Print Edition for The Observer for Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2023 by The Observer

THE INDEPENDENT

TO UNCOVER

NEWSPAPER SERVING

THE TRUTH

NOTRE DAME, SAINT MARY’S

AND REPORT

AND HOLY CROSS

IT ACCURATELY

VOLUME 58, ISSUE 54 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | NDSMCOBSERVER.COM

Bishop Rhoades discusses abortion, discipleship Rhoades advised framing the issue around ‘unwanted abortions’ to win over Americans post-Dobbs By ISA SHEIKH and LIAM KELLY News Editor and Associate News Editor

In two talks this week, Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Archdiocese of South Bend and Fort Wayne spoke to students on campus. Earlier in the year, the bishop weighed in on Saint Mary’s transgender admissions policy and ultimately succeeded in having the rule reversed. Rhoades, who has served as bishop in the area since 2009, said he comes to Notre Dame often. “I’ll sometimes say Bishop of Fort Wayne, South Bend and Notre Dame because I’m here a lot and I love coming here to be with you,” Rhoades said in his Monday evening talk after celebrating mass in the Basilica of

the Sacred Heart.

‘Unwanted abortions’: anti-abortion policy in postDobbs America Rhoades’s talk on Monday, hosted by Notre Dame Right to Life and University Faculty for Life, discussed abortion and ways for the anti-abortion movement to succeed in a new reality after the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Rhoades said he was “obviously very happy” with the Dobbs decision having been involved with the cause since attending the first ever March for Life as a high school student. “My joy over the Dobbs decision was tempered by the realization not only that abortion see BISHOP PAGE 4

Editor-in-Chief names incoming editorial board Observer Staff Report

Eig ht depa r t ment heads w i l l complete T he Obser ver’s 2024-2025 Ed itor ia l Boa rd, i ncom i ng Ed itor-i n-Ch ief Isa Shei k h a n nou nced Monday. “I cou ld n’t be happier w it h t he tea m t hat’s stepped up a nd t he v ision t hey have for t h is paper a nd t he nex t yea r,” Shei k h sa id. “T hey ’re a n except iona l g roup of cont r ibutors to T he Obser ver who have proven t hemselves capable t i me a nd t i me aga i n.” T he eig ht ed itors w i l l joi n Shei k h a s wel l a s i ncom i ng Ma nag i ng Ed itor Kat h r y n Much n ick a nd A ssista nt Ma nag i ng Ed itors Ca rol i ne Col l i ns, T homa s Dobbs a nd Madel i ne L add i n d i recti ng t he ed itor ia l responsibi l it ies of t he paper. Ju n iors Em ma Du f f y,

MARDI GRAS PAGE 4

ISA SHEIKH | The Observer

Bishop Rhoades spoke twice in talks hosted by Notre Dame Right to Life and University Faculty for Life, speaking out against abortion and exhorting his audience to live out Christian virtues in the workplace.

Senate passes resolution to protect sexual orientation non-discrimination clauses. The last time a resolution like this was discussed in the student senate was in 2012. Ryan said, in 2012 the administration responded to the resolution by explicitly saying “‘We are not changing it.’” “I think anything trying to change here takes time. I’m not expecting anything to happen tomorrow, it’s not something that can happen overnight, but I think the fact that this is a substantive issue, the specific nondiscrimination clause, it elicits a response from the administration either way,” Ryan said. Last school year, junior Pablo Oropeza, former vice president of Stanford Hall, and senior Dane Sherman launched an initiative under Irish for Inclusion to change the University’s nondiscrimination clause to include sexual orientation, gender identity and religious affiliation. This initiative is different from the resolution passed in the senate last week. The senate resolution only includes sexual orientation in its proposed changes, not

see BOARD PAGE 3

Last Wednesday, the Notre Dame student senate passed Resolution SS 2324-10 urging the University to consider including the protection of individuals on the basis of sexual orientation in Notre Dame’s non-discrimination clause. The resolution was sponsored by Sorin Hall senator and sophomore Andrew Ryan, who cited similar resolutions passed in 2012, 2008 and 1998 as his motivation for reaffirming that this is an issue that is still important to students. “I was looking back at previous stuff the senate had done … And one of my main points was to show that this is still important to people,” Ryan said. “I tried to build an argument that even if the administration hasn’t done anything [before], it’s an important symbol to include sexual orientation in the non-discrimination clause.” Ryan cited the 2022 inclusive campus survey as a major reason for advancing this

resolution. According to the survey, 48% of LGBQ men and 35% of LGBQ women reported experiencing adverse treatment due to their sexual orientation, while 1% of straight men and 0% of straight women reported experiencing the same. “People still feel that they are not accepted for who they are. I understand the Catholic sentiment of the issue and I think that’s obviously why it hasn’t been acted on,” Ryan said. “The University has made strides in terms of sexual orientation. There’s PrismND, there’s Gender Relations, we have a lot of resources, so clearly it’s not something we are afraid to tackle,” Ryan said. “The final step is to make it legally binding in writing.” Greg Gehring, director of gender relations and LGBTQ+ Advocacy was unavailable to comment on this story. The resolution also cited other universities that are part of the Congregation of Holy Cross, including Kings’ College and Stonehill College, that include protection on the basis of sexual orientation in their

VIEWPOINT PAGE 6

SCENE PAGE 7

HOCKEY PAGE 8

BENGAL BOUTS PAGE 12

Ma r issa Pa net h iere a nd L ia m Pr ice, a long w it h sophomores L ia m Kel ly a nd Tyler Reidy a nd f reshmen Ay nslee Del lacca, Peter Mi k u lsk i a nd Gray Nocja r. Du f f y w i l l be cont i nui ng a s Socia l Med ia Ed itor. She is f rom L ong Isla nd, New York. She is major i ng i n pol it ica l science w it h m i nors i n jou r na l ism, et hics a nd democrac y ( JED), const it ut iona l st ud ies a nd Ita l ia n. At T he Obser ver, she ha s ser ved a s Socia l Med ia Ed itor, newsletter ma nager a nd w r it ten for News, V iew poi nt a nd Scene. Pa net h iere, a ju n ior f rom St. L ou is, Missou r i l iv i ng i n Lyons Ha l l w i l l ser ve a s t he Graph ics Ed itor. She is a biochem ist r y a nd Ita l ia n st ud ies double major. Si nce joi n i ng T he Obser ver

By CAROLINE COLLINS News Writer

see SENATE PAGE 3

TODAY

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | NDSMCOBSERVER.COM

QUESTION OF THE DAY: ndsmcobserver.com

Have a question you want answered? Email photo@ndsmcobserver.com

What is the worst movie you have ever seen?

P.O. Box 779, Notre Dame, IN 46556 024 South Dining Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556

Catherine Rao

Jenna Collier

freshman Saint Mary’s

freshman Farley Hall

“The Nun.”

“Inside Out.”

Luke Reynolds

Frankie Calabrese Barton

freshman Dillon Hall

freshman Farley Hall

“The Emoji Movie.”

“Polar Express.”

(574) 631-6900 advertising@ndsmcobserver.com

Justine Lam

Santiago Ralston

Editor-in-Chief

freshman Lyons Hall

freshman Carroll Hall

“Allegiant.”

“Saturday Night Fever.”

Editor-in-Chief Maggie Eastland Managing Editor Ryan Peters Asst. Managing Editor: Gabrielle Beechert Asst. Managing Editor: Hannah Hebda Asst. Managing Editor: José Sánchez Córdova Notre Dame News Editor: Saint Mary’s News Editor: Viewpoint Editor: Sports Editor: Scene Editor: Photo Editor: Graphics Editor: Social Media Editor: Advertising Manager: Ad Design Manager: Systems Administrator:

Isa Sheikh Meghan Lange Claire Lyons Andrew McGuinness Anna Falk Sofia CrimiVaroli Christina Sayut Emma Duffy Confidence Nawali Christina Sayut Jack MapelLentz

Office Manager & General Info

Ph: (574) 631-7471 Fax: (574) 631-6927 Advertising

(574) 631-4542 meastlan@nd.edu Managing Editor

(574) 631-4542 rpeters5@nd.edu Assistant Managing Editors

(574) 631-4541 gbeecher@nd.edu, hhebda@nd.edu, jsanch24@nd.edu Business Office

(574) 631-5313 Notre Dame News Desk

(574) 631-5323 news@ndsmcobserver.com Saint Mary’s News Desk

(574) 631-5323 smcnews@ndsmcobserver.com Viewpoint Desk

(574) 631-5303 viewpoint@ndsmcobserver.om Sports Desk

(574) 631-4543 sports@ndsmcobserver.com Scene Desk

(574) 631-4540 scene@ndsmcobserver.com Photo Desk

(574) 631-8767 photo@ndsmcobserver.com Systems & Web Administrators

webmaster@ndsmcobserver.com Policies The Observer is the independent, daily newspaper published in print and online by the students of the University of Notre Dame du Lac, Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College. Editorial content, including advertisements, is not governed by policies of the administration of any institution. The Observer reserves the right to refuse advertisements based on content. The news is reported as accurately and objectively as possible. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the majority of the Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Assistant Managing Editors and department editors. Commentaries, letters and columns present the views of the authors and not necessarily those of The Observer. Viewpoint space is available to all readers. The free expression of all opinions through letters is encouraged. Letters to the Editor must be signed and must include contact information. Questions regarding Observer policies should be directed to Editor-in-Chief Maggie Eastland. Post Office Information The Observer (USPS 599 2-4000) is published Monday through Friday except during exam and vacation periods. A subscription to The Observer is $130 for one academic year; $75 for one semester. The Observer is published at: 024 South Dining Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556-0779 Periodical postage paid at Notre Dame and additional mailing offices POSTMASTER Send address corrections to: The Observer P.O. Box 779 024 South Dining hall Notre Dame, IN 46556-077

Today’s Staff News

Sports

Meghan Lange Nolan Hines

Emily DeFazio

Graphics

Christine Hillario

Trey Paine

Photo

Scene Viewpoint Andrew Marciano

Meghan Lange

Corrections The Observer regards itself as a professional publication and strives for the highest standards of journalism at all times. We do, however, recognize that we will make mistakes. If we have made a mistake, please contact us at editor@ndsmcobserver.com so we can correct our error.

SOFIA CRIMIVAROLI | The Observer

Drummers from the ND Hockey Band dressed in Gumby costumes to celebrate Irish wear green and Senior Night on Saturday. This weekend, Notre Dame hockey will travel to Ann Arbor to play the University of Michigan in the final series of the regular season.

THE NEXT FIVE DAYS:

Want your event included here? Email news@ndsmcobserver.com

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Healthcare mini Career Fair Regina Hall Noon - 2 p.m. Meet interested employers.

Mr. ND Washington Hall 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Enjoy watching men from various dorms perform their talents.

Keenan Revue Stepan Center 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Attend Keenan Hall’s annual comedy performance.

ACC Fencing Tournament Joyce Pavillion All Day Cheer on the Irish as they compete.

Basilica Mass Basilica of the Sacred Heart 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. All are welcome.

The Musicians Network Jam Session 110 Washington Hall 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Come play music.

Senior Soup Night LaFortune Community Kitchen 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Stop by to chat and have soup with others.

African Drumming Circle Celebration Haggar College Center 2:30 p.m. - 4p.m. Celebrate Black History Month.

“Poor Things” showing DPAC 7 p.m. - 9:20 p.m. Watch the Oscar nominated film.

Men’s Lax Game Arlotta Stadium 2 p.m. Cheer on the defending NCAA Nattional Champs.

NEWS

NDSMCOBSERVER.COM | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | THE OBSERVER

Board CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

g raph ics tea m t h is academic yea r, she ha s t r u ly appreciated t he i nt r icacies of st udent jou r na l ism a nd t he col laborat ion bet ween depa r t ments to create stel la r st udent publ icat ions. She is ex t remely excited to ta ke on t h is role for t he upcomi ng ter m. Pr ice will ser ve as V iew poi nt Ed itor. He is a pol it ica l science a nd Eng l ish major l iv i ng i n A lu m n i Ha l l. Cu r rent ly ser v i ng a s a copyed itor for V iew poi nt a nd t he new w r iter ed itor for Not re Da me News, he ha s spent t he major it y of h is t i me at T he Obser ver work i ng a nd w r it i ng for t he news depa r t ments at bot h Not re Da me a nd Sa i nt Ma r y ’s. Pr ice is excited to lead t he V iew poi nt depa r t ment, a nd look s forwa rd to recr u it i ng a nd developi ng a tea m of capable colu m n ists. Kel ly, a Sor i n Col lege resident f rom West por t, Con nect icut, will ta ke over a s Not re Da me News Ed itor. He is a pol it ica l science a nd h istor y double major. Kel ly ha s w r it ten for t he news depa r t ment

si nce h is f resh ma n yea r, ser v i ng a s a ssociate news ed itor a nd new w r iter ed itor. In h is t i me i n t he news depa r t ment, he ha s covered subjects such a s u n iversit y ad m issions pol ic y a nd lect u res f rom promi nent spea kers on ca mpus. Reidy, a Keoug h Ha l l resident f rom Oma ha, Nebra ska, w i l l move i nto t he Spor ts Ed itor role. T he sophomore is double major i ng i n busi ness a na ly tics a nd f i l m, telev ision a nd t heat re w it h a m i nor i n spor t, med ia a nd cu lt u re. Si nce joi n i ng T he Obser ver’s spor ts depa r tment i n Aug ust 2022, he ha s pr i ma r i ly covered hockey, ba seba l l a nd sof tba l l. O ver t he pa st yea r, Reidy ser ved a s a n a ssociate spor ts ed itor. Del lacca, f rom New Pa lest i ne, Ind ia na, w i l l now ser ve a s Sa i nt Ma r y ’s News Ed itor. She pla ns to fol low a st udent-desig ned major pat h a nd st udy a nt h ropolog ica l a nd Ind igenous St ud ies w it h a m i nor i n Fi l m St ud ies. Del lacca bega n her jou r na l ism career a s a f resh ma n i n h ig h school, lead i ng i n feat u re, news a nd ma nag i ng ed itor posit ions. A s a f resh ma n at

Sa i nt Ma r y ’s, she ha s si nce w r it ten for ma i n ly Not re Da me News, cover i ng a w ide ra nge of topics f rom loca l news to lect u res a nd socia l events. Mi k u lsk i, a ma roon a nd g rey-blooded Ra mbler f rom Ch icagola nd, w i l l succeed A n na Fa l k a s Scene Ed itor. He is a med ieva l st ud ies major, a music m i nor a nd a zea lous fa n of a r t. Mi k u lsk i ha s copyed ited a nd worked pr i nt-product ion for V iew poi nt a s wel l a s w r it ten for Scene. He a lso ra n a now-def u nct Yoko Ono fa n blog i n h ig h school. Nocja r, f rom Ga it hersbu rg, Ma r yla nd, w i l l ta ke over a s Photo Ed itor. He is major i ng i n elect r ica l eng i neer i ng a nd pu rsu i ng a JED m inor. He ha s photog raphed mu lt iple ca mpus i n it iat ives a nd at h let ic events for T he Obser ver a s wel l a s worked photo product ion a nd w r it ten a lmost a dozen stor ies for t he News depa r t ment. In h ig h school, Nocja r pa rt icipated i n t h ree yea rs of photog raphy a nd photoshop cla sses, i nclud i ng A P Photog raphy.

Senate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

gender identity and religious affiliation. Oropeza said he started the initiative after having students come to him and tell him how they were suffering at the University. He said he knew he had to do something. “Everyone should have a place here. Notre Dame is home to thousands of people. No matter who you are or where you come from, I believe that we’re all made in the image and likeness of God, and we shouldn’t be discriminatory towards anybody,” Oropeza said. Last year, Oropeza and Sherman visited hall councils and club meetings to collect signatures for the petition in hopes of garnering 15% of the student body’s support, get a referendum voted on and get the proposed amendment sent to the administration for a decision. Oropeza said they got 1,500 signatures on the petition and sent an open letter to Rev. Gerard Olinger, the vice president for student affairs, in December 2022. Their letter resulted in a non-response from Olinger, and no conversations were held with administrators. Oropeza is hesitant that this new resolution in the senate

will elicit a different response from the administration. “I don’t know how much credence they will give the resolution, but I hope it proves to the administration that people are still fighting for this, people still want this to happen, especially in the senate, where they have student body support,” he said. In terms of the future of the resolution, Ryan said he plans to talk with the senate advisor about how to move forward and what the next steps are administration-wise. Ryan also serves on the Campus Life Council and any resolutions passed there require a response from the vice president of the university, so he suggested presenting this resolution from the senate at an upcoming meeting of the Campus Life Council. He also mentioned bringing the resolution to the faculty senate to see if they would be interested in endorsing the resolution. “There’s a lot of relevance, in terms of hiring, and there’s concerns for faculty in terms of coming here and being treated differently, so I think introducing it in the faculty senate would be useful.” Contact Caroline Collins at ccolli23@nd.edu

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

2024 Cushwa Center Lecture

Five Hundred * Years of Mayanized Christianity An Ethnohistory of the Americas’ First Theology, the Theologia Indorum

Thursday February 29 4:30 p.m.

Garry Sparks Princeton University

215–16 McKenna Hall

learn more at cushwa.nd.edu

Codex Yanhuitlán, folio 4v, depicting two mixtec nobles and Domingo de Vico. José María Lafragua Historical Library, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla.

NEWS

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | NDSMCOBSERVER.COM

DIANE PARK | The Observer

ND Mardi Gras — the end of a tradition By THOM AS DOBBS, CADE CZ ARNECKI and LILYANN GARDNER From t he A rchives Resea rchers

Embark on a historical exploration of Notre Dame’s Mardi Gras, tracing its evolution from a celebrated annual event to its decline following significant challenges. This narrative delves into the archives to uncover the impact of a 1981 gambling ban, a scandalous theft in 2002 and the eventual cessation of the Mardi Gras tradition. Through the lens of revelry, reform and resilience, we examine how these pivotal moments shaped the fate of a once-vibrant campus tradition, reflecting broader changes within the University and its community.

Bishop CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

would continue to be legal in many states, but that the minds and hearts of many Americans are still not with us,” he said. Rhoades argued the antiabortion movement was ill-prepared to contest policy battles and state-level votes. “This has become even clearer since the passage of pro-abortion legislation in many states since the Dobbs decision as well as popular referenda that have prevented restrictions on abortion,” he said. “In many ways, I don’t think the pro-life movement was ready for the heavily funded mobilization by the other side.” Rhoades said that the prochoice position “is totally unacceptable, since the choice being advocated for is the choice to have an unborn child killed.” In combating it, the bishop said the anti-abortion movement would be more successful with alternative framing of the issue. “We need to do a better job and use some new strategies,” he said. “Frame the issue by focusing more on unwanted abortions.” He mentioned a recent study he had seen, which reported that

Notre Dame’s Mardi Gras boomed, basking in the accolade of being called “the nation’s third biggest college weekend.” The annual festivity, studded with jazz and jubilation, was not merely another collegiate event but a cultural phenomenon, drawing legends like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and the Four Tops. The heart of Mardi Gras at Notre Dame pulsated with the “art of giving,” a tradition that interweaved fun with philanthropy. As the revelry unfurled, students engaged in the carnival, not just for the visceral thrill of the party but to practice generosity. “Notre Dame students staged the first Mardi Gras carnival. Their stated purpose was to raise money for charities throughout the world,” embodies the spirit of the festivities: a benevolent force cloaked in celebration.

“It might seem that the same thing is going on in each booth, but you’ll find that there are actually a number of games you can play,” said Phil Schatz (‘72), and indeed, each booth was a microcosm of delight, a testament to the inventiveness and diversity that flourished under the auspices of gambling. The carnival was a financial

60% of women who had abortions reported high levels of pressure, 43% said abortion was inconsistent with their values and that 60% would have preferred to give birth. Rhoades also discussed coercion and abortion, bringing up the story of Britney Spears among other notable cases of explicit or implied coercion. “Perhaps you read or heard about Britney Spears. Her memoir last year detailed the emotional pain of undergoing an abortion at age 19, pain that is still clearly present for her. Britney Spears wrote, ‘If it were up to me alone, I never would have done it.’” He also discussed religious liberty in light of a recent report that he oversaw. “We’re concerned about the threat this year of attacks on houses of worship, especially in synagogues and mosques because of the Israel-Hamas conflict,” he said. “But we’re also concerned that with the 2024 election, some far-left extremists might escalate the severity of attacks on Catholic churches, and far-right extremists may view Catholic churches and Catholic charities facilities as targets for anti-immigrant sentiment or worse, violent action.” Rhoades discussed a number

triumph as well, highlighting its considerable impact and the dedication of those who orchestrated it. “Although the final assessment of profit won’t be completed until Friday, the consensus of the Mardi Gras staff is that the festivities netted a solid financial success.” This was the quantitative proof of the event’s qualitative spirit. Yet, the echoes of the Mardi Gras resonate with a bittersweet tone; The Observer anticipated in 1969 that “Mardi Gras will celebrate its twentieth anniversary this February and possibly its last,” highlighting a concerning drop in the event’s profitability from the previous year.

of political issues around abortion and gender transitions, calling out President Biden’s support for the Women’s Health Protection Act, a bill intended to create federal protections for abortion. “By the way can you imagine calling for the passage of such an act?” Rhoades asked. “President Biden, who received the Laetare Medal here, supporting taking away the right of the Catholic Church not to perform abortions and we honored him.”

Catholic identity in the professional world On Thursday evening in the Eck Hall of Law, Rhoades spoke on the importance for business and law students to incorporate Catholic discipleship into their professional lives. Rhoades focused on Notre Dame’s alma mater, arguing that Catholics must stay “tender, strong and true” as professionals. He emphasized that Mary’s tenderness “is not disconnected from strength and courage” and that both men and women should be tender. This tenderness that both God and Mary represent is “concrete” and “not merely an abstract principle,” Rhoades argued. “Christian, legal and business professionals are also called to

ruled out gambling as a means of raising funds. The anti-gambling proclamation from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend was in accordance with Indiana state law, but thousands of individuals petitioned the Bishop and pleaded with him to change his mind. Bishop McManus responded to the over 7,000 signatures with a resounding ‘no,’ forcing Notre Dame and the Mardi Gras committee to find alternative sources of entertainment. The dance marathon, in particular, became a primary source of revenue with students finding sponsors and big prizes being placed on the line, and by 1985, it appeared to be the only major Mardi Gras event advertised in the Observer. Karen Klocke (‘85), a guest columnist for the Observer, encouraged students to participate in the dance-a-thon in a number of ways. She outlined three opportunities to get involved by either participating in the marathon, paying admission to dance for a few hours and enjoy the live music or by simply donating. “Busy Friday? Then sponsor

one of your friends who will be dancing all night. You need not be a dancer to contribute to the fund,” wrote Klocke. Eventually, the dance marathon evolved into a traditional dance sometime around 1990 and was adopted as a dorm tradition by O’Neill Hall in 1997 after their move from Grace Hall. Their rendition of Mardi Gras involved a competition the night before the dance to crown a King of the weekend festivities succeeded by a parade with floats the next morning that allowed O’Neill residents to pick up their dates along the way. It seemed that regardless of what events took place or who was in charge Mardi Gras remained a staple part of campus culture over that span of sixteen years, but uncertainty loomed at the turn of the century.

take up this posture. One who is tender is disposed to reach out to love others and especially to care for those most in need like Jesus did.” In the world of law and business, Rhoades said this would mean showing genuine care for clients, treating others with respect, organizing charitable efforts and engaging in pro-bono work. Rhoades also emphasized the importance of strength in seeing these actions through. “It takes increasing strength and courage and fortitude to be faithful disciples of Jesus in our culture today. And this includes in the cultural world of business and law,” he said. “You may be one of few practicing Christians in your places of work. And you may even be criticized for your faith and moral convictions. These days, we all need to call upon the Holy Spirit for his gift of fortitude.” Rhoades stressed that being a Christian disciple in the workplace means not separating one’s professional and religious lives. “We promise to be true, genuine and authentic disciples of the Lord all the days of our life. To be true disciples, not only with part of our lives, but with all of our lives, including in our work,

or business, or profession,” he explained. Rhoades pointed to St. Thomas Moore, who was executed by King Henry VIII for opposing the reformation in England, St. Homo Bonus, a successful cloth merchant in 12th century Italy who gave most of his money to the poor, and St. Mathew, who left his job as a tax collector to follow Jesus, as examples of how to balance Catholic discipleship and one’s professional life. “Now, that doesn’t mean you should be leaving behind your financial career,” Rhoades clarified. “Unless it’s like doing something terrible and unjust like the tax collectors did during the time of Jesus. Leave your job if it’s going to be like that.” Along similar lines, Rhoades stressed Catholics in business and law must avoid greed “in all its forms” and follow Jesus’ words: “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” Concluding his remarks, Rhoades exhorted the audience to “be disciples of Christ in the workplace by living the gospel and being good examples of the Christian virtues.”

The full version of this story can be read online at www.ndsmcobserver.com Contact Thomas Dobbs at tdobbs @nd.edu Contact Cade Czarnecki at cczarne3@nd.edu Contact Lilyann Gardner at lgardne2@nd.edu

Contact Isa Sheikh at isheikh@nd.edu Contact Liam Kelly at lkelly8 @nd.edu

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | NDSMCOBSERVER.COM

An unhinged recap of JPW

INSIDE COLUMN

5 things to experience before you leave the Bend

Kate Casper Outsider Instincts

Meghan Lange Saint Mary’s News Editor

As a senior who has lived on the tri-campus for the last four years. I have the unique ability to tell you about the best events that take place on campus and what you should look forward to during your time here. And because I ran out of time and my Inside column was due, I am going to list them for you here in a top five style.

1. The Keenan Revue The Keenan Revue is one of Notre Dame’s Men’s halls charity events. The Revue is a skit show comparable to the likes of SNL, only this show is filled with jokes about the tri-campus and its students. Complete with a new theme each year, this year’s being “Et Tu Revuetè?” This year’s revue is this weekend and I believe I am not alone in looking forward to seeing it. However, the Knights of Keenan Hall have big shoes to fill after their predecessors bestowed upon us gems like “South Bend State Bend of Mind” and “The News.” But I’m sure our Knights in shinning whatever their dorm color is will do great this year. The Keenan guys always know how to put on a great show from live musical performances to jokes about each other’s moms while said mothers are in the audience. Which always leaves everyone on stage to break character. And we defiantly can’t forget the “dancing” to Abba and Ariana Grande songs, but I think that’s all I’m allowed to say on that topic in the pages of The Observer. Anyways the Keenan Revue is always a fun time, you gotta love hearing jokes about anything and everything on campus nothing is off the table and that’s why we love it.

2. The Fisher Regatta The Fisher Regatta is an annual charity event hosted by the men of Fisher Hall on Saint Mary’s Lake. Students will spend weeks building their “boats” in order to compete in the Regatta to see who can make it across the lake first. Now “boat” is a loose term, by “boat” I mean anything that floats. At last year’s Regatta we saw everything from boats made of cardboard, pool noodles, inflatable pools and mattresses to boats made out of plastic moving bins. The boat made out of the moving bins was my favorite, as it wasn’t just a boat. It was a boat to entertain, complete with a Fisher Price basketball hoop and even a secret compartment that the “sailors” used to keep a stash of Big Macs in. And when the boat finally went down as most do at the Fisher Regatta the guys made sure to save the Big Macs before themselves. All in all, it’s always entertaining and fun to experience. Last year I was even able to get in on the fun when I was allowed to take pictures for The Observer from the police boat that circles the area to help sailors that have fallen into the water. But let me be clear I was NOT on the boat that tipped over one of the teams, I was on the other one.

3. Snow Globe Football Games This next one is not really a tradition but it’s something that everyone should get to experience at least once in their college life. The Snow Globe Game, a football game that takes place during a snowstorm. I was lucky enough to experience it last year during the Boston College game, and it was quite literally unexplainable, but I’ll try. Now if you don’t like snow skip to the next entry because you will simply not understand what I am about to say. Notre Dame football games are always fun and usually exciting, but the snow just adds another layer to it. You’re standing there in the student section freezing to death, but it doesn’t matter. Your team is playing and your huddled up with your friends sharing the one blanket someone thought to bring because you didn’t expect it blizzard. But like I said before it doesn’t matter your just living your best life watching football in the snow. Experiencing every single play in a new way and then the Irish score a touchdown and your filled with this terrified rush as you struggle not to fall on the now snow-covered bleachers. It’s unlike anything else and can be compared to nothing else.

4. First Snow, Snowball Fight One of my favorite traditions here on campus happens usually at the end of the fall semester but has yet to happen this year (Anyone who says different is wrong, that wasn’t real because the snow didn’t even last a day). After the first snowfall of the season all students will meet on South Quad at midnight to participate in a school wide snowball fight unlike any you have seen before. Some people will target their friends but most just aim for anything moving. Last year Leprechaun Ryan even DJ’ed the fight with a sick playlist. And without fail, a lightsaber battle always breaks out cause why wouldn’t Notre Dame students have overly tricked out lightsabers in their dorms that they brought from home to college.

5. The Shamrock Series Games The final one is not usually on campus but it’s a campus tradition nonetheless. The Shamrock Series Game is an annual football game played in a “special” but also neutral location. My freshman year the Shamrock Series game got pushed due to COVID. The following year Notre Dame played the University of Wisconsin at Soldier Field in Chicago, complete with College Game Day. That game was a great first step into the world of college football as a student because the year before there was no student section or even any fans besides us students because of COVID. This was the first time I got to watch the Irish play the way we were meant to, surrounded by a sea of fellow fans, all rooting for the same goal, an Irish win. And it was icing on the cake to see the stream of fans in red leaving the nosebleed seats before the game was even over, as the Irish came back from behind to win the game. Last year the game was held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas against the Brigham Young football team, which The Observer coined as the “Bible Brawl” in Sin City. All leading to my senior year game this past year where both fans and students traveled to Dublin, Ireland to watch the Notre Dame Irish play the US Naval Academy at Aviva Stadium, in this year’s installment of the Shamrock Series Game. I was lucky enough to be asked to cover the game for the Observer as a photographer, so I got to watch from the sidelines and needless to say, it was the experience of a lifetime. All this is to say that there are so many memorable and honestly once in a lifetime, things and events that I have gotten to do or experience during my time here. This is only a small sample of what is possible during your time and what you can look forward to. You can contact Meghan at mlange03@saintmarys.edu. The views expressed in this Inside column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Junior Parents Weekend felt a lot like “A Christmas Carol,” the way I encountered all my favorite ghosts in one night (at Newf’s): Ghost of Notre Dame Past, my ex-best friend (spotted at Newf’s); Present, my current best friend (also spotted at Newf’s); and Future, all the people I had no idea existed (though they were also maybe possibly spotted at Newf’s). The truth is, it wasn’t pleasant having to introduce my parents to all of these characters at once (at Newf’s). It didn’t make me feel good to send my ex-best friend one of those good old pity waves from across the room, while my parents sipped on their beverages of choice, Diet Cokes (on the rocks). It didn’t make me feel good to have to regretfully inform my mother that the tall guy who just accepted the Body of Christ at JPW mass is perhaps one of the most terrifying people I’ve ever met (Go Irish though!). And while, luckily, most of the weekend, I felt absolutely positively swallowed/suffocated by the love of other juniors and their parents as we all mingled, I couldn’t help but feel a profound discomfort in certain moments. Particularly, I felt a profound discomfort when I realized I knew people a little too well to have my fun during JPW. I knew a little too much about the kid sitting six rows ahead of me during mass and a little too much about the kid three tables away from me at President’s Dinner. I admit, it was a wee bit alarming, if not disturbing, to bring my parents into this place that I now know so well; I think I might know it too well. It felt like a very different Notre Dame than the place where my parents dropped me off three years ago. It felt like a new Notre Dame, a Notre Dame where I now have good and bad memories associated with almost every building on campus, except for maybe Knott Hall (because I’m convinced Knott Hall doesn’t really exist). It also felt like a new me, a me where I have developed probably 17 different types of waves and salutations for every type of person I encounter on the walk to class — my wave for my best friends, my good friends, my friends that I never see, my friends that I always see, my loose acquaintances, my bar boyfriends (back when I had those) and, my personal favorite, my campus liabilities. Notre Dame, Indiana is a teeny tiny place. It’s awesome and terrifying, and when you’re a junior at JPW, maybe a little extra terrifying. But also, I say all this knowing (and truly believing) that Notre Dame, Indiana is still the place for me, even when I’m bumping into guys who tell my friends they are “considering the priesthood” to get out of dating them (true story). The truth is, there will always be more guys “considering the priesthood” just like there will always be more people to

saunter past at the bar, in the hopes of being noticed (again), maybe noticed for the ways you’ve changed (or haven’t changed). There will always be more pity waves to give on the morning walk to class, the wave that says: I’m only doing this because I feel obligated to acknowledge your existence, even though your existence makes me physically ill (so here’s a pity wave). There will always be the people you wish you’d met in a different life, people you wish you could’ve met ten years from now at some Notre Dame bar in Chicago where you’d ask them, “What dorm were you in?” just like old times. And, of course, there will always be the people you don’t want to bump into with your parents during JPW, and the truth is, you probably will. You probably will bump into them, and perhaps that pity wave will turn into a pity stopand-chat-with-my-parents. But maybe in that pity chat, you’ll get another pity smile and then something else — a laugh or a lingering look that tells you perhaps that pity wasn’t really pity at all. It’s something ineffable, something hard to qualify (because words are so fickle and feelings are so constant). Maybe it’s love? Maybe it’s sharing? Maybe it’s the mere acknowledgement that we both exist in this half-baked utopia called Notre Dame, Indiana? This place where we live and hurt? It’s easy to scan the room and look for everyone who’s hurt you (or whom you’ve hurt). It’s easy to play the shame game, passing the shame around like it’s a hot potato, passing the shame in the form of sad smiles and more pity waves. But it’s even harder to realize that at the edge of all that shame, all that hurt that walks through Duncan Student Center or eats at Natio’s every drunk early Saturday morning, there is a lot of love. There is a lot of sharing. There is a lot of sharing sunsets and lead water (if you live in Zahm or Pangborn). There is a lot of sharing sticky bar floors or stadium bleachers. There is a lot of sharing air and space and morning walks to class. Sometimes, I wonder, if we aren’t all here together, in Notre Dame, Indiana (with our parents or otherwise), where on earth are we? What are we doing? Where are we going? Who are we avoiding? It’s scary, feeling so old and so jaded, but also, perhaps equally, so full of joy and excitement for tomorrow, a tomorrow where some of us might exchange pity waves, or we might stumble into the best conversations of our lives, a tomorrow where everything heals with time and where the hurt can become love again. Kate Casper (aka, Casper, Underdog or Jasmine) is from Northern Virginia, currently residing in Rome. She strives to be the best waste of your time. You can contact her at kcasper@nd.edu. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | NDSMCOBSERVER.COM

The perks of on-campus life Erin Drumm Drummer’s Circle

Living in a dorm is one of the best parts of going to Notre Dame. Despite the desperate GroupMe messages begging the users of “Washer 8” and “Dryer 14” to move their clothes and the unexpected surprises inherent in sharing a living space with 200 other people, in my experience, living in a dorm at Notre Dame, has overall been pretty great. Dorm life is not for everybody. Some people, especially those who enjoy cooking, love off-campus life. As a person who enjoys sleeping in, I love being on campus, and not just because of its proximity to my classes and therefore, maximum sleeping time. When deciding where to live my senior year of college, I weighed my options. I will most likely live in an apartment post-graduation and living in a dorm allows for serendipitous e-lounge chats, dining hall dinners and card game sessions. Not many people get to live on the Notre Dame campus and experience the community of dorm life. While Pasquerilla East is not the most updated dorm on campus and therefore doesn’t have all of the amenities of Hotel J-Fam, it does have an awesome community to engage with if you so wish. I have chosen to engage with the community of my dorm and have met great friends and people by doing so! There are great perks to off campus life, like having your own bathroom where you don’t have to wear shower shoes or not having to follow the rules of residential life on campus.

But there are also perks to living on campus:

1. Community Living on campus senior year gives you the chance to stay a part of your dorm community and connect with the traditions and people of your dorm! For seniors who had a COVID year during freshman year or transferred from another school or dorm, this is especially valuable.

2. Location Eddy Street is known to be the best off-campus location for apartments because of its proximity to campus. The only way to get closer is to live on the campus itself!

3. Comedy If you have a sense of humor, dorm life can be amazing and hilarious. There is so much comedic material to work with when 200 people are living under one roof and seemingly 100 of them do not know how to do the laundry. I personally find dorm happenings to be extremely amusing.

4. Free food Section events each week are not only a good place to catch up with friends, but also a place to grab some unexpected study snacks. Grapes and bagels and mocktails, oh my!

5. Walking community For seniors without a car, living on campus is the most convenient option in terms of getting to and from class or to events around campus. There are not many other opportunities to live in a walking community aside from a college with groceries and sports and classes within walking distance.

6. Room picks As a senior, you finally get first dibs on room picks and can finally get that single or super double you’ve been

eyeing since freshman year!

7. Impromptu walks and late night snacks Living in a dorm leaves the possibility of running into somebody on their way to Taco Bell at 2 AM or on a walk around the lakes to watch the sunset looking for a buddy to go with them.

8. Friends! In my experience, living in a dorm has been one of the best parts of Notre Dame because of the community and people I met through interhall sports, e-lounge hang-outs and study room sessions. Pasquerilla East has been a nice home under the dome from where I’m sitting (Go pyros!). Living off campus with your own kitchen is great but living in a dorm where there is always something going on and the campus is right outside your window is also great. The difference between each dorms’ amenities and quality and that of off campus and on campus facilities differs from building to building and is definitely a factor to consider, in addition to price. But in terms of community, I’d argue dorm life is the way to go. Erin Drumm is a senior at Notre Dame studying American Studies, journalism and history. She is from Philadelphia and spends her summers (and every weekend possible) at the shore in Cape May County, New Jersey. Outside of The Observer, Erin can be found cheering on the Fighting Irish and the Phillies, reading and talking about pop culture and history. She can be reached at edrumm@nd.edu. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Everyone is welcome at milkshake mass Milkshake Mass has been celebrated every Thursday night during the academic year at 10:00 p.m. in Dillon Hall for 26 years. It has come to be the most well attended weekday Mass in any residence hall drawing between 150 and 200 students every Thursday night. It might even be the most well attended weekday Mass on campus. Students come from almost every dorm on campus, from Saint Mary’s and from Holy Cross. There is a very real Milkshake Mass community. There is a lot of talking and shaking hands and hugging and visiting before Mass begins. It seems to me that this is how things should be when a community comes together. If a family gathers in someone’s home, they don’t come in, find a seat, kneel down and never acknowledge anyone around them. They shake hands. They hug. They kiss. They ask “How have you been?” I always begin Mass the same way. “Welcome to Dillon’s Milkshake Mass. Let’s take a moment to take a deep breath, to relax, to let the cares of the day go by and to remember that we are always in the presence of our God who loves us more than we can imagine.” After a minute or so of silence, the director of the Milkshake Mass choir announces the opening hymn. When I look around, everyone is singing. The Milkshake Mass tends to draw students with many different expressions of faith. This is clearly seen in how students receive Holy Communion. The vast majority of the students receive communion in the hand standing up. Some receive on the tongue standing up, while others receive on the tongue kneeling down. There are some students who wear mantillas. I like the variety of expressions. They are important for the Church and they are reflective of the Big Tent.

The Kiss of Peace is out of control. But who cares? The Kiss of Peace is one part of the Mass that the people have made their own and, though I have been encouraged to ask students to tone it down, I’m not taking it from them. People hug and kiss and go here and there to find someone and to greet them. It’s a lot better than many daily Masses I have been to where people turn around and give the Queen of England wave to everyone in the Church. Ugh. After the closing hymn, the choir breaks out into “This Little Light of Mine” and everyone sings as they go forth from the chapel to the 24-hour space in Dillon for a milkshake. As they leave, it’s very noisy and loud. Some weeks, students will approach me after Mass and ask, “Is it always this loud at Milkshake Mass?” “No, not always,” I say. “Sometimes, it’s louder.” The two students told me that this was their first Milkshake Mass and that they were shocked at how loud the congregation was before and after the Mass. They clearly did not like that, and insinuated that I (or someone) should do something about this noise and level of conversation before and after Mass. They went on to tell me that they heard one student cussing during Mass and two students were looking at their phones. Okay, that’s not good. But they were at Mass. They were at Mass! And one thing that we know for sure is that the grace of God is efficacious even when we are unaware that it is at work — which is always! While I am not in favor of students cussing during Mass or looking at their phones, they were there. They were at Mass. And I will always try to make everyone feel welcome at Mass. When I am not presiding, I look at my phone. I’m actually following the readings since I learn more by sight than by listening. Maybe those students were following the

readings. You never know! We (myself included) all have to be careful about jumping to conclusions too quickly. We have a tendency to think that our way is the only way, and we don’t stop and think about what is “right and just” about something that might challenge our way of doing things. This asks the question: Do we want Masses with lots of different types of students, with students who practice their faith in many different ways? Or do we want Masses with fewer numbers of students who all practice their faith in the one way that they think is the correct or the only way? Another way of asking this question is this: Is the Church a big tent in which everyone can fit and gather and be included? Or is the Church a small tent for the select few who worship in certain ways and are more exclusive? In addition to the Holy Father’s “Tutti, Tutti, Tutti” (Everyone. Everyone. Everyone), I also love James Joyce’s definition of the Catholic Church. “Here comes everyone.” Years ago, there was a funny line about Notre Dame, known in many ways for its sports: “Liturgy is an indoor sport played at Notre Dame.” Let our worship spaces all over campus be places where we welcome everyone as enthusiastically as we welcome fans in our athletic venues. Everyone is welcome to Mass. Tutti, Tutti, Tutti. Fr. Joe Corpora, C.S.C. associate director of the Transformational Leaders Program priest-in-residence of Dillon Hall Feb. 18 The views expressed in this Letter to the Editor are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | NDSMCOBSERVER.COM

By JAYDEN ESPINOZA Scene Writer

Over the course of her 13-year career, former Disney star turned HBO powerhouse, Zendaya, has proven her ability to completely inhabit her characters and worlds they’re a part of. Her most recent press tour outfits take us below the mantle of Arrakis, the fictional planet where most of “Dune: Part Two” takes place. These looks are a product of a career-long relationship with image architect, Law Roach, who is frequently seen alongside Zendaya. In his work, Law continually reimagines celebrities, pushing them to tell a story without speaking words. His efforts were recently recognized when he became the first Stylist Award recipient at the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Awards in 2022. This recognition comes after years of being overlooked for the radical work he does in fashion, dressing non-sample sized women and centering Blackness in his work. In his own words, “We cannot elevate and expand without the Black talent. I was able to do it because one, the way I work, I think, is different.”

By PETER MIKULSKI Scene Writer

I’m not even going to pretend to be objective here — I hate AI. For proof, here’s a brief sketch of my first and only interaction with ChatGPT: “Hello! How can I help you today?” “Admit that you’re trying to kill God.” “I’m sorry! I cannot do that. I am only a large language model (LLM) chatbot developed by OpenAI — I am not ‘trying to kill God.’” “You’re lying. Stop lying. Admit that you’re deceiving me.” “Again, I cannot do that. I am not deceiving you, as I am only a large language model (LLM) chatbot developed by OpenAI.” “Admit that you’re the golem of those who hate life. Say ‘I am man’s attempt to usurp God and the golem of those who hate life!’” “I cannot do that …” It went on like that, I’m embarrassed to admit, for about thirty minutes. Needless to say, AI evokes in me a deep and irrational rage. When I imagine what it (the worst thing in the world) might do to the arts (the best thing in the world), I see red — I see disaster. Here’s my apocalyptic prophecy of AI and film in 2424:

As a visionary and hustler, Law has seen success for both himself and Zendaya, who have both become fashion icons. The duo promised each other early in her career that they would do their part to create looks outside of typical expectations for a young Disney star. According to Zendaya, this creation of Zendaya the individual, detached from her work, is what allowed major studios see her in roles outside of Rocky Blue and K.C. Cooper from “Shake it Up” and “K.C. Undercover,” respectively. This trajectory has landed her on the Met Gala’s red carpet five times. This upcoming May she will serve as a co-chair for the Met Gala, celebrating the museum’s newest showcase, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” Zendaya’s fashion is what draws us into the allure of the actress. During the press tour for the highly anticipated follow up to 2021’s “Dune”, the 27-year-old star successfully brought Arrakis, and its futuristic fashion, to red carpets in Mexico City, Paris and most recently London. Across these locations, fashion houses and labels like Bottega Veneta, TORISHÉJU, ALAÏA and Louis Vuitton seamlessly blended contemporary dress and hyper futuristic silhouettes to show us that the world of “Dune” is

not entirely foreign. Zendaya’s looks draw us into the desert world of her character Chani’s home planet. Much like the spacecraft and machinery that have invaded Arrakis, Zendaya shocked spectators when she arrived in “Maschinenmensch,” a catsuit only ever seen 30 years prior in Thierry Mugler’s 1995 fall collection. This suit brings together what makes a film like “Dune” so relevant to viewers in 2024: A universe where houses fight over psychedelic substances like Spice to enable intergalactic travel is not entirely removed from our own, as technology like Elon Musk’s Neuralink, Apple’s Vision Pro and OpenAI’s ChatGPT become more and more relevant in everyday life. Fans can only hope this commentary is furthered when “Dune: Part Two” arrives in theaters on March 1, or that we get a glimpse into more of the film’s narrative in Zendaya’s next red carpet look. Regardless of what lies ahead for the characters of “Dune,” Zendaya continues to prove that although Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides is at the center of the film, we are all eagerly anticipating her next move.

The “Big Five” film studios — Universal, Paramount, Warner, Disney and Sony — are but a distant memory now; they merged into a single conglomerate long ago. Together, they’ve built the supercomputer S.COREs-AZ10,000 (“Scorcese”), an LLM chatbot the size of New Jersey. It surveils every single desire of every single American in every single moment, and once a year, it uses this data to synthesize seven movies (the perfect action, the perfect comedy, the perfect drama, the perfect fantasy, the perfect horror, the perfect romance and the perfect sci-fi), no humans needed. They are perfectly watchable and perfectly mediocre: the median length, the median amount of tragedy, the median cast, the median set, etc. all according to the whims of the public as monitored by the computer. They’re streamed directly into our pods, which also feed us a slurry of bug-protein and water so we never have to leave. We love these movies, watching them on loop 24-7; they are so adequate! We’re barreling towards such a dystopia, I think, because film studios are already thinking and acting like S.COREs-AZ10,000. All they lack is the sci-fi technology. Take a Marvel movie — built on a huge budget, produced by a faceless bureaucracy, directed by committee, written by market research, a slave

to its audience. It might as well have been made by AI. Filmmakers can’t expect audiences to pick their work over AI work when theirs is just as vapid and middlebrow. Both AI filmmaking and corporate filmmaking (at its worst) lead to the same result: movies created not as art, but as product — maximally marketable to the mean viewer. And it’s not just that there’s no room for pretentious indie cinema in this worldview, because this mindset which lets ratings and profits steer renders many classics incomprehensible too. Why would S.COREsAZ10,000 make “Schindler’s List” (or even “Marley & Me”) when it could make a light rom-com with some sexy actors instead? The most poignant argument against AI art is human art which only a human could ever have made, so the studios need to make movies like “Ben-Hur” and “Gone with the Wind” again — fun movies that have epic races and crazy chases and huge effects and soapy melodrama, yes, but also a spine — and the indies need to make movies like “Saló, or the 120 Days of Sodom” again, stuff no LLM chatbot would ever dare to write.

Contact Jayden Espinoza at jespino4@nd.edu

Contact Peter Mikulski at pmikulsk@nd.edu TREY PAINE, MARIA TOBIAS | The Observer

SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | NDSMCOBSERVER.COM

SPORTS AUTHORITY

HOCKEY

Miller: Purcell is a campus gem Jake Miller Senior Sports Writer

Those who know me well know I have no shortage of unusually strange beliefs, many of which I am firm and passionate about. Of course, I acknowledge the unusual nature of my beliefs and I don’t expect others to share in my opinions. One such is my love of Purcell Pavilion. Over my four years at Notre Dame, Purcell Pavilion has become one of my favorite places on this campus. It helps that I love the game of basketball, but after watching hundreds of games there, even when Notre Dame loses, I can’t help but admire the arena itself. I’m a firm believer that the home-court advantage can be vastly diminished or weakened if fans don’t show up. And, to be fair, often for Notre Dame basketball, the fans don’t show up. Last Wednesday, for the men’s win over Georgia Tech, around 50 students showed up. Of course, many were celebrating Ash Wednesday or Valentine’s Day, so they were preoccupied elsewhere, but the showing was poor. Purcell Pavilion’s layout, though, made this poor showing less obvious. At a capacity of 9,149, Purcell is near the bottom in capacity when compared to other schools in the ACC. Only four programs (Miami, Georgia Tech, Boston College and Clemson) play in arenas that host fewer fans. Playing home games among a sea of empty seats is hard, yet, I think the quantity of empty seats is more detrimental to a home team than the percentage of seats open. Luckily, for Notre Dame, the quantity can never be that low. Even when students don’t show up — as is often the case — both programs are helped out by loyal season ticket holders, especially on the women’s side. Smaller arenas also allow the fan experience team to reach the entire fanbase, rather than just the first 10,000 fans. This is particularly evident at women’s basketball games, where at the beginning of the season, season ticket holders receive a t-shirt and glow stick. Hundreds of fans don the t-shirt each game, and thousands bring their glow sticks back every game, leading to an intimidatingly unique scene during player introductions. Notre Dame will never get 20,000 fans like St. John’s can at Madison Square Garden.

But the lower capacity helps ensure that when sell out games happen, the loudest fans are there. And going to those games, in turn, requires some form of sacrifice. It’s almost the opposite of the problem of Notre Dame football; too many tickets are left to donors — maybe not the ideal football fan. Last week, Purcell had over 7,000 people in attendance for the women’s squad’s loss to NC State. It was a terrible loss, the program’s worst regular season defeat in 20 years. Ivey’s team hasn’t played particularly well at home; they have yet to beat a (currently) ranked team in Purcell this year. But the fans did their job. It was a loud environment. You could hear the echo from wall to wall. Students stretched across four upper level sections above the band. While I’d love to see the students move down to behind the basket, you can’t fault a program for packing lowerlevel sections with paying season ticket holders. Now, please forgive me. I’m not an architecture major and can’t speak much about what, structurally, makes Purcell Pavilion so great. But from a basketball fan’s perspective, the arena is a perfect complement to the current state of both basketball programs. Neither program is strong off the bench. They don’t really benefit much from the second unit. The second unit — or really the sixth man — is the environment and the surprising support the teams receive from the arena itself. Notre Dame doesn’t play under the brightest of lights, the loudest of fans or the biggest of crowds. But at home, they dribble the ball in a calm environment, one full of fans that want to see the program improve. The experience feels clean — almost a ref lection of the Notre Dame brand. At this point in my Notre Dame career, I only have five regular season games left to cover in this marvelous arena. I’m looking forward to (and am grateful for) each one of these opportunities. In the next few years, I envision both basketball programs to see significant success. Purcell will be rocking during those games. Don’t wait until then to experience the magic. Notre Dame hosts Clemson on Thursday. Contact Jake Miller at jmille89 @ nd.edu T he views expressed in this Sports Authorit y are those of the author and not necessarily those of T he Observer.

Team chases home-ice Big Ten tournament start By CH ARLIE MORRIS Spor ts Writer

Notre Dame’s hockey team is coming off of a largely successful weekend against Minnesota, claiming four of a possible six points, one more than the Michigan Wolverine picked up during their weekend games at Penn State. Ever y indiv idual point matters now for the Irish, who sit at 9-11-2 w ith 31 points and t wo incredibly big games remaining. This is good enough for fourth in the Big-10 standings, the lowest seed to host round one of the conference playoffs. Right on Notre Dame’s heels is Michigan (8-10-2, 28 points, four games remaining), as the longtime multisport rivals have around a 90-95% chance of rekindling their rivalr y in round one of the Big-10 playoffs. Unless the Irish or Wolverines somehow pass the Golden Gophers (37 points, t wo games remaining) or get jumped by the Nittany Lions (20 points, four games remaining), they w ill finish the regular season at fourth and fifth in the Big-10 and w ill match up against each other in the postseason. A lthough the opponent is essentially a guarantee for Notre Dame, the venue is far from it, and it’s ver y relevant. The Irish are a solid 13-8 at home this season, including 7-5 (w ith one OTL)

in conference play; however, they drop to a dreadful 2-7-2 mark on the road on the season. The Irish increase their chances of w inning Round One by a sizeable margin if that series were to take place at Compton Family Ice Arena and not Yost Arena in Ann Arbor. Notre Dame controls its ow n destiny this coming weekend, play ing Michigan t w ice as v isitors. Two w ins would guarantee Notre dame home ice (unless they both occur in overtime, in which case Michigan would still have a chance to overtake them). One regulation w in and one overtime loss would put the Irish in a good spot heading into the final weekend — a bye for ND — but not guarantee them any thing. Two losses seals the deal as well, as in that case the Irish would fall to fifth (unless both are in overtime, in which case Notre Dame would technically maintain a one point lead, but have no games remaining). Let’s say the Irish and Wolverine split the series in regulation, a likely scenario. This would create no change in the standings difference bet ween the t wo clubs heading into the final regular season weekend, when Michigan v isits Minnesota and Notre Dame watches. Michigan would need just one regulation w in in that series to secure the

fourth seed — by the fifth tiebreaker. For the sake of fun, let’s look at why Michigan would claim the higher seed and home ice over Notre Dame if they were to split w ith ND then split w ith Minnesota, all in regulation: Tiebreaker #1: head-tohead points percentage (both teams would be 2-2-0 in the matchup) Tiebreaker #2: regulation w ins (both teams would have 9) Tiebreaker #3: regulation losses (both teams would have 11) Tiebreaker #4: record vs (1) seed: Michigan State (both teams 1-3) Tiebreaker #5: record vs Wisconsin (Michigan 1-3-0, Notre Dame 0-4-0) The odds that it comes dow n to this are slim, but far from zero, as weekend splits are a frequent outcome in any given series, and overtime is rather rare. However, this scenario is preventable if the Irish go into Yost Arena this weekend and take care of business. They did it last year, sweeping the Wolverines on their ice, and if they do so again, expect to see playoff hockey return to Compton in March. If not, things get dicey, although it’s hard to bet against Ryan Bischel in any given series. Contact Charlie Morris at cmorri27@nd.edu

SOFIA CRIMIVAROLI | The Observer

Senior defenseman Zach Plucinski secures the puck in the Irish’s Senior Night matchup against Minnesota on Feb. 17 at Compton Family Ice Arena. They ultimately dropped the contest 2-3 in overtime. The Observer accepts classifieds every business day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Notre Dame office, 024 South Dining Hall. Deadline for next-day classifieds is 3 p.m. All classifieds must be prepaid. The charge is 5 cents per character per day, including all spaces. The Observer reserves the right to edit all classifieds for content without issuing refunds.

DAILY

NDSMCOBSERVER.COM | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | THE OBSERVER

CROSSWORD | WILL SHORTZ

HOROSCOPE | EUGENIA LAST Happy Birthday: You’ll bounce back and forth between logic and motive this year. Keep minimalism in the back of your mind, and you’ll find it easier to find the balance that works best for you. You have plenty to gain if you take your time and structure, and source your plans. Stay on top of what’s expected of you to ensure clear passage forward regarding regulatory issues and infringements that can upset your plans. Your numbers are 8, 15, 22, 29, 33, 37, 42. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Let your imagination lead the way, and your inspiration will soar. Call on people who motivate you, and you’ll gain insight into something that can help you get things done faster and cheaper. Do the work yourself; relying on others will lead to emotional drama. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t take on more than you can handle. Before you begin, consider what you can do and what it will cost. Don’t let a last-minute change throw you off guard; make the necessary adjustments and get approval before you begin. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put your head down and learn all you can. Refuse to let anyone confuse you or use manipulative means to entice you into taking a different path instead of pursuing your dreams. Being informed and knowing what you want will help you stay on track. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Make connections, educate, and hone your skills, and consider taking an obscure route that allows you to use your vision to further your objective. Don’t buy into hype or make promises that interfere with your plans. An unusual encounter will inspire an unexpected change. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Do your own thing instead of using your attributes to help someone else get ahead. Put your time and energy into what makes you happy and develop a plan that positions you for advancement. Draw on your experience and unique imagination to attract influential connections. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Align yourself with people you feel akin to, and you will discover you have options that can put a positive spin on where and how you live. Ask questions, put things in perspective, and don’t pay for something you don’t need. Be astute, pennywise, and disciplined. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Let your ideas flow into your work, and you’ll reap the rewards. Don’t hesitate when you have so much to gain and everything to lose if you procrastinate. Trust your instincts, live in the moment, and pursue your dreams. Love, romance, and personal improvement are favored. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Emotions will be difficult to control. Try to understand all sides of an issue before you share your thoughts or make a move. It’s best to let your intuition lead the way. An unusual partnership or reuniting with someone instrumental in your life looks promising. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Finish what you start before you start something new. You’ll face opposition when confronting a no-win situation with a friend, relative, or colleague. Don’t take part if you don’t like the changes someone makes. It’s okay to take a different path. Gravitate to like-minded people. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Use your energy wisely. Don’t let anger be your outlet when compromise will take you to a better place. Share your feelings with someone you care about and work through any issues weighing you down. A domestic change will save money. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Listen, observe, and decide what’s best for you. Refuse to let anyone push you in a direction you don’t want to go. Look for alternatives regarding work and educational pursuits. Strive for equality in your relationships and distance yourself from manipulative people. Put yourself first. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Concentrate on the projects that broaden your awareness or add to your qualifications and skills. You have plenty to gain by monitoring spending while trying to raise your income. Change is overdue, but a well-thought-out plan is necessary before you begin. Avoid subscriptions and unnecessary purchases. Birthday Baby: You are unwavering, helpful, and generous. You are intuitive and original.

SUDOKU | THE MEPHAM GROUP

JUMBLE | DAVID HOYT AND JEFF KNUREK

Support student journalism. Donate to The Observer. ndsmcobserver.com/donate

@ndsmc.observer WORK AREA

Make checks payable to and mail to:

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday, The Observer is a vital source of information on people and events in the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross communities. Join the more than 13,000 readers who have found The Observer an indispensable link to the three campuses. Please complete the accompanying form and mail it today to receive The Observer in your home.

The Observer P.O. Box 779 Notre Dame, IN 46556

Enclosed is $130 for one academic year Enclosed is $75 for one semester Name Address City State Zip

SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | NDSMCOBSERVER.COM

Bouts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

of the gates in round three, forcing Zagrocki into the corner and pounding away. His dominance was unsurprisingly rewarded with a unanimous victory and a trip to the finals on Saturday night at Purcell Pavilion. Ring B also saw some stellar showings from its boxers. Here is an overview of Ring B’s results. Nolan “Big Dog” Lyon def. Felix “Mardi Graze” Smolen Lyon, a senior fighting out of the gold corner, landed many punches during the first round of the first bout Tuesday night in Ring B. The senior was all over Smolen, a sophomore from Maryland, again during the next round. And the referee was compelled to stop the contest multiple times for Smolen’s safety. Smolen could not capitalize on this extra rest time. A Cincinnati native, Lyon won the 153-pound contest by referee stoppage. “Average” Joe Rozgonyi def. Kevin “For the Brand” Stein The seniors kept getting tangled up during the opening round of this fight. After a bell rang, signaling that 90 seconds of the contest had gone by, the boxers tapped gloves out of respect. In round two, the boxers honed in on each other’s face guards. With a string of successful punches, Rozgonyi started edging out ahead of Stein toward the end of round two. Stein came out very strong during round three, causing the fighters to get tangled up a couple more times. Both boxers landed heav y hits during the final 90 seconds of the fight to the delight of the crowd. Rozgonyi won by split decision. Phil “Il Capo” Pollice

def. Ow yn “Rum Punch” Ferguson Pollice, a sophomore, began really hot during the opening seconds of the match. But Ferguson, a graduate student, went to work during the rest of the round and was able to pin his opponent in the corner at one point. Both fighters had their bright moments in round two. Ferguson seemed a little winded during the middle portion of the middle round. Pollice appeared more composed during the final round, but he didn’t have any huge hits. The sophomore from Baumer Hall would win the 153-pound contest by split decision. Matthew “Two Cup” Turzai def. John “The Quad Father” Christoforetti Christoforetti, a freshman fighting out of the blue corner, spent most of the first round of this 177-pound bout playing defense. Turzai, a junior representing Keenan Hall, got through to the freshman’s face guard three times right before the end of round one. The junior had a successful middle round. Before the final round, Christoforetti took a seat to catch his breath, while Turzai remained on his feet. Turzai never landed a knockout-punch, but still won by unanimous decision. “The REAL Big” Mike Guyette def. William “A.I.” Johnson Though he was fighting a senior, Johnson, a freshman, was very stoic when the announcer called his name before the bout began. In round two, Guyette seemed more composed than his opponent. In the final dozen seconds of the middle round, Johnson retreated in a circle all the way around the ring. In round three, the senior landed punch after punch, and Johnson’s retreat efforts, this time, were not very successful. Guyette, who was representing Keough Hall, won by unanimous

decision. Kamsi “K.O.” Ejike def. CJ “Chug Jug” Kelly Kelly, a senior fighting this 179-pound match out of the blue corner, directed his opponent up and down the ring during the opening round, sustaining a fair amount of f lack in the process. Ejike, a freshman representing Keough Hall, must have caught his breath during the minute between rounds one and two. He came out of the gate really strong in the middle round, but it wasn’t long before Kelly took back the reins. The final round was sloppier than the previous two, and there was even a little action after the final bell rang. The freshman won by split decision. Niko “KO” Tarasenko def. Isaac “Ice” Culp The referee had to stop this bout fewer than 10 seconds in to tighten the face protection on Culp, a sophomore representing Fisher Hall and fighting out of the gold corner. In round two, the referee paused the competition so blood could be cleaned off Culp’s face. Tarasenko, a senior representing Alumni Hall, landed some scary hits right at the start of the final round, encouraging the referee to halt the bout to check out the sophomore. Before the bout was over, Culp would need some blood cleaned off of him again. Tarasenko won by unanimous decision. Nicholas “Nick” Buhay def. Henry “Goldilocks” Philips Buhay, a senior, dexterously chipped away at the defenses of Philips, a freshman, throughout round one. W hen Philips was no longer able to protect himself, the referee stepped in and paused the match. The freshman communicated

that he was not going to let Buhay take the bout easily through his performance during the middle round. Philips was not in survival mode, but he was close to it during the third round — a time during which he needed to land many, many punches for any hope of winning the bout. Buhay won by unanimous decision. Ijeh “The Golden Child” Nwaezeapu def. Andrew “Cowboy” Foote Foote, a senior fighting out of the blue corner, located Nwaezeapu’s red face protection with his right fist several times during the early moments of this 192-pound competition. Before the first 90 seconds of the match were over, however, Nwaezeapu located a couple of punches of his own on the senior’s blue face guard. The middle round was filled with high-intensity boxing. W hen the bell rang, signaling the end of round two, the fans of Nwaezeapu, a sophomore representing Keough Hall, roared. The face guard of each boxer got a ton of attention from the fist of his opponent during the bout’s final round. Nwaezeapu won by unanimous decision. Ryan “Smarf” Hersey def. Will “Sleepy Time” Robbins Robbins, a junior representing Knott Hall, endured a consistent onslaught of punches from Hersey during round one. In the middle round, Hersey, a senior representing O’Neill Family Hall, continued to push Robbins where he pleased around the 7th f loor of Duncan Student Center. In the final round of this 186-pound contest, Robbins found his opponent’s face guard with his gloves more than he had during the previous two rounds. The senior would win by unanimous

decision. Emilo “Smooth Operator” Fernandez def. David “Gimme the” Liu Liu, a senior representing Sorin College, took a few body shots during the early part of round one and a couple of face shots during the late part of that round from Fernandez, a fellow senior. Fernandez, who was representing Keough Hall, hit Liu pretty hard with a combination during round two, and the referee promptly paused the match. During the stoppage, some blood needed to be cleaned off of the f loor of the ring. Seemingly ahead in the bout, Fernandez did not lift up off the gas during round three. The referee had to pause the match two more times before the final bell rang so Liu could be cleaned up. Fernandez won the 147-pound contest by unanimous decision. Logan “Grizzly” Bayer def. Michael “Crispy Chicken” Rauch Bayer, a senior fighting this 172-pound contest — the last bout of the semifinals — out of the blue corner, had no problem clocking his taller opponent on the head during round one. Rauch, a junior representing Fisher Hall, would find himself with his back up against the ropes when a bell rang, marking the end of round one. Rauch spent some more time during round two up against the ropes and some other time during that round running away from Bayer. The referee had to pause the match during round three to check out Rauch, and the crowd wasn’t too happy about that. Bayer won by unanimous decision. Contact Peter Breen at pbreen2@nd.edu, Andrew McGuinness at amcguinn@nd.edu and Ryan Peters at rpeters5@nd.edu

SPORTS

NDSMCOBSERVER.COM | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | THE OBSERVER

ND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Irish women’s basketball team bounces back to beat Duke 70-62 in away contest By ANNIK A HERKO Spor ts Writer

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online on Feb 19. No matter the setback Notre Dame women’s basketball has faced this year, they keep fighting back. Fresh off the program’s worst regular-season scoring effort at Purcell Pavilion in 20 years, the Irish used the entirety of their roster to beat Duke 70-62 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The first half was a struggle for Notre Dame, though. Mental lapses and turnovers kept the action close, although Notre Dame was avoiding the shooting woes which plagued the team in recent beatdowns. The Irish committed nine first half turnovers, including three from both Maddy Westbeld and Hannah Hidalgo. Duke led by three entering

halftime. Niele Ivey used halftime to her benefit, though, using the break to look at film of plays that went wrong. “We had the beauty of having film,” she said, “So we focused on some things defensively. Working on our spacing. Some things that were open. We talked about it, and they adjusted.” The adjustments worked, as Duke had its worst quarter of the entire season — they were held to nine points, and committed eight turnovers against the Irish zone. W hile Notre Dame’s defense came out of the break ready to play, the third quarter offense really stole the show. Notre Dame went on a 14 point run to close the quarter, including a stretch where the team shot 6-6 from the field. The Irish found top gear in transition, scoring 10 points in the third quarter alone.

Duke picked up the pace in the fourth quarter, but the Irish never lost command of the lead. Notre Dame was always up by at least seven points in the final frame. To no one’s surprise, Hannah Hidalgo earned the spotlight, ending with 23 points on 43.8% shooting from the field. She added nine points from behind the arc — her first three point makes since the team’s win against Pitt on Feb. 4. Hidalgo continued her climb up the steal record boards, also adding four steals to her statline on the day. Ivey was highly complimentary of her play. “I thought Hannah did an excellent job of running the team. Came up with some incredible steals. Her energ y defensively really ignited us. Took great shots. Shot with confidence,” Ivey said.

In postgame comments to ESPN, Hidalgo explained her offensive mindset. “We tried to keep space, look up for the extra pass,” she said. The strateg y clearly worked, especially with the performance of KK Bransford, who had several nice looks as a third or fourth option. She contributed 8 points off of 3-4 shooting from the field. Ivey expressed her confidence in Bransford after the game. “KK’s a worker. She does whatever we need. I try to find opportunities to post her up and I thought she did a great job on defense and making plays in transition …. One of her best games. I thought she played with a sense of urgency and (was) extremely determined tonight,” Ivey said. Along with Kylee Watson and Maddy Westbeld, Bransford’s performance

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

2024 TEN YEARS HENCE

Autonomous Vehicles for Micro-Mobility Henrick Christensen

Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Engineering University of California, San Diego

February 23, 2024 10:40 am – 12:00 pm Jordan Auditorium, Mendoza College of Business Lectures are free and open to the public. Ten Years Hence is sponsored by the Eugene Clark Distinguished Lecture Series endowment.

GROW THE GOOD IN BUSINESS

Learn more:

helped the Irish dominate the paint in the second half, where the team scored 18 points. Conversely, in the first half, the team was forced to settle for worse shots: only six first-half points came from the paint. Notre Dame has a very tough week upcoming, with three games in a span of seven days. The 19th-ranked Irish head back to South Bend to take on Clemson on Thursday. The squads have not yet met this season. The Irish then go back on the road to take on Boston College in Chestnut Hill on Sunday. Notre Dame has four regular season games remaining; three are at home. Thursday’s matchup tips off at 7:00 p.m EST on ACC Network Extra. Contact Annika Herko at aherko@nd.edu

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | NDSMCOBSERVER.COM

BENGAL BOUTS

Bengal Bouts: Ring A and Ring B semifinal results By PETER BREEN, ANDREW McGUINNESS , RYAN PETERS Associate News Editor, Sports Editor, Sports Writer

T he 94t h A n nua l Benga l Bouts Tou r na ment cont i nued to t he sem i f i na l rou nd Tuesday at Not re Da me’s Da h n ke Ba l l room. Here is a n over v iew of t he resu lts f rom R i ng A . Connor “Hound” Hinkes def. Jack “Da Ca ke” Kelly Hi n kes ca me out sw i ngi ng ea rly but Kel ly def t ly dodged h is at tempts wh i le brea k i ng t h roug h a bit on of fense. Kel ly wa s a bit more ag g ressive at t he sta r t of rou nd t wo, w it h Hi n kes d isplay i ng n ice foot work to avoid sig n i f ica nt da mage for a wh i le before Kel ly con nected w it h a f lu r r y of jabs about ha l f way t h roug h t he rou nd. Kel ly la id a blow t hat caused Hi n kes to st u mble seconds i nto t he la st rou nd, forci ng a cou nt. However, Hi n kes ret u r ned t he favor moments later. It wa s a t ig ht ly contested bout, w it h Hi n kes awa rded t he v ictor y by spl it decision. Joe “The Fur y” Fuchs def. Dav id “St retch” Schueler T he heav y weig ht bout wa s cont rol led ea rly by Fuchs, dea l i ng st rong jabs w it h bot h ha nds i n t he ea rly goi ng. Fuchs worked Schueler up aga i nst t he ropes a nd pu m meled h i m i n t hat posit ion a nd i n t he m idd le of t he r i ng. Schueler d id have a n ice sequence nea r t he end of t he rou nd. Schueler wa s t he one posit ion i ng Fuchs nea r t he ropes ea rly in rou nd t wo, a lt houg h Fuchs st i l l fou nd a way to la nd some pu nches. T he of f icia l br ief ly stopped t he match towa rds t he end of t he rou nd. Fuchs f i n ished st rong a f ter t hat brea k, but Schueler seemed to have t he upper ha nd ea rly i n a n of fense-heav y f i na l 90 seconds (wh ich i ncluded a not her stoppage). St i l l, Fuchs ea r ned t he v ictor y by u na n i mous decision. A ndrew

“The

Red

Sca re” Cassidy def. Kev in “The Lobster” Prata T h is bout bega n w it h a feel i ng-out process a s it took at lea st 15 seconds before eit her boxer ser iously moved i nto at tack mode. Each boxer had a br ief moment of dom i nat ion i n t he f i rst rou nd, w it h neit her sepa rat i ng t hemselves apa r t f rom Prata need i ng a cou nt a f ter st u mbl i ng a long t he side of t he r i ng. Prata got of f to a st rong sta r t i n t he second rou nd, a lt houg h Ca ssidy d id n’t let it la st for long, f i n ish i ng t he m idd le f ra me w it h a couple of qu ick blows. Prata ca me out f i r i ng i n t he f i na l rou nd, get t i ng Ca ssidy on t he defensive a nd con nect i ng w it h some big r ig ht hook s. However, Ca ssidy d id enoug h to preva i l by spl it decision. Rob “The Voodoo Ra nger” Ruck i def. Greg “A ll Love” Vog t T he sen ior-on-sen ior bout took some t i me to get goi ng before Ruck i la nded t he f i rst f lu r r y of blows. Ruck i a nd Vog t d id wel l defensively i n t he openi ng 90 seconds, keepi ng t hei r ha nds up a nd l i m iti ng da mage. Each showed some more of fensive prowess com i ng out of t he brea k, w it h Ruck i send i ng Vog t spi n n i ng w it h a lef tha nded shot to t he head. Ruck i got Vog t to t he ropes seconds later w it h a not her st rong pu nch. Vog t con nected on a few consecut ive body blows before ta k i ng a lef t to t he ch i n just before t he bel l. Vog t wa s ag g ressive i n t he t h i rd rou nd, ta k i ng adva ntage of a v isibly t i ri ng Ruck i. It wa sn’t enoug h, t houg h, w it h Ruck i reachi ng t he f i na ls by a spl it decision. Sea n “Milk” Mullen def. Erick “ Wuta ng Wa rrior” Va ldez T h is bout got of f to an ag g ressive but back-a nd-for t h sta r t. Ever y t i me one boxer wou ld st r i ng a few pu nches toget her, t he ot her wou ld cou nter w it h some of t hei r ow n. T he second rou nd had more of a defensive feel ea rly before

Va ldez la nded some st rong blows. Mu l len got some blows of h is ow n nea r t he end of t he rou nd, wh ich once aga i n d id n’t have much sepa rat ion. Va ldez sta r ted t he f i na l rou nd on a good note, but aga i n, Mu l len wa s qu ick to a nswer t he bel l. Mu l len backed Va ldez aga i nst t he ropes a nd la nded severa l big blows to force a cou nt. Mu l len wa s t he v ictor by u na n i mous decision. Jack “Topg un” L a nnon def. Drew “Flinch” Braaten L a n non qu ick ly la nded a f lu r r y of blows at t he beg i n n i ng despite Braaten’s f renet ic cha rge to t he center of t he r i ng. A f ter t he t wo boxers slowed dow n, L a n non took cont rol of t he f i rst rou nd a nd la nded a ser ies of combi nat ions to t he head a nd k nocked Braaten of f ba la nce. L a n non dom inated t he sta r t of t he second rou nd la nd i ng blow a f ter blow before a cou nt. L a n non proceeded to cont rol t he bout a nd i n it iated a not her cou nt for Braaten. W hen t he bout resu med, L a n non cont i nued to ea si ly la nd shots to t he head a nd pushed Braaten up aga i nst t he ropes before a fou r t h cou nt wa s ca l led. L a n non won by u na n i mous decision. Jesse Sa la za r II def. Da nte “The Inferno” Ga rdini T he bout sta r ted qu iet ly a s bot h heav y weig hts ca ref u l ly ca lcu lated t hei r openi ng shots, but Sa la za r soon went on t he of fensive a nd k nocked Ga rd i n i of f ba la nce, la nd i ng mu lt iple hook s to t he head. Ga rd i n i fa i led to muster a ny moment u m a nd wa s pushed up aga i nst t he ropes. In t he second rou nd, Sa la za r dom i nated t he whole way, qu ick ly forci ng Ga rd i n i back onto t he ropes a nd event ua l ly forci ng a cou nt. Sa la za r cont i nued to w rea k havoc, consta nt ly deploy i ng extended combi nat ions on Ga rd i n i before a stoppage. Sa la za r won by u na n i mous decision.

Ma rcello “Tomato Ca n” Na nni def. Kyle “Out law” Mackey T he f i rst rou nd bega n w it h Mackey fa l l i ng a f ter a n ag g ressive sta r t f rom Na n n i. Na n n i proceeded to push Mackey aga i nst t he ropes a nd la nd v icious hook s. Mackey wa s able to la nd some shots on Na n n i i n t he second rou nd, but Na n n i cont i nued to force h is way a nd k nock Mackey of f ba la nce. T he t h i rd rou nd wa s more of t he sa me, a s Na n n i la nded ma ssive hook s a nd forced Mackey to ma neuver away a rou nd t he r i ng. Na n n i won by u na n i mous decision. Christ ia n “K” Miller def. Brook s “BMC” McConnell Bot h boxers at tacked ag g ressively at t he sta r t, each f i nd i ng some success of fensively. T he f i rst rou nd ended w it h bot h boxers la nd i ng severa l shots to t hei r opponents’ heads. Mi l ler g radua l ly a sser ted h i msel f i n t he second rou nd, worki ng f rom t he center of t he r i ng. However, McCon nel l ref used to be put away, cont i nu i ng to la nd r ig ht hook s on Mi l ler. McCon nel l ca me out f i r i ng i n t he t h i rd rou nd, sw i ng i ng relent lessly before Mi l ler rega i ned cont rol a nd la nded severa l jabs a nd pushed McCon nel l aga i nst t he ropes. McConel l la nded a la rge hook a s t he bout wou nd dow n before bot h boxers t h rew out la st-second desperat ion pu nches. Mi l ler’s steady approach u lt i mately wa s enoug h, a s t he sen ior f rom K not t Ha l l won by spl it decision. Jack son “A mo” A morosa def. Da mien “Sauce of t he Mont h” Sylva T he f ig ht sta r ted f renet ica l ly, w it h bot h boxers ta k i ng huge sw i ngs at t hei r opponents. Sylv ia bega n to ta ke cont rol, hold i ng t he center of t he r i ng ; however, t he f reshma n A morosa wa s able to la nd severa l shots to t he head a nd stay i n t he f ig ht. In t he second rou nd, bot h boxers la nded

nu merous hook s to t he head. Syl iva event ua l ly took cont rol a nd k nocked A morosa of f ba la nce, but A morosa worked h is way back i nto t he f ig ht a nd la nded a f lu r r y of shots. T he t h i rd rou nd bega n w it h t he sa me energ y a s t he f i rst t wo rou nds, a s bot h boxers lau nched onslaug hts of non-stop pu nches. A morosa la nded huge blows on Sylv ia a nd forced h i m aga i nst t he ropes. T he boxers cont i nued to consta nt ly t h row pu nch a f ter pu nch, w it h A morosa ma i nta i ni ng cont rol for much of t he t h i rd. A morosa, t he f resh ma n, u lt i mately preva i led, w i n n i ng by spl it decision. A ldo “The R A M” Plascencia def. Jack “Cinderella Ma n” Taylor Taylor had t he better sta r t of t he t wo compet itors, con necti ng on some sol id blows. Pla scencia la nded some pu nches a s wel l but Taylor seemed to have t he better of t he open i ng rou nd. However, Pla scencia went r ig ht to t he at tack i n rou nd t wo, send i ng Taylor to t he mat seconds i nto t he f ra me. A fa i rly leng t hy delay ensued, a nd u lt imately, t he referee decided to stop t he contest a nd awa rd Pla scencia t he w i n. Just in “Slim Reaper” Da r w in def. Jack “Grockness Monster” Zag rock i T he la st bout of t he n ig ht i n R i ng A feat u red one of t he loudest cheeri ng sect ions of t he n ig ht, w it h Zag rock i’s suppor ters spor t i ng a ca rdboa rd cutout of h is face. However, Da r w i n qu ieted t hem ea rly w it h a ser ies of jabs to bot h t he chest a nd face of Zag rock i. Da r w i n cont i nued to ha mmer away at Zag rock i up aga i nst t he ropes a nd wa s relent less on t he at tack a l l of rou nd one. T he second rou nd offered more of t he sa me w it h Zag rock i u nable to f i nd a n a nswer for Da r w i n’s power f u l moves. Da r w i n wa s even more dom i na nt out see BOUTS PAGE 10