Print Edition of The Observer for Friday, February 14, 2020

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Volume 54, Issue 83 | friday, february 14, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

Student government results announced Presidential election to conclude in runoff between Ingal-Galbenski, Patidar-Patrick tickets

By SERENA ZACHARIAS Associate News Editor

The 2020 student government presidential election will continue with a runoff election between the Ingal-Galbenski ticket and the Patidar-Patrick ticket, Judicial Council announced Thursday night. Turnout was 42% of the electorate. The results were supposed to be announced Tuesday night but were delayed following a round of sanctions and appeals.

The runoff debate and election are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

Although none of the tickets received the requisite majority of votes to win the election outright, campaigning will be suspended through Junior Parents Weekend and will be permitted beginning Tuesday at midnight

and ending Wednesday at 8 p.m, Judicial Council president Halena Hadi said.

The Ingal-Galbenski ticket received 1213 votes and the PatidarPatrick ticket received 781 votes.

The Dugan-Pozas Garza ticket received the third-largest number of votes, with 678 votes. 410 students voted for the Whittle-Rotolo ticket and 265 voters chose the BatesHenry ticket. 128 students voted to abstain. 254 votes were invalidated due to sanctions against the Dugan-Pozas Garza ticket, and the Mercugliano-Lund ticket, which was forced to forfeit its candidacy.

Juniors Rachel Ingal and Sarah Galbenski said they would like to thank their teams for providing encouragement throughout the process. see ELECTION PAGE 3

ERIN FENNESSY I THE OBSERVER

Junior and presidential candidate Connor Whittle chats with students at the presidential election results reveal in LaFortune. Results were supposed to be released Tuesday, but were delayed.

Parents Weekend Saint Mary’s students react chairs talk event to new president’s election By marirose osborne News Writer

Observer File Photo

Students and their parents congregate in the Duncan Student Center’s Dahnke Ballroom during Junior Parents Weekend last year.

By TRINITY REILLY News Writer

This weekend, hundreds of parents will stream onto campus — not to see a football game, but to immerse themselves in the community and to discover the reality of their children’s daily lives at Notre Dame.

Ever since its beginnings in 1953, Junior Parents Weekend (JPW) has been an opportunity for juniors to show their parents the lives they have built for themselves, the

News PAGE 2

friendships they have forged and all of their achievements, junior Sara Rani Reddy, JPW co-chair, said in an email.

Events begin Friday night and continue almost nonstop until Sunday morning. Although no event is required, they all bring something unique to the weekend.

Notably, there is an Opening Gala on Friday night, academic open houses, Mass and a President’s Dinner on Saturday and a Sunday see PARENTS PAGE 4

Scene PAGE 5

The Saint Mary’s community was introduced to President-elect Dr. Katie Conboy on Wednesday.

Students were invited to the Spes Unica Atrium for the announcement of Conboy’s new position. After a speech to the community, Conboy held a meet-and-greet for students at the CushwaLeighton Library.

Student reaction to the new president was positive across all grade levels.

“I’m not sure if I’ve been here long enough to notice a difference with a new president, but I’m still excited to see what she will do,” first year student Grace Anspach said.

Junior Jackie Rojas is one of the students who met Conboy in the library following her speech.

“We were in line to try and shake hands with her,” Rojas said. “At first I shook hands with her and introduced

viewpoint PAGE 7

myself. I really wanted to give her a hug because I love hugs, but I wasn’t brave enough to ask her. Then the second time she came around, I asked if I could give her a hug and she said yes.”

Students are particularly happy about Conboy’s background with women’s colleges.

“She seems absolutely fantastic. I think what I like most is that she comes from an all women’s college, so she already has that background” senior Sarah Hautzinger said.

Both Conboy’s Holy Cross background and her time as a student at Notre Dame serve as an important consideration for students as well.

“I think it’s special that she comes from an all women’s college and has a background in Holy Cross education” junior Giavanna Paradiso said.

Paradiso is on the Presidential Transition

bengal bouts PAGE 12

Committee and is a part of a group of students who interviewed the final candidates.

“My first impression of her is just that she is going to get things done,” she said. “She wants as much information as she can, and then she’s going to absorb that and then do what she thinks is the best plan for the College.”

Other students were equally impressed with Conboy at their first meeting with her.

“Going into it, I was kind of skeptical, especially because of what happened with [former College President] Jan Cervelli,” senior Elisabeth Barrett said.

“I was a freshman when she started her first year, so I was kind of under the assumption I’d have four years with her. Then she left so abruptly.”

Though Barrett has some concerns about meeting a new president, she said she see PRESIDENT PAGE 4

w basketball PAGE 12

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TODAY

The observer | friday, february 14, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

Question of the Day: ndsmcobserver.com

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What is your favorite throwback love song?

P.O. Box 779, Notre Dame, IN 46556 024 South Dining Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 Editor-in-Chief Kelli Smith Managing Editor Natalie Weber

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Yaseen Mohamed

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freshman Duncan Hall

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“‘Kiss Me Thru the Phone.’”

“‘Easy.’”

Jake Harris

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freshman Pangborn Hall

“‘Sexual Healing.’”

“‘Mine.’”

Nick Dahling

Lydia Liang

freshman Duncan Hall

freshman Pangborn Hall

“‘Baby, I Love Your Way.’”

“‘Bleeding Love.’”

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Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

ND Band JPW Concert Ricci Band Rehearsal Hall 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Free to all.

JPW Mass Purcell Pavilion 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

University President Fr. John Jenkins will preside.

JPW Sunday Brunch Dahnke Family Ballroom 9 a.m. - noon Ticket required for entry.

“Conversations with Afghanistan War Veterans” Eck Center Auditorium 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

All are welcome.

Art Exhibition: Slow Looking Snite Museum 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Take a break and enjoy a selected artwork.

JPW Opening Gala Duncan Student Center and Corbett Family Hall 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Ticketed event.

JPW President’s Dinner Joyce Center Fieldhouse 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Ticketed event.

Stand-up: “Alien in the Basilica” Washington Hall 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Proceeds to go to Education Bridge.

“Strangers, Neighbors, Friends” 1030 Jenkins Nanovic Halls 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

All are welcome.

Basilica Mass Basilica of the Sacred Heart 5:15 p.m.

All are welcome to attend.

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Students to walk for St. Margaret’s

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Today’s Staff News

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Tom Naatz Callie Patrick Alysa Guffey

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By HANNAH THOMAS News Writer

Saint Mary’s is facilitating an opportunity to get involved with community service at the College through the St. Margaret’s House Winter Walk. Saint Mary’s was recognized as St. Margaret House’s Community Partner of the Year in 2019; therefore the College will have the honor of leading the walk this year.

Rebekah Go, the director of the Office for Civic and Social Engagement, said St. Margaret’s House — a day center for women and children — was inspired by a biblical message. “[St. Margaret’s House is] inspired by the Gospel message [Matthew 25: 3536], ‘For I was hungry, and you fed me.

I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.

I was naked, and you gave me clothing.

I was sick, and you cared for me,’” Go said in an email.

The Saint Mary’s community has been actively working at the House for a number of years.

“Students serve as volunteers and as student interns,” Go said. “[They also] go weekly for their nursing clinical

rotations. We are fortunate to have a multi-faceted relationship with an organization doing so much good particularly with women in our community.”

The Winter Walk is a particularly important event for St. Margaret’s House, as it offers the organization an opportunity to raise money.

“The Winter Walk is St. Margaret’s House’s annual fundraiser wherein community members raise money to participate in the walk and support the mission of Saint Margaret’s House,” she said.

The one-mile walk occurs rain or shine and represents the distance those who use the House may travel to get there.

“The one-mile walk symbolizes the distance that many of St. Margaret’s House clients trek each day to participate in the life of the St. Margaret’s House community,” Go said.

In this way, the event hopes to build solidarity, particularly during the colder months, Go explained.

“Walking side-by-side with clients and community advocates is a wonderful way to be in solidarity with the women and children of our community

who may live on the margins,” she said.

“Participants should dress appropriately to be outside for the walk and the after party.”

Once the walk ends, all participants are invited to stick around for an afterparty hosted by St. Margaret’s House.

“Expect hot cocoa and cookies at the end — and [participants] can receive a tour of Saint Margaret’s House if they wish,” Go said.

Students who attend will be able to join the hundreds of others that participate in this large community event while working to gain a new perspective on others’ lives and situations that may be different from our own.

“I love the energy that surrounds the walk and the amazing group of people that it brings together,” Go said.

The Saint Mary’s contingent this year could be the biggest ever.

“It typically attracts over 600 people from the community,” Go said. “We may have the largest group from the College attending — ever. So that’s super exciting.”

Contact Hannah Thomas at hthomas01@saintmarys.edu

News

ndsmcobserver.com | friday, february 14, 2020 | The Observer

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Election Continued from page 1

“I think overall we’re feeling immensely grateful for everyone who supported us and walked with us in this entire journey, I couldn’t feel more blessed in this moment,” Ingal said.

Junior presidential candidate Noble Patidar said he was proud of their ticket regardless of the results, and he sees their team simply as friends running together.

“We came into this with the mentality of having fun,” Patidar said. “Win or lose we’re going to impact the student body positively, whether we’re student body president and VP or not.”

Patidar’s running mate, freshman Connor Patrick, said he met Patidar the first week of classes at the University, and he’s particularly thankful for his friendship with Patidar and the campaign they have undergone together.

“I just feel so grateful for our team, for Noble and for everyone who supported us because we’re here and we’re not backing down,” Patrick said. “We’re going to keep fighting for a better Notre Dame.”

While the Whittle-Rotolo ticket will not move on to the runoff election, junior Connor Whittle said he wishes the best of luck to the two remaining tickets and believes both would be fantastic options for the student body. Whittle also

3

apologized for the issues surrounding the election.

“On behalf of our entire campus we’re sorry for how this process has gone at times, there have been controversies at certain turns and we’re sorry to see that and sorry that we couldn’t do better as student leaders to make this a noncontroversial election at every point,” Whittle said.

Freshmen Henry Bates and Thomas Henry, who did not receive enough votes to be included in the runoff election, emphasized they attended the results for one reason.

“I would like to tell Notre Dame student government that I’m just here so we don’t get fined,” Bates said.

The Dugan-Pozas Garza ticket did not respond to The Observer’s request for comment.

Mercugliano-Lund was required to forfeit their candidacy for violating Section 17.1(i)(1) of the Student Body Constitution, which reads: “The promise of any office or position in the Student Union by any ticket or candidate shall be considered highly unethical behavior, the penalty for which may include a maximum penalty of forfeiture of candidacy.” They could not be immediately reached for comment.

Assistant Managing Editor Maria Leontaras contributed to this report.

Contact Serena Zacharias at szachari@nd.edu

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News

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Parents

President

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

Brunch. Each event is planned by one of the JPW chair members.

“Going through the whole process is challenging, but very rewarding,” junior Devon Ngo, College of Engineering chair, said.

“Seeing it all come together is humbling in a way, because you begin to see how much work it takes to run an event smoothly that, as an attendee, you don’t really get to see.”

While the weekend does not change much year-to-year, Ngo tried to bring something new to the College of Engineering event.

“One of the things that I’m doing this year is making it feel a little more personal,” he said. “I’m having a slideshow with engineering pictures. The one thing that our junior chemical engineering class has kind of developed over the past two and a half years is this really close connection with one another.

It’s so rewarding to see and be able to display that to the parents.”

Junior Shantae Harris, Gala Chair, said she was also excited to be a part of the process, especially because she was responsible for picking out every detail of the gala.

“I get to be a part of the process, but also all the fun things that are associated with it, like planning the events, picking the menus, figuring out who’s going to be the homilist,” Harris said. “I feel like the gala was the best for me. I love finger foods, and I love cooking, so I had all these ideas for it.”

While most of the events involve mingling, like the academic open houses and the gala, the President’s Dinner is unique in that it facilitates conversation, junior and dinner chair Beverley Watson said.

The dinner is also the only time that University President Fr. John Jenkins directly addresses students and their parents.

“Dinner is the time to sit down and really get to know people. You have this sit-down environment where you can have a nice conversation with people, and the Glee Club will perform right beforehand,” she said. “I feel like a meal is always a great way to experience the people you’re surrounding yourself with, and I’m so excited to help make that happen.”

Although there are many details involved in JPW, they all come together to give parents the big picture of what their child’s Notre Dame experience has been like so far. But, Reddy said, JPW is not just a time for parents; the students should also take the opportunity to look back on all that they have accomplished in their two and a half years at the University.

“I hope students enjoy looking back on their growth since freshman year, cherishing all of the relationships they’ve cultivated, and celebrating with their parents all of the work they’ve done,” she said.

“I also hope they get the unique chance to introduce their family to the larger Notre Dame family they’ve created for themselves since freshman year.”

was particularly impressed

by Conboy’s speech.

“After the speech she gave introducing herself to ever yone, I can see how so far it seems like she’s a really great fit for Saint Mar y’s,” Barrett said. “She seems ver y focused on unit y which I think the school needs, especially after the Jan Cer velli debacle.”

Rojas also referenced Cer velli’s resignation as an initial cause of ner ves.

“W hen I first heard about Jan stepping dow n, I was devastated because I love her so much, and I felt like I had a connection w ith her. It just really saddened me that that was happening,” Rojas said. “And then Nancy came around, and I got close to her.”

Though Rojas had such

Contact Trinity Reilly at treilly5@nd.edu

close connections to prev ious College leaders, she said she is looking forward to what Conboy w ill achieve during her time at Saint Mar y’s. Other students expressed optimism that Conboy would reinv igorate the Saint Mar y’s communit y.

“I think that’s what excites me about her the most — her new ideas” Paradiso said. “She’s just full of ideas.”

Rojas particularly enjoyed Conboy’s emphasis on unit y in her intial remarks.

“I just really love the indications she gave of the direction that she wants to take the College,” Rojas said. “Making sure we are all able to live together under one roof even though we are so ver y different but keeping that identit y alive and together.”

Some students, however, are concerned Conboy

would not stay at Saint Mar y’s for the long-haul.

“I’m optimistic that she w ill bring a sense of consistency to this position that we haven’t had since I’ve been a student here,” sophomore Grace Dennis said. “I’m hopeful she w ill work w ith the students to ensure a great sense of communit y at Saint Mar y’s. My only current concern is that she doesn’t keep any consistency, and we are back to square one in a presidential search again shortly.”

Sophomore Campbell Washer agrees w ith that sentiment.

“I think she’s nice and w ill be helpful, but as far as any thing else, I’m not sure.

I hope she likes it here and fits in, but I’m just a little war y,” she said.

However, Paradiso is confident Conboy w ill be around for a long time.

“It is kind of cool that

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she got her PhD from Notre Dame. She’s got family here, she’s got roots and she has longev it y here” she said.

Rojas said she feels that she has already connected w ith Conboy.

“It was just so wonderful to be able to look into her eyes and shake her hand and have that personal connection,” she said. “My hope is that she’ll continue to have that connection w ith all of us and guide us for ward.”

Contact Marirose Osborne at mosborne01@saintmarys.edu

Please recycle The Observer.

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The observer | friday, february 14, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

LINA DOMENELLA | The Observer

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The observer | friday, February 14, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

Inside Column

Respect committed residents Dessi Gomez Scene Writer

In realizing that I am ver y heav ily leaning towards mov ing off campus next year, I’m going to take this Inside Column space to dig up the ‘Senior Exclusion Policy’ again. A lthough many talks, panels and sur veys have been arranged since the initial announcement of what is formally know n as the “policy differentiating on- and off-campus experience,” I’m not so concerned w ith the details of the plan itself, but more the mentalit y behind it. Plus, last time I checked, on- and off-campus liv ing are already prett y different and separate w ithout the addition of rules that would div ide the demographics even further.

As one of the last remaining people who had the option to move off-campus as a junior, I chose to stay. I had definitely debated mov ing off junior year for many reasons, but the one that kept me in Ryan Hall was the women I live w ith. I understand not ever yone holds such fond feelings for their dorm communities, but I do believe that no matter their level of involvement in the dorm, ever y person contributes in some way to the atmosphere of their residence hall. Leadership and role models come in all forms, and they are needed beyond the residence hall communities.

I personally chose to get ver y involved in Ryan w ith our Spiritual Life Committee and then our Hall Council Executive Board. The connections I have made through both of these activ ities w ill last me beyond my four years at Notre Dame, so what difference does one year of liv ing off-campus, but still maintaining these relationships make? If any thing, restricting my attendance of dorm dances or involvement w ith other residence hall would hinder those relationships more than a separate liv ing situation would.

The real world comes at Notre Dame graduates fast, and that is a compliment to the communit y that thrives on this campus. Due to my incessant need for as much time as possible to prepare for any uncomfortable adjustment I may make in the future, I need the cushion of liv ing off-campus and experiencing a more adult form of life supported by my familiar network at Notre Dame next year. I simply don’t see the need to attempt to isolate the off-campus communit y prematurely when they w ill feel just as far away after graduation.

“The Notre Dame Family” is a phrase constantly throw n around on Welcome Weekend, in Development and in many other areas that structure the rhetoric of Notre Dame. Excluding seniors from some of the lasts they deser ve to experience after working so hard at this school does not invoke a sense of the Notre Dame Family.

As someone working for Development, The Obser ver, my major and my dorm, I feel that I still have so much to contribute to this campus, and I hope to stay immersed in these activ ities in my final year here. I wouldn’t want my liv ing situation to heav ily impact my participation in the things that I love. As someone who has planned Ryan Hall Spiritual Life events, made Belgian waff les ever y Wednesday for the whole of my sophomore year and makes week ly-Hall Council PowerPoints, Stall Notes that feature a Cat in the Corner and features about Cats Abroad and Graduated Cats, I am asking administration: Please don’t cut me off from my first real foundation at Notre Dame and the place where my Home Under the Dome took root.

Contact Dessi Gomez at dgomez5@nd.edu The views expressed in the Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

What are the Oscars for?

Patrick McKelvey With the Current

I thought this was going to be an angr y column.

Of the nine mov ies nominated for Best Picture, I was ver y worried and ver y certain that “Ford vs Ferrari,” or “Marriage Stor y,” or “Once Upon a Time … in Holly wood” would w in. It’s no secret the Oscars have struggled to capture audiences in recent years, due at least partially to awarding “arthouse” films that few casual mov iegoers had seen. Last year, the Academy tried to get around that accusation, and in one of the more controversial moments in Oscars histor y, awarded Best Picture to “Green Book.”

“Green Book” is a good mov ie. It’s got a good cast. Good directing. A good stor y. It’s also probably the safest mov ie I’ve ever seen.

It takes no risks. It never surprises you, and it never tries to. It is perhaps one of the more formulaic mov ies I have ever seen. And that is why its w inning in 2019 generated such shock. Spike Lee, whose “BlacKKK lansman” was nominated, tried to storm out of the Dolby Theatre. Jordan Peele refused to applaud. Across entertainment publications, “Green Book” was hailed as the worst Best Picture w inner in nearly 15 years.

I had a feeling, for some reason, that 2020 would see a repeat of this decision.

“Ford vs Ferrari” and “Marriage Stor y” and “Holly wood” are all good mov ies. But there’s nothing groundbreaking about them. They rely mostly on big name actors and directors who have built up tremendous good w ill in prev ious outings and can afford to, at least occasionally, phone it in.

I thought any of those mov ies had more than a fighting chance to defeat Best Picture favorite and my ow n personal choice, “1917.”

Sam Mendes’ World War I epic is an undeniable technical masterpiece. It uses the one-shot technique better than any mov ie I’d seen. It deser ved to w in — but I thought the Academy would play it safe again. And I thought I’d have to w rite an angr y column.

So when “Parasite,” a low-budget South Korean film, was announced as the w inner, I was a little more than surprised. I had heard of the mov ie, sure. I thought it was a lock for Best International Feature. But Best Picture?

No way. Not w ith the Academy tr y ing to appeal to a w ider audience.

So then I got angr y for a different reason. The Academy, I thought, had decided to go in the completely opposite direction.

They wouldn’t give us a good, but safe pick.

And they certainly wouldn’t give us the expected w inner. Instead, they’d go for shock value — they would make “Parasite” the first

international film to ever w in the award, even if it was entirely undeser v ing.

But when the production team, cast and crew came up to receive the award, I was reminded of Bong Joon-ho’s Best Director (another surprise v ictor y) acceptance speech that came just moments earlier. He said: “Thank you. After w inning best international feature, I thought I was done for the day and was ready to rela x. … W hen I was young and study ing cinema, there was a say ing that I car ved deep into my heart, which is that, ‘The most personal is the most creative.’ That quote is from our great Martin Scorsese. … W hen people in the U.S. were not familiar w ith my films, Quentin [Tarantino] always put my films on his list.

He’s here, thank you so much. Quentin, I love you. And Todd [Phillips] and Sam [Mendes], great directors that I admire. If the Academy allows, I would like to get a Texas chainsaw, split the award into five and share it w ith all of you. Thank you. I w ill drink until next morning.”

It was ver y hard to be angr y. Even if I thought Mendes deser ved the award — the humilit y, the honest y, the humor w ith which Joon-ho conducted himself made it impossible to not be happy for “Parasite.” To see him accept the award in front of his heroes was perhaps the most endearing moment in recent Oscars memor y.

And then I decided to watch his mov ie.

“Parasite” is not the technical achievement “1917” is. Its cast boasts no American celebrities. It had a budget of just $11 million. It can’t really be placed in any classic genre; I can’t really give you a sy nopsis. It’s just a really, really good mov ie. A great mov ie. And that alone is what merits its v ictor y at the Oscars. I realized that my pseudo-anger, my frustration w ith the Academy, was because I missed the point of the awards entirely.

It’s not about awarding new st yles or fancy camerawork. It’s not about funny hosts or political speeches. The Oscars is (at least supposed to be) about good mov ies. It’s about stories that make us laugh, or cr y, or think or all of these. That’s where “Parasite” shines — and it does so more than any mov ie of 2019. I was w rong. But the Academy got it right.

Patrick McKelvey splits his time between being a college senior and pretending to be a screenwriter.

He majors in American studies and classics, and will be working in market research in New York after graduating. If you can’t find him at the movies, he can be reached for comment at pmckelve@nd.edu or @PatKelves17 on Twitter.

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

KERRY SCHNEEMAN | The Observer

The observer | friday, February 14, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Afghanistan: Lessons learned?

On Saturday, two American 20-somethings were brutally gunned dow n. No, this isn’t a trendy opioid crisis headline or part of a shrill gun control debate. Sgt. 1st Class Jav ier Jaguar Gutierrez and Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Rey Rodriguez were killed in an attack on U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

It’s been 19 years (attention first-year students: your entire life) since President Bush announced Operation Enduring Freedom, and it’s now that CNN reports 13,000 American troops continue to endure combat in Afghanistan.

The men and women of the U.S. militar y, alongside their Afghan partners, have ser ved w ith distinction and valor. Now, this war has come to our generation. Would it be worth it to you if the ROTC friends who are our classmates

and interhall sports teammates one day return from ser v ice in Afghanistan w ith PTSD, missing limbs or not return at all? A dilemma this grave deser ves ref lection.

After $1.5 trillion already spent on this conf lict, the Cost of War Project at Brow n Universit y estimates we should still expect to spend hundreds of billions on veteran healthcare on top of the interest on money borrowed for war funds.

This is the great question that confronts our rising generation. W hat is our strateg y in Afghanistan? As Notre Dame students, we are the leaders of the future. We are called to face tough questions and create a better world. W hat would be the pro-life approach to this war?

Above all else, we owe it to both our brave armed forces and the f leeing Afghan refugees to

become informed voters who demand our leaders learn from histor y.

W here can we start? By learning from those who best know the war. A ll are inv ited to a panel discussion hosted by the John Quincy Adams Societ y w ith veterans and experts of the war in Afghanistan on Monday at 4:30 p.m. in the Eck Center Auditorium.

Republican or Democrat, hawk or dove, chemical engineer or art histor y major, it w ill take all of us to forge a path to peace and justice. Come, and let’s start the candid conversation we need.

Andrew C. Jarocki senior Feb. 9

A call to the Leprechaun Legion Dear Leprechaun Legion, Notre Dame’s reputation and prowess in the collegiate athletics world speaks for itself. From the endless number of conference and national championships to the esteemed group of studentathletes who have made the transition to professional careers and to those who are making a difference every day in society, the caliber of the Notre Dame student-athlete cannot be underestimated. The development of these individuals, the Notre Dame way, is what sets them apart from the rest.

The very essence of Notre Dame is contained within its people and their unique identities that make this place so special. To witness sporting history being written is a powerful experience that will never be forgotten. The ability of student-athletes to empower, inspire and embolden the Notre Dame experience cannot be rivaled.

However, this process cannot be a transactional relationship; rather, the more you give, the more you get in return.

If you speak to athletes who have competed at the highest level, one thing which they will agree on is how special it is to see a sea of fans chanting their name. Through the highs and the lows, fans can make or break a season. But what makes us different is that we bleed blue and gold “what though the odds be great or small...”

I’ve been fortunate to travel to many countries of the world through my own personal sporting experiences. But the moments I have witnessed during my time here at Notre Dame will always remain at the top of the list. I’m not just talking witnessing national championship games or witnessing us defeat our biggest rivals. I’m talking about seeing athletes hitting new personal

records, watching parents embrace their children on senior night, meeting lifelong Notre Dame fans who have been granted their final wish to travel to campus before they leave this Earth.

So why did I feel compelled to write such a letter?

It is my belief that we, as a student body, and wider Notre Dame community, can do a lot more to support our student-athletes.

Do you ever acknowledge just how impressive these student-athletes are? Do you ever think about the daily 5 a.m. lift sessions in the Gug? Or the thousands of hours that are spent mastering their respective disciplines in practice? Or the devastating injuries that leave them feeling in isolation as they see their very identity and freedom of expression taken away from them? Or the lack of sleep they experience each week because of the insane travel schedule? Or the social media pressure that follows them every where they go?

Or the pressure to keep performing academically while also maintaining optimum performance when it comes to competition?

W hen I say supporting our student-athletes, I’m not just talking about football. Don’t get me wrong, football has become extremely important to me, and it will always be an integral part of our culture. Yet, for other sports, the current level of support leaves a lot to be desired.

W hen I look around in Purcell Pavilion, empty seats seem to be a constant talking point. At the time of writing this, men’s basketball just won their fourth-straight game in a row. Yet, the arena was half empty. Big names mean bigger crowds.

I get it. But if we want to dominate the collegiate athletics scene, every single game needs to be as significant as the next, regardless of the

opponent.

Our women’s basketball team has had a difficult season, there’s no denying that. But regardless of how the season has been going, what disappoints me more than anything is that we rarely have a lot of students in attendance to watch one of the most prestigious programs in the country. I love having our local South Bend community fanbase at the games, but we need more students. I know our record isn’t where it has been in recent years.

But let me tell you something: We’re coming for that national championship very soon. Trust me.

I want Purcell Pavilion to become a fortress for our teams. A place where opposing teams are not prepared to play before they even step foot on the court because they know that they will not be able to handle the pressure. A place where ESPN wants to come every single week because we have one of the most electric atmospheres in college basketball.

But this shouldn’t just be Purcell Pavilion. This should be at every single sporting arena on this campus.

I’m not asking you to sacrifice your whole life to follow Notre Dame athletics or even give up all of your weekends. However, I am imploring you to go and support your Notre Dame family and show everybody exactly what it means to be the Fighting Irish.

Let’s take Notre Dame back to the top once again.

From your friendly Irish Leprechaun, LepreConal

Follow us on Twitter. @ObserverViewpnt

Conal Fagan junior Jan. 23

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The observer | Friday, february 14, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

Crossword | Elizabeth c. gorski

Horoscope | Eugenia Last Happy Birthday: Choose resourcefulness over extravagance. A little will go a long way if you use your imagination. Be happy with what you have, and strive to achieve peace of mind. Don’t feel you have to keep up with anyone else. Your only competition is yourself. Believe in yourself, and put your talents to work. Romance is on the rise. Your numbers are 3, 15, 23, 26, 32, 38, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Get serious about simple details and ideas, and you will come up with something that brings you greater joy and prosperity.

Interaction with a group that takes action and makes reforms will build confidence and enthusiasm. Address emotional matters.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You don’t have to make a fuss to get attention.

In fact, in doing so, you will get a negative response, making your life more difficult. Slide things past others reasonably and quietly.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Financial matters are featured. You will discover information that will help you fine-tune something you’ve been trying to achieve. Romance and travel will interact well together. Go in search of adventure.

CANCER ( June 21-July 22): Someone trying to help will inadvertently offend you. Know that whatever is said or done is because he or she cares enough to help you improve. Love is in the picture, but don’t let it cost you. You cannot buy someone’s affection.

LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22): Resting, relaxing, being pampered and enforcing greater comfort should be mandatory. Changes you make to your surroundings will lift your spirits. Ask questions if you feel uncertain or confused, and you will get the response you require.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take on a new task, and you will feel good about what you accomplish. The people you love will be happy to tag along and share your success. A challenge will help bump up your earning potential.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t give in to temptation or overreact to what’s going on around you. Make love, not war; plan outings and keep busy.

Positive thoughts will bring good results. Recognize your talent, and master what you can do to be successful.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Make some changes, expand your interests and follow your heart. Determination and an industrious plan of attack will lead to good results. Enjoy trying something new and different, but don’t let what you do put you in debt.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Live up to the promises you make.

Exaggeration will get you into trouble. What you offer may get immediate gratification, but long-term, it will result in stress over what others expect of you. Don’t do anything that might ruin your reputation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Someone will be uneasy with your suggestions. Think matters through, look at every angle and listen to complaints. Consider how your intentions will influence the lives of the people around you. Act on behalf of everyone.

AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Make your plan become reality. Turn whatever you do into a fun project, and it will be easier to come up with new ways to use your skills, experience and knowledge to bring in more cash. Set trends.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Get serious about your future, partnership and professional direction. Make adjustments, amendments and promises that will help build a better future. Clear the air, and you’ll be able to move forward without unwanted baggage. A partnership looks promising.

Birthday Baby: You are passionate, creative and flexible. You are serious, cautious and devoted.

Sudoku | The Mepham Group

Jumble | David Hoyt and Jeff knurek

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Bouts Continued from page 10

on his heels. The Houston native would respond however and use his length to keep Gage at bay, but Gage would record a solid series to finish the opener.

Negash came out looking to assert his will in the second round, leaning in in an attempt to use his reach to his advantage. Gage managed a few shots of his own, but Negash’s strategy paid off as he caused Gage to begin bleeding from his nose, bringing the fight to a halt. After beginning again, Negash looked to maintain his assertiveness, but Gage used the brief break to catch his breath. Even so, Negash’s strategy seemed foolproof, as Gage couldn’t take advantage of any openings.

In the final stanza, Negash backed Gage into the ropes to chants of “Let’s go Sirak” from his contingent in the crowd. Gage fought to stay on balance as he looked to avoid Negash before there was another stoppage for Gage’s injury. Gage managed to land a few final shots which made the referee inspect Negash before the final bell sounded. In the end, Negash’s aggressiveness proved to be his demise as Gage blocked enough hits and found enough openings to win by split decision.

Hayden “Heaters” Hoekstra (Morrissey Manor) def.

Ian “Lights Out” Martin (Keenan Hall) Hoekstra was the first to throw a punch, but Martin immediately ducked and looked to counter. “Lights out” soon proved to be the aggressor as he landed a few headshots and prompted “Heaters” to back away and regather. Hoekstra landed a brief succession of hits before Martin countered with a couple to close the first round.

Hoekstra looked to be more cautious in the second round, still instigating the fighting and landing a few headshots before quickly retreating. However, Martin’s brute strength enabled him to draw blood from Hoekstra and force a stoppage. As the fight continued, Hoekstra landed another quick burst, but Martin blocked it and more bleeding led to another break in the action. The breaks seemed to revitalize Hoekstra, as a second wind led to another flurry before the referee checked on Martin to end round two.

Martin looked to make up ground in the final round, trying to close the space and use his strength to his advantage. Martin landed a strong shot and ensuring series as Hoekstra looked to wrap him up. After one more stoppage for Hoekstra’s injury, Martin landed a final shot before the bell rang. Ultimately, Hoekstra’s strategy paid off as he was awarded the bout by split decision.

Greg “The Leg” McKenna (St. Edward’s Hall) def. Drew “The Iron” Curtin (Keenan Hall) Editor’s Note: McKenna is a sports writer for The Observer.

McKenna looked to be

ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, february 14, 2020 | The Observer

assertive, but Curtin stayed low and looked to duck under McKenna to expose him from underneath. McKenna managed a few hits with hooks from his wingspan, but Curtin had better balanced and put McKenna on the retreat to end the first.

McKenna maintained resiliency in the second round, managing to put Curtin on the defensive and nearly backing him into the ropes on a couple of occasions.

Curtin created space to regroup and managed a series that forced McKenna back, but both fighters landed a few clean hits to end round two.

Both fighters knew what was at stake in the final period and came out looking revived. It became a war of attrition as McKenna forced Curtin to the ropes before the latter flipped it on “The Leg.” McKenna landed one last hook to end the bout to chants of “break a leg” from the crowd. McKenna ended up pulling out the victory by split decision.

Alex “Jack” Potts (Duncan Hall) def. “Whose Mean” Tom Walsh (Keenan Hall) Both fighters were tentative to begin, tapping gloves as they looked for an opening. Walsh looked to break the ice, and Potts promptly took the opening and landed a brutal shot to Walsh’s head that sent him into the ropes.

Walsh then created space and looked to find an opening, but once more Potts exposed him and threw Walsh off balance with two more blows to the head.

Walsh sensed he needed to make something happen in the second round and leaned into his attacks a bit more, but Potts’ ferocity proved a handful as he kept finding openings.

The second and third rounds closed and opened the same way, with both fighters once more examining. The crowd looked to get Walsh going with chants of “Whose Mean Tom,” but Potts wouldn’t let him off the hook and the referee stepped in to inspect Walsh. Potts wrapped up the bout with another strong series as he claimed the bout by unanimous decision.

Chasen “Gumdrop” Brutocao (O’Neill Family Hall) def. Nico “Rough Rider” Robalin (Knott Hall) The fight began with chants of “hear we go Gumdrop” from the crowd, as Brutocao was light on his feet and looked to find an opening, but Robalin had the strength to force Brutocao off balance and send him stumbling to the ground. However, Gumdrop responded by taking advantage of close space.

In the second round Brutocao managed to string together a nice series and found his niche as he took advantage whenever “Rough Rider” looked to close the space. Brutocao stayed light on his feet and managed to land shots to Robalin’s body.

Robalin looked to make up lost ground in the final round, finding a second win and not letting Brutocao take advantage of any openings as he had been.

Brutocao appeared to go on the defensive, but he responded to Robalin’s attacks with a couple of shots before retreating.

Gumdrop landed a headshot on Robalin’s final advance that sent the crowd into a frenzy and led the ref to evaluate Robalin right before the final bell. Ultimately, Brutocao’s strategy paid off as he won by unanimous decision.

defensive early. Morgan needed a timeout and both fighters began to lay a barrage of punches on each other. When all was said and done, the fight was very competitive and well-contested by both boxers, but Maloney was given the win by split decision.

Mitch “Dirty Birdie” DeBoskey (Alumni Hall) def. Adam El-Hajj (O’Neill Family Hall)

Both fighters came out fast in round one, with Johnson evading Slahor’s efforts swiftly in the first round. Johnson, an off campus senior, came with a few shots of his own midway through the round, landing several combinations to Slahor’s head and body.

Slahor would return with a few combinations of his own, landing several shots to Johnson’s body. Round two was of a similar tempo, Johnson coming out with a straight to the left side of Slahor, the freshman in Duncan Hall.

The fighters continued to exchange shots until a short break in the action midway through the round. Slahor would throw a cross, which Johnson ducked under, and Johnson came back with a combination to the body of Slahor. Going into round three, there was no clear winner as both fighters had exchanged some solid shots. Slahor came out strong in the third round, with Johnson appearing a bit winded.

Nevertheless, Johnson managed to stay in the round by dodging a number of Slahor’s efforts.

Ultimately, Slahor was declared the winner by split decision in a very close fight.

The first round started out with some back and forth action initially, but DeBoskey, a junior from Alumni Hall, landed the first big hit against El-Hajj, a sophomore from O’Neill Family Hall. At the end of the first round both DeBoskey and El-Hajj landed some big hits. Both fighters came out swinging to start the second round, and DeBoskey landed some big punches before the two got entangled. As the second round came to a close, there was still no clear winner. To start the third round, El Hajj threw some big punches out of the gate, but DeBoskey responded and landed some big combos of his own. DeBoskey ended the fight in a big way by pinning El-Hajj in the corner. In the end, DeBoskey was awarded the win in a split decision.

Nico “All-Business” Young Robles (Dunne Hall) def.

Nate Dombrowski (Morrissey Manor) Robles, a sophomore from Dunne Hall, came out of the gates swinging, landing some big punches early and forcing Dombrowski, a senior from Morrissey, on the defense.

Dombrowski defended well, though, and fought back to land a couple combos of his own at the end of the first round. To start the second round, both fighters came out of the gate fast, and Dombrowski had some solid counter attacks on Robles’ punches. In the third round, Robles asserted his dominance and landed a big combo and then pinned Dombrowski in the corner. In the end, it was Robles who clearly dominated the fight and won by unanimous decision.

Dean “(Sug)ar” Maloney (Keenan Hall) def. Drew “The Menace” Morgan (Fisher Hall) Morgan, a freshman from Keenan Hall, came out of the gates fast and landed some big punches against Maloney, a sophomore from Fischer Hall. Maloney survived Morgan’s early punches, though, and the fight slowed down significantly towards the end of the first round. The action started a lot more slowly in the second round, and Maloney landed some solid punches against Morgan. Morgan seemed to gain some momentum, but got scolded by the referee for a punch in the head, and at the end of the second round, there was still no clear winner. In the third round, it was Maloney that came out swinging, forcing Morgan on the

Luke Slahor (Duncan Hall) def. Shane “Wasn’t No Fun” Johnson (Off Campus)

George “I want chocolate” O’Sullivan (Off Campus) def. Kevin “Bo” Beaugez (Off Campus) Beaugez came out strong in the blue corner, starting the fight with some combinations to O’Sullivan’s left side. But O’Sullivan was quick to bounce back, and the fighters went on the exchange a number of blows.

O’Sullivan, the off campus senior, would go on to land a strong cross to Beaugez’s right side halfway through the round, sending the off campus grad student to the floor and bringing on a stoppage in the fight. In the second round, the pace was a bit slower at the start. Each fighter seemed more cautious of the other, but O’Sullivan went on the attack halfway through the round.

He would hold the advantage throughout the round. In the final round, O’Sullivan took the offensive once again, quick to charge Beaugez with a straight to the body after the bell rang.

Beaugez appeared fatigued, but he worked to evade the efforts of O’Sullivan, and he even landed a solid hook to O’Sullivan’s right side to end the contest.

Ultimately, after a competitive bout, O’Sullivan was named the winner by split decision.

Ethan Meyer (Dillon Hall) def. Jack “The Hammer” Heatherman (Knott Hall) Both fighters came out on the attack in this one, with Heatherman and Meyer

9

throwing two straights that cancelled each other out. Seconds later, Meyer, the Dillon Hall sophomore, swung a huge left hook which Heatherman, the Knott Hall freshman, impressively evaded. Each fighter would go on to land a combination of his own, but Meyer would land a vicious straight that brought on a stoppage in the fight. The round ended in favor of Meyer on account of that blow. In the second round, Heatherman came out with a combination, eager to gain some ground, but Meyer would evade the effort, and soon after, Heatherman would be hit with another tough straight to the head. Merely seconds later, Meyer hit Heatherman with another hard cross, and the official stopped the fight once again.

Heading into the third round Meyer held a clear advantage.

The fighters came out with a bit less energy, but Meyer took advantage of Heatherman’s fatigue and landed a powerful combination to the face of Heatherman, which prompted yet another stoppage in the fight. Seconds later, Meyer came again with a strong hook, and another stoppage ensued. Ultimately, Meyer was declared the winner by unanimous decision.

Mitch Koppinger (Dunne Hall) def. Brian “Uncle B” Holmes (Morrissey Manor) Both fighters came out on the offensive in the first round.

Koppinger, the Dunne Hall senior who held a significant height advantage, managed to land several combinations to the body of Holmes, the graduate student out of Morrissey Manor. However, Holmes bounced back with a couple of solid shots himself. The round ended with some highlights from each fighter.

In the second round, Koppinger landed a combination to the body of Holmes which sent him drifting backwards, but Holmes came back with a strong shot to the face of Koppinger to even things out. Both fighters stepped off of each other for a bit, taking a breather in what had been a high energy bout.

But soon enough, Holmes would come with a straight to the body of Koppinger before the bell rang to end the second round.

Koppinger started the final round on top, landing a few shots to the head and body of Holmes, but Holmes landed a significant cross to the face of Koppinger seconds later. Holmes assumed the defensive after that, and Koppinger took advantage, landing a strong combination to the body of Holmes which prompted the official to stop the action.

The round ended soon after, and in the end, Koppinger was named the victor by unanimous decision.

Contact Liam Coolican at lcoolica@nd.edu, Hayden Adams at hadams3@nd.edu, Connor Mulvena at cmulvena@ nd.edu Nate Moller at nmoller2@ nd.edu, Aidan Thomas at athoma28@nd.edu and Patrick Gallagher at pgallag4@nd.edu

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Bouts Continued from page 12

didn’t relent in the third round and fended off Sponem’s aggressive approach and landed another series of combinations to secure a victory by unanimous decision.

Jack “Fun-Sized” Phillips (Knott Hall) def. Liam “Hey I’ll Be Your Formal Date” Nugent (Dunne Hall) The younger fighter by a significant margin, Phillips, the freshman Knott Hall resident, approached the bout with poise and a strong game-plan. He feigned in and out, maintained a strong defense and squeezed several left-handed jabs in between his opponent’s gloves before the first bell. The left jab proved to be “Fun-Sized’s” main source of offense, as he did not give his opponent much, but his lefty attack opened up some right-handed hooks which he turned into some solid body blows. The third round began with the bout still very much undecided, and both boxers came out looking to land high quantities of blows. Phillips landed the first major blows with two strong right hooks to Nugent’s headgear. The Dunne Hall senior stayed with his opponent though, patiently probing for a hole in Phillips’ defenses. To the delight of the Knott Hall contingent surrounding the ring, Phillips was announced a splitdecision winner of the hotlycontested bout.

D o m i n i c k “Everest AutomotiveMarket. com” Oddo (Off Campus) def.

Tim “Jim Jompson” Thompson (Off Campus) Boasting quite possibly the best mustache in the whole Bengal Bouts field, Oddo came out with a viciously aggressive approach and landed a series of strong combinations, fueled by a thundering right uppercut.

The bout between two off-campus fighters went the graduate student Oddo’s way first as he switched the point of attack, drilling the senior Thompson with a series of left hooks in the second round. Although “Jim Jompson” found some success with quick jabs to the body, he still spent much of the round bouncing around the ropes, trying to avoid Oddo’s combinations. Oddo seemed comfortable in his lead and was content to largely backpedal around the ring in the third round.

He never gave up any decisive combinations, closing out the victory in unanimous fashion.

Hector “Bueno” Juarez (Morrissey Manor) def.

Clay “The Rajun Cajun” Talbot (Dunne Hall) Both fighters came out swinging, each landing multiple solid hits in the first round. The Morrissey freshman Juarez landed multiple shots to the head towards the end of the round. Juarez continued to land

more punches in the second round as Talbot, the Dunne sophomore, appeared to tire, although he landed hits as well.

Both came out with renewed energy to open the third, Talbot seeming to regain his strength, landing multiple head shots right at the end of the bout, but it wasn’t enough to make up for Juarez’s early dominance, who took the victory by split decision.

Jamie “Greek Freak” Marines (Morrissey Manor) def. Alec “LaLa” Vasquez (Keough Hall) The Keough sophomore Vasquez came out of the gate strong, unleashing a flurry of punches, but as the round wore on, Morrissey’s sophomore Marines landed punches as well. The fighters traded head shots in the second round, neither seemingly worried about deflecting the other’s punches.

In the third round, they continued to batter each other, each landing multiple solid shots.

The referee briefly stopped the third round, and after the break, the two deflected each other’s punches until time was called. In what was a very close fight, Marines prevailed in a split decision.

Adam “Fringe Guy #2” Dillon (Sorin College) def.

Steve “Certainly” Provencher (Sorin College) Both fighters opened the fight with a barrage of punches, the referee having to stop the fight multiple times in the first round. They continued to batter each other in the second, with the sophomore Dillon landing the majority of hits, pinning the senior Provencher against the ropes multiple times. Provencher landed some punches of his own toward the end of round two. Round three opened with a similar intensity, and was evenly matched throughout the round, but Dillon’s strength in the early rounds proved too much. He won in a split decision.

Evan Molka (Keough Hall) def. Tim “Tam with Hands of Ham” Leisenring (Morrissey Manor) Leisenring landed multiple hits early, but the Keough freshman Molka came back with some solid headshots toward the end of the first as Leisenring tired, with the Morrissey senior being pinned against the ropes toward the end of the round.

Molka continued to batter Leisenring as the second round wore on, but Leisenring battled back with some hits of his own.

Both fighters seemed to tire as the third round started, but after a quick break, the intensity was back, and both landed hits.

Molka was victorious by split decision.

Kevin “Blood and” Gore (Off Campus) def. Quinn “It to Win it” Bardwell (Carroll Hall) The fight opened defensively, but as the round continued, both fighters developed an

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intensity, with the sophomore Bardwell landing headshots early. However, the graduate student Gore pinned him against the ropes and landed multiple punches right before the bell.

The fighters continued to batter each other in the second round, each landing solid punches, but Gore looked dominant at times. However, after landing a hard shot to the body, Bardwell knocked Gore to the ground to end the second round. The fighters began round three ferociously, each landing headshots. It appeared to be a very close fight, but Gore’s early punches were enough to earn him a unanimous decision win.

Brendan “Wavy” Gage (Dunne Hall) def. Sirak “[Nickname goes here]” Negash (Morrissey Manor) Gage gained the first advantage of the contest, as both fighters landed hits before Gage’s managed to put Negash see BOUTS PAGE 9

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an 11-0 run and the Irish were now trailing 43-48 with a little under six minutes remaining on the game clock. The Irish took another timeout to regroup.

Brunelle would drain a triple with 3:31 remaining to cut the Boston College lead back down to three. Gilbert would hit a layup a few possessions later and the Irish were trailing by just a point.

Then graduate student guard Destinee Walker would hit a three after a Vaughn steal and the Irish would take back the lead with 2:07 remaining.

Walker led all scorers on the evening with 21 and came just shy of a double-double with nine boards.

The Eagles would hit a free throw and a jumper to regain the lead. But with seconds

ndsmcobserver.com | friday, february 14, 2020 | The Observer

remaining Walker would hit a layup after her first one rimmed out, but she managed to grab the rebound.

1.8 remained on the clock when the Eagles would put their trust in senior forward Emma Guy, who drained the buzzer beateing layup as time expired.

The Irish will stay on the road this weekend for a contest at Louisville, currently the No. 2 team in the ACC and No. 9-ranked team in the country.

The Irish and Cardinals (223, 11-2 ACC) have had a rivalry going the past few years, with the Cardinals getting in the

upper hand two seasons ago in both the regular season and ACC Tournament. Last season, the Irish bested the Cardinals in both their regular season meeting in Purcell Pavilion by a score of 82-68, and in the ACC tournament 99-79, but this year has been a different story. The new-look

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Irish lost this season’s matchup 86-54 to Louisville in Purcell, struggling to keep pace with a bona fide national title contender. Louisville is coming off a 66-59 win over No. 4 NC State in Raleigh.

Tip-off against the Cardinals is set for 3 p.m. in the KFC Yum ! Center.

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The observer | friday, february 14, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

nd women’s basketball | Boston College 56, ND 55

Irish surrender 15-point lead, see season-best winning streak end against Boston College Observer Staff Report

ann curtis | The Observer

Irish junior center Mikayla Vaughn attempts to block an opponent during Notre Dame’s 76-53 victory over University of Miami on Jan. 19 at Purcell Pavilion. The Irish are now 10-15 on the season overall.

The Notre Dame women’s basketball squad suffered a heartbreaking loss at the hands of Boston College on Thursday evening. In a virtually empty arena, the Irish (10-15, 5-8 ACC) were able to build a hefty lead over the Eagles (14-10, 7-6 ACC) carrying a 32-21 advantage into the half.

The Irish seemed bound for their fourth win in a row, their best streak this season, but the Eagles swooped in at the buzzer, erasing the 15-point lead the Irish would hold over their head.

In the first half the Irish locked down the Eagles, holding them to 6-34 shooting from the field, a feeble 17.6%. They did this while also putting up big numbers on their end, taking an 18-3 scoring run into the break.

Notre Dame earned their largest lead of the game at the beginning of the second half after earning 11 points from five different players, as they held a 43-28 lead and a fourth straight victory seemed all but certain. But the Eagles found their rhythm in

the third quarter and ended the stanza on a 9-0 run capped with a three ball at the buzzer, an eerie foreshadowing of what was to come.

The Eagles started the final period on a 5-0 run which forced Irish head coach Muffet McGraw to call a quick timeout. Now the Eagles trailed by just one point as the Irish led 43-42.

Irish junior center Mikayla Vaughn plays defense in the post during Notre Dame’s 76-53 win over Miami on Feb. 8.

After the timeout the Irish ran into foul trouble as junior center Mikayla Vaughn and sophomore guard Katlyn Gilbert were both forced to the bench with four fouls each. As the panic of blowing a 15-point lead was ensuing, freshman forward Sam Brunelle, graduate student guard Marta Sniezek and sophomore forward Danielle Cosgrove had all racked up three fouls a piece. And then the Eagles hit a bucket to take the lead.

The 5-0 run soon blew up into see W BBALL PAGE 11

bengal bouts

Bengal Bouts opens 90th season with 23 hard-fought preliminary contests CONNOR MULVENA, HAYDEN ADAMS, PATRICK GALLAGHER, NATE MOLLER, AIDAN THOMAS, and LIAM COOLICAN Sports Editor, Associate Sports Editor and Sports Writers

Kevin “Bad Attendance” Bhatt (Off Campus) def.

Jacob Abel (Dunne Hall) The first match of the night commenced as Bhatt, an off campus graduate student, attempted to land a flurry of quick jabs. Abel, a freshman from Dunne Hall, blocked most of Bhatt’s offensive before driving him across the ring into the ropes. As round one ended, Abel tried to land a forceful uppercut, but he missed and crashed into the corner. Both boxers became more aggressive in the second round and traded strong shots to the head. After a period of grappling, each boxer connected on a few strikes to his opponent’s side. Abel then let loose a burst of energy as he landed a punishing barrage to Bhatt’s body. In the final round, Abel appeared to be physically exhausted.

Bhatt took advantage of this

development as he connected on many punishing uppercuts to Abel’s head and achieved a split decision victory.

Patrick “Yellow Hat” Campbell (Knott Hall) def.

Nathan Shemwell (Keenan Hall) After the opening bell, Campbell, a freshman from Knott Hall, tested Shemwell’s defense with a series of jabs.

Shemwell, a freshman from Keenan Hall, ducked under one of Campbell’s punches and landed an impressive counter strike. Both boxers relied on a strategy of patience and each seemed to anticipate the other’s next move. Shemwell pushed Campbell into the corner but took heavy damage in the process. In round two, Campbell connected on a few uppercuts to Shemwell’s head, but Shemwell responded with a well-timed counter. As the match continued into the final round, the energy seemed to be sapped out of each boxer. Campbell was able to break through Shemwell’s blocking technique and landed

multiple strong swings, which proved to be the difference as he won in a split decision.

Mike “Duck” Everett (Morrissey Manor) def.

Max “Full Send” Forbes (Keenan Hall) Editor’s Note: Everett is a former sportswriter for The Observer Both boxers opened the match with ambitious swings and traded some powerful jabs to the body. Everett, representing Morrissey Manor, controlled the pace of the fight as he pushed Keenan’s own Max Forbes around the ring. Much to the crowd’s amusement, the referee stopped the fight due Everett’s shoe becoming untied.

Forbes tended to work from below as he would connect on a few body shots before swinging for the head. In the second and third rounds, the momentum of the match started to work in Everett’s favor, and, even as Forbes backed him into a corner, Everett performed some very forceful counter maneuvers. Everett then landed some of the hardest hits of the night,

and Forbes looked visibly dazed as he took multiple shots to the head. Everett ended up winning by unanimous decision.

Ryan “The Barnimal” Lokhorst (Morrissey Manor) def.

Anthony “Please Don’t Hurt Me” O’Sullivan (O’Neill Family Hall) Lokhorst, a senior from Morrissey, started off the match on a tear, landing a quick succession of jabs to O’Sullivan’s head. O’Sullivan, a sophomore from O’Neill, responded with a few powerful swings of his own. Then, in one of the most epic moments of the night, both boxers connected on a huge strike and touched their gloves at full extension. Moving into the second round, both contestants dodged the other’s offensive before O’Sullivan knocked Lokhorst’s mouthguard out. The crowd responded with a thundering chant, which seemed to boost Lokhorst’s energy. The Barnimal ended the round on a high note with a few strong shots to O’Sullivan’s body. In the last

moments, O’Sullivan made an amazing final effort and pushed Lokhorst to the ropes; however, Lokhorst escaped this rough situation as his mouthguard fell out again and the match was paused. After much deliberation, Lokhorst was awarded victory in a split decision.

Tom “Tex” Edwards (Knott Hall) def. Mason “ShortStack” Sponem (Duncan Hall) After a few seconds spent feeling each other out, it was Sponem who got the early jump in the bout. Fueled by a large Duncan hall fan section, the junior opted for a series of quick combinations and landed several body shots. Edwards was able to respond with a clean shot to Sponem’s headgear at the end of the first round. At the start of the second, it was the sophomore “Tex” who landed nearly every shot. Leading with a short left jab and a crushing right hook, the Knott Hall resident built a healthy cushion. Edwards see BOUTS PAGE 10