THE
BLUE &GRAY
THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER
January 28, 2016
VOLUME 89 | ISSUE 13
PRESS
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE
Snowmageddon hits UMW
Alex Sakes/ The Blue & Gray Press
Girard Bucello
1922
Sarah Grammer/ The Blue & Gray Press
UMW closed classes and offices from Friday to Tuesday in light of Winter Storm Jonas, which brought an estimated 18 inches to the campus and four days of winter-related activities.
Students across the University of Mary Washington witnessed the first snowflakes of the long-anticipated Winter Storm Jonas, which began on Friday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. and lasted through early Sunday morning, dumping an estimated 18 inches of snow accumulation and ice, leaving campus closed Friday through Tuesday. While Netflix, sledding and hot chocolate filled the agendas of many students, who was left to bear the burden of clearing snow and ice? To many, it is generally unknown who the men and women are behind the shovel. “I’m not entirely sure whose task it is to remove snow on campus, but I’d assume these are workers employed within the University,” Miguel Marx, junior geology and biology double major, said. Marx, like many other students, are left questioning who and what departments are responsible for campus safety during weather emergencies like Jonas. The responsibility of the task begins with John Wiltenmuth, the associate vice president of Facilities Services. According to Wiltenmuth, a host of em-
ployees from different departments, approximately 60 people, are responsible for maintaining safe traveling during the storm. “The crew of workers students see around campus working diligently to create safe travel conditions for students consist of roughly sixty workers comprised of our very own grounds crew, campus trade shops such as campus electricians and outside contracting companies who are hired additionally to provide more hands,” Wiltenmuth said. Wiltenmuth provided further details about the conditions of work his snow removal teams go through, and emphasized the intense measures his workers took to ensure that campus was efficiently and effectively cleared. “Since Friday night, snow removal
Approximately 60: Employees and workers hired outside university worked in 12-hour day cycles from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and night shifts from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
IN THIS
ISSUE
teams worked around the clock in two 12-hour shifts,” Wiltenmuth said. “The day shift being from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the night shift lasting from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. This cycle lasted for five days.” When workers were not on their 12hour shifts, they were provided with food as well as rooms at a nearby hotel where they could catch up on sleep and relax between their rigorous shifts. Wiltenmuth stressed that in addition to their hard work, “Our workers spent the entire weekend away from their families which has been tough on them.” Alongside Wiltenmuth, whose responsibility is to oversee all operations and employees, Joni Wilson, director of Landscape, Grounds and Sustainability, is tasked with coordinating where work-
“SINCE FRIDAY NIGHT, SNOW REMOVAL TEAMS WORKED AROUND THE CLOCK IN TWO 12-HOUR SHIFTS.” -John Wiltenmuth
Several Departments: Facilities Services, Landscape, Grounds and Sustainability and Maintenance Services: among the departments responsible for clearing snow.
ers will be removing snow and what equipment will be used. “How we determine where and when to utilize tractors, snow blowers and other removal equipment, and how we deploy workers from point A to point B on campus all fall through me,” Wilson said. The heavy snowfall and the unpredictable nature of the storm has also been a challenge to the department, according to Wilson. “The amount of snowfall we got was immense and the amount that kept falling for over 24 hours straight created difficult circumstances for crews. Figuring out how to remove the snow and where to put it has been a frustrating task,” Wilson said.Director of Maintenance Services Dan Quann commented similar to Wilson that determining where to put the snow has been a difficult task. Quann noted that “Navigating through our campus parking spaces has been most difficult. With the amount of snow fallen, we are limited in our options of where to move the snow to clear space,” Quann said. “Having to
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Five Days: How many days employees worked to clear snow. Classes resumed Wednesday, and most facilities, including the library and the Fitness Center, opened Tuesday.
TRUE SATIRE
NEW YEAR SAME YOU
BALL IS LIFE
Exlcusive interview with True College News.
Aiming for smaller goals may improve resolutions
Men’s and women’s basketball in thick of CAC play
VIEWPOINTS | 4
SPORTS | 12
LIFE | 6
NEWS THE
BLUE & GRAY
Editors: Sarah Grammer & Emily Hollingsworth | blueandgray.news@gmail.com
RecycleMania returns for 2016
PRESS
MISSION The Blue & Gray Press is published every Thursday in the University Apartments Clubhouse for our university community. The goal of The Blue & Gray Press is to produce high quality and accurate news in a manner compliant with the Society of Professional Journalists ethics code. In its coverage, The Blue & Gray Press strives to highlight the community of the University of Mary Washington, as well as deliver fair and accurate coverage on the issues important to our students.
•STORM | 1
EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Markham
SECTION EDITORS NEWS Sarah Grammer Emily Hollingsworth
VIEWPOINTS Hannah Parker
LIFE Della Hethcox
SPORTS Mikey Barnes
ONLINE Ethan Tobin
Departments work around clock during snowstorm
Alex Sakes/ The Blue & Gray Press
JOSEPH YEAGER Staff Writer
This semester, the University of Mary Washington is once again taking part in the upcoming RecycleMania competition. This competition has been an annual event since 2009 and is familiar to most students. Schools from all across the United States and Canada take part in the RecycleMania competition, usually beginning in late winter and ending in the spring. Schools compete by recycling the most materials based on a number of different categories, including the most per capita basis, which schools have the best recycling rate as a percentage of total waste and which schools produce the least amount of combined trash and recycling. In 2014, UMW placed fourth out of 461 schools in the national competition, and recycling has increased across the Mary Washington campus ever since the first event took place, according to the UMW website. This year’s Recy-
cleMania starts on Feb. 7 and ends on April 2. The preseason for the event will start on Jan. 24, which serves as a practice round for schools to gather information on how fast they recycle material and analyze how well they will do when RecycleMania actually starts. UMW has received recognition in past years because of its dedication to recycling. Every week, the rankings will update on recyclemaniacs.org so students can keep track of their progress as well as other colleges’ progress. Whoever wins a category will get national recognition on their website and in a
national press release. The categories include: the grand champion, whoever has the highest recycling rate based on their campus population including food and electronics; the per capita classic, whoever has the highest recycling rate based on their campus population mi
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complete this task while maneuvering around cars is tricky.” Quann pointed out that in some cases the only option when dealing with cars to maximize clearing ability to create a safe environment for students was to have cars towed. However, Quann reassured that while cars were towed in the snow removal process, “Student cars that were towed were sent to the University Tennis Center parking lot to avoid having students get charged.” Wiltenmuth emphasized that the top priority for his department in the case of this storm has been student safety. “Our top priorities are establishing safe pathways to and from residential buildings and the University Center where food is provided to students. Student safety is on our minds around the clock,” Wiltenmuth said. Though the storm has been difficult on both students and employees involved, gratitude toward employees’ long hours and quick decision-making has not been forgotten, according to Marx. “I think I can speak on behalf of all student residents around campus by saying that whoever’s task it is to clear snow and ensure our safety, they are doing an exceptional job and we greatly appreciate their efforts,” said Marx. “Without their incredible work, our daily routines would not be possible.” By Monday following this major storm, students like Marx were able to resume regular activities, having full access to all corners of campus. This was made possible by the men and women who worked around the clock to ensure a clear and safe campus for everyone.
Student Government Association Beat
Alex Sakes
ASSISTANT EDITORS Kelly Emmrich
Wednesday, January 20 and January 27, 2016
Jacob Atkinson
All motions were originated and passed in the student senate, and then approved by the executive cabinet.
Andy Unger
Faculty Advisor
Jan. 20
Sushma Subramanian •
CRIME COVERAGE POLICY The Blue & Gray Press will publish the names of students who are formally charged by the University of Mary Washington Campus Police or the Fredericksburg Police Department to have committed acts of extreme violence against members of the UMW community or pose a large threat to that community, when names are released to the public. The Blue & Gray Press will publish names and write articles about criminal acts on a case-by-case basis according to the aforementioned parameters.
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Jan. 20: Student Lobby Day will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 3. During this time, the SGA plans to shuttle vans to Richmond to join a Richmond lobbying group that works for issues relating to students, including financial aid, student health and student debt. Jan. 27
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Jan. 27: Rick Pearce, vice president for Administration and Finance and Paul Messplay, executive director of Budget Financial Analysis, presented the 2016-2017 budget to members of the SGA. Among the features of the budget, a 3.3 percent tuition increase for full time equivalent students. During the presentation, members of SGA asked about various aspects of the budget, including if the construction of the University Center contributed to the increase in the tuition and a clearer definition of who constitutes as an administrator at UMW. REPORTING BY EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH
Thursday, January 28, 2016
SPORTS
Swim teams train in Puerto Rico
Club Team Spotlight: Cheerleading PATRICIA YATES Staff Writer
Kris Currie
MIKEY BARNES Sports Editor
This year, the University of Mary Washington men’s and women’s swimming programs traveled to Puerto Rico on Dec. 31 for the sixth straight year, the first time coming in 2010-11. The trip served as bonding time for the two programs, as team chemistry has proved vital to the most successful teams in UMW sports history. It was also a means of training for the long season the team has ahead. While in Puerto Rico, all but three of the days the team had traveled, the team swam twice a day, once in the morning and the other in the evening. During their time in Puerto Rico the coaching staff worked their swimmers to their full potential. Junior Dallas Tarkenton described the experience as the coaching staff “sparing no mercy” but said they accepted the pain and pushed through the heat. Alec Villiva, an assistant coach for the UMW track and
The University of Mary Washington Cheer team hopes to compete in Reach the Beach competition again this year in April in Ocean City, Maryland after placing third in their division last year. Since last April, the team has nearly doubled in size and would put them into a different division this year. Last year they competed in the small collegiate division and this year might be competing in the large collegiate division. “Last year we ended the season with 13 girls and this season we have over 30 people on our team. It’s a big change for us to have such a big team but it’s also really great, this team is so talented and I’m incredibly excited to see where we end up at the end of the season,” said senior theatre major and team co-captain Amanda Callender. She has been on the team for all four years and this is her second year being a co-captain. Having more people this season opens the team up to do more things than they have previously been able to do. According to Callender, the team has been working on cleaning up their routine while conditioning and practicing stunting and tumbling. President and co-captain of the UMW cheer team senior Marlaina Astorino has been on the team all four years of her time with UMW said, “It’s actually been a really gratifying experience, starting at UMW Cheer with maybe 10 people on the team, then every year our skill levels and our numbers increased and now we have over 30 and are able to build pyramids that I couldn’t imagine as a freshman. And to think that I was a part of it is really exciting.” Rebecca Dzieciolowski is a junior psychology major and in the elementary education program. This is her second year on the team and first year as co-captain. When asked how the team is adjusting to the new size, she replied, “It’s been an adjustment because we’ve had to figure out how to fit that many people on the sideline but so far it’s been great and I’m really excited to see what we’re capable of and to showcase it all at competition in April.” All three co-captains are excited and looking forward to showing off the team’s new size and increased talent throughout the year as well as at the Reach the Beach competition this year. While it may have been a shock to have their numbers doubled, they are ready to practice and learn new routines to show what talent UMW has to offer.
Dallas Tarkenton
field program also joined the swimmers and the coaching staff as he led the team in dryland workouts, in which he worked the team hard and according to Tarkenton, “busted their butts, but it was worth getting those beach bods.” During their workouts, coach Abby Brethauer and assistant Dalton Herendeen worked the men and women swimmers hard, putting them in the 50-meter pool compared to their usual 25-yard one located in Goolrick.
“BUSTED OUR BUTTS, BUT IT WAS WORTH GETTING THOSE BEACH BODS”
While in Puerto Rico, the swimmers were not all business all the time though. They were given their share of afternoon and evenings off, as they took the time to head to the beach, adventure to the boardwalk in Ponce, attempted another sport (volleyball), did their share of mini golf and napping. One of the most exciting experiences according to the swimmers was the amazing food offered by the locals of Puerto Rico. Brethauer, Herendeen, Tarkenton and the rest of the program worked hard during the trip in which they returned on Jan. 7 as they hoped to reach their goals of yet another CAC championship for each of the teams. Things have worked out for the program, as both teams are undefeated since their return.
-Dallas Tarkenton
CAC Player of the Week honoree
UMW Athletics
UMW women’s basketball senior Megan Green was awarded CAC women’s basketball player of the week for her performance. Green is from Burke, Virginia where she attended Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax. Green recieved the award for her phenomenal outing against Southern Virginia University in which she nearly reached a triple-double, a difficult feat for many to obtain. Green finished the game against the conference opponent with nine points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Green is averaging just under eight points a game along with just over four rebounds and five assists with a number of games still remaining. Due to Green’s well-rounded stellar play, the Eagles are off to a 13-3 start, putting them for a three-way tie for second with an 8-2 record in the conference.
Weekly Scoreboard MEN'S BASKETBALL:
Jan. 27 vs. Frostburg St. (W) UMW: 85 Frostburg St.: 71
Upcoming:
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Jan. 27 vs. Frostburg St.
(W) UMW: 88 Frostburg St.: 46
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Men’s Basketball Jan. 30 vs.Wesley 3:00 p.m Women’s Basketball Jan. 30 vs.Wesley 1:00 p.m.
Men’s/Women’s Swim Jan. 30 @ York (Pa.) 1:00 p.m.
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VIEWPOINTS New Year, Same You
Aim lower to achieve higher
BRITTNEE HAYNES Staff Writer
It is that time of year again, when people begin to forget and fail to reach their New Year’s resolutions. According to the University of Scranton, 45 percent of Americans usually make New Year’s resolutions, but only 8 percent of those people actually achieve their resolution. The real kicker is that one in three people abandon their resolution by the end of January. Whether you are concerned about weight, money, self-image or relationships, change is hard. Stating the resolution is a start, but the entire journey is a rollercoaster of triumphs and failures. The American Psychological Association says the inability to keep resolutions may increase anxiety, frustrations and “can make the later winter months feel hopeless.” Rather than dealing with feelings of inadequacy, the APA suggests to start small, change one behavior at a time, and ask for support. Instead of continuing with the tradition of New Year’s resolutions, which is ulti-
Courtney Dirks/ Flikr
mately prone to failure, maybe it is time to switch over to a more manageable set of short-term goals. The chief benefit for this type of goal setting is the first word of the name – short. As an alternative to a year-long resolution, people can make periodic resolutions that act as stepping-stones. For instance, if the unsuccessful New Year’s resolution was to lose weight, then the first short-term goal may be to attend a cycling class once per week. After mastering that, add another day during the week to go to a cycling class. Eventually, turn to food choices and maybe switch up a Goldfish snack for some carrots. This method allows an individual to focus on the process, as opposed to the general outcome he
These Eagles want back in the Nest Students express disapproval with dining hours LINDSEY AYLOR Staff Writer
College students are unlike any other age group. We sleep in late, stay up late, and of course, eat at very odd hours of the day. This is why Universities need to be flexible with their dining hours and have plenty of options for students to choose from. Unfortunately, at UMW, these options and flexibility have been thrown out, leaving students feeling upset and cheated. Since the inception of the Underground until the 2015-2016 school year, there were many food options with the Nest, Underground and Seacobeck. All of the food establishments were open at very convenient hours ranging from 8 a.m. for breakfast, until 1 a.m. on the weekends for late night food runs. This created the most flexible environment for student schedules. The Underground was open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and even served late night options, such as chicken and waffles or spinach artichoke dip until 1 a.m. on the weekends. This allowed students to have food for campus events, such as Bingo and Trivia night. Now students have no dining options at the Underground when events happen there because the Underground is now only open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, this is not the only dining option that has been cut down in the wake of the University Center, the Nest has taken dramatic cut backs as well. The Nest used to be full of lively activity, now it is just a shell of its former self. Once the University Center opened its doors, it revealed that the WOW Wingery was now within the fourth floor dining, resulting in severely limited hours and menu. The new menu in the WOW section of dining now only does burgers and has a rotation of quesadillas and grilled cheese. This is a shadow of the WOW’s former self as it used to be in the Nest adjacent to Vocelli’s Pizza and was a favorite place of many students on the campus. “It was reliable, the quality of food and
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the time of service,” said senior David Phillips. “You could also get food for just a meal swipe and not use flex, there were also many options. Being an athlete, I wasn’t able to go at the normal meal times, and so having something open other than Vocelli’s was very convenient.” Phillips is not the only one that feels that the changes made to dining on campus should have been left alone. Even the freshmen on campus feel cheated by the lack of dining options. “I’m upset that it’s not open often,” said freshmen Lindsey Kowaki. “It’s only open for lunch and that’s when I generally have my classes. I would want it to be open later than the UC is. Like late night hours.” Freshmen have missed out on how great campus dining used to be. The university had such a great system of dining services, and now they have severely limited the options students have available to them. This is because everything has been consolidated into the University Center in order for the University to pay for this new building. The University Center dining options all close by 10 p.m. at the latest with the majority of dining options closing by 8 p.m. This goes directly against what the University had established as the dining precedent for years before the University Center was created. “There needs to be more eating options after 8 p.m., college students stay up later and eat later, so we need more late options on campus,” said junior Colin Cate. “And anyone on the anytime meal plan is really shortchanged because their options are limited to just the UC.” This suggests that the change of the dining hours and options is a way for the University to make money to pay of the University Center instead of listening to the wants and needs of the students. The Eagles want back in their Nest and Underground, not crammed into the desired hours of the new University Center.
or she desires. Making small, realistic changes that allow for some degree of positive reinforcement once the goal is achieved permits the task to appear much more obtainable. However, according to The Washington Post, New York University professor and author of “Rethinking Positive Thinking” Gabriele Oettingen said, “Too much optimism about a goal gets in the way of the energy needed to reach it.” Self-encouragement is of the utmost importance because the biggest hurdle may be your mind. Nevertheless, excessive confidence causes you to neglect acknowledging the obstacles. Therefore, when the obstacles arise, an individual may feel less energized to overcome the obstacle.
There is a balance between wishful thinking and hard work needed to reach each stepping-stone. Another issue with making a New Year’s resolution lies within the lack of commitment to the goal. Everyone can state something he or she wishes to change, and most people can layout short-term goals; however, not everyone is committed to finding the motivation to execute the plan. By breaking down a New Year’s resolution into short-term goals, it becomes easier to find the motivation. Additionally, friends are great motivators. Using the buddy system provides a certain amount of accountability and encouragement, which adds to the motivation factor needed to achieve a resolution. Few events occur without a couple of setbacks, and resolutions are not exempt from this. With weight loss, a cookie here or a donut there is definitely not ideal, but there will always be a temptation. Rather than believing this is the end of the journey and there is no coming back, try again and keep pushing to break through the barrier that prevents success.
Editorial: Flint water crisis promotes discussion By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD
Speaking out can make an impact. Saying what you know to be true can produce results. Sometimes, however, needed actions can come too late. President Obama declared a state of emergency for Flint, Michigan on Saturday, Jan. 16 as the city containing nearly 100,000 people discovered toxic levels of lead in their drinking water. The lead has disproportionately affected children and poorer members of the city. According to the Washington Post, the concern about the drinking water began shortly after the state government in Michigan switched the water supply in Flint from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The corrosion-control additives that are usually present to prevent harmful material from entering the water supply were not added, allowing rust, iron and lead to enter residents’ drinking water. There were reports of discoloration and bad odor coming from the water. In addition, rashes crept up and were believed to be caused by something in the drinking water. Flint pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha conducted lead tests of 1,750 children taken at the area hospital where she worked, after hearing about possible high levels of lead in the water from Virginia Tech professor Marc Edwards. The percentage of lead poisoning among children, Hanna-Attisha found, had doubled or tripled in some neighborhoods, correlating where the lead levels in the water were highest. Lead poisoning can cause behavioral or attention issues, hearing problems, kidney damage, a reduced IQ and slowed body growth, according to a page on the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s website. Though concerns had been raised since the water supply was changed, the government in Flint, including Michigan’s state governor, Rick Snyder, had largely ignored claims and told citizens that the water was safe to drink, only suggesting short-term measures such as boiling the water. As of now, it is clear the water was not safe.
In instances where aid can come too late, it should not be the fault of people who are speaking. They should not be chided to speak louder, when those who are responsible to enact change have not listened. The crisis in Flint and its effect on thousands of people has brought several issues to the forefront. Debates have arisen about the environmental concerns of the water crisis, the state and federal government’s involvement in the crisis as well as the reasoning behind switching the water supply in the first place. Was it only a way to save money? When officials ignored residents’ concerns, were their comments ignored because a large portion of the population was poor and black? The environment, how much the state and federal government should be involved in peoples’ lives, the character of elected leaders and black lives are all issues that students at the University of Mary Washington come across on a daily basis, and for many, issues that they discuss and take action for. Social consciousness, the desire to be aware of important issues come through in social media posts, classroom discussions and weekly meetings among many UMW student groups. The Ecology Club and DivestUMW regularly address and take action to promote environmental sustainability. The James Farmer Multicultural Center and the Black, Islamic, Latino and Jewish student associations and Feminists United also frequently host open meetings and discuss issues of race that affect them daily. To those who are standing and speaking against corruption, racism and carelessness, we at The Blue & Gray Press encourage you to keep speaking. For those who have influence and who may have had concerns directed at you by students on campus, we ask for you to listen and understand the power of a voice and the power of a life. For us at The Blue & Gray, we will continue to listen and act when you speak to us, and to be informed, accurate and compassionate. To provide assistance and clean water to Flint, Mich., visit the Flint Water Fund at http://www. unitedwaygenesee.org/.
Thursday, January 28, 2016 Thursday, January 21, 2015
VIEWPOINTS
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Yes:
Editor: Hannah Parker | blueandgray.views@gmail.com
Gun control is important to preserve the well-being of your loved ones.
NOELLE PAOLICELLI Staff Writer
on
VICTOR SAVAGE Staff Writer
Gun control is an effort aimed to halt the rise in violent crime by strengthening laws on the ownership of firearms. Last year, handguns alone killed 10,728 people in the United States of America, according to PolitiFact. Based on this one fact, it should be no surprise that gun control is an important issue, especially in our up-
l: tro
of the military, while Adam Lanza, the shooter at Sandy Hook, used guns his parents had bought. The America we live in has come to a point where mass violence is a frequent occurrence and an unsolvable problem, and despite our best efforts there is not much left to do. America is a country where we let mass killings happen.
te ba de
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b e cure to gun violence in the form of a law or executive action, the Supreme Court has the final say on these issues. If the court rules against even the most heavily supported regulation, the law is moot and we have to return to square one. Every time an occurrence of mass violence with a gun occurs people immediately spring up to spread fear and panic. The NRA typically holds a press conference to disassociate the proliferation of guns to the shooting, while talk show hosts and members of congress hype up the tired narrative that the Obama administration will use the tragedy to take people’s guns away. These absurd reactions only serve to harden any consensus on trying to fix the problem, no matter how ineffective or paltry the restrictions. Other countries have much smaller gun violence rates despite their population or size. The United Kingdom heavily regulates the use and ownership of firearms, and so does Australia, but they both treat gun violence deaths as freak tragedies, not as a regular segment in the news. America seems to be the only place where guns are too deep in the country’s ways that they are practically sacred. I can see no legitimate way with the Second Amendment as it is will allow us to solve this problem. People can and will get guns through any way possible. Nadal Malik Hassan, the shooter at Fort Hood, had access to guns as a member
They have compromised one’s right to life. Limiting access to handguns would help prevent senseless killings of innocent people by criminals and the mentally ill. Some of the gun control laws currently in effect say no person convicted of a crime can own a gun, a person must be 21 years or older to purchase a handgun, and the most profound, 1993 Brady Handgun Control Act, which requires a waiting period for the purchase of a handgun, as well as, a background check system to ensure against the possession of guns by criminals. The Brady Handgun Control Act acknowledges that guns are powerful tools, and has made it more difficult to purchase and own a gun. Since gun handling can result in serious consequences, the Brady Handgun Control Act should comfort Americans. It does not aim at disrespecting the Second Amendment. Those opposed to gun control feel that they have a right to possess guns per the Second Amendment. But we need to understand the nation in 1791 was very different than the nation in 2016. Pro-Gun advocates feel that a gun would be a self-defense weapon. But wouldn’t it be better if a citizen found themselves in a horrifying situation, if neither of them had a gun. Is it possible to enact stricter gun control laws? We are the young voting citizens of this kr great nation and must be aware of the dei l F e/ bate over gun control, as it will continue rri a B to affect our communities and our nation. h c t Mi Sadly, guns and the outcomes of their use have become top news stories all too frequently in our world. Guns are dangerous weapons and we need to make changes in the laws regarding the possession of firearms. Gun control is important to preserve the well-being of your loved ones.
the
Those with little knowledge on American politics can identify a pattern in this country that happens any time there is a massively publicized shooting. First comes the rampant speculation, followed by scrounging for motives and backstory for the killers, a call for a “national conversation” on gun violence, a general pushback by the National Rifle Association, conservative politicians, and then a reburial of the issue until the next scheduled tragedy. Many Americans are sick of this constant merry-go-round, and are even more fed up with the fact that mass shootings seem to happen so often in the USA. The fact is, a different national conversation needs to happen. Not one on preventing gun violence, or addressing mental health issues, nor one on helping law enforcement with preemptive measures. We need to get used to mass shootings. The gun issue has no real points of reconciliation for either side. We could have done something a long time ago. Conservatives like Ronald Reagan were in favor of gun control in the 1960s and 1970s, when the major concern over who could carry guns came in the form of the Black Panther Party. While they had a similar message of personal defense and solidarity against reactionary government forces, they were the target of some of the first laws that limited where and when one could carry guns. The NRA has similarly changed its stance on the right to guns, as its original membership were ousted in a sort of a coup in 1977. Once a hunting and fishing group with views much like the Sierra Club, the takeover by gun rights activists has lead the NRA to be at the forefront of any gun issue across the country. Since the mood has swung around since then this has led to a much different environment to argue this. With this sea change has come a reinterpretation of the Second Amendment. While previously a minor part of the Bill of Rights, and indeed as a part of most Americans’ lives, a view has been pushed to the forefront that it not only protects the right for “a well-regulated militia” but that of people’s individual gun rights. This is the major obstacle in the way of gun reform. While there could hypothetically
coming 2016 Presidential election; Donald Trump supporters will most likely mock this article, while Bernie Sanders supporters will probably take the time to read this article in its entirety. The word ‘gun’ brings to mind violence, crime, protection and death because we hear about it so frequently in the news. Guns can be used to threaten and kill or to defend, hunt and protect. No matter which side of the political spectrum you fall under, you have to agree that guns are powerful tools. Unfortunately, the mainstream media tries to ignore and downplay this fact. According to the Gun Violence Archive, in 2015, there were 330 mass shootings and the public hears about one in six of these shootings. We all have heard about the devastation in Newtown, Virginia Tech and Columbine. These incidents have devastated families and brought about fears and insecurities.
Mass violence is a frequent occurrence and an unsolvable problem. 5
LIFE
Editor: Della Hethcox blueandgray.life@gmail.com
New student publication, True College News, brings satire to UMW UMW True College News, a student-run publication, agreed to be interviewed anonymously by the Life Editor, Della Hethcox. Below is a transcription of their email interview, edited only for clarity.
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Thursday, January 28, 2015
LIFE
“Awe + Wonder” art exhibit captures the artistic spirit of beloved professor
hibition room, several rows of art related books sit on a long table. Interested in taking a book? For each “Awe + Wonder” is the first exhiperson who donates financially to bition of the semester, opening to the JeanAnn Dabb Memorial Fund the public in duPont Gallery on Jan. is welcome to take a book as a gift 14. The exhibition showcases a vain honor of Dabb’s memory. The riety of artists and mediums, rangbooks were bequeathed to UMW by ing from paintings, mosaics, ceramDabb in her library. ics and photographs, all in honor of “It’s important to know that this is JeanAnn Dabb, who passed away her personal collection she actually last year from cancer. left at the university,” Eynav OvaUMW Galleries hosted an offidia, a senior art history major said. cial reception in conjunction with Ovadia is also a student assistant. Dabb’s memorial, commemorating The exhibit also includes messagher life as an artist, professor and es from those whose lives were individual. touched by Dabb and the influence The exhibition consists of art from she brought to their lives. Dabb’s personal collection and in“Awe + Wonder” is open Tuescludes pieces from University of day-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 Mary Washington faculty as well as Weiqi Liu/The Blue & Gray Press p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 1 “Untitled” by Molly Sheldon alumni. p.m. to 4 p.m., and the exhibit is Dabb, an art professor, began her Dadd also served as the Chair for ting on carpet, next to a tall carved free to the public. UMW career in 1992, shortly after the Department of Art and Art His- wood pedestal, in a warm indoor Visitors can enjoy artworks of varscene. her graduation from the Universi- tory. ious styles, media, and techniques ty of Michigan with a doctorate in Dabb’s energy extended not only An arresting piece by Miriam Tothat are displayed in the small room art history. In addition to teaching, to art, but also to academia. In 2009 bias was a voodoo buddha made of duPont gallery. she received the Mary W. Pin- from ceramic and pearl headed pins, schmidt award, UMW’s which juxtaposed with most prestigious award the bright pink pottery for excellence in under- pots sporting exaggerated graduate teaching, ac- facial features standing cording to UMW’s web- atop a plate covered in pink kiss marks, created site. Each piece of artwork by Molly Sheldon. in this peaceful gal- “This gallery is a combilery has its own very nation of students’ works unique style. Nearly and professors’ works,” every genre of art was Diana Inthavong, a senior represented, there were double major in art histodrawings in the abstract, ry and historic preservaand simple geometri- tion, said. Inthavong is a cal sketches and then a gallery monitor. “There return to the classics of are also works of our professor who recently realist oil paintings. A memorable paint- passed. That’s why we ing for visitors is an oil have her entire library collection.” Weiqi Liu/The Blue & Gray Press Weiqi Liu/The Blue & Gray Press painting of a border ter“Lab 1” and “FFII 6 m/s” by Travis Head “Voodoo Boodah” by Miriam Tobias rier with a red collar sit- In one corner of the exWEIQI LIU Staff Writer
Assorted artwork by Steven Griffin, Robert Lynn and Kicki Masthem
Weiqi Liu/The Blue & Gray Press
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LIFE Plugged In Playlist: the editors’ edition
Thomas/Flickr
Have you ever wondered what music keeps the editors of the paper motivated? Wonder no more! As a staff, we have each chosen two of our current favorite songs to share with you, the campus. If you are in need of some new tunes, check out our 16 top songs. The songs range from MoTown, rap, classic rock, experimental, alternative rock to pop. This playlist represents the diverse nature of the staff’s musical tastes and gives you a sampler of what we play during production night each week. Happy listening!
1.“Send Me on My Way” by Rusted Root, chosen by Chris Markham, Editor-in-Chief 2.“Baby” by Justin Bieber, chosen by Mikey Barnes, Sports Editor 3.“Piano Man” by Billy Joel, chosen by Chris Markham, Editor-in-Chief 4.“Philosophize in it! Chemicalize in it!” by Kishi Bashi, chosen by Hannah Parker, Viewpoints Editor
5.“Professional Rapper” by Lil Dicky, chosen by Ethan Tobin, Online Editor 6.“End Run” by Cloudbirds, chosen by Hannah Parker, viewpoints editor 7.“Jordan Belfort” by Wes Walker, chosen by Mikey Barnes, Sports Editor 8.“Real Friends/No More Parties in LA” by Kanye West, chosen by Emily Hollingsworth, News Editor 9.“Imagine” by John Lennon, chosen by Sarah Grammer, News Editor 10.“Time” by Hans Zimmer, chosen by Emily Hollingsworth, News Editor 11.“Someone Anyone” by Anberlin, chosen by Della Hethcox, Life Editor 12.“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” by The Temptations, chosen by Sarah Grammer, News Editor
13.“Stronger” by Clean Bandit, chosen by Della Hethcox, Life Editor 14.“Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty, chosen by Alex Sakes, Photography Editor 15.“Sav Dat Money” by Lil Dicky, chosen by Ethan Tobin, Online Editor 16.“Jet Airliner” by the Steve Miller Band, chosen by Alex Sakes, Photography Editor If you are interested in writing about entertainment, particularly music, please contact Della Hethcox, the life editor. We are looking for a regular columnist who is enthusiastic about music of all genres. 9
NEWS POLICE BEAT BY EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Edtor
Assault
Assault and battery in tandem with underage possession of alcohol took place in Alvey Hall on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 3 a.m. Prosecution was declined by the victims of assault and a student received an administrative referral.
An instance of simple assault took place at Russell Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 3:15 a.m. Prosecution was declined by the victim and a student received an administrative referral.
Alcohol Possession Underage possession of alcohol took place at Russell Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 2:20 a.m. A student received an administrative referral.
Vandalism Vandalism occurred at the Eagle Landing Parking Deck on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 4:45 p.m. The case is pending.
Islamic Student Association
hosts open discussion, speaker concerning religion Kbolino/wikipedia
EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor
The Islamic Student Association at the University of Mary Washington wants to set the record straight. The group, which has between 15 and 20 members, will be hosting an open discussion on Monday, Feb. 1 titled “The Truth about Islam: Open Discussion on Terrorism, Human Rights and Islam.” The Arab Culture Club and the Office of the Dean will also sponsor the discussion. The event will be held in the Chandler Ballroom and will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will host a speaker, Imam Yahya Hendi from Georgetown University, who will be addressing misconceptions about the Islamic faith that have taken place in the U.S. culture for the past few years, according to the event’s page on OrgSync. Hendi is the first full-time Muslim Chaplain hired by a University, according to Georgetown University’s website. Hendi is also a member and the spokesperson of the Islamic Jurisprudence Council of North America and is currently working on his doctorate in Comparative Religion. He has also published several works relating to women in Islam, women and gender relations in Islam, the coming of
the Messiah and religion and Islam in the United States. According to Islamic Student Association vice president Mariam Khan, Hendi had spoken at the Islamic Cultural Celebration hosted by UMW in 2011. “I think serving as a chaplain at Georgetown, he has historical and religious knowledge about Islam that other may not, and he has been working with communities all around the world to bring awareness to Islam,” Khan said. “I think he will be able to do that at UMW too.” Issues relating to the Islamic faith have been prevalent in the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania area for several months. On Nov. 17, there was a meeting regarding a Mosque in Spotsylvania County. During the meeting, a man interrupted Samer Shalaby, a trustee of the Islamic Center of Fredericksburg, who was presenting the proposal. The man, according to a video recorded by The Free Lance-Star, said the project would take “40 parking spots too many.” The man continued, stating “Nobody, nobody, nobody wants your evil cult.” The meeting ended early after it escalated to shouting and expletive-use, according to The Free Lance-Star’s report. The incident reached national atten-
tion from media sources such as Salon magazine, New York Daily News and Vox. The Free Lance-Star’s video of the meeting was shared by Business Insider as well as other news sites and has tens of thousands of views. Following the event, the Diversity and Unity Committee Chair, along with other UMW students and the Islamic Student Association, became involved with a petition near the end of last semester, where students could show support for The Islamic Center of Fredericksburg by giving their signatures, either in-person or online. Khan encourages students and faculty who have been curious about the Islamic faith to attend the discussion on Feb. 1, and noted that the event is interactive, giving each person a chance to learn and ask questions. “This event is meant to be interactive for everyone,” Khan said, “so please come with any questions.” Khan also pointed out the event is meant to clear misconceptions about Islam, particularly that the religion is based in violence. “I think the biggest misconception of Islam is that it is an inherently a violent religion and so are its followers, but that is far from the truth,” Khan said.
Snow Days at UMW
Vandalism occurred at Eagle Landing on Monday, Jan. 25 between 1 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. The case is pending.
The Blue & Gray Press will publish the names of students who are formally charged by the University of Mary Washington Campus Police or the Fredeicksburg Police Department to have committed acts of extreme violence against members of the UMW community or pose a large threat to that community, when names are released to the public. The Blue & Gray Press will publish names and write articles about criminal acts on a case-by-case basis according to the aforementioned parameters.
Alex Sakes / The Blue & Gray Press
Sarah Grammer / The Blue & Gray Press
The information was compiled with assistance from UMW Police Manager James DeLoatch and Fredericksburg Police Department Public Information Officer Sarah Kirkpatrick.
Girard Bucello
Students prepare to sled down Marshall Hill during their snow day
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Girard Bucello
Campus Dining hands bagged meals to students in wake of snowfall.
Thursday, January 28, 2015
NEWS Eco-Reps, Sustainability Office among UMW groups involved in RecycleMania this year
Posts and chains on Ball Circle
•RECYCLE| 2
Sarah Grammer/ The Blue & Gray Press
NICCOLO BARATTO Staff Writer
Students this semester may have noticed something different about Ball Circle. A post-and-chain fence, which now wraps the outer edges of the lawn, was reinstalled by Facilities Services as a preventative measure to protect the lawn from damage the circle underwent last semester. According to John Wiltenmuth, associate vice president for Facilities Services, he and Facilities Services made the decision to build the fence due to damage on Ball Circle’s lawn. This damage was attributed to vehicles driving through the area a few months before. “The decision to reinstall the post and chain was based upon the need to reduce the significant vehicular damage that was occurring to Ball Circle during the fall semester,” Wiltenmuth said. Wiltenmuth also stated that a postand-chain fence had surrounded Ball Circle before in previous semesters. It was only removed during the fall 2015 semester while construction was taking
place in the area. “Posts and chain are not new to our campus and were used around Ball Circle prior to the construction activities of the University Center,” Wiltenmuth said. The post-and-chain fence begins near Madison Hall and stretches across the circle, stopping near the entrance to Custis Hall. The fence appears to be incomplete at the entrance of Virginia Hall, where there are posts, but not chains. As the fence continues to be assembled around Ball Circle, students gave their thoughts on the fence returning. Charbel Marche, a sophomore who is currently studying computer science, believed the chain will be inconvenient for students who often use Ball Circle to get to the University Center or their residence halls. “I think it’s ridiculous that there isn’t an opening where students can walk through,” Marche said. Drew Mesa, a sophomore who is currently studying history, had a similar sentiment about the post-and-chain fence. “It’s an inconvenience for people to
have to walk around Ball Circle instead of cutting through,” Mesa said. These are not the only students upset about this decision. Others on social network sites such as Yik Yak also expressed their displeasure at the fence, because they seem to believe that the fence represents a barrier, and they do not feel like they should have to cross over the fence to reach residence halls or the University Center. However, there are also students who do not think the fence will be an issue for them. Noah Zoroya, also a sophomore studying history, does not believe the fence will interfere with his schedule. “It doesn’t really make a difference to me. I don’t mind walking on the path instead of the grass,” Zoroya said. As students and staff acclimate to the post-and-chain fence, the protective measure around Ball Circle may act to prevent damage to the lawn in the future, allowing students to use either the brick pathway to walk to the University Center or reach the lawn where chains have not been assembled, particularly in front of Virginia Hall.
CORRECTIONS for THE Week PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS TO Chris Markham, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramarian, ssubrama@umw.edu
In the Police Beat on last week’s issues, the Police Beat was attributed to Emily Hollingsworth as an assistant news editor. Hollingsworth is a news editor.
On the front page of last week’s issues, we had underestimated the amount of snow that was meant to affect the University. The snowfall, according to the National Weather Service, was between 14 to 19 inches for Fredericksburg.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
nus food and electronics; waste minimization, which ever school produces the least amount of recyclables and trash; and the gorilla prize, whoever recycles the most without regarding the campus population. The winning school will also receive an award made out of recyclable materials and the right to host whatever category it wins during the next season. According to Recyclemaniacs’ website, over 200 schools will participate in RecycleMania throughout North America this year. In Virginia, UMW ranked first in the competition in 2013 and 2014. Eco-Reps, a group partnered with the sustainability office who tries to solicit change throughout the UMW campus through education and awareness, will help organize and promote the Recyclemania event across the UMW campus this year. The group hopes to help promote recycling, encourage friendly competition and encourage people to help spread awareness of the event across the college. Marty Morrison, the head of the sustainability office, said the Eco-Reps are putting the last-minute touches on the UMW campaign this year. “The plans for the RecycleMania campaign are soon to be finalized by Eco-Reps, but is likely they will be similar to previous years,” Morrison said. If the event does stay similar to previous years, it is likely they will collect the recyclables from the residence halls and hand out rewards. Eco-Reps will post information on the event on the UMW website and the Facebook page will also post information regarding the event closer to the start of the competition. Emily Daly, junior English major, is looking forward to this year’s event. “I am happy that we are having an event that is promoting recycling,” Daly said. Christopher Cummings, freshman accounting major, hopes the sustainability office will advertise the event beforehand. “Eco-Reps will spread information about the event before it starts so students can prepare,” Cummings said. Students can keep track of UMW’s progress by looking at the UMW website or the Recyclemaniacs website. According to the UMW website, in 2012 around 37.96 pounds of trash were recycled for every person on the Mary Washington campus. This year, UMW hopes to beat its previous records and win a specific category in the RecycleMania competition. 11
SPORTS
Editor: Mikey Barnes | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com
Men’s Basketball off to rough start in conference play
Women’s team continues dominant play as tournament approaches
UMW Athletics
UMW Athletics
MIKEY BARNES Sports Editor
The 201516 season has brought many up and down moments for the University of Mary Washington men and women basketball programs. As though that may be the case, as the CAC tournament approaches, the team’s have progressed skilfully and in the ways of team chemistry, creating optimism for the remainder of the season. The season opened up on November 15 for the UMW men’s basketball program, on the day the team created a feat that took them 11 games last year, they came away victorious. That win on November 15 against Randolph Macon set a stage for the Eagle’s basketball program that there was a new team in town and that second year head coach Marcus Kahn and his boys are a new program. In his first year as the man in charge at Mary Washington, the eagle’s men’s basketball program finished the season at 819, while advancing to the second round of the CAC tournament with an upset victory at Marymount University. Last year’s team only graduated one senior, that being lead scorer and captain Taylor Johnson. Despite the loss of their star player, Kahn and his staff recruited highly coming into this season gaining additions of some key freshman and transfers, notably leading scorer T.J Jones. These key additions have led this year’s team to what many consider a turnaround season, despite their current four game skid. The eagle’s are currently 79 on the season, with their struggles coming in the conference at 36. Despite the under .500 win percentage, six of the team’s nine losses have been by 6 points or less. T.J Jones, the team’s leading scorer with just under 18 points a game is a junior transfer from Division II Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. Twice Jones has come up big for the eagle’s in the clutch as he sealed victories for the program with buzzerbeating shots. The first buzzer beater was a threepointer against then 16th ranked Virginia Wesleyan college at home. Just three games later, Jones came up big again at conference opponent Wesley College.  Mark Madison, a freshman from Norfolk, Va is an another example of one of Kahn’s newer editions who has stepped up big for the program. Madison is the second leading scorer for the eagle’s with 11.1 points per game. One teammate of Madison’s referred to him as the likely CAC freshman of the year. His impressive numbers are accompanied by a phenomenal percentage from the freethrow line, as
Thursday, January 28 2015
Madison often finds himself at the charity stripe throughout the game, he is shooting just under 90 percent. The team’s biggest lost of the season was not an actual defeat from the hands of an opponent, but came in the second game of the season as sophomore captain Eric Shaw went down with an injury. Shaw’s injury created some discouragement for the team as he has been the proven vocalist for the young eagles. The injury forced Shaw to sit out the next 12 games, but this did not leave him discouraged as even in the games that Shaw had to sit out, he could often be seen as lead vocalist from the bench and consistently encouraging his teammates throughout the games regardless of the score. Shaw returned to action at Marymount University and proved to have little rust as he scored 18 points and pulled down 7 rebounds. He then followed up his return game with a similar performance of 18 points and 9 rebounds against Southern Virginia. In his four games so far on the season, Shaw is averaging 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. When asked about Shaw’s injuries Coach Kahn said, “initially we thought it was going to be an awful blow, but individuals like John Cronin have really stepped it up, but we are very happy to have Eric back.... with Eric back, a lot less pressure is put on players like TJ because Eric is such an offensive threat.” Junior Isaac Blue, one of the longest tenured players on the team had a lot to say about this years team and the success compared to last years. Blue, “The pain we felt last season was a huge motivator for this season so that we never felt that way again which has helped with our success this year.” A very young team this year, the UMW men’s program has a lot to look forward not just for the remainder of this season, but for years to come. Like last year, this years team will be graduating only one senior, creating the way for the six juniors to step up next season and the classes below them with greater experience under their belt. Kahn about the youth of his team, “ It is a very positive thing to be such a young team, we can keep the nucleus together for a lot of years....Experience matters.” Both Blue and Kahn would like to thank Eagle Nation for their continued support and ask that they keep coming out to cheer on the program.
Like the men’s program, the University of Mary Washington women’s program is off to a better start this season than last. The big difference between the two programs though is the record difference for the women, who are just one game better than last year at 13-3, compared to 12-4 in 2014-15. The men last year at the 16-game mark were 3-13, compared to this year’s 7-9. The team that lost in the CAC championship game and was denied an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament last year came into this season hungry and ready. Last year’s program graduated four seniors, opening up space for this year’s team for incoming freshman. A core of players who have really helped this program reach the success it has. The UMW women’s program coached by head coach Deena Applebury was voted preseason favorites to win the CAC.
“OUR CHEMISTRY AND DEFENSIVE MINDSET ARE BOTH TOP PRIORITIES EVERY SINGLE DAY WHETHER WE ARE IN PRACTICE OR A GAME” - Kendall Parker The Eagles opened up the season with a debacle of the Lynchburg Hornets 67-48, where junior Breezi Comden, like she has most games this season, led them in scoring. The Eagles started off the season 6-0, with only two of their victories being less than a 22-point margin. The Eagles second victory of the season came over Randolph College by 41 points. This was the second largest victory of the season for the women’s team, a 50-point margin of victory of conference opponent Frostburg State. This year’s women’s program is led by Comden who is averaging just under 14 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and is also shooting a phenomenal 55 percent from the field. Comden has boasted two double-doubles this season and has had
performances of 24 and 25 points. Elizabeth Dofflemyer is an example of the great additions to this year’s team. The freshman guard is averaging 9.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Dofflemyer has three double-doubles on the season including a 21-11 game against Virginia Wesleyan. Kendall Parker, the sophomore sharpshooter, is the third leading scorer for the Eagles with 8.4 points per game including a 20 point performance against Meredith College in which she made six three-pointers. When asked what has led to the success of this years team, Parker said, “Our chemistry and defensive mindset are both top priorities every single day whether we are in practice or a game.” Parker also mentioned that the freshmen’s eagerness to learn and get better has been vital to the programs current success over the season. Of their three losses, one came in Puerto Rico over the winter break in which the team competed in a tournament in San Juan. Another loss for the program this season came by the hands of Christopher Newport University who defeated the Eagles by 10. Christopher Newport is ranked just out of the DIII top 25 as they are one of the teams who has received a number of votes. Parker expressed her team goals to win the CAC championship this year, but the team’s main focus is to just get better at the game every single day to get them closer and closer to their goal. The Eagles are hungry and ready to take back the championship title they were unable to come away with that last season. Both the men and women teams will be in action at home for three consecutive games as they look to improve their overall records as they attempt to climb the CAC rankings ladder.
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