce’s time at the University of Cincinnati was spent with analysts considering him a must-draft leading up to the 2013 NFL draft. His best season was his senior year when he tallied just over 700 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in former UC head coach Butch Jones’ last season with the team – also the last year Cincinnati won a bowl game. The Bearcats finished the season in a four-way tie for the Big East Conference championship. Things were different then. However, the more people analyzed Kelce’s tape, the more they fell in love with him. The way he created space between himself and defenders with clean breaks and long strides, using his large body to box out opponents, and how securely he caught the ball
opened eyes on film. It also didn’t hurt that Kelce was a willing blocker in the run game and would actively engage defenders until the whistle blew. The Chiefs were, once again, winners of a player sliding in the draft due to character concerns after Kelce was suspended his sophomore season for violating non-specified team rules. Kansas City drafted Kelce in the third round ¬– the same round they snagged All-Pro pass rusher Justin Houston in 2011. Instantly, Kelce was a huge boon to a team struggling to find a threat at tight end since the departure of the great Tony Gonzalez. The former Bearcat’s 2016 regular season ended with him leading all tight ends in receiving yards, yards per game, receptions over 20 yards, receptions over 40 yards and receptions going for a first down. He was second only to Dennis Pitta in receptions by one, but finished with almost 400 more yards than Pitta. Kelce also eclipsed 1,000 yards for the first
time in his career – NFL and college – and was fundamental in the Chiefs securing the two-seed in the NFL playoffs.
Kelce was starting to get comparisons to New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski last year, but after this year and
Gronkowski’s struggles to stay on the field, the way is clear for Kelce to claim the top-spot as best tight end in the NFL.
JOHN SLEEZER | KANSAS CITY STAR | TNS
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce argues after being ejected from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct following a play in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.