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FOURTH ESTATE August 29, 2016 | Volume 4 Issue 1 George Mason University’s official student news outlet gmufourthestate.com | @IVEstate
ICYMI
THIS SUMMER AT MASON PAGE 3
FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: THE FRESHMAN GUIDE TO LOCAL ARTS AND CULTURE PAGE 4 SPUHLER FIELD GETS A FACELIFT PAGE 9 (MACKENZIE REAGAN /FOURTH ESTATE)
Fourth Estate
2 08.29.2016
Help Wanted
The Country Club of Fairfax is looking for Golf Course / Grounds Care. Full and Part Time positions available, must be able to work mornings. Experience and or knowledge of the game of golf a plus. Excellent pay and benefits based on experience.
The Country Club Fairfax is nearing the end of a 7-million-dollar renovation to upgrade our facilities. We are seeking experienced, enthusiastic servers to staff our clubhouse and 3 dining rooms. We are offering competitive pay for qualified full time and part time associates. If you are friendly, enjoy working as part of a team, have attention to detail, can be attentive to the members’ needs and work hard to make our members feel welcome, we want to talk to you! Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a successful ‘opening team’. For more information and to apply, please visit https://ccfairfax. talentplushire.com/jobs/.
The Country Club of Fairfax is looking for Private Event Servers and Bartenders with a flexible schedule that includes weekdays, weekends, holidays and split shifts. Previous fine dining and/or banquet experience, bilingual preferred (Spanish, English). Must be at least 19 years of age to serve alcohol. Minimum two years of food and beverage experience. To apply, please visit https://ccfairfax. talentplushire.com/jobs/.
Child Care Seeking after-school care for 2nd grader in Pimmit Hill 3:30-5:15. $13/hr. a.benisch@gmail.com
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MacKenzie Reagan
CLASSIFIEDS Help Wanted
GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE
Crime Log
Editor-In-Chief
Sosan Malik Managing Editor
Jennifer Shaskan
Aug. 20
Online Editor
2016-028440 | Drug / Narcotic Vioaltions & Drug Equipment Vioaltions Two subjects (GMU) were found in possession of illegal drugs and drug equipment. Both subjects referred to student conduct. Lot R | Closed | 12:13 a.m.
Natalia Kolenko Campus Editor
Todd Gonda Copy Chief
Peter Eccleston Culture Editor
Devan Fishburne Local Editor
Aug. 22
2016-028540 | Drug / Narcotic Vioaltions A wallet containing drugs was turned into lost and found. Southside Dining Hall | Info Only | 9:20 a.m.
David Schrack Sports Editor
Megan Zendek Art Director
Peter Park Multimedia Editor
Naomi Folta
Aug. 25
2016-028725 | Drunkenness / Liquor
Photo Editor
Regine Victoria Social Media Editor
Law Violations
Ryan Adams
Security located an intoxicated subject (GMU) vomiting. Subject was transported by EMS for treatment. Subject was issued a summons for Underage Possession of Alcohol Patriot Circle at Rappahannock River Rd. | Cleared by Arrest | 11:15 p.m.
Distribution Manager
Kathryn Mangus Director
David Carroll Associate Director
Leslie Steiger
Aug. 25
2016-028671 | Trespassing Security found a subject (non-GMU) sleeping in a classroom. They were issued a trespass warning and escorted off campus. Robinson Hall | Closed |12:58 p.m.
ON THE COVER Managing editor Sosan Malik peruses the selection at Mobius Records in downtown Fairfax. See page 4 for more.
Fiscal and Operations Assistant Director
Alyssa Swaney Sales Team
Wesley Ward Sales Team Fourth Estate is printed each Monday for George Mason University and its surrounding Fairfax community. The editors of Fourth Estate have exclusive authority over the content that is published. There are no outside parties that play a role in the newspaper’s content, and should there be a question or complaint regarding this policy, the Editor-in-Chief should be notified at the email provided. Fourth Estate is a free publication, limit one copy per person. Additional copies are 25 cents payable to the Office of Student Media. Mail Fourth Estate George Mason University Mail stop 2C5 4400 University Drive Fairfax, Va. 22030 Phone 703-993-2950
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GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE
Campus News
08.29.2016
3
students participating in the preceptor program will be encouraged to work with vulnerable populations such as minorities, low-income children, the elderly and the homeless upon completion of their degrees.
HAMNA AHMAD | STAFF WRITER
Whether you were studying for summer classes, working hard at your internship or traveling the world, here are the top five Mason stories you may have missed this summer: Researchers at Mason are searching for new sources of antibiotics in an unusual place: mosquito cells. The tiny insect, while a mild annoyance to most students, can actually be a transmitter of diseases such as malaria and the Zika virus. The mosquito itself, however, never seems to be affected by the illnesses, which is what Monique van Hoek and her research assistant Akanksha Kaushal set out to study. They found that antimicrobial peptides released by the mosquito cells after being infected were able to fight off a strain of Francisella tularensis, a pathogen that in some variations is classified as a bioterrorism threat by the US government. Nigerian First Lady Aisha Muhammadu Buhari visited
703.543.6433 3159A Draper Drive Fairfax, VA 22031
Mason Aug. 4 as part of her Future Assured program, an initiative that advocates for the health, education and well being of women and girls in Nigeria. Buhari, the wife of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, also spoke about the issues stemming from Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram and highlighted the importance of a global solution to fight the insurgency. Mason’s Office of Global Strategy, Office of Admissions, the College of Health and Human Services and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences hosted the event. Mason’s School of Nursing was awarded a grant of $927,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this year. The School of Nursing will use the money to develop a program that pairs students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with “community preceptors,” or physicians who work in a professional office or academic setting. The School of Nursing is expanding its public health offerings, and
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students, staff, and faculty!
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On July 16, Mason Korea entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Foundation for Korean Language and Culture in USA, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote Korean language and cultural education throughout schools in the U.S. The memorandum of understanding outlines the agreement between the two organizations about cooperating on scholarships, research and education programs focusing on Korean and global cultural studies. Mason Dining is getting a facelift as it updates its digital media presence and sustainable choices. Students will be able to download BITE by Sodexo on their smartphones, an app that will have the ingredients and nutritional information of food offered by Mason Dining. If you don’t have time to check your phone before popping into Ike’s or Southside for a meal, you can access the nutritional information from a series of tablets installed around the dining halls, which, in addition to the information found on the mobile app, will also broadcast special events and allow students to give feedback to staff.
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Culture
08.29.2016
GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE
The new kid’s guide to local entertainment PETER ECCLESTON | CULTURE EDITOR MACKENZIE REAGAN | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
New to Campus? Looking to find places to unwind after a long week of hard work? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered together a list of some of the great places at and around campus to keep you cultured.
ENTERTAINMENT
PLACES TO EAT
CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Address: 4373 Mason Pond Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 Hours: Varies Description: If you want to see live performances, inspiring acts and a good place for a classy date, then the Center for the Arts is the place to go. The center holds several different plays, musicals and so much more every month. The best part? If you are a Mason student, you can get two tickets to every show free if you show your student ID.
1. EAST WIND CAFE
CORNER POCKET
Address: 10414 Main St. Fairfax, VA 22030 Hours: Monday to Wednesday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Address: The Hub, first floor (4400 Rivanna River Way Fairfax, VA 22030) Hours: Monday to Saturday 12–8 p.m. Description: Looking for a place to play some pool and hang out with friends? Look no further than the Corner pocket. Located at the Hub, Corner Pocket offers students the chance to use a pool table, Wii and other fun games for a small fee.
Description: Want a change from campus food? Want to try something a little
different? Then come to East Wind, a unique Vietnamese restaurant that can add a little variety to your palate. East Wind even has a great vegetarian menu for everyone to enjoy.
2. VICTORIA’S CAKERY
Address: 10430 Main St. Fairfax, VA 22030 Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Description: Have a sweet tooth? Sick of eating at chain restaurants? If so, you’ll
love Victoria’s Cakery, which offers a wide selection of both cakes and other treats like scones. Their family recipes are sure to bring you back for more.
COMICS & GAMING FAIRFAX Address: 10385 Main St. Fairfax, VA 22030 Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Description: Do you play games such as Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: the Gathering or Pokemon? Comics & Gaming Fairfax is the answer to your wildest hopes and dreams. It holds tournaments for almost every type of game.
THE CAVE GAMING CENTER Address: 10621 Braddock Road Suite B Fairfax, VA
22032
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Description: Ever want to meet a bunch of people who are all interested in video games? If so, come to The Cave, a place where people meet to play multiplayer games such as Hearthstone, Smash Brothers and Pokken Tournament.
3. HAVABITE EATERY
Address: 10416 Main St. Fairfax, VA 22030 Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Description: Looking for a small place with wonderful food for a romantic date?
MUSIC
Check out Havabite Eatery. The family-owned restaurant specializes in wonderfully-cooked Mediterranean food.
EPICURE CAFE
Address: 11104 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22030 Hours: Friday to Wednesday 5 p.m.–12:30 a.m.;
Thursday 5 p.m.–2 a.m.
Description: The family-run, music-themed
cafe has been in its new location on Lee Highway since 2014. Stop by for food, drinks, coffee and live performances from local and emerging artists.
Freshman Armani Jasper lines up her shot at Corner Pocket.
MOBIUS RECORDS
JAMMIN’ JAVA
Address: 4007 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 Address: 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180 Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m.—7 p.m.; Friday Hours: Monday to Wednesday 3 p.m.—1 a.m.;
to Saturday 12—8 p.m.; Sunday 12—5 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.—1 a.m.; Friday to Saturday 9
mainstream and indie vinyl. The shop specializes in current artists, but with a vast selection of LPs and 45s, you can find just about anything. Check them out at mobiusrecordshop.com.
takes you to Jammin’ Java, one of Northern Virginia’s biggest concert venues that draws artists like Paramore, Bon Iver and RDGLDGRN.
Description: Nestled in the heart of Downtown a.m.—2 a.m. Fairfax, Mobius Records is your go-to for both Description: A quick drive down Route 123
(GRAPHIC BY MEGAN ZENDEK/FOURTH ESTATE)
(MAP BY MARY JANE DECARLO/FOURTH ESTATE)
(PHOTOS BY MACKENZIE REAGAN/FOURTH ESTATE)
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Student Support and Advocacy Center SUB 1 Suite 3200 703-993-3686 ssac.gmu.edu
S TAY MASON
In order to serve Mason students in a holistic manner, the Office of Student Support (OSS) has combined services with Wellness, Alcohol, and Violence Education and Services (WAVES) to create the Student Support and Advocacy Center. All services formerly provided by WAVES and OSS will continue to be offered, among them:
▶Confidential interpersonal violence support services (sexual assault, domestic and partner violence, sexual harassment, stalking, etc.) ▶24hour Sexual & Intimate Partner Violence Crisis Line (703-380-1434) for those seeking support surrounding interpersonal violence emergencies ▶Intervention with students who are encountering life crises or significant personal challenges ▶Consultation with students, faculty, staff, and others who are concerned about the wellbeing of a student ▶Education and assessment for students addressing use/abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs ▶Wellness education and training on bystander engagement ▶Confidential HIV testing and free contraceptive distribution
STUDENT SUPPORT FUND
T IN F O & A P P LY A STAY M A S O N .G M U
.EDU
The STAY Mason Student Support Fund, developed with input from students, faculty, staff and senior leadership, is designed to provide temporary, short-term, financial assistance to students who are managing demanding academic requirements while struggling with debilitating financial circumstances. STAY Mason aims to support students by providing short-term emergency funding and cost of attendance assistance. STAY Mason funding may be available to students who meet the following criteria: ▶Students who are currently enrolled in degree-seeking programs (and who have completed 12 or more credits at Mason) ▶Students who have applied for, or who will apply for, financial aid and have exhausted all their financial aid options, including their subsidized and unsubsidized loans (DACA students are welcome to apply for the Fund) ▶Students with proven academic potential, defined as a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average ▶Students with demonstrated short-term financial need, including a temporary hardship, sudden emergency and/or an inability to pay cost of attendance (tuition; housing; books; meal plans; transportation) are encouraged to apply. The STAY Mason Fund is NOT meant to provide long-term or full tuition relief. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, and the decision to grant funding is based on extenuating and/or unforeseen circumstances that affect the student’s or his or her family’s ability to contribute to pay the student’s cost of attendance. There is no guarantee that funding will be available in any given semester. The Student Support and Advocacy Center provides comprehensive services for students in an effort to foster the safety and well-being of the Mason community. Staff assist students who are encountering barriers to their academic success or personal growth. For more information or to make a referral please visit ssac.gmu.edu.
Disability Services An Office of University Life Fairfax Campus: SUB 1, Suite 2500 Phone:703-993-2474 Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Services avaliable by appointment to students at all George Mason University Campuses Contact: 703-993-2474 Testing Hours: Mon, Wed-Fri, 9 am-4:45pm Tues, 9 am-8:45pm by appointment only George Mason University 4400 University Drive MSN 5C9 Fairfax, VA 22030 Phone:703-993-2474 Fax: 703-993-4306 Website: ds.gmu.edu Email: ods@gmu.edu
About Disability Services Disability Services has continual enrollment and is able to provide accommodations for a documented disability at any point in an academic career. Eligibility Disability Services proudly serves individuals with physical, learning and psychologically disabilities. Specifically, Disability Services assists people with the following documented disabilities: • Learning disabilities • Mobility issues • Deaf/hard of hearing • Blind/ low vision • Medically related disabilities • ADHD • Psychological Disabilities • Temporary disabilities • ASD • and others... Services Accommodations are developed based on individuals interviews and documentation. Accommodations include: • Academic Accommodations • Housing Accommodations • Meal plan waivers • Foreign language waivers • Quantitative Reasoning waivers • Patriot Lift referrals How to make an appointment To schedule a confidential appointment or to arrange testing, call the Fairfax Office at 703-993-2474 (voice). How Can You be an Ally? People are more than their disability. Don’t assume that you know what their disability is or that you know their identity. Never underestimate them. Physical aids are an extension of a person, treat them as such. Be respectful of everybody and their right for privacy. Remember that language is powerful. For more information about Disability Services at Mason, please visit ds.gmu.edu.
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Sports
08.29.2016
GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE
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Running to Rio
Mason alumnus earns gold at Olympics JAMES STEMPLE | STAFF WRITER
Olympians spend years training in hopes of earning a gold medal. On Aug. 20, alumnus and former Patriot cross-country runner David Verburg achieved that dream. “It’s a good feeling, not too many people can say they have an Olympic gold medal,” Verburg said. Verburg, a member of the class of 2013, competed in the 400 meter dash and 4x4 relay for team USA during the Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro. On his first day competing, Verburg lined up for round one of the 400-meter race and finished in 45.48 seconds, which qualified him for the semifinals. He made it to the second round of the semifinals the following day, finishing at 45.61 seconds and coming in fifth place. Verburg then ran in the 4x4 relay with Team USA, who won second place at 2:58.38 and then won gold the following day at 2:57.30. However, Verburg did not run in the final due to injury.
“I had been dealing with an injury all year, and as the season went on, it just got worse,” he said. “I didn’t want to put my team in jeopardy by running the final, holding them up, because at that point, it’s not just me, it’s my whole relay.” Verburg had a late start to his career, but during his junior year at E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, Virginia — his first year running — he surprised everyone when he made it to the Nike Indoor National meet. He returned to track and field the following year, catching the eyes of many college coaches. Some scouts passed over Verburg due to his inexperience, but Mason’s assistant track and field coaches pointed him towards Mason. Director of Track and Field Andrew Gerard said Verburg had “speed, aggressiveness [sic], attitude and a ton of potential.” “One of our assistant coaches, a woman named Katrina Allen,” Gerard said, “knew David’s family. His family was in Lynchburg, Virginia, at the time. Her family and his family had a connection, so Katrina was actually the one who recruited David and encouraged him to look here.”
Junior Championships, where he qualified for the World Junior Championships. He earned a gold medal in the 4x4 and got a taste of what track is like in an international setting. Verburg’s career continued to expand after his freshman year. Gerard said he had “no quick spikes” of progress, instead “improving steadily and consistently.” “I progressed at a pace that was necessary to get where I need to go. So, I came into college running a 47.1, and I left running a 44.7 which is definitely a big progression,” Verburg said. His ability to move forward each year helped him qualify and compete in numerous meets, such as the USATF indoor (45.62) and outdoor (44.63) championships, the NCAA championships (45.03) and the NACAC U23 Championships (45.14). After an attempt to qualify during the Olympic trials in 2012, Verburg tried again during the 2016 Olympic trials, where he finished in third place and secured his spot on team USA. He qualified for the 400 meter and the 4x4 meter relay and left with an Olympic gold medal. But Verburg’s career hasn’t ended just yet.
BUILD YOUR TEAM FOR
*The Patriot Success “Beacon” Survey is only open to undergraduate, degree-seeking students.
“We liked what we saw. David didn’t have a lot of running experience in high school, but he was pretty aggressive, so we liked what his potential was.”
“Unless a major injury happens like that,” he said, “I don’t know why I wouldn’t be at the next Olympics. At that point, I’ll be 29, and sprinters usually don’t peak until their early 30’s, so I’m still well up in my range.”
In his freshman year at Mason, Verburg went to the US
Verburg will compete in the Track and Field World Championships in August 2017.
BEACON, EGG AND CHEESE PATRIOT SUCCESS LAUNCH DAY
September 14 from 8-10:00 am at North Plaza
Come learn and ask questions about the upcoming Patriot Success (Beacon) survey, reflect on strategies for success at Mason, write/post goals for the year, and start your morning off right with breakfast. In a hurry? There will be to-go items labeled with survey dates and links to more detailed information patriot success initiatives. Attendees will have the opportunity to enter drawings for prizes to be awarded after completion of the surveys. PATRIOT SUCCESS AT HIGH 5
September 26, 2016 at 10:00 am - 4:00 pm in the JC Bistro
Patriot Success Volunteers will be on staff to answer your questions and can review your individual results once you have completed the Patriot Success (Beacon) survey. You will also get a Patriot Success Class t-shirt (while supplies last)! ICE-CREAM WITH OFPS
September 15 from 7:30-10am in Lot A, and 2:30-5pm in Lot K
September 15 from Noon-1:30pm in the SUB I Quad
Commuting to campus? Stop by the green tents for breakfast, learn more about Patriot Success, and enter to win a semester of free parking!
Beat the heat with free ice cream, music, and games with staff from Orientation and Family Programs and Services. You can also learn more about the Patriot Success initiative and enter to win more prizes!
PATRIOT SUCCESS KIOSKS
PATRIOT SUCCESS SURVEY CLOSES
September 26-October 7
October 7
If you missed the Patriot Success Launch Day, stop by the Patriot Success kiosk in the Johnson Center to get one of the remaining class t-shirts, or enter to win another prize.
Even after you have completed the survey, you may hear from offices and individuals on campus who can support you in achieving your goals. Come back to the patriotsuccess.gmu.edu website to get tips for success at Mason.
PATRIOTSUCCESS.GMU.EDU
An initiative of the Center for Academic Advising, Retention, and Transitions and University Life
David Verburg in Olympic uniform.
(COURTSY OF ALEXIS GLENN/ CREATIVE SERVICES)
Vienna Dessert Station
GRAND OPENING
Tuesday 9/6 11AM - 2PM Come try our Gourmet Desserts!
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08.29.2016
sports
GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE
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Spuhler Field renovations take their first swing DAVID SCHRACK | SPORTS EDITOR
Renovations of Spuhler Field, home to George Mason’s baseball team, began earlier this summer. The renovations are currently focusing on Spuhler Field’s dugouts, which will be completely replaced, Athletic Director Brad Edwards said. “We’re sinking [the dugouts] down about a foot,” Edwards said, which will “improve the sightline from the seating deck down both baselines.” For the athletes, lowering the dugouts will provide the traditional feel of coming up to the field from the dugouts. Edwards also said that the new dugouts will be more structurally sound. “We’re replacing the current dugouts that were built over 30 years ago that were just old cinder block without rebar or anything on the inside of them.” The cinder blocks will be replaced with brick, which will “match the color scheme” and “design schemes of the softball stadium” that was renovated in 2009. Replacing the dugouts will be the first of two phases. The second phase will focus on the stands, improve comfort for spectators, enhance the enjoyment of the game and expand seating capacity. “We just need to provide a better seating area that’s more comfortable, has better sightline, more legroom,” Edwards said.
“Two or three years down the road, because of the dugouts, we can get more players, and instead of being that average mid-major school we can be above average, and maybe go to a regional or a super-regional like some of the other A10 schools did.” Spuhler Field opened in 1986. It is named after Raymond H. “Hap” Spuhler, an influential figure in the development of Mason Athletics who served as the head coach of baseball and the athletics director from 1967 to 1979. The current head coach of baseball, Bill Brown, played as a catcher under Spuhler. “His great love was baseball,” Brown said. “He loved baseball and he enjoyed the game, and quite honestly he put together some really good teams.”
“We were so far … away from what is main campus,” Brown said, “sometimes, it was tough to get the grass cut, and sometimes, we would have to take it upon ourselves to get the field cut.”
But the extent of the renovations is contingent upon fundraising, which is based mainly on private donations from businesses and individuals. Phase one cost about $1.3 million, and phase two will require an additional $3 million. “It’s certainly the largest and one of the first, if not the first totally, privately raised fundraised projects in the athletics department,” Edwards said.
The program was also desperately low on funds. “Travel was tough—I mean it was done in vans, you had the cheapest hotels, and you ate pretty sparsely, quite honestly,” Brown said. “When I played for Hap, his family would make sandwiches, and that would be sometimes the meal, because there just wasn’t any money to do anything.” Spuhler left Mason because he was battling cancer. Although he passed away four years later, he continued to live on when he became the namesake for Mason’s first permanent on-campus ballpark. Brown was in his sixth season as head coach when Spuhler Field opened. “That was really an exciting time,” he said. “Thirty years ago when we got on that field, that was a really nice college baseball field.”
The renovations may also boost team morale. “I think it’ll make us feel a little more cared about, I guess, because they’re actually putting money into our program instead of just, kind of throwing our baseball field in the corner,” Acker added.
The dugouts are expected to be complete sometime this October.
“My understanding was he helped coach basketball, he coached baseball, of course he was the Athletics Director, and he also ran the P.E. department, so he was doing a lot,” Brown said.
“There are those elements,” such as lights and a new videoboard, “that are sort of not technically in phase one or two that we know we need,” Edwards said.
“Before, we didn’t have that ‘it’ factor,” Acker said. “These days in baseball, it’s kind of like you got to have something to get the players to come here. Instead of having, you know, one or two good players per class, we can get five or six because they look and see we got nice facilities.”
“It’s just like everything else - it costs money,” Brown said. “It’s not cheap to build a stadium or whatever it might be.” But the department is now “in a position [where it] finally [has] raised enough money to start moving forward with some projects.”
But Spuhler did more than serve as the head coach of baseball and Athletics Director.
There is also potential for additional work after the renovations are complete.
Outfielder and junior health, fitness and recreation resources major Brady Acker was with Edwards during the groundbreaking in July and believes the renovations will be helpful “from a recruiting standpoint.”
Renovations are just now getting underway, because the Athletics Department hadn’t yet secured the funding necessary for full renovations until recently.
Spuhler only had one losing season in his entire career, his inaugural year. In 1976, the Patriots went 42-14, won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics district title, and reached the NAIA World Series. That team’s 42 wins is a record that still stands today and has only been tied once.
Spuhler coached the team at a time when George Mason did not have a baseball field on campus, forcing them to use different sites for games. Their “home” games were played at what is now Paul VI High School, which is located 10 minutes from Mason’s campus.
The current capacity of the stadium is about 1,500. It will likely be between 2,500 and 3,000 after the second phase is complete.
“One, it’s going to be a lot nicer place for our guys to come each and every day, whether it’s practice or to a game,” he said. “They’ll enjoy the new amenities for them, with the dugouts, the backstop. … It’ll just be a fresh look and a more professional look. It’s a huge benefit [to recruiting], because it gives us something to show.”
(COURTSY OF EVAN CANTWELL/ CREATIVE SERVICES)
Since its opening, however, the only update was when the field had been redone in 2010 after a record-setting winter. The current renovations will be the first major changes to the park since its opening. Brown sees the renovations helping in different ways.
The groundbreaking crew at Spuhler Field. From left to right: Athletics Director Brad Edwards, President Angel Cabrera, outfielder Brady Acker, baseball head coach Bill Brown and alumni Joe Anderson.
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sports
08.29.2016
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Women’s Soccer kicks off with home victory DAVID SCHRACK | SPORTS EDITOR
The George Mason Patriots defeated the Old Dominion University Monarchs for the first in time in 23 years when the women’s soccer team won their season opener Aug. 19, defeating ODU 2-1 at home. This is the first time the Patriots have won a season opener since 2010 and the first time the team won a season opener at home since 2004. “We wanted to try to play to our strengths tonight,” head women’s soccer coach Todd Bramble said after the match. “Defensively, we wanted to try to mix our pressure up and be a little bit unpredictable. Sometimes, we were going to press up high and try to be disruptive; sometimes, we were going to sit back a little bit and just protect the space in our half of the field.” Most of the first period was a defensive struggle, with both teams taking a combined six shots before the Patriots broke through in the 35th minute. Midfielder Alex Myers, assisted by forward Nia Elbeck and forward/midfielder Emily Littell, put Mason up 1-0 by sending the ball through the right side of the net after the goaltender left it open to break up a pass. Much of the same continued in the second. The Monarchs made 12 shots before they scored a rebound into the back of the net during the 72nd minute.
Less than one minute later, midfielder Abby Downey sent a header into the net off of a corner kick by defender Hugrun Olafsdottir, breaking the tie for a 2-1 Mason lead. ODU, however, was not ready to walk off the field. “Once we scored the second goal, we were under some heavy pressure after that,” Bramble said. “They were throwing a lot of numbers forward, and we were having to withstand some serious pressure.” The Monarchs outshot the Patriots 4-1 in the final 17 minutes, adding on to the 12-1 shooting lead that had amassed before the Monarchs scored. But with the help of two saves by Glad, the Patriots maintained their lead for the remainder of the match. “Weathering that storm,” Bramble said, “that’s a character check in those moments, but our players came through and passed that test tonight with flying colors.” In addition to those two saves, Glad tallied eight more throughout the match. Two days after winning their home opener, the Patriots traveled to Charlottesville, Virginia, where they suffered a 0-2 loss to No. 4 seed University of Virginia. They recovered and defeated American University 2-1 at home on Aug. 25.
But the Patriots were quick to respond.
Fairfax Ice Arena is hiring part time: Cashiers/Café/
Customer Service We offer Flexible schedules and a great work environment. Fairfax Ice Arena will provide training for all positions. Hourly Rates: $10 –$12.00 (depending on experience)
Manager
on Duty (Part-time)
• Candidates must be dependable, honest, and self-motivated. • Must be available on weekends • Excellent customer service skills • Previous experience in a supervisory/training position Hourly Rates: $12 – 14/hour
Please email Jimmy Torres at: jtorres@fairfaxicearena.com or pick up an application at 3779 Pickett Road Fairfax, VA 22031
Kristen Glad on the field in an earlier match.
(COURTSY OF RAFAEL SUANES/ GEORGE MASON ATHLETICS)
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04.25.2016
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