The independent
To uncover
newspaper serving
the truth
Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s
and report
and holy cross
it accurately
Volume 54, Issue 90 | tuesday, february 25, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
ND announces speaker Patriarch Bartholomew to deliver commencement address Observer Staff Report
The Universit y announced in a Monday press release that Patriarch Bartholomew, A rchbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, w ill be the school’s primar y commencement speaker this year. In addition to his commencement address, Patriarch Bartholomew w ill also receive an honorar y degree. According to the release, Bartholomew is the “spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldw ide.” His church can trace its origins to Christianit y’s earliest days, the release said. “Patriarch Bartholomew has been a champion for understanding and
encounter among the world’s religions, as well as for env ironmental initiatives, religious freedom and human rights,” Universit y President Fr. John Jenkins said in the release. “We are honored that on his v isit to the United States in May, the Patriarch w ill take time to offer his ref lections to our graduates and their families.” Bartholomew is the 270th archbishop of Constantinople, according to the release. He has held the post since 1991. He has put a priorit y on interreligious dialogue w ith other Christian denominations, as well as Judaism and Islam. He has also worked on issues related to religious freedom, human rights and the env ironment. Bartholomew earned the moniker the “Green
Keough rector reflects on dorm life, vocation By LAUREN SPENCER News Writer
Wrapping up his third year of living in Keough Hall, Fr. Brogan Ryan has been a rector for two years and a priest for one — ordained last April — during which he was the hall’s assistant rector. Ryan said he had a Catholic upbringing grounded in faith life. “I had a big family, I went to Catholic school, and community life was very important for our family,” he said. A native of Columbus, Ohio, his mother went to Saint Mary’s and his father went to Notre Dame. “We were big Notre Dame fans in the middle of Buckeye Country,” Ryan said. “It was ingrained in us.” Ryan chose Notre Dame, not only because of family
news PAGE 3
inf luence, but because of its strong Catholic identity and liberal arts education. “It’s not just an intellectual and academic education, but community feel and residential life, and the education of the whole person,” he said. “W hen I visited other schools, I found I was usually comparing them to the way I felt at Notre Dame. That was it.” After graduating Notre Dame, Ryan participated in the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program, through which he taught religion and math at a middle school in Montgomery, Alabama. “It was two of the most difficult years of my life, but also two of the most rewarding and fulfilling years of my see RECTOR PAGE 4
Scene PAGE 5
Patriarch” for his env ironmental advocacy, the release said. Patriarch Bartholomew was born “Demetrios Arhondonis in 1940 on the island of Imv ros,” which is now a part of Turkey, the release said. He was ordained a priest in 1969, after entering the diaconate in 1961. Hav ing prev iously ser ved as metropolitan — the leader of an archdiocese or diocese — of Philadelphia and Chalcedon, Patriarch Bartholomew has been honored w ith 35 honorar y degrees. In 1997, the United States Congress awarded him the Congressional Gold Medal. The release said other honorar y degree recipients for this year w ill be announced later in the semester.
Students assist fire department
KIMANI KRIENKE | The Observer
Students trained as EMTs assist the Notre Dame Fire Department, housed in the Coleman Firehouse, in various events across campus. By KIMANI KRIENKE News Writer
W hen the Notre Dame Fire Department (NDFD) is called to action, a specially trained group of students is not far behind. Known as Emergency
Medical Technicians (EMTs), these students work with NDFD for on-campus emergency situations and engage in activities ranging from dorm life to greater community involvement. see STUDENT EMT PAGE 3
Artist visits Saint Mary’s to discuss creative process By GENEVIEVE COLEMAN News Writer
Saint Mary’s hosted Tony Award-winning director, play wright and adapter Mary Zimmerman on Monday evening in the Moreau Center for the Arts for a speech about creating metaphors in images. Earlier in the day, Zimmerman conducted events with Saint Mary’s theatre majors and local high school students. The visit was a continuation of the annual visiting artists series, which is made possible through the Margaret Hill Endowment. “Through the generous gift of SMC alumna, the late Margaret Hill, we in the theatre program are able to bring Mary to campus, have her conduct a threehour master class with our theatre students [and] allow [them] to have a private
viewpoint PAGE 6
lunch with her where [they] can ask questions about her career, her craft or her advice for young actors, directors, play wrights or other theatre practitioners,” theatre professor Katie Sullivan said in an email. The students participated in a range of activities in the masterclass, which was followed by personal feedback from Zimmerman. “Mary [introduced students] to her storytelling techniques, dividing [students] in small groups with some props and instructions and guiding [them] into developing a story,” Sullivan said. Communication studies, dance and theatre department chair Mark Abram-Copenhaver introduced Zimmerman before she came on stage for her speech. “[I] had the hardest job tonight: brief ly introduce
Bengal bouts PAGE 12
Mary Zimmerman,” AbramCopenhaver said. In her speech, Zimmerman explained the process she uses in creating adaptations. She likes to work on “adaptations of non-dramatic texts” — texts not originally written for the stage. Usually working with myths or fairy tales, Zimmerman acknowledged the significance of these texts. Even though these texts are older, they have “persistent relevance” to today’s society, she said. W hile these texts will ref lect a great deal about the world, Zimmerman said there is difficulty blocking scenes from fantastical texts because theatre gives a “fixed perspective” to an audience. Her solution is using metaphors to express that of which cannot be easily see THEATER PAGE 4
fencing PAGE 12
2
TODAY
The observer | tuesday, february 25, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
Question of the Day: ndsmcobserver.com
Have a question you want answered? Email photo@ndsmcobserver.com
Have you learned the Renegade?
P.O. Box 779, Notre Dame, IN 46556 024 South Dining Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556
Andrea Lebron
Hannah Sarkey
junior Pangborn Hall
junior Badin Hall
“I’ve tried.”
“I have not.”
Reilley Knott
Abby Schierl
senior Dunne Hall
sophomore Lewis Hall
“Nope, never heard of it.”
“No, I don’t have time for that.”
(574) 631-6900 ads@ndsmcobserver.com
Elizabeth Summers
Caroline Tracey
Editor-in-Chief
senior Flaherty Hall
sophomore Pangborn Hall
“I have not learned the Renegade.”
“I have not. I don’t have TikTok, but I know of the dance.”
Editor-in-Chief Kelli Smith Managing Editor Natalie Weber
Asst. Managing Editor: Maria Leontaras Asst. Managing Editor: Mary Steurer Asst. Managing Editor: Mary Bernard
Notre Dame News Editor: Tom Naatz Saint Mary’s News Editor: Maeve Filbin Viewpoint Editor: Evelyn Stein Sports Editor: Connor Mulvena Scene Editor: Mike Donovan Photo Editor: Nola Wallace Graphics Editor: Diane Park Social Media Editor: Mary Bernard Advertising Manager: Landry Kempf Ad Design Manager: Ruby Le Systems Administrator: Stephen Hannon Talent & Inclusion Manager: Zixu Wang Office Manager & General Info
Ph: (574) 631-7471 Fax: (574) 631-6927 Advertising
(574) 631-4542 ksmith67@nd.edu Managing Editor
(574) 631-4542 nweber@nd.edu Assistant Managing Editors
(574) 631-4541 mleontaras01@saintmarys.edu, msteure1@nd.edu, mbernar5@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 smc@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 either 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 Kelli Smith. 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
Andrew Cameron Ciara Hopkinson Chelsey Boyle
Connor Mulvena Stephen Hannon
Graphics
Photo
Claire Kopischke
Nola Wallace
Scene
Viewpoint
Charlie Kenney
Abby Patrick
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 (574) 631-4541 so we can correct our error.
NOLA WALLACE | The Observer
The Bengal Bouts semifinals took place on Monday in the Dahnke Ballroom in Duncan Student Center. The finals will be held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 29 in Purcell Pavilion. Tickets are still available and all proceeds benefit the Holy Cross Missions in Bangladesh.
The next Five Days
Want your event included here? Email news@ndsmcobserver.com
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Red Cross Blood Drive 101 Duncan Student Center 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Open to the public.
Stories of Grace Howard Hall 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Featuring student, faculty and staff speakers.
PEMCo Musical Performance: “The Wild Party” Washington Hall 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Ticketed event.
Women’s Investing Summit Dahnke Ballroom 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free for students with lunch provided.
Saturday Snite Sketches: Interiors Snite Museum 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Conversation about works of art.
Astrophysics Seminar 184 Nieuwland Science Hall 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Open to the public.
ND Theatre NOW Philbin Studio Theatre, Debartolo Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Two one-act plays.
Women’s Basketball v.s. North Carolina Purcell Pavilion 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Irish take on the Tar Heels.
ND Symphony Orchestra Concert Leighton Concert Hall 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. Featuring student soloists.
Irish Theatre of Chicago’s “Doubt, A Parable” Debartolo Performing Arts Center 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
News
ndsmcobserver.com | tuesday, february 25, 2020 | The Observer
3
Community talks LaFortune’s history, future By RILEY WALSH News Writer
Before it was ever a student center, LaFortune Student Center, commonly referred to by students as “LaFun,” was Notre Dame’s Science Hall. Constructed in 1883, the Science Hall was host to scientific research decades before Joseph LaFortune donated the funds to transform the hall into the University’s first student center. Vice president for facilities design and operations and University architect Doug Marsh, who has led the University in the planning and construction of over 40 campus buildings, said the building has a lengthy history predating its student center days. “LaFortune Student Center has played a pivotal role in not only the history of our campus and its origins in the Main Quad, but also in the early founding and decades of development for Notre Dame’s many research initiatives,” he said. In 1893, Notre Dame professor Fr. Albert Zahm proposed the first method to develop successful helicopters at the first International Aeronautics Congress based on research he conducted within the Science Hall. Six years later, the first wireless radio message in America was sent by professor Jerome Green from the Science Hall to Hoynes Hall, which is now demolished. Furthermore, Knute
Rockne, as a professor in the College of Science, performed his research in the building. With the construction of Nieuwland Science Hall in 1952, the role of the Science Hall began to wane. At the time, Joseph LaFortune and University President Emeritus Fr. Theodore Hesburgh were discussing the need for a student social space at Notre Dame, but could not justify the construction of a new building for a student center at the time. LaFortune agreed to donate the necessary funds to renovate the Science Hall into a student center. The building reopened in 1953 as LaFortune Student Center. 1959 alumnus Joseph Mulligan said by the late ’50s LaFortune was among the most popular hangouts on campus. “LaFortune Student Center was the living room of the University, and was actually the only gathering space, social or otherwise, for students on campus, since none of the then15 men’s residence halls had rooms, or any social areas, for this purpose.” Over the years, LaFortune Student Center has become an integral part of the Notre Dame community, Marsh said. “By nature of its central location and the remarkable variety of its interior spaces, LaFortune Student Center has well-served our students and the larger campus population for nearly seven
Observer File Photo
University Hair Stylists is one of many services offered within the LaFortune Student Center. Originally a science hall, the building was renovated in 1953 following a donation from alumnus Joseph LaFortune.
decades,” he said. Today, LaFortune provides a meeting place for social, educational and extra-curricular pursuits. Save for breaks, the basement lounges are open 24 hours a day, the information desk has a miniature bookstore and the basement features a flower shop, barber shop, hair salon and more. Other amenities include four different restaurants, a Starbucks and the Huddle Mart, where students can buy snacks, school supplies and quarter dogs. Additionally, LaFortune frequently hosts residence hall events. Keenan Hall resident
assistant and senior Kevin Maus said he’s already attended two dances in the center this year. “I think it’s a great venue, and we even had Keenan formal there freshman year,” he said. Many hall dances are held in the LaFortune Ballroom on the second floor, accommodating both formals and SYRs. Though LaFortune serves many purposes on campus, the addition of newer buildings has drawn traffic away from the area. Maus said Duncan Student Center, which opened in January of 2018, could be reducing LaFortune’s role in campus life.
“[LaFortune] is getting used probably less so now that Duncan’s around,” Maus said. “Providing new lounge and study spaces next to DeBartolo Hall … Duncan Student Center may be attracting students in residence halls [on the south side] of campus, and its unique resources, in comparison to LaFortune, such as the Career Center and gym may signify the beginning of its rise in student center popularity and the possible fall of LaFortune’s role.”
Student EMT
“I wanted to be a firefighter in high school and I debated doing that instead of going to college,” Martin said. “But I decided I wanted to go to college because I wanted to go to med school. Overall, definitely the right decision for me, but freshman year, I discovered that we had a student EMT program on campus ... so the summer between freshman and sophomore year, I got my EMT certification.” McCans said she has learned many valuable practical skills as an EMT, such as knowing what to do if someone’s heart stops beating or if a child is choking. The EMT position also teaches numerous interpersonal skills, she noted. “You’re often placed in very stressful situations or hightension situations, and so it taught me a lot about navigating conflict between people [and] how to be a calming presence for someone,” McCans said. “Being able to be with someone and be a calming presence in some of the most stressful moments of their life teaches you a lot about relating to people, a lot about compassion and empathy.”
Contact Riley Walsh at rwalsh22@nd.edu
Paid Advertisement
Continued from page 1
Junior Killeen McCans is one of such students, with the group numbering about 10 this semester. “A lot of students don’t really know what we do or who we are at events,” McCans said. EMTs work special activities with NDFD, such as interhall athletic events, the Holy Half race and any boxing event in which individuals are sparring. “We’re often mistaken for athletic trainers, which is a totally different profession with a lot of different qualifications and classes and exams that they have to pass,” McCans said. “We’re really trained to deal with emergencies.” EMTs are also working on the job at larger sporting events, such as football or women’s volleyball. “It’s been a really unique way for me to interact with the Notre Dame community that’s a bit different than how most people interact with it,” senior EMT Hannah Martin said. There are many ways people can become involved with the national EMT program. McCans got her certification in high school, while Martin got her certification in college.
Contact Kimani Krienke at kkrienke@nd.edu
4
News
The observer | tuesday, february 25, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
Rector Continued from page 1
life,” Ryan said. “Teaching was really hard, but something that I grew to love a lot. And the fact that it was done in the context of liv ing in a communit y — people I lived, prayed, ate and worked w ith — it was a wonderful experience.” He worked for an accounting firm thereafter — but he said something was calling him back to Notre Dame and the Congregation of Holy Cross. “W hen I was at Notre Dame, I got to know a lot of the priests and brothers on campus, and that kind of experience made me think about religious life, and particularly Holy Cross,” Ryan said. “A ll throughout ACE and when I was working in accounting, I had the lingering thought that maybe God was calling me to this. After both of those really good experiences, I felt like there was something more, like an itch that needed scratching. So, I came back here and entered the seminar y in 2012.” His time in the seminar y gave him a chance to discern the priesthood, he said. “Part of the beautiful thing about wanting to be a priest is it takes a long time, so you get a lot of time to think, pray, study and talk to other people about it,” Ryan said. “The dorms are really important in terms of that.” Ryan said Keough Hall has had a particularly special inf luence on his journey. “One of the coolest things about being a rector so far is that last year was this huge year in my life, w ith getting ordained and professing my final vows at Holy Cross, and guys in Keough were able to come to that,” he said. “… It was really sweet. This communit y has meant a lot to me, and, in a way, it taught me how to be a priest.” Hall traditions have been passed dow n to Ryan, and he said w isdom from past rectors — Fr. Pat Reedy, Fr. Pete McCormick and Fr. Pete Jarett, in particular — has shaped and informed his role today. “People who have been rectors for so long have wealths of experience. It’s a communit y of rectors,” Ryan said. “They support each other and spend a lot of time together, and call and text — ‘W ho has experience w ith this? ’ or ‘Can you chat for a little bit? ’” Ryan said at times its hard for students to keep God at their center of their lives in the face of
demands of academic, extra-curricular and social commitments. “It takes intentionalit y,” he replied. “And sometimes, we think of our relationship w ith God as another three-credit class that we have to take — one more thing on top. A nd often what that leads to is us cutting it out. But what we forget is that God is so intimately involved in all the aspects of our lives that, at times, a relationship w ith God and being in touch w ith God in our faith lives is just a practice of opening our eyes and experiencing God in ever y thing around us.” As a first step of intentionalit y, Ryan recommended a practice of gratitude. “It’s developing a regular habit in your life of noticing and then being grateful for the things that are there,” Ryan said. “W hat gratitude does is, it recognizes the good things you have as gifts, and ultimately as gifts from God. So, if you’re enjoy ing the fact that you have heat in your building — if you can be grateful for that — then ultimately that leads back to the fact that this is a gift, and that you’re not doing it yourself. Ultimately, we believe God is the giver of those good things.” Similarly, Ryan ended on a note of gratitude, accrediting the Keough Hall communit y for where he is today. “I feel really blessed to be a part of this communit y,” Ryan added. “A ll the great traditions and energ y that the guys in Keough have bless my life and make it really wonderful.” Contact Lauren Spencer at lspence2@nd.edu
Theater Continued from page 1
translated from text to stage. “The audience can finish an image [based on universal knowledge],” Zimmerman said. Because of this, an image can still be metaphorically portrayed on stage. Zimmerman explained how she created metaphors in her own productions by showing images from her own shows. She attributed the inspiration behind her image development to the research and travel she conducts ahead of production. Zimmerman finished by showing a picture of the last scene in her adaptation of “The Jungle Book.” Several years after the production ended, she discovered that she staged Mowgli in almost an identical fashion to a photo of her mother she had never seen before. “[My work is based] on the stories that I love,” she said to conclude the lecture. In an interview with The Observer, Zimmerman discussed her interest in adapting myths, crediting her love of reading as a child. “I think if I had to describe myself in one word, it wouldn’t be writer or director, but reader,” she said. “And in childhood, I was obsessively interested in those fantastical tales, which, after I sort of exhausted all the fairy tales, I started reading actual grown-up myths which felt very dark and grown up to me but were sort of like fairy tales.” Even with her passion in adapting, when Zimmerman attended Northwestern University for her undergraduate degree, she was hesitant to major in theater. “I didn’t major in theater
because it seemed so out of reach, or so impossible or so not what I could do,” Zimmerman said. “So I went in as a comp lit major, but I actually transferred into theater like a week later because … I was so attracted to it.” Zimmerman participated in many productions while she was in college and saw herself primarily as an actor. However, when she entered her graduate studies, she saw her emerging role as a director. “And as soon as I wasn’t in [productions] and I was only directing them that was like, very immediately ‘I love that,’” she said. “I think I realized consciously or unconsciously that making things and making theater, rather than necessarily just performing in it, was where my interests really lay.” In her graduate work, Zimmerman was inspired to develop her unique narrative style. “[My professor] taught performance from a very poetic and psychologically-oriented perspective … I was so entranced by that work and felt it to be very powerful and very emotional,” Zimmerman said. Even when she was finishing grad school, Zimmerman was being recognized by major players in the theater world. After seeing her work, the Goodman Theatre invited her to be its artistic director. The Looking Glass Theatre Company also encouraged her to work with it, eventually making her a member. Zimmerman continued to receive accolades for her productions. She found out from a friend that she was being considered for a MacArthur Genius Grant, which is awarded to “talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and
Paid Advertisement
dedication to their creative pursuits,” according to its website. Before she received the award, Zimmerman put on a production of Marcel Proust’s “Remembrance of Things Past” with her students at Northwestern. “I was always sort of proud that that was the thing immediately before I won — a show with students that have sort of come out of school,” Zimmerman said. Though she had experienced many successes, Zimmerman admitted she struggled to believe in her abilities. “I wasn’t thinking I’m making a career,” she said. “It’s just like, ‘I’ll just do this one more show. I’ll just do this one more show before I stop and figure out what I’m going to do with my life. I’ll just do this show.’ But it eventually … became the thing that I did.” Zimmerman advised current theater students to do as much as they can while in school. “And if there aren’t enough shows to be in or you’re not in the major show … go ahead and put one on yourself and make something up,” she said. Zimmerman recalls the lasting relationships she made while she was in college. “The relationships you make at school … can be the lifelong artistic relationships that you make,” she said. “They have been for me. I met my set designer who does almost everything for me. [He] was a graduate student when I was a young professor. So just take advantage of all the resources that you have.” Contact Genevieve Coleman at gcoleman01@saintmarys.edu
5
The observer | wednesday, february 25, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
By WILLOUGHBY THOM Scene Writer
In light of all the fashion weeks which have and w ill continue to occur over the coming months, I thought it would be appropriate to analyze the peculiar resurgence of the Dr. Martens shoe brand. The rich histor y behind the shoe and its historic, cultural and social significance make it worthy of obser vation. Humanit y’s natural desire is to be accepted. Trends are ordered in a way through which this acceptance becomes relatable. W hat is interesting about them, however, is their cyclical nature. Yes, there are some st yles that should never see the light of day again, but we are constantly reliving the past, whether we know it or not. Dr. Martens was founded in 1901 in Northamptonshire, England and immediately hurtled to the forefront of the British work-boot market. Until 1945, the shoes were not know n as Dr. Martens but as Griggs. A soldier named Dr. K laus Maertens created an air-cushioned sole for his boots replacing the traditional hard leather. Thanks to a collaboration between Dr. Maerten and Griggs, the modern Dr. Marten Air Wave boot was born. As the Dr. Martens brand grew, the boots slowly evolved into the iconic black boot w ith yellow stitching, branded heel-loop and two-tone grooved sole edge on the market today. The boots,
By DILLON BEGLEY Scene Writer
With “Sonic the Hedgehog” recently rolling into theaters, the debate about films inspired by v ideo games has re-entered public conversation. Mov ies that attempt to adapt the stories of v ideo games into films are, more often than not, poor in qualit y. Additionally, they t y pically do not make much of a profit at the box office. This generally brings forth the follow ing questions: W hy do v ideo game mov ies almost always suck? And why do similar films based on comic books and superheroes tend to do so much better financially and critically? Ever yone, of course, has their ow n opinions on the matter. I believe, however, that Canadian YouTuber and film critic John Campea gives a great insight into the matter. In a particular episode of the John Campea Show, he and one of his frequent guests, actress Erin Cummings, delves
however, unintentionally got swept up in the middle of dramatic social change and became a staple in the counterculture (or punk) movement of middle-20th centur y. Punk rock came into ex istence as a genre in 1954, not 1976. The post-war years leading up to 1960 were defined by war expenses and the structural rebuilding of the United Kingdom. Parliament continued rationing after the commencement of World War II, causing unrest among the British people. In the wake of this adversit y, English, Welsh and Scottish young adults began to turn away from the traditions of their parents and create their ow n, unique culture — fostering the creation of a new communit y w ith one same goal: libert y. One of the earliest punk subcultures found its niche in the Teddy Boys. The group supported ideas of anarchism and an androg y nous fashion st yle across both genders. The Teddy Boys and Girls became examples of early punk rebellion, a communit y unified through fashion and counterculturism. This stimulated the need for an out ward communal rebellion against an unjust world. 20 years after the primarily androg y nous fashion movement of the Teddy Boys, Dr. Martens dominated the British culture. Punks chose the boot because of its powerful tie to the working class and its sy mbol of rebellion and resistance. In other words, the boot donned the feet of social
soldiers. They marched in their laced-up boots w ith a dream of initiating change and escaping the government’s suffocating grip on societ y. Dr. Martens have been a staple in ever y nonconformist’s closet since the resistance-filled period of the 1970s. But as a result of the music industries’ mass corporatization of punk rock through grunge in the 1990s, their place in societ y has changed. Instead, they have become a necessit y in ever y normal girl’s closet. W hy is that? W hy has a boot, originally for working men and a dark, chaotic subculture, become a mainstream commodit y? Interestingly Dr. Martens, now a high-end work boot company, continues to brand themselves as the shoe that fuels rebellion and indiv idualit y. W hen in actualit y, they have become something that has inspired ever yone to be the same. Societ y is stuck in a paradox of identit y. Today the idea of being normal is v iewed as being abnormal whereas abnormalit y is seen as normal. As an ow ner of Dr. Martens, one has to ask for which are they wearing a pair of Docs? Does the trend offset purpose or does the statement clarif y stance? W hatever the motive, one should be aware of their histor y and of the origins of such iconic boot. The boot should be at the forefront of the underground no matter how mainstream they may be perceived to be.
into the topic particularly well. In the clip, uploaded this past week, John begins by arguing the primar y reason why comic book films far exceed v ideo game mov ies in the t wo aforementioned areas is simply a result of the way the source material itself is structured. There are far more v ideo game players today than comic book readers. Yet, the way comic books are w ritten makes a good transition to the big screen more likely. In comic books, the reader engages in the v isuals and stor y in much more direct and straightfroward manner. Campea suggests the problem w ith v ideo game adaptations is that the main focus w ithin v ideo games is the gameplay. In fact, v ideo games traditionally have not even focused on stor y telling at all. And, while stories for games have significantly improved over the years, it is still ver y difficult to get a v ideo game audience as invested in a film as the game it is based on. By design, v ideo games just aren’t intended to be passively v iewed in the
way novels and comics are. Cummings argues gamers are more interested in gaming itself than mov ie-going. Furthermore, she suggests a potential solution to this problem could be to add future v ideo game mov ies to streaming ser v ices and structure them in a way where the v iewer makes choices w ith their remote. This concept was introduced by the Netf lix hit “Black Mirror” and it proved ver y successful in engaging the audience in a manner similar to v ideo games. The most recent v ideo game mov ies like “Sonic the Hedgehog,” “Pokemon Detective Pikachu,” “Rampage” and “Tomb Raider” have been much better received both critically and by audiences. Each film has made more profit than most of its poorly-thought-out predecessors. Will this trend continue and change the perception of v ideo game-based films in the future? W ho knows?
Contact Willoughby Thom at wthom@nd.edu
Contact Dillon Begley at dbegley@hcc-nd.edu CLAIRE KOPISCHKE | The Observer
6
The observer | Tuesday, February 25, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
An argument for democratizing storytelling
Inside Column
It’s time to rethink legacy admissions Matthew Kellenberg Scene Writer
Patrick West
“Venite ad me omnes” — “Come to me all of you,” reads the base of the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue on God Quad. The statue extends its arms toward Main Building, a symbol of our multicultural family. Yet, despite Notre Dame’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, our student body is visibly homogenous. With this in mind, it is imperative we consider the obstacles to diversity that exist within the Notre Dame admissions system: namely, our university’s preferential admission policy for children of alumni. Full disclosure, I am a legacy student. And while I realize I may be the last person critics of legacies want to hear from, I hope my voice as a beneficiary and a critic helps prompt closer inspection of a backward policy undermining our university’s mission. Notre Dame leads top U.S. colleges in legacy admissions. Of our freshman class, children of alumni comprise 21.3%. In comparison at Harvard, the subject of rebuke on legacy admissions, children of alumni comprise 14.6% of the freshman class. Correspondingly, Notre Dame struggles with racial and socioeconomic diversity. Just 35% of Notre Dame students are people of color; comparable Catholic and Midwestern universities all exceed that figure. Additionally, Notre Dame students are less likely to have family income in the bottom fifth — and more likely to have family income in the top fifth — than students at these universities. The connection is clear. Our alumni base is less racially diverse than our student body, and Notre Dame alumni tend to have higher incomes. Children of alumni typically reflect these whiter, wealthier backgrounds. Prioritizing whiter, wealthier applicants places further barriers to the social advancement of marginalized groups. It also undermines the sort of campus discourse that “requires, and is enriched by, the presence and voices of diverse scholars and students.” Some credit Notre Dame’s high legacy numbers to the quality of legacy applicants, not preferential admissions policies. Don Bishop, associate vice president for undergraduate enrollment, argues legacy applicants fare better because they come from “better-educated households” that “tend to be more economically successful” and “promote academics and achievement more than most households.” Additionally, Bishop cites the higher birth rates of Catholic families: “If we’re double the Ivies, it’s because we have more kids.” Yet those kinds of practiced answers feel evasive. Notre Dame is not legacy blind. As a 2014 Notre Dame Magazine article describes, the university has a “commitment made some years back to maintain a legacy presence of 20 to 25% of the student body.” In fact the legacy bump is so large, Bishop tells the magazine, “there are about 1,000 kids walking this campus today who are alumni kids who, if we did not have this commitment to the alumni, would not be here — about 250 per class.” At a university struggling with racial and socioeconomic diversity, this legacy admissions quota is indefensible. The best solution here would be to remove legacy preference. Johns Hopkins did so in 2014, and as their share of legacy students dropped, their share of students eligible for Pell Grants more than doubled. As for the supposed hit to alumni donations, a study of American universities between 1998 and 2008 found “no statistically significant evidence of a causal relationship between legacy preference policies and total alumni giving among top universities.” Yet, if we must keep our legacy admissions quota, another solution might be to set comparable benchmarks for diversity. In our Class of 2023, 31% of American students are people of color. In future classes, this figure should better reflect the percent of Catholic Americans that are people of color: as of 2014, 41% and rising. For socioeconomic diversity, one good benchmark might be Johns Hopkins’ 10 percentage point jump in Pell-eligible students post-2014. In the Notre Dame Class of 2023, 11.1% of students receive Pell Grants; to offset legacy admissions, this figure should move toward 15-20% in future classes. In any case, this issue does not come down to a statistical debate. Rather, it comes down to a question: does Notre Dame have the same commitment to diversity that it does to children of alumni? Doing away with legacy preference would send that message. So too might strong movement toward these diversity benchmarks, or even a different path altogether. There is a healthy discussion to be had here. But first, we must determine that the question at issue is one worth asking. Contact Matthew Kellenberg at mkellenb@nd.edu The views expressed in this Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
Show Some Skin
“How do we not know each other better? We’ve known each other for two years!” I heard these words from two of my friends a couple of weeks ago as they talked about various relationships they had over college. They both interacted with each other, but never actually got around to begin to know each other’s story. Forgive me, I’m not a good storyteller. I’m not like my roommate, who wraps people in with his interesting hook, wraps the story up with a neat little bow. His stories have a beginning, a conclusion, a thesis sentence, structure, coordination, humor. His stories have been illustrated and eloquently performed for more than a decade among his family, getting to the heart of the matter within a couple of sentences. I never grew up storytelling to friends or family. I don’t have my own stories with a grasping hook or the beautiful structure. I consider my stories rants, or complaints, or unnecessary or unimportant. I hear Show Some Skin wants to ask for stories this year. A story, you say? Well, let me check my journals, my archives into myself. Oh, don’t bother showing anyone about what you’ve written, it’s too dry, too boring, much too sinuous and rambling and ultimately unimportant. If I can’t even get myself to read and be interested in my own story, why should I ask anybody else to? So I push my journals away from sight, away from my mind, of course away from others, away from anyone even willing and begging to listen. You don’t know about me too well. I hold onto my mask, hide my own story. I’ll leave the telling of the stories to the storytellers. I know the importance of story, how it can change and affect and move people and strip them down to raw elements, but that isn’t my type of story. My stories are mundane, obvious, unclear.
I feel like a part of the campus community. We look for stories to hear and to pass on, but what do we do with our entire selves? Like my two friends that day at lunch, am I willing to talk about my own menial, humdrum story even when it fails to include a punchline? Why do I feel so ashamed that I try to stop myself from sharing my own story even when people are kind enough to want to hear it? Why can’t I feel comfortable enough to talk about my own stories even to my close friends or my significant other? I want to push for the telling of unheard stories. Not only those powerful or illustrious or rich imagery stories, the ones deserving to be broadcasted over Observer columns or even worthy of being repeated, for these ones have a special place in my heart. But also for the stories that are under-rehearsed or obsolete, for the stories which seem unimportant enough to mention, for the stories that comprise your life. So what is your family like? What are two things you thought about this week? What does your name mean? What do you like to eat at the dining hall? What did you like best about this past summer? Or better yet, you decide what story to tell. It doesn’t have to be important or funny or coherent or interesting or even a story. I’m just grateful to be listening. Patrick West is a senior and can be contacted at pwest@nd.edu Show Some Skin is a student-run initiative committed to giving voice to unspoken narratives about identity and difference. Using the art of storytelling as a catalyst for positive social change across campus, we seek to make Notre Dame a more open and welcoming place for all. If you are interested in breaking the silence and getting involved with Show Some Skin, email pdavis6@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
Join the conversation. Submit a Letter to the Editor: viewpoint@ndsmcobserver.com
77
The observer | tuesday, February 25, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
If God is a woman, who am I? It doesn’t take long in Genesis for the authors to refer to God as “He.” In responding to Moses’ inquiry about what to call God, God does not assert masculinity, instead highlighting the transcendent nature of the divine: “I am who I am.” Yet still, God is consistently portrayed as a father figure throughout both the Old and New Testament. To the extent that Christians accept God’s particular revelation to the Israelites, we must acknowledge that the language used to speak about God matters. If God is constantly referred to as He, that tells us something about the nature of God, regardless of the obvious fact that God the Father is not a man. But in a generation that dismisses the idea that gender means anything at all, we must ask
ourselves: would referring to God as “she” change our ideas of the nature of God? The author of “Is God a Woman” writes, “The image these [feminine] references [to God] paint is gentle and warm. Comforting and caring. Forgiving and loving. Not threatening and overbearing and demanding.” We cannot simultaneously hold on to the idea that how we refer to God matters in our understanding of Him/Her and also believe gender has no significance beyond our bodies (and in an era of shaming pronoun assumption, perhaps not even that). At once my generation claims that just because you are a “she” doesn’t mean you must be feminine, but also those who don’t conform to femininity don’t have to be “she’s”. With one breath, we’ve blurred
the lines and with the next we’ve reaffirmed the boundaries. I am not particularly opposed to emphasizing the feminine aspects of God. If referring to the Creator in a new light draws people nearer to God, if those who otherwise struggle to conceptualize a relationship with God find comfort in using feminine pronouns, then more power to them. In doing this, though, we must recognize that our desire to see ourselves in God through a gendered lens conveys the importance of gender. If God is a woman, then what is a woman? Sophia Sheehy junior Feb. 21
My proposal: hug a business major day Danny McMaster You’re Welcome for My Opinion
So hear me out. One week a year, there is Engineering Week. And on one day of that week, engineers wear shirts that say “high-five an engineer”*, and you know what, I like it. Some people might think it’s cheesy, but I think it’s actually a very good, fun thing. Here’s the thing, if your major has a slight reputation of being a little less social or just in general need of a high-five, I’m here for giving you a day to slap five with your pals and/or random strangers. (Side note: If I see you wearing that t-shirt on a day that is not High-Five an Engineer Day, I feel that I fully have the right to offer you a fake high-five. You had your day.) If you feel like you need a high-five, and you want a day, then that is your right. In that way, every major becomes a little closer to one another, and Notre Dame becomes closer as a whole, too. But, when you think about it, if you support engineer high-fives, then shouldn’t you support this idea for other majors, too? When you think about it, are there any other schools at Notre Dame that have some sort of not-so-great reputation? A reputation, that, either fairly or unfairly, is attached to every student in it? One where every student is given a stereotype just by their choice of college? I am, of course, talking about psych majors. Nah, I’m talking about Mendoza. Everyone knows that psych majors don’t exist.** If you think about a single institution on this
campus that might be in need of a rebrand or some positive energy, it has to be Mendoza. I could write a couple of sentences about how people often just automatically assume that being in Mendoza makes you a bad person, but instead I’ll just use two experiences from professors. I once had a professor stop class for five minutes to talk about how “Mendoza kids are the worst kids at this university, their classes don’t teach them anything, and they don’t do any work.” Which, fair. But unnecessarily harsh. A friend’s discussion-class professor: “Wait, are there any Mendoza kids in the room? I’m feeling a real lack of empathy from the class.” I feel like that sums it up pretty well. Hopefully, at this point you agree: business majors need a hug. You might think that getting ranked as one of the better undergraduate business schools in the country every year would be enough validation, but no. I think it should be hugs. I have some ideas on which day we could celebrate this each year. Aug. 28 — Right when everyone comes back to school, so that maybe we can get people to do it before they know it’s a thing. Career fairs — Break the tension of professional networking with a nice warm embrace. Jan. 29th — No real reason. High-Five an Engineer Day — Just make it a day for some affection. Maybe we could get crazy and add Fist Bump an Arts and Letters Major Day, too. Just get wild with it. Christmas — What better day to celebrate
capitalism than the religious family holiday we made about material objects? I think any of these would work. If you would like to recommend other days, please send long, stupid and annoying emails to the editors of The Observer.*** Finally, maybe you yourself are not a big fan of business majors in general. Maybe you don’t see them as misunderstood, nice people with a passion for networking. Maybe you think they’re just bad people. And, if you think that, then what better way to bring them back to the good side than with a hug. This would also give you an excuse not to hug them for the other 364 days of the year. (Side note, I now believe every political debate should begin with hugs. Who hugs? The candidates with each other? Each candidate with each moderator? The audience? I don’t know, I just know that America wins.) Editor’s note — from the author — who is not the editor — I am a business major, and I do need a hug. *No idea what day of the year that is, I don’t research my columns. ** Existentially. *** I wonder if they’ll print this. Danny McMaster is a senior business analytics major, and has never once been wrong in his entire life. He can be reached at dmcmaste@nd.edu or @DanMcMaster14 on Twitter. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
Follow us on Twitter. @ObserverViewpnt
8
DAILY
The observer | tuesday, february 25, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
Crossword | MIKE BUCKLEY
Horoscope | Eugenia Last Happy Birthday: Take your time, reflect, digest what’s happened and prepare to let go of anything that is no longer a necessity. The relief you feel from uncluttering your life emotionally, mentally and physically will help you take advantage of new possibilities. A demonstrative approach to life, love and personal gain will push you in a positive and prosperous direction. Your numbers are 6, 14, 19, 22, 27, 34, 41. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Overreacting will lead to a poor decision. Don’t do anything unpredictable because you are angry or frustrated with what’s happening around you. Keep the peace, bide your time and don’t jeopardize your reputation or your income. Avoid indulgent behavior. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Think about what you can do, and head in that direction. The help you offer will be appreciated and encourage you to update your skills and qualifications. A change of scenery will lead to unusual friendships. Live within your means. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Truth matters; if you mislead someone or you are inconsistent or uncertain, you will damage your reputation. Take your time, be direct and concentrate on self-improvement, not trying to change others. Get rid of any bad habits you’ve adopted. CANCER ( June 21-July 22): Join in and spend time with your friends, relatives or peers. Sign up for something that interests you, and share your ideas and feelings with someone you find special. Do your research, and lay down the foundation for something you want to pursue. LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22): Ignore what others are doing, and stay focused on what you want to achieve. A personal goal geared toward making updates will add to what you have to offer. Don’t mix business with pleasure. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep your money and your possessions in a safe place. Don’t take risks or let anyone take advantage of you. Focus on keeping a steady pace and making adjustments that will help you get ahead. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take time out for yourself. A day of pampering, spending time with someone special or curling up with a good book will ease stress. Do whatever it takes to avoid an argument. Don’t overdo it; moderation will be necessary. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t hesitate; you are more than ready to take on whatever comes your way. Seize the moment, ask questions and start making the changes required to turn your plan into a reality. A financial gain is within reach. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): : You’ll face confusion and uncertainty due to the information someone offers. Question whatever you are told, and find out what’s real and what isn’t before you commit to anything or anyone. Stick close to home, and take care of your health. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Check out the job market, and consider what excites you and what you’d like to do next. A change at home will help you make a move in a new direction. Turn your dream, passion or talent into a prosperous venture. AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take action, and form alliances with someone who has always been there for you. Don’t worry about the changes others are making. Focus on what’s best for you, and work with those who are heading in a similar direction. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Common sense, reason and fair play will help you stay on course and reach your target. Refuse to let ego, regrets or bad habits come between you and the success you deserve. Stay on track, do your best and don’t look back. Birthday Baby: You are astute, dedicated and fair. You are strong-willed and faithful.
Sudoku | The Mepham Group
Jumble | David Hoyt and Jeff knurek
Work Area
Make checks payable to and mail to: The Observer P.O. Box 779 Notre Dame, IN 46556
Published Monday through 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.
Enclosed is $130 for one academic year Enclosed is $75 for one semester Name Address City State Zip
SPORTS
ndsmcobserver.com | tuesday, february 25, 2020 | The Observer
nd softball | mary nutter classic
Sports Authority
Fixing the NFL CBA proposal Will Richard Sports Writer
On Thursday, the NFL owners reached their required threefourths majority agreement for the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement. This negotiation comes in anticipation of the end of the 2020 season, at which point the current agreement will expire. Perhaps the most significant change proposed is an additional 17th regular season game, which would also include reducing the preseason from four to three games. Additionally, seven teams from each conference would make the postseason, with only the top seed in each conference earning a bye, generating two additional postseason games in total. As expected, this motion was immediately met with resistance by NFL players, who feel they will not be adequately compensated neither for their performance nor the massive revenue generated from cable networks and other streaming services. Notably, following the release of conditions offered by owners, Texans defensive end JJ Watt tweeted, “Hard no on that proposed CBA”. 49ers cornerback and known player advocate Richard Sherman similarly voiced his displeasure Thursday afternoon. Under the proposition, players would receive an extra game check, though the amount would be capped at $250,000. For context, Von Miller, the NFL’s 24th highest paid player, made over a million dollars per game through his base salary alone during the 2019 season. Simply put, the upper echelon of NFL players would not receive compensation that matches their market demand. In a sport as violent as professional football, players warrant such immense salaries in part because of the immense mental and physical health risks they endure throughout the course of an entire season. Adding a singular additional regular season game is an unnecessary risk to absorb for many players. Furthermore, most NFL starters hardly play (if it all) during the preseason, so the suggested one game reduction does not yield much benefit to more prominent players. Consequently, many believe the NFLPA will fail to meet their required two-thirds majority to proceed further in the process of ratifying a new collective bargaining agreement. Humbly, I propose an alteration to the current submission of NFL owners, one which I believe to be both feasible and more beneficial for both sides. It is hard to envision players voicing an objection to the proposed playoff alterations. The aforementioned institution would
9
allow two more additional teams the opportunity to compete for the coveted Lombardi Trophy. Furthermore, only the second seed under the present construct would face an additional postseason game. In my opinion, it is not the postseason adjustment which is truly problematic for players. Last season, the NFL wild card round of the playoffs generated an average television rating of 17.23. By comparison, week 13 of the 2019 NFL regular season generated an average television rating of 10.93. Simple math reveals even the wild card round of the playoffs generates roughly 58% higher viewership than an above-average regular season week, which in turn means the most introductory playoff round is vastly more profitable compared to a hypothetical 17th regular season game. Rather than surrender the new playoff format, the NFL should adjust the implementation of a 17th regular season game. Currently, the NFL Pro Bowl takes place in between conference championship weekend and the Super Bowl. In 2019, the Pro Bowl posted a measly 4.9 TV rating, even as the sole NFL program airing during that weekend. I propose that the NFL move the Pro Bowl in between week 9 and 10 of the presumed new 18-week NFL regular season. This break would be two weeks, with one weekend of various skill competitions, and the following weekend of Pro Bowl play. Presently, referring to the Pro Bowl as even a scrimmage would be a compliment. Relative to other professional leagues, the Pro Bowl is consistently regarded as an absolute failure. Such a schedule would allow for essentially a twoweek bye for NFL players, in addition to the regularly scheduled bye week in the midst of their regular season schedule. Players consistently rave about the immense benefits they receive even from a one week bye, therefore a two week bye would be severely favorable to players’ recovery at the halfway point of the season and perhaps would make the 17th regular season game worthwhile. Were this notion to become fully implemented, players would receive likely a drastic improvement to their well-being during the course of the season, while owners would simultaneously increase their revenue as desired. Who knows how the negotiations will ultimately play out, but if anyone knows an NFL owner and/or NFLPA representative, feel free to send this their way. Contact Will Richard at wrichar2@nd.edu The views expressed in this Sports Authority are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
Irish beat BYU, SU, ASU to go 3-3 in tourney Observer Staff Report
The Notre Dame softball team split six games over the weekend in Palm Springs, California, as part of the Mary Nutter Classic. After falling to San Diego State 3-2 in the first game of a Thursday night double-header, Notre Dame (10-5) rebounded strongly with an 11-1 win over BYU. Against the Cougars (9-5), the Irish opened up the scoring in the top of the first with junior center fielder Abby Sweet homering to the left. After a scoreless inning-and-a-half, Notre Dame tacked on two more runs as Sweet hit a two-run RBI that drove home sophomore first baseman Quinn Biggio and senior second baseman Katie Marino. After that, Notre Dame stepped on the gas, scoring four runs in each of the next two innings. BYU could only muster one run in the bottom of the fifth inning, unable to avoid a mercy rule. While the Irish benefited from three errors by the Cougars, they dominated at the plate, with sophomore pitcher Payton Tidd contributing a back-breaking three-run home run in fourth inning. On Friday, Notre Dame faced off against Seattle in the first of another double-header. Things looked good for the Irish from the outset as Marino hit a home run on the first at bat for the Irish. Sweet also scored to take a 2-0 lead, and after another scoreless second inning, she scored again in the third to give the Irish a 3-0
W Tennis Continued from page 12
Silverio was even encouraged by the squad’s play in singles, even though it ultimately led to them losing the match, and she said that the many individual victories on the weekend will only add to the team’s overall confidence. “We had a very strong start on the majority of our courts and were able to get it done at the number one spot. Cameron Corse was No. 1 that day, and she ended up beating the No. 16-ranked player in the country. So, again a great individual result for her, and certainly that brings confidence and belief into our team,” she said. “And then Maeve Koscielski also was victorious at No. 6, a great confidence builder for her. Overall, with our match against NC State, we competed at a very high standard, which has been
lead. The RedHawks (5-10) rallied in the fourth, however, taking advantage of two Irish errors as well as homering on the first at bat of the inning and stealing home to close out a 3-0 comeback. However, the Irish were not rattled, as they steadily built the lead back up, scoring one run apiece in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Seattle scored in the top of the sixth, but failed to tie or take the lead in the seventh as Notre Dame pulled out the win despite four errors on the contest. Notre Dame finished out the day against the highest-ranked opponent in the field, No. 15 Oregon. Both teams appeared to be evenly matched through the first three innings as the score remained deadlocked at 0-0. However, the Ducks (14-0) broke open the scoring with two runs in the fourth, as the Irish responded with one run of their own in the inning on a home run by freshman left fielder Leea Hanks. It was all Oregon from there, though, as they posted three runs in the top of the sixth and held Notre Dame scoreless for the remainder of the contest to maintain their perfect record. The Irish recorded seven hits to the Ducks’ six, but also recorded five errors to the Ducks’ two. On the final day of competition, Saturday, Notre Dame began its final double-header with a match against No. 16 Arizona State. Coming off a difficult loss
to No. 7 Florida, Arizona State (12-5) struggled out of the gate and allowed Notre Dame to jump out to a 3-0 lead through the first two innings. The Irish took a 6-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning, but the Sun Devils felt the pressure and responded with three runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth, two of which came on a home run. However, Notre Dame locked them down for the remainder of the contest and added on one more run in the top of the seventh for good measure as they came away with their third win of the weekend. Their third win would turn out to be their last, as the Irish had a letdown after facing back-toback ranked opponents. Against Cal State Fullerton, Notre Dame struggled to find a rhythm at the plate, falling behind 1-0 in the bottom of the third, although they quickly responded with three runs in the top of the fourth to take the lead. However, in the bottom of the sixth, the Titans (8-5) scored four runs to go up 5-3, including a two-run homer and a sacrifice RBI that turned into two runs scored on a throwing error by the Irish. One run scored in the top of the seventh wasn’t enough as the Irish fell short 5-4 to break even on the weekend. Next up, the Irish travel to Durham, North Carolina, for a three-game series against the Blue Devils. First pitch for Friday’s game is scheduled for 5 p.m.
our goal every match that we’ve played this season.” Naturally, heading into the second match of conference play of the year after nearly defeating the No. 4 team in the country could come with a little discouragement. Still, Silverio said she was confident that her squad heads into every match with a win in mind. “With any adversity, with any challenges, there’s so much room and opportunity for improvement,” she said. “So, we let ourselves feel that disappointment and feel that sadness for a bit, but then the next day, we were back out at the practice court, and it was business as usual to be ready for Virginia Tech, and to bounce back and give another great performance, which we were able to do.” And the Irish were able to move past these feelings of disappointment Sunday, when the squad earned a solid victory over Virginia Tech (7-3, 0-3
ACC). The Irish once again were able to clinch the doubles point to begin the match, and they did it in comeback fashion, as they had dropped the first match of the day. The pair of Corse and Freeman were once again victorious in doubles, handing the Irish their first victory of the day, and the squad would eventually follow suit to earn the doubles point. Corse continued to contribute as singles play came on, winning the first singles match of the day and paving the way for Lilien, Freeman and Spence, who all followed with victories to seal the Irish match victory. Up next for Notre Dame as they continue conference play will be two matches on the road, first against Syracuse on Friday and then against Boston College on Sunday. Contact Connor Mulvena at cmulvena@nd.edu
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.
10
Sports
The observer | tuesday, february 25, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
Bouts Continued from page 12
to his opponent’s body and face. Slahor, a freshman from Duncan Hall, battled back shifting to the offensive and landed a brutal counterstrike to Maloney’s head. In round two, Maloney attempted to blast through Slahor’s defenses but sustained heavy blows to the head in the process. Slahor then trapped Maloney in the corner and punished him with a couple of swift body shots. Maloney escaped but bled profusely as the final round loomed on the horizon. Maloney aggressively charged out of his corner and landed a few punches to Slahor’s body; however, Slahor pushed him into the ropes and connected on a powerful swing to Maloney’s head, causing the referee to stop the action temporarily. At the end of the match, Slahor celebrated as he was awarded victory in a split decision.
Drew “Mr. Nice Guy” Nicely (Off Campus) def. Layson “The Lionhearted” Savant (Alumni Hall) In this fast-paced bout, Drew Nicely, an off-campus graduate student, patiently endured Layson Savant’s barrage of quick jabs before connecting on some energy-efficient counter strikes. Nicely then trapped Savant, a junior from Alumni Hall, in the corner and landed a massive shot to his opponent’s head. In round two, Savant looked exhausted as he missed on many wild swings. This allowed Nicely to pummel Savant as he could not put up a defensive front. However, the momentum shifted in the final round as Savant finally connected on his punches. After landing a few jabs to Nicely’s face, Savant actually looked like he could win, but Nicely fought back well with successive swings to Savant’s face, which loosened his helmet. After a period of deliberation, Nicely was named the split-decision victor.
Lenny “Typhoon” Calvo (Keough Hall) def. Barry “Big House” Lee (Dillon Hall) The fight started with both fighters meeting in the middle of the ring. Barry “Big House” Lee, a junior, was much taller than his opponent. Lenny “Typhoon” Calvo, also a junior, used his size to get underneath Lee’s reach and land powerful body shots. The pair danced around the ring for the duration of the first round, with Calvo keeping Lee on his back foot throughout the round. At the start of the second, Calvo came out swinging. Lee fought much more aggressively, using his jab to keep Calvo at bay. The two exchanged blows more evenly in the second round. The official had to stop the fight momentarily to give Lee a count. After the second round, it was clear Calvo was
wearing his opponent out. Lee came into the third round with hustle, but so did his opponent. Calvo continued to duck under Lee’s range to land body shots. Lee had a few good punches, but he was continuously danced around the ring by Calvo. As the fight went on, both fighters began to slow down. The winner, by unanimous decision, was Lenny “Typhoon” Calvo.
Tim “Dirty T” Mikulski (Duncan Hall) def. Terrance “Slinker” Cameron (Sorin College) The fight was heated from the start. The pair slowly measured each other out and then jumped into action. Tim “Dirty T” Mikulski, a senior, landed cleaner combinations than his sophomore opponent, Terrance “Slinker” Cameron, in the first round. With that, Cameron had a high frequency of jabs. Right into the second round, the pair lunged at each other. Mikulski tried punching Cameron into the ropes, but Cameron resisted with a round of punches. Landing a big jab to the face, Cameron began to gain more confidence. Mikulski came at Cameron, but Cameron responded every time. In the third round, the fighters left everything they had in the ring. Mikulski forced Cameron into a corner and landed a series of convincing blows. Cameron responded in his own way, moving himself out of Mikulski’s reach. Mikulski landed heavy shots throughout the third round, which lent itself to the bout’s conclusion. The winner, by unanimous decision, was Tim “Dirty T” Mikulski.
Parker “High Gear” Revers (Fisher Hall) def. Chasen “Gumdrop” Brutocao (O’Neill Hall) The fighters were quick into action. Chasen “Gumdrop” Brutocao, a junior, quickly abandoned any defense and started flinging punches towards his opponent. Parker “High Gear” Revers, a senior, did the same. It quickly seemed this fight would be determined on quantity of punches. Brutocao baited Revers and then lunged with a volley of swinging punches. At the end of the first round it was clear both fighters still had a lot left in them. Revers came out of his corner aggressively and was met by an equally aggressive Brutocao. Revers put Brutocao on the ropes a few times, which was enough to have the official stop the fight and give Brutocao a count. The pair fought in close quarters, leaving little distance between each other. Meeting in the middle, the fighters resumed where they’d left off. Revers seemed to be the more dominant fighter in this round. Brutocao, visibly tired, was forced to be given the count once more. At the end of the fight, the winner by unanimous decision was Parker “High Gears” Revers.
Chris “tmas” Lembo (Dillon Hall) def. Matt Hardiman (Morrissey Manor) The fight between these two seniors started off slowly. The fighters measured each other out. Matt Hardiman was the first to strike, forcing his opponent, Chris “tmas” Lembo, to run across the ring into a corner. Lembo landed a massive combination, but not without meeting resistance from his opponent. The second round started with lengthy hesitation before Lembo landed a combination and darted away to another corner. Hardiman forced his opponent to come to him. The pair engaged and Lembo got tied up on the ropes. In the third round, the pair did not change their strategies. Lembo still landed punches and darted away, forcing Hardiman to chase and fall on the mat. Hardiman rushed Lembo and forced him to throw a few wild punches. The fight ended with both fighters appearing fatigued. The winner by unanimous decision was Chris “tmas” Lembo.
Evan “Fringe Guy” Muller (Zahm House) def. Patrick “The Collector” Donovan (Dunne Hall) At the start of the fight, Evan “Fringe Guy” Muller, a junior, was quick to rush to Patrick “The Collector” Donovan’s corner. Donovan, a senior, immediately responded with combinations of his own. Muller kept the pressure throughout the first round, forcing Donovan to stay on his back foot. Muller engaged Donovan, who responded in turn. There were few exchanges in the first in which Donovan was the first to throw a punch. In the second round, Donovan was more aggressive. He tried staying out of Muller’s reach and landed deeper punches. Muller did not change his strategy and continued fighting on his front foot. In the second, the pair danced around the ring more evenly. Neither fighter landed knockout punches, but Donovan snuck in a jab before the conclusion of the round. At the start of the third, Donovan furiously attacked Muller, but Muller did not back down and the two committed to a heated round. By the end of the round, Muller clearly wore his opponent down. The winner by unanimous decision was Evan “Fringe Guy” Muller.
Will “Manly” Hanley (Stanford Hall) def. Ryan “Hoodie” Melotik (Carroll Hall) At the start of the fight between these two juniors, Will “Manly” Hanley was quick to rush his opponent. Ryan “Hoodie” Melotik had a longer reach and tried using that to his advantage. Hanley tried to engage in a close-range battle. Melotik landed a series of jabs and kept Hanley at bay. With that, Hanley forced red to bleed,
and the official stopped the fight. Back in the fight, Melotik appeared eager to make up for lost time. At the start of the second, both fighters came in with much energy. Hanley landed a series of convincing blows and forced Melotik onto the ropes. Melotik tried using his reach, but Hanley kept reaching under his punches. At the end of the second round, Melotik had found his rhythm once again. In the third round, Hanley came out aggressively. Melotik looked to retaliate, but was met with another volley of punches. Both fighters looked exhausted by the end of the third round. The winner by unanimous decision was Will “Manly” Hanley.
Luke “Big Chunky” Sheridan-Rabideau (Keenan Hall) def. “Northside” Nick Fahrney (Dillon Hall) Both fighters came out and landed headshots simultaneously, but Sheridan-Rabideau, a sophomore, eventually fell victim to Fahrney’s close-quarters prowess. Fahrney ducked under Sheridan-Rabideau’s punches to land several body shots, and he deftly dodged several attacks. SheridanRabideau had more success in the second round. He began by closing the gap, then stood his ground, absorbing Fahrney’s shots to his arms and landing several blows to Fahrney’s head. “Big Chunky,” having been checked by the referee at the end of the first, forced the referee to inspect Fahrney at the close of the second as the final round loomed large for both fighters. Sheridan-Rabideau forced Fahrney into the ropes early in the final stanza, but Fahrney landed his fair share of hits, as both fighters looked to score as many points as possible. Sheridan-Rabideau once more forced the referee to check Fahrney, and he landed a pair of big blows to Fahrney’s head as the final bell rang. Ultimately, Sheridan-Rabideau overcame his rocky start to win by split decision.
Kevin “The Wild One” Sanchez (Off Campus) def. Fouad “The Foreign Fury” El Zoghbi (Sorin College) El Zoghbi and Sanchez opened relatively tentatively, both looking to find an opening. The former managed to find success first, using his slight advantage in reach to land jabs to Sanchez. However, Sanchez anticipated some of El Zoghbi’s movements, attacking the latter as he attempted to duck and evade. Sanchez found more success in the second round, forcing El Zoghbi into the ropes and making adjustments to deflect and counter his attacks. Sanchez “The Wild One” landed a blow to El Zoghbi’s midsection that knocked the wind out of him; after inspection, the referee decided to end the fight. Sanchez advanced to the finals in a referee-stopped contest.
Fr. Nathan “Last Rites” O’Halloran (Off Campus) def. James “The War Machine” Warren (Duncan Hall) O’Halloran, a grad student, threw the first punches of the bout, and he looked to avoid Warren’s powerful shots. In doing so, he fell off balance and stumbled into the ropes, but competition resumed after the referee inspected him. As soon as he got the signal from his corner, Warren, a senior, unleashed fury upon O’Halloran, but O’Halloran responded with shots that caused Warren to wrap him up. Still Warren recorded another strong attack to close the first. Both fighters probed to start the second, as O’Halloran gained the upper hand and dislocated Warren’s headgear. After the referee fixed it, Warren looked to respond, but appeared to wear down, stumbling as he wrapped up O’Halloran and fell into the ropes. As the final stanza began, Warren offered the first attack, but O’Halloran took the hits and responded, forcing Warren to wrap him up again. Warren tried to reach for headshots, but exposed himself and O’Halloran landed a big headshot. “The War Machine” was visibly exhausted, leaning over and losing balance as he threw punches. Because of this, the referee elected to call the fight, and “Last Rites” won by refereestopped contest.
Austin “Audimatic, Still Is” Derrick (Off Campus) def. Ryan “Short Stack” Smith (Morrissey Manor) In a bout between two fighters originating from New York, the fighters came out with enormous energy, a marked change of pace from the heavyweight bout preceding it. Derrick, a senior, appeared to have the advantage in the first round, narrowing the distance and unleashing a relentless attack to begin. Smith, a junior, countered and pushed Derrick into the ropes briefly, but the former quickly turned the tables and put Smith on his heels once more to chants of “Audi” from the crowd. “Short Stack looked to be the aggressor in the second round, forcing Derrick close to the ropes and looking to corner him, but the latter managed to escape while taking a few shots. Both fighters looked for an opening until Smith managed to briefly find a couple to land strong series. The energy picked back up in the final round as both fighters displayed a sense of urgency. As the fighters once more disengaged and looked to be more tactical, another battle ensued between the rival fan contingents chanting for their fighters. In the end, Long Island beat out NYC as “Short Stack” negated enough of Derrick’s reckless attacks and landed his own to take the bout by unanimous decision. see BOUTS PAGE 11
Sports
Bouts Continued from page 10
“Cool Hands” Luke Fraser (Alumni Hall) def. Alex “Jack” Potts (Duncan Hall) Fraser, a junior, kept his hands and feet active, looking to find an opening against the freshman Potts, but the latter kept out of reach for the most part. Fraser used his reach to land a few shots, but in leaning forward, he exposed himself to a headshot from Potts. Potts kept his distance until right before the bell; with Fraser exposed, Potts let loose on him with several quick shots. “Cool Hands” came charging at Potts and managed some contact on a headshot, but Potts wrapped him up to avoid further damage. Fraser remained aggressive as Potts looked to duck and evade. The latter connected on Fraser’s head, but Fraser quickly responded by briefly forcing Potts into the ropes. Once more Fraser began the round aggressively, but Potts was more successful in avoiding his attack. Still, chants of “Fraser” from the crowd gave “Cool Hands” a brief spark, but Potts responded with a short attack of his own and dodged three successive hooks before wrapping up Fraser. However, Potts couldn’t seem to find any more openings, desperately trying to limit the damage Fraser was inflicting on him. Ultimately, Fraser was too much for Potts and won by unanimous decision.
Pat “Good Guy” Rafferty (Duncan Hall) def. Marcelo “Iron Liver” Castellanos (Alumni Hall) Castellanos, a sophomore, found the first solid punches of the bout, connecting to the senior Rafferty’s midsection and evadinngg several throws, but Rafferty still landed punches of his own. Castellanos’
ndsmcobserver.com | tuesday, february 25, 2020 | The Observer
aggressiveness started to prove dangerous as he lost balance and exposed himself to Rafferty’s shot, and the latter landed a solid headshot as the first round concluded. “Iron Liver” came out aggressive once more in the second, but “Good Guy” responded with a series that brought his contingent of fans into chants of “Let’s go Raff,” countered by cheers of “Liver.” Rafferty slipped a big swing by Castellanos and landed his own strong shot once more as the round wrapped up. In the final round, both fighters looked for an opening, and it seemed like Rafferty found more of them. Rafferty connected on a headshot that caused the referee to inspect Castellanos. “Good Guy” maintained the upper-hand and continued evading, eventually forcing Castellanos into the ropes and another inspection as the final bell sounded. In the end, Rafferty’s strategy proved more effective and he won by unanimous decision.
Thomas “Tex” Edwards (Knott Hall) def. Arthur “Rice Cake” Ortiz (Off Campus) Edwards, a sophomore, looked to instigate the action, but by closing the space, he allowed Ortiz, a senior, to find openings to his head. Even so, Edwards quickly put his strength to good use and forced Ortiz around the ring, punching him back and looking to charge at him. Both fighters got entangled and exchanged heavy fire until Edwards gained a slight advantage before the round concluded. Ortiz looked to exert his will in the second, quickly attacking and retreating. Even as Edwards looked to use his strength again, Ortiz remained steadfast and would not relent in attacking his opponent’s head. However, as Ortiz looked to step in, Edwards landed a strong blow and continued to
do so as Ortiz barreled at him. In the final period, “Tex” came out looking to gain separation, but “Rice Cake” refused to back down. Still, Edwards seemed to be landing more blows and wearing down Ortiz, before the latter went tumbling to the mat right before the final bell sounded. Edwards’ strength proved to be enough to put him over the top and win the match by split decision.
Aidan “Ace” Becklund (Dunne Hall) def. Conor “Con Con” McConville (Keenan Hall) Neither fighter could find an opening initially, but cheers of “Con Con” rang through the Dahnke Ballroom in an attempt to motivate McConville, a junior. Still, the sophomore Becklund and McConville continued to exchange punches and evaluate from a distance, with neither able to gain a clear upper-hand. They briefly got entangled as the first round concluded. There was far more fighting to open the second, as both fighters came into close quarters and threw shots to one another’s midsections. Again McConville’s fans cheered him on as the competitors vied for an advantage. The round concluded somewhat as it began as the two came back together to look for some late-round points. The third round began with an almost immediate stoppage as the referee checked McConville after a quick blow to the head. The result was not what “Con Con” wanted, as the official decided the contest needed to end and awarded “Ace” the victory by referee-stopped contest.
Dan “Pilgrim” O’Brien (St. Edward’s Hall) def. Andrew “The Irish Goodbye” Turazai (Off Campus) Both fighters were composed
Paid Advertisement
and steady at the beginning of this contest. O’Brien, a junior, landed a few big shots on Turazai’s head early which forced the referee to pause the fight. Turazai, also a junior, came back into the fight swinging with wide hooks but O’Brien opened up inside with heavy jabs as he dealt a blow to Turazai’s body near the end of the first round. The hit sent Turazai to the ground just before the bell. O’Brien kept the pressure on in the second round and dominated Turazai with unavoidable heavy body blows. O’Brien sealed the fight in the third, leaving Turazai too fatigued to make a comeback. That being said, Turazai aggressively pursued O’Brien in the third, which opened him up and made him more vulnerable, allowing O’Brien to continue landing with speed and ferocity. The fighters went the distance and O’Brien was declared winner by unanimous decision.
Greg “Yellow Cat” DeFalco (Alumni Hall) def. Elton “Rocketman” Zhang (Dillon Hall) This fight between DeFalco, a freshman, and Zhang, a sophomore, started fast as both fighters came out swinging wide, connecting to each others’ heads often. The fighters got tangled up on a few occasions in the first round, with both seeming to land at an even rate. Zhang landed early in the second, but DeFalco was able to respond with some blows when Zhang extended too far on his swings. DeFalco opened a cut on Zhang’s nose which forced the official to pause the fight in the second. After the bleeding was contained, DeFalco came out aggressively and connected to Zhang’s face again before the second was over. DeFalco had the advantage going into the final round, but both fighters still connected often and with
11
much strength as time winded down on the clock. Zhang’s attempt at a comeback in the third fell short, however, and DeFalco was declared winner by unanimous decision.
Eric Devilliers (Off Campus) def. Matt “Money” Cyrs (St. Edward’s Hall) Cyrs, a senior, was the aggressor in this fight. Devilliers, a graduate student, connected with a huge right hook that shook Devilliers early. He landed another just a few moments later and sent Devilliers stumbling back. Finally, he landed with a blow that sent Devilliers to the canvas and the referee declared the fight over early. Devilliers was declared the winner by referee stoppage.
Ali “Mega Chungus” Thomas Jr. (Duncan Hall) def. Colin Gutzmer (O’Neill Hall) This heavyweight bout saw Gutzmer, a sophomore, come in with a patient approach, covering up and letting Thomas Jr., a senior, wear himself out. Thomas Jr. found himself crammed up in the corner several times in the first round, and he pushed his way out, not earning any points. Thomas Jr. was able land a couple of big hits to Gutzmer’s head, and before the bell rang he connected with enough power to force the referee to pause and check on Gutzmer. Thomas Jr. landed some heavy blows in the third and stunned Gutzmer to the point that the referee stopped the fight.
Sam “The Hammer” Miller (St. Edward’s Hall) def. Will “No Tarps” Jones (Off Campus) The final fight of the evening saw the freshman Miller get out to a quick start as he landed several jabs to Jones’ head throughout the first round. Jones, a senior, responded for moments and managed to keep it relatively close as the first round drew to a close. Miller was not phased, though, and he came into the second with a similar ferocity as he had at the beginning of the fight, despite blood gushing from his nose. Jones exploited this and caught Miller with more jabs to the head in the second. Jones seemed to be gaining ground, and seemed to hold an advantage over Miller when he suddenly grabbed his shoulder and winced with pain. He retreated to his corner by the referee, and after a doctor looked at him it was deemed best for him not to continue. Miller was declared the winner by referee stoppage in the second round. Contact Patrick Gallagher at pgallag4@nd.edu, Inigo Yturralde at iyturral@nd.edu, Jimmy Ward at wward@hcc-nd.edu and Hayden Adams at hadams3@nd.edu
12
The observer | tuesday, february 25, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
bengal bouts | semifinals
fencing | acc championships
Bouts semifinals leave top boxers
Notre Dame squads sweep every possible ACC title By CONNOR MULVENA Sports Editor
NOLA wallace | The Observer
Senior Austin “Audimatic, Still Is” Derrick and junior Ryan “Short Stack” Smith lock arms during the Bengal Bouts semifinals Monday. By PATRICK GALLAGHER, INIGO YTURRALDE, JIMMY WARD and HAYDEN ADAMS Sports Writers and Associate Sports Editor
Danny “Smiley” Rodgers (Zahm House) def. Matt “The Indonesian Assassin” Muliadi (Off Campus) The first bout of the night began as Matt Muliadi, an off-campus graduate student, dodged Danny Rodgers’ flurry of jabs. After both boxers landed a few body shots, Rodgers, a junior from Zahm House, connected on a powerful uppercut to Muliadi’s head. Muliadi was able to avoid a number of dangerous swings, but Rodgers eventually dealt two strong punches to Muliadi’s side. In round two, Rodgers’ strategy was to let Muliadi quickly attack while relying on many counter swings. Rodgers would lead Muliadi around the ring before trapping him in the corner. From this position, Muliadi endured heavy damage and would need a dazzling final round for a chance at victory. It seemed like the momentum was favoring Muliadi as he began to land some punishing head shots; however, Rodgers ended the match on a high note by cornering Muliadi and was awarded with a win by unanimous decision.
Kyle “Nemo” Mettler (Alumni Hall) def. Kiernan “Mr. Wurlwide” Wurl (Siegfried Hall) In round one, Kyle Mettler, a junior from Alumni Hall, aggressively attacked Kiernan Wurl, who stumbled after taking a huge hit to the gut. Wurl, a junior from Siegfried Hall, fought back from the defensive but continued to sustain heavy damage. After a particularly hard hit to the head, Wurl looked dazed, and the referee had to stop the fight. As round two commenced, Wurl danced around the ring and tired out Mettler before landing a strong swing to his opponent’s head. Mettler responded well with a collection of punches to Wurl’s body and would come to dominate in the final round. Wurl attempted to dodge Mettler’s uppercuts but finally succumbed to his advances when Mettler connected on a trio of head shots, which solidified his victory by unanimous decision.
Luke Slahor (Duncan Hall) def. Dean “(Sug)ar” Maloney (Duncan Hall) As the match began, Dean Maloney, a sophomore from Duncan Hall, broke through Luke Slahor’s defenses before connecting on several shots see BOUTS PAGE 10
The Notre Dame men’s and women’s fencing teams posted a strong performance in the ACC Championship over the weekend at home at the Castellan Family Fencing Center, in which they swept the field entirely, achieving every championship title up for grabs. After the meet, Irish head coach Gia Kvaratskhelia spoke with The Observer about his squad’s dominating performance. Speaking on the performance of both the men’s and women’s teams, Kvaratskhelia said he was thrilled with his team’s performance. To win once, as they did last year, is one thing, but to repeat is a testament to the strength of the program. “Repeating speaks volumes about the work our athletes and coaches have done to get ready,” he said. “The team competition is always hard-fought. I was very impressed with their mindset to not let anyone get in the way of a title.” Kvaratskhelia also spoke about some of the individuals of the team, specifically sophomore Andrew Machovec, sophomore Alessandro Contreras, sophomore Josiah Broughton, junior Stefani Deschner, sophomore Kara Linder and sophomore Miriam Grady, all of whom took home individual titles over the
weekend. Kvaratskhelia kept it simple, giving credit where credit is due — to all of the winning competitors. “I have to first give a lot of credit to Josiah,” he said. “Fighting through those cramps in the final against a more experienced opponent, and coming through with a win; there’s a reason his teammates were so overjoyed for him. Plus all our other winners have to get the credit for keeping the other five titles here.” The Irish face a difficult regular
season schedule each year, which Kvaratskhelia said prepared the squad for what is to come in the postseason. “We have one of the toughest schedules in the country for a reason,” he said. “It sets us up for NCAA qualifying, and it prepares us to be at our best for ACCs.” The Irish will now gear up for the NCAA Championships, which begin March 7 in Detroit. Contact Connor Mulvena at cmulvena@nd.edu
hannah huelskamp | The Observer
Irish junior sabre Christina Boitano, left, guards herself during the DeCicco Duals on Jan. 26 at Castellan Family Fencing Center.
nd women’s tennis | nc state 4, nd 3; nd 5, virginia tech 2
Irish split first conference matchups at home By CONNOR MULVENA Sports Editor
After a thrilling upset of now No. 22-ranked USC to end a string of non-conference matches, the Notre Dame women’s tennis team fell to No. 4 NC State but bested Virginia Tech over the weekend as it opened ACC conference play. With the split weekend, the Irish move to 8-4 with a 1-1 ACC record. The Irish opened conference play Friday, taking on the Wolfpack (15-2, 2-0 ACC) at the Eck Tennis Pavilion on Notre Dame’s campus. Things started unexpectedly, considering the squad’s struggle in doubles play as of late, as the Irish won the doubles point to start things off
Friday. The pair of senior Zoe Spence and redshirt sophomore Julia Lilien won the first doubles match of the day 6-3, and then junior Cameron Corse and freshman Page Freeman followed that up with a 7-5 victory. But the tides turned in favor of the Wolfpack when things moved on to singles play, as NC State won the first three matches, putting the Irish in a hole. Although sophomore Maeve Koscielski managed to win her match and pull the Irish within a point, Corse tied in her match, and then junior Ally Bojczuk fought an extremely tough battle which ended in her losing two sets to NC State’s junior Lexi Keberle, which cemented the Irish loss on the day by a total of
4-3. Despite an opening conference play loss, Irish head coach Alison Silverio spoke very highly of her team’s performance, and she was confident her squad will continue to learn and hone its championship mindset. “It was a phenomenal battle on both sides. Certainly, credit to NC State for finishing us out. We put ourselves in a very successful position against a tough No. 4 team in the country, and we were two points away,” Silverio said. “So, we were certainly in a position to be successful, but it didn’t go our way. We learned a lot from that match. We had a lot of little victories.” see W TENNIS PAGE 9