The Blue & Gray Press by The Weekly Ringer

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

April 6, 2017

VOLUME 90 | ISSUE 21

PRESS

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

1922

Creator of gay pride flag dies at age 65 Kayleigh Rongey Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington prides itself on being a diverse and accepting school for all students. Recent events, such as the appearance of homophobic propaganda on campus, have brought students together rather than divide them. The community has united under the philosophy that “Love trumps hate.” The gay pride flag can be found in dorm room windows and flying on porches in the surrounding area as a symbol of the community’s inclusiveness. This flag appears so regularly around campus, in fact, that it has almost become overlooked, making it easy for us to forget about how far the LGBTQ+ community has come. Gilbert Baker, creator of the gay pride flag, died at age 65 in his home in New York City this past Friday, March 31. His friend and fellow gay rights activist, Cleve Jones, confirmed the death of the self-proclaimed “gay Betsy Ross.” Despite suffering a stroke several years prior, Jones stated that his friend remained healthy and had not recently been ill. The death was sudden and unexpected. Baker had been a protester during the gay rights movement of the 1970s and was known for his creative signs and banners. He made the first gay pride flags by dying strips of fabric in trashcans and hand-sewing the pieces together. Some original concepts of the flag featured the pink triangle that had been used by Nazis during World War II to identify gay men while they were in concentration camps. Baker was finally asked by Harvey Milk, a San Francisco city supervisor, in 1978 to make a flag that would represent the LGBTQ+ community at the gay

Flikr / Creative Commons

Top: Gilbert Baker, the creator of the rainbow flag, symbol of the LGBT community. Bottom: Cleve Jones, founder of The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt and Gilbert Baker.

Academic halls close early until hours are decided Colleen Sullivan Staff Writer

•GAY PRIDE | 10

Flikr / Creative Commons

UMW Archives

Combs Hall is one of many UMW buildings with limited hours.

IN THIS

ISSUE

FLOCKA FLAME

Late study nights are a hallmark of the average college student’s lifestyle. At the University of Mary Washington, there are many resources available for students whose studies flourish after dusk. The Hurley Convergence Center for example, is open 24 hours a day and the Simpson Library operates into the evening most days. In spite of the abundance of online resources available at both of these facilities, there are some programs that are specific to academic buildings. In Trinkle Hall, for instance, there are computer science programs, like RStudio, and in Combs Hall there are language audio files. For the past two years, there have been meetings regarding the hours of academic buildings and these will continue through the summer. The current times are not set in stone. This newly enforced closing procedure is spurred by a desire to protect students and the equipment that the buildings hold, while still promoting a versatile academic environment for students to work in. This separation of vital resources causes quite a hassle for students once the building closes, which generally happens at 10 p.m. Freshman Katie Wells talked about where she tends to study, saying, “The HCC and Simpson library are great resources, but sometimes they can be busy... I prefer studying in Woodard.” In her case, Woodard Hall isn’t open as much as the HCC and the library. During this semester, the prompt closure of buildings has been enforced more than it has in the past. Chief of Police Michael Hall has avidly attended the meetings regarding the hours of academic buildings. Hall does not control the building hours, but when he feels it is prudent during a meeting, he offers his opinion on the matter. “There must be a balance of the

POLITICAL PROFESSORS

•CLOSING EARLY | 2

CHEER CHAMPS

Students get riled up at the CPB Spring Concert

Professors voice political opinions in classroom

Cheerleading grabs second place at weekend competition

LIFE | 6

VIEWPOINTS | 4

SPORTS | 12

NEWS

Editors: Ester Salguero & Lauren Taylor | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

Students booted out of Monroe and Combs Halls

THE

BLUE & GRAY 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.

EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Markham

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Alex Spence

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Ester Salguero Lauren Taylor

VIEWPOINTS Tessa Cate

LIFE

safety of the campus and the education of students,” said Hall, who says he holds himself personally accountable for the safety of each student. “Safety comes first and foremost.” Ensuring safety is an important aspect to consider, especially since past occurrences have prompted the need for more secure buildings. Unlocked doors cause a building to become susceptible to burglary, grand larceny, vandalism, property damage and, on occasion, homeless people staying overnight. Though some students see locked buildings as a hindrance, the payoff is a safe and secure campus. Oftentimes, professors file a request with the police station to allow certain students to be admitted into academic buildings past closing hours. Freshman Noah Carpenter takes a linear algebra class and needs the Lab R9 software so that he can complete his quizzes. This program cannot be installed on Mac computers, so he must go to the lab in

Kelly Emmrich

Trinkle Hall to use it. “Some of my classmates have such busy schedules that they have no choice but to go to the lab at night,” Carpenter said. Since the professor has submitted a request to allow the students inside, anyone in the class can call the police station and give the appropriate information to gain entrance. Carpenter notes that if this program was available at the HCC, he would readily take advantage of the convenience. “It would be easier to find time to go to the HCC rather than the lab, and there also wouldn’t be a need to contact the police,” Carpenter said. In the past, Trinkle Hall was open 24 hours a day. This is no longer in effect since the construction of the HCC made it unnecessary to duplicate services. The HCC was originally devised as “a place where a variety of technology, information, and teaching resources will come together.” This mission remains true in a variety of ways, such as the addition

of the Writing and Speaking Centers, the computers available on the first and second floors, and the conference rooms for group meetings. Considering the sheer amount of resources available for students in the $27 million facility, it doesn’t seem infeasible for specialty computer programs, which are currently scattered throughout other campus buildings, to be consolidated there. The HCC is open 24/7 and security officers are stationed there each evening, making it one of the safest places for students to study at night, especially compared to an empty academic building. Although most buildings on campus are oriented towards education, the HCC and Simpson Library are specifically designated for both individual or group learning. The merging of all computer programs into these buildings could improve the safety of students and foster a more flexible learning environment than before.

Student Senate Beat

SPORTS

Wednesday, March 29

Mikey Barnes

The following motions have been passed by UMW Student Senate. The passing of a motion does not mean that its terms are subject to happen. The motions will be reviewed by the Student Government Association Executive Cabinet, who will then vote on the proposed motions.

ONLINE Ethan Tobin

PHOTO

MOTIONS PASSED IN SENATE:

Alex Sakes •

Business Team Linda Fitzpatrick

Nancy Pham / The Blue & Gray Press

•CLOSING EARLY | 1

•

A motion that Student Senate work with Residence Life to allow students to bring mini fridges in Eagle Landing.

A motion that Buildings and Grounds work with Residence Life to provide paper products, specifically paper towels, toilet paper and light bulbs to Eagle Landing and UMW Apartment residents, that the costs be included as a part of the room and board rates.

Janelle Behm

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

For more information, contact the president of Student Senate, Ethan Carter at : ecarter@mail.umw.edu All motions were originated and passed in the Student Senate. They have not gone through approval by the Executive Cabinet.

DETAILS PROVIDED BY JAMIE MCGUIRE

Thursday, April 6, 2017

SPORTS Club Sport Spotlight: Club Tennis Club Tennis

AMANDA HOWAR Staff Writer

Co-ed Club Tennis is a great way to meet people and to continue to play a team sport if someone does not want to play at the varsity level. While Club Tennis is more competitive than an intramural sport, it is less stressful and allows for a more social aspect of the sport. “I love the social aspect and the camaraderie among my teammates. Practices are always fun and a great stress-reliever,” said senior co-captain of Club Tennis Emily Saia. Anyone can join the team; it does not matter if someone is a beginner or advanced. On the varsity level at UMW, women’s and men’s tennis compete on separate teams but Club Tennis is co-ed. Tennis is a great sport to be co-ed because the rules and court size for tennis are exactly the

same for any gender. Women and men have similar strengths on the tennis court with women and men competing on the same level. “I think for our sport, it’s the matter of skills and talent, not gender,” said junior co-captain Marcus Mitra. Club Tennis practices are fun but also have enough competitive edge since they participate in tournaments. Practices are three times a week for 90-minute sessions but during tournament season, they have extra practices. Men and women will practice against each other in singles during practices. There is also a mix up during doubles. This allows the teams to be prepared for tournaments and strengthen the bond within the team. Just like any team, Club Tennis participates in tournaments in the Virginia and Maryland area. Other tournaments are held in the Mid-Atlantic section. Club Tennis goes to six tournaments every year. This semester the team played against University of

Virginia and the next tournaments they are going to are at Virginia Beach and the University of Maryland. In tournaments the matches are men’s singles and doubles, women’s singles and doubles, and a mixed doubles match with male and female pair playing against another male and female pair. Club Tennis is an excellent way to join a sport and participate as a team in tournament play. Someone can be competitive in this sport but Club Tennis puts an emphasis on being a team player and giving it your all to the sport. The team members are supportive of each other no matter the skill level, “Some are really good Division I teams but we keep up with them and hold our own even though our team is relatively small compared to them, and that I’m very proud of,” Mitra said.

Baseball is back and better than ever with an exciting Opening Day DUSTIN THOMAS Staff Writer

It is the beginning of April and warm weather is upon us. Get your sunflower seeds, cracker jacks and peanuts and get ready because baseball is finally here. Things kicked off on Sunday with a 1:05 p.m. first pitch by Chris Archer at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. Six teams were in action on Sunday and Madison Bumgarner stole the show once again by taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning and hitting two home runs of his own against Zack Greinke and the Arizona Diamondbacks. In their first game defending their reign as World Series Champions, the Chicago Cubs lost on a walk off hit by Randal Grichuk in the bottom of the ninth. Twenty-four teams set to take the field on Monday with lots of new faces on their ball clubs. The Detroit Tigers-Chicago White Sox started the day was cancelled due to rain. For the first time since 1997, someone started at DH for the Boston Red Sox as Hanley Ramirez’s name was on

the lineup card after spending parts of the past two seasons starting at first base and left field. Many eyes were watching rookies such as Andrew Benintendi, Gary Sanchez and Dansby Swanson as they made their Opening Day debut after showing flashes in the small glimpse we got of them last September. Benintendi impressed the best out of the bunch leading the Red Sox to a win after a not so impressive first start by reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello who gave up three runs over six and one third innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In a rematch of the American League’s wild card game between the Orioles and Blue Jays that ended in a 5-2 extra inning victory for the Blue Jays had a different outcome this time. In the bottom of the 11th, reigning AL home run champ Mark Trumbo hit a solo shot to give the O’s the victory. With question marks all off season as to who was going to be the new closer in the nation’s capital, Blake Treinen finally stepped up and proved to all of

us that Nationals manager Dusty Baker made the right call. Treinen shut the door in top of the ninth inning in which ended the 4-2 contest against the Miami Marlins in which Bryce Harper and new utility man Adam Lind homered. Clayton Kershaw picked up exactly where he left off last year by allowing only one run in seven innings of work against the San Diego Padres and continues his record for the lowest ERA on Opening Day with a 0.99. In their first game since their heartbreaking World Series lost, the Cleveland Indians beat the Texas Rangers by a score of 8-5 and was led by new designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion and former Cy Young award winner who gave up five runs in six innings of work. It is not an even number year so we know the San Francisco Giants will not be winning it all in October but if Monday was an indication of who will then we are in for a treat ladies and gentleman.

UMW Track & Field runs past opponents at Battleground Relays MIKEY BARNES Sports Editor

On March 31, the University of Mary Washington men and women’s track and field teams hosted the Battleground Relays, welcoming a number of other teams to Fredericksburg and UMW’s brand new outdoor track and field facility. The 2017 Battleground Relays began in rainy fashion. Senior Chris Markham made the best of the cold rain as he finished in second place overall in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time 9:53. Sophomore Calhoun Stirling was right behind Markham, in third place with a time of 9:56. School record holder, junior Daniel Forjan finished in second in the hammer throw with a toss of 127 feet and 4.25 inches. Freshman Daniel Robertson finished in third with a throw of 122 feet and 5.25 inches. The women’s sprint medley relay team took first place, with a team of Lauren Esprit, Janel Moore, Erin Andrewlevich and Kristy White. Senior Sheree Turner took second in the hammer throw 145 feet and eight inches. On the second day, Saturday, April 1, UMW had a number of phenomenal performances. Senior Danielle Holzhauser took second in the 100-meter hurdles at 17.54. The distance medley relay team of Marin Bader, Kathryn Beddoo, White and Emily Knerr finished with a time of 13:20. Turner grabbed another second place finish in the shot put at 11.81 meters. Freshman Avery Haislip won in the pole vault at 2.75 meters, where sophomore Brynne Reeves took second at the same height. Senior Ben Sorenson took second in the 1500 meters with a time of 4:06.96. Freshman Camron Rauch finished in third at 200-meters at 22.63. On that second day, Forjan won shot put at 15.33 meters and finished in third at discus at 41.43 meters. It was not a scored meet, but was a phenomenal overall performance by UMW in their final home meet before hosting conferences on April 21 and 22. UMW will be back in action, Saturday, April 8 at George Mason.

Weekly Scoreboard SOFTBALL:

Apr. 5 @ CNU (L) UMW:2 CNU: 10

women's LACROSSE

Apr. 5 @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (W) UMW: 10 St. Mary’s: 6

baseball

softball:

Apr. 5 @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (L) UMW: 9 St. Mary’s: 20

men's LACROSSE

Apr. 5 vs. St. Mary’s (Md.) (W) UMW: 11 Ursinus: 7

April 8 vs. Wesley 3:00 P.M.

women's LACROSSE

April 9 vs. Catholic 3:30 P.M.

baseball

April 8 @ York (Pa.) 3:00 P.M.

men's LACROSSE

April 12 @ Frostburg St. 4:00 P.M.

VIEWPOINTS

Professors’ political opinions: helpful or hurtful? THEODOSIUS ZOTOS Staff Writer

Moderation is the key to everything. Having a conscious filter regarding your words and their implications is important, especially for educators. Professors have the academic freedom to voice their beliefs in class, including political ideologies, but at the same time these expressed opinions should be self-monitored and used only to enhance classroom learning. Professors should not take advantage of the influence that comes with their profession and should not utilize their platform to influence students to take a certain political position. Of course, determining the right amount of political expression in a classroom can be arbitrary and there is no set value on what should be allowed. As a sophomore political science major, I am consistently engaging in political discussions in and outside the classroom setting. After taking four semesters worth of classes at UMW, I now understand how much a professor can influence your beliefs and shape your views. I also understand how discouraging it can be when you do not share the same beliefs as a professor or when you do not agree with the direction of a classroom discussion. No one wants to express an opinion in a classroom when there is no one else to agree -- it can be uncomfortable and sometimes frightening. Although I have only experienced this a few times, other students have

voiced this same concern to me on numerous occasions. Economics professor Steve Greenlaw shared his view on the topic and said, “I have long thought that if I told students what I thought on political issues then that would prevent them from thinking through things on their own, so I have tried to avoid that. Although the past election has pushed me outside this norm at times, I do think it’s important to appropriately relate any discourse to what is being taught in class.” Since the recent presidential election, political tensions are at an all-time high. There is so much opposition between parties and even within them. The political discourse over the past couple months has

Beauty and the Beast features gay character, causes controversy GARY KNOWLES Staff Writer

In recent years, pop culture in general has sought to bring characters to the big screen which are more relatable to a wider variety of people. One such character is LeFou in the new live-action “Beauty and the Beast” film from Disney, released on March 16, 2017. The character was not well received by all. CNN reporter Jay Croft in his article “Alabama theater shuns ‘Beauty and the Beast’ over gay ‘moment’” writes, “‘Beauty and the Beast’ won’t be the guest of [Henegar Drive-In Theatre] in Alabama because of a new, gay twist.” Sadly, this type of reaction has not been an isolated event as the Disney film has even been banned in Kuwait where homosexuality is criminalized,

according to the Washington Post. Most of the places refusing to show the film have religious or political oppositions against homosexuality. UMW junior Sheridan Farmer said, “[I don’t] think that a children’s/family movie should really be a place to bring politics.” However, later Farmer clarified her point, saying, “I really don’t think it’s a big deal and it definitely will not prevent me from going to see [“Beauty and the Beast”]. Another UMW student, Amber Marie Kintz, commented, “I don’t think it’s a political thing. It’s a life thing.” Having LeFou portrayed as a gay man allows people who don’t identify as heterosexual to see a character they can find more relatable. Over the past

ficult conversations in class but the comfort of students should always be a top priority. College students’ opinions are constantly being discouraged by other students as a consequence of learning in such a large interactive social environment, but a potential problem is developed when professors are complicit in the situation. “I believe that it is not appropriate for professors to impose their political views on their students. We are supposed to make you think - not conform to our views,” said Surupa Gupta, associate professor of the political science department. “It is also important for us to create a space in our classrooms where all students can participate University of Mary Washington in discussions without feeling the been characterized by name-calling, need to agree. Are we 100 percent successcontentious congressional meetings, and ful at hiding our political views? Probably insufficient bipartisan cooperation. As a not.” product of this election cycle, the intense I don’t want to discourage professors emotions and beliefs have infiltrated classfrom voicing their opinions and exercising room discussions and course material. their freedoms but rather to remind them Addressing current issues and how the to be mindful of their influence. Professors government is functioning is more importat UMW impact students in immeasurable ant than ever, especially within political ways. science and international affairs classes, I have learned so much from them since but there is a fine line as to what should be I was a freshman and their insights on the said and what should not. world have made me a better person, but As I touched on before, professors as cliché as it sounds: with great power should involve students in engaging class does come great responsibility. discussions and work to the best of their abilities to avoid any discouragement. It is important for professors to facilitate dif-

couple decades, being non-binary has started to become less stigmatized. It is important in a children’s film to show them that it is okay to be different from everyone else. Pop culture provides more than just entertainment. It shows us different facets of life. Representing characters such as LeFou allows kids to be exposed to people who may be different than themselves. In addition, for the few potential non-binary children sitting in the audience, it may be one of the only characters like themselves that they get exposed to at an early age. Despite the criticism of Disney’s new “Beauty and the Beast,” the gay narrative is just a small part of the film. According to Huffington Post, the film’s star Emma Watson stated that the gay

narrative “[is] incredibly subtle.” The subtlety of LeFou makes some of the backlash to the film seem ridiculous, as it is such a small part of the whole. In most cases during the film the references to LeFou’s sexuality are almost unnoticeable. Disney definitely took a step in the right direction with the changes they have made to “Beauty and the Beast.” However, there is still an absence of a true “gay fairy tale.” In general, fairy tales assume the main romance is a straight one. comingsoon.net With people embracing change more often and owning their unique identities it would be interesting to see if there will be a gay fairy tale in the coming years.

Thursday, April 2017 Thursday, January 21,6, 2015

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Tessa Cate | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Parking problems: UMW permits are too expensive WILLIAM ATKINSON Staff Writer

Over the past two years of having al ticket. On campus parking is also my car at school, I have received sev- very limited because of the lack of eral parking tickets from the school parking lots and the fact that most and from Fredericksburg City. spots are open to everyone after a Even leaving my car in the Jepson certain time. Many commuter stuparking lot or on College Avenue dents are forced to purchase these overly expensive for five minutes, I parking tickets always expect to find a ticket. Stu- “Students are being and still end up struggling to find dents are being unfairly subjected sufficient parking unfairly subjected to parking fees to parking fees from spaces. Another probfrom overzealous overzealous lem UMW should Fredericksburg City parking en- Fredericksburg City address is the fact that students’ cars forcers, and the parking enforcers, that are parked school as well. Why is parking and the school as in the College Heights neighsuch an issue at well.” borhood and on UMW? College Avenue The school proare being hunted vides parking - William Atkinson by Frederickspermits for stuburg City parking dents to park on enforcers. There campus for the whopping price of $225 per year, are some streets where parking is unless the student is living in Eagle legal, but this is usually far away landing where the cost of parking from campus. Why is there a divipermits is increased to $375. At that sion? Who decided where it should be rate it makes more sense to illegally park and risk getting the occasion- placed? Also, in order to receive a

Tessa Cate / The Blue & Gray Press

city parking permit you must first prove your residency. This meaning that you’d have to be able to show city officials a bill or lease with your name it, being evidence that you are a resident in Fredericksburg. The main problem with this is that not all students who live in off campus houses are allowed to be on the lease. There are multiple city codes Fredericksburg has that do not allow more than three students to live in a house. At the same time, many homes supply more than three bedrooms

and are advertised by landlords for letting more than three people live there. So, the student or students not legally allowed to be included on the lease will not be able to prove their residency so they cannot apply for a Fredericksburg City parking permit. In order to make life for students at UMW easier, the school needs to revise their parking system. I understand that they cannot just give out free parking permits, but there needs to be a cheaper and more effective method.

Staff Ed: Big concerts are nice, but only when students behave On March 14, the University of Mary Washington and the Campus Programming Board announced that the university would be welcoming rappers Waka Flocka Flame, known for his popularity in 2009 with hit songs “No Hands” and “Hard in the Paint,” and D.R.A.M, popular for his hit song, “Broccoli.” The student body held a great deal of excitement welcoming the big time artists, following the sold-out concert of 2016, rapper Lil Dicky and alternative-pop group, X-Ambassadors. At the Lil Dicky concert, many students complained of some of their peers being “aggressive” and rather “reckless.” A couple of students were in fact injured during the 2016 concert. Though that was

the case, it was still considered a successful concert by majority in attendance and prompted CPB to out-do their previous work. The doors for this years concert opened at 7 on Thursday as hundreds of students and other guests had already lined up, waiting to get into the Anderson Center. Waka Flocka went on stage first and it did not take long for students to get to the front of the stage, form a circle and start enjoying the concert. As the nearly 1,000 students and guests packed in front of the stage, they began shoving one another, trying to get the best spot. Numerous students were pushed over and knocked on the floor. At times, you could see groups of students being

pushed and swayed back and forth, as though a group tumble was about to take place. Concert security could be heard on the stage screaming to various students to calm down and threatening removal, which was just the beginning. Throughout the concert, numerous students could be heard complaining or seen shoving one another. As this progressed, numerous students were being removed from the concert by the security hired by CPB. Kids were taken out for acting violently, being too intoxicated and it was even mentioned that people were removed for possession of marijuana and other drugs. With actions like this by the student body and visitors of the uni-

versity, it has become a fear for those who have acted responsibly that they may lose these privileges. If individuals refuse to act how they should or in an appropriate manner, it takes away from their peers and prohibits them from having the good time they had intended. Safety is important for all individuals and that is certainly the reasoning behind hiring outside security to work with university security. If as a university, having continous big name artists come to the university or to have the university allow us to have such luxuries, acting appropriately and in a civilized manner is important and necessary.

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

LIFE

Editor: Kelly Emmrich blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Waka Flocka and D.R.A.M. entertain rowdy Anderson Center crowd perhaps accidental, acapella version of his hit ‘No Hands,’ which the whole crowd gladly joined in on. It seemed to On Thursday, March 30, the Universibe an error on the sound side, guessing ty of Mary Washington welcomed Waka from the slightly panicked look on the Flocka Flame and D.R.A.M. With the DJ’s face, but Flocka Flame performed help of volunteers, the Campus Programlike a professional and seamlessly played ming Board transformed the Anderson it off and it ended up being one of the Center into a concert venue fitting of greatest moments of the night. these two rappers. D.R.A.M. followed, wearing glasses Waka Flocka Flame opened the show and a red hat that stood out in comparaccompanied by DJ Whoo Kid. Senior ison to the rest of his dark outfit. He Cole Hodges said that he had never gone started his set by saying, “If you love to the spring concert before but came your Momma let me hear you,” and specifically to see Waka Flocka Flame, repeatedly focusing on the idea of love as did many. The rapper is well-known throughout creating an inviting and and drew a large crowd, and many who inclusive atmosphere. went to the spring concert last year, like The artist is less known in comparison sophomore Nabeel Mirza, noted that the to Flocka Flame, but as Mirza stated “he’s pretty new and up and coming,” so the school might be ahead of the game on this one. Throughout the set he showcased his vocal ability, even boasting, and mentioning his NPR tiny desk concert halfway through his set. What Flocka had in energy, D.R.A.M. had in artistry. He Joemmel Tendilla/The Blue & Gray Press showed that he isn’t just the rapper many would think crowd was much larger this year. he is, but rather he is a singer, proving “[I was] surprised UMW was able to he deserved his self-appointed title of get Waka,” Mirza said. someone who “does real a** music.” Waka Flocka Flame exuded the He was accompanied by a live set-up of energy one would expect from his music, drums, guitar and keyboard, along with never ceasing to hype up the crowd and a DJ. The addition of live instrumentals even trying to start a mosh-pit. Throughgave a completely different concert-goout the set he stood on the speakers, ran ing experience compared to Flocka across the stage and even ended up in the Flame and with this contrast, somehow middle of the crowd. His set featured all D.R.A.M. while less known, felt like a the classics a Flocka Flame fan would more authentic performer, and I’m sure have hoped for and even featured an, he left with new fans.

GRACE HOWIE Staff Writer

The last song he sang was the song everyone knows him for; “Broccoli.” He began it as a softer smoother version than what most of the crowd is used to, until it progressed into the familiar melody and everyone sang along causing it to be one of the best final moments of the show. He ended the show by promoting himself and encouraging the female members of the crowd to hit him up. Compared to the spring concert in past years, the combination of these artists was an improvement as the stylistic similarities proved to be a success when paired. It also lessened the mass exodus between sets as those who liked one stayed for the other and vice-versa. Freshman Adam Thomson was surprised by the quality of performers CPB was able to book for the concert, saying “How on earth did we get [them], this being a small school and all. [I] never thought we’d have someone like this here, and the fact I got to see both for five dollars.” One thing that was repeated constantly when talking to concert-goers was that while the show itself and the acts were incredible, the crowd was not. UMW junior Freshta Fazli mentioned that people kept stepping on her feet and pushing each other. One concertgoer even unhooked her bra, and

Joemmel Tendilla/The Blue & Gray Press

she said this had a negative impact on her experience. She wasn’t alone in this. Freshman Hailee Morse saw a fight in the middle of the crowd, and her friend got hit several times despite not being involved. Freshman Maddie Williams said she has been to many concerts before but never rap. She didn’t expect a rowdy crowd, and she got shoved around from every angle. Overall, CPB put on another great spring concert. With the weight of Waka Flocka Flame’s name and how current D.R.A.M. is, it will be hard to top next year.

Grace Howie/The Blue & Gray Press

Six study break ideas for stressed out students ES HETHCOX Assistant Online Editor

It is officially April, and University of Mary Washington students are feeling the pressure of exams and dreaded presentations. It’s important to remember that study breaks are essential to the long hours spent in the library. The perfect study break is something that gives your mind a rest from long hours of wracking your brain, while not taking up too much time to distract you from you’re studying. Here are six study break ideas to help keep you relaxed and your brain rested. Power Nap: Napping is a favorite pastime for many students, and sometimes it is essential to get through a long study session. Taking a quick 15 minute nap helps give your brain a chance to rest and clear, leaving you revived and ready for the next session of studying. Take a Walk: You don’t have to take a long hike. A half hour walk will help you clear your head. Take a walk from Bell Tower to the Anderson Center; this is the perfect distance to stretch your limbs while also letting your mind rest.

Visit the Rappahannock River: Since the weather is warming up, the Rappahannock River is the prime spot to relax. Taking a walk there will not only wake you up and use up restless energy, but will also provide a quiet study area. Grab that book or note card set that you’ve been avoiding and knock it out by the river, or just sit and enjoy nature for a bit. Go Downtown: Downtown Fredericksburg is only a short walk from Mary Washington, and has plenty of things to do when you need a study break. Go to Capital Ale House and get a Giant Bavarian Pretzel, or visit Hyperion Espresso for an energizing drink. Get on higher ground: Grab your favorite beverage from Blackstone and go to the highest point you can find. Being above everything else and seeing wide spaces can be calming, while also helping you feel a little less anxious about all your studies. Events on Campus: Even though Mary Washington is a smaller campus, there is always an event going on that can provide you with the perfect study break. If Campus Program-

Wikimedia Commons

ming Board does not have any events going on, the University Center is your next stop. The UC has a pool table and air hockey table open for student use all day. Take a friend or your roommate and go get a much-needed break—grab a smoothie while you’re there too.

Hopefully these study breaks keep you going as the dreaded month of April begins. Even though you have a lot of assignments and presentations to prepare for, remember to give your brain the break that it needs.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

LIFE

UMW Style: Cultural Expression at Multicultural Fair SAVARA GUNN Staff Writer

Photos by Savara Gunn

Rahima Morshed- Freshman "I have brought an awareness of the joy and color celebrated in the Punjab region this Multi-Fair. This form of celebration is also categorized as a dance form called Bhangra. Bhangra, the term, literally means 'to be intoxicated with joy.' It represents my Indian heritage and the North Indian fashion at the multicultural event. This culture was also represented in the Hindi steez performance as well as Bhangra. My dress is representing my Indian heritage that I have from my Mom's side of the family. Her family comes from Kashmir and Rajasthan, India. The long "kameez" or “dress" is commonly found in parts of north India and places like Pakistan. Bengali culture influences my personal style as well. For one, I wear a nose stud which is a very Bengali traditional thing for all women and I love to wear scarves that come from place like India and the Middle East.” Sarah Law- Senior “I should’ve been born about 30 years ago so this is everyday for me. The way that I dress has influenced both my life and given me the opportunity to meet a lot of new friends. Boy George, a little bit of Cyndi Lauper and sometimes Molly Ringwald on a good day kind of inspires my style. The 1980s is just where I belong. My mother is one of the main reasons because she kept all her stuff from when she was a teenager. She passed that down to me, and I think that’s what kind of got me started. I think my personal culture would be that my mom is a Hairband Girl and she made me a Hairband Girl.”

Juliana Saracho- Senior

“I’m the president of ASA (Asian American Student Association), so this year we have Chinese New Year Red Envelope Decorating. The purpose of these is to encourage gift giving and kindness, and I organized that. I’ve also performed for UMW Breakers, UMW Eagle Bhangra, MEDC (Middle Eastern Dance Club), which is Belly Dancing, and ASA KPOP. I wore this top for MEDC, the denim I wore for KPOP, and the pants I wore for Breakers. I usually think 'Is this something I can dance in?’ If I’m like ‘Oh, I have to belly dance today’ I’ll grab a crop top or something. If it’s break dancing I want my shoes to be comfortable. I plan my outfits around what I do and the cultures that I’m a part of influence me more than others in terms of fashion.” Danielle Azu- Freshman “I performed in Bhangra and was also with Voices of Praise this year. I’m from Ghana and Dashiki’s kind of became a trend out of Ghana and into the United States and became really big among the African American community. Whenever my parents go [to Ghana] I’m like ‘Bring me some so I can give some to my friends.' It’s fun to share culture. I usually get a lot of good comments on Dashikis but sometimes when I’m listening to a certain type of music some people are like ‘Yo, that’s wack.’ and it's the music I grew up with. A lot of people and the school in general are trying to get more culturally inclined, but there’s definitely a long way to go."

Multicultural Fair took over campus with performances and artisan stands NANCY PHAM Staff Writer

Photos by Nancy Pham

ASA K-Pop: The University of Mary Washington’s Asian Student Association K-Pop dance team was one of the many groups that performed at the Multicultural Fair. Based on Korean pop music, a genre originating in South Korea, this dance team incorporated dance moves using a medley of Korean songs.

Bell Tower: On Saturday, April 1, students, faculty and community members gathered for the 27th annual Multicultural Fair hosted by the James Farmer Multicultural Center. With a variety of food stations, children areas and vendors all over campus walk and on Ball Circle, there was a place for everyone to enjoy at the event.

Comunidad Sur: Comunidad Cultural Sur Andes is an indigenous musical group of Sur Andes, Bolivia. Their goal is to manifest Bolivian music in the framework of the gospel with a variety of drums and wooden flutes.

Campus. Life. All. Week. Thursday • Jail ‘n Bail @ 11am, Ball Circle • Trivia Night @ 6pm, Underground • Islamic Cultural Celebration Keynote @ 6pm, Chandler Ballroom

Friday

Saturday

• Purple Out Concert @ 4pm, Ball Circle

• Faculty & Student Dance Concert @ 7:30pm, Dodd Auditorium

• Spring Formal @ 7pm

Sunday • Beeping Egg Hunt @ 2pm, Gari Melchers Home • Spring Forward Festival @ 12pm, Brompton • Faculty & Student Dance Concert @ 2pm Dodd Auditorium

Reel Deals • Citizen Kane Friday @ 7 and Saturday @ 10 • A Dog’s Purpose Friday @ 10 and Saturday @ 7 pm

LIFE

Toxic monogamy: it’s real

FINNLEY GOFF Staff Writer

“I think we need to break up.” I said, shrugging. I was standing in my childhood home’s driveway talking to my then boyfriend. I’d planned to just walk him out, kiss him goodnight and then keep going with my life. Instead, he said something that crossed a line. “I don’t like you hanging out with them,” he began, looking sheepishly off into the distance. “I just feel like they’re taking you away from me. I’ve been thinking about this for a few weeks now.” he admitted, shyness dissolving into a more serious tone. He moved from leaning against his car to standing up straight. I didn’t say anything yet. “I think you need to stop being friends with the two of them.” he finally said. This was the last straw in my relationship. There is a difference between a significant other showing concern over your friends, and asking outright for you to drop them. Before this conversation, my now ex-boyfriend had been showing a few red flags of toxic monogamy—a phrase I didn’t know at the time of our break-up. He would avoid having conversations about my friends or hobbies. He just talked about how I needed to spend more and more time with him. It got to the point where he simply didn’t want me around any friends I seemed “too close” to, a condition he cited from my pansexuality. Since gender isn’t a big deal when it comes to whom I’m attracted to, he figured everyone I was close with could be “that one friend I’m going to cheat on him with.” I discovered the phrase toxic monogamy in my early college years when trying to give advice to a friend about their own relationship. I had been looking into emotional abuse language and discovered this phrase accidentally. Toxic monogamy is a common belief, which entails that every single need that you have should be fully filled by your partner. While this isn’t inherently abusive, it can definitely become severe if permitted to go unchecked for too long. I’m a firm

believer that any potential partner should be one of your best friends as well, but completely caring for another person is not the definition of a healthy equal partnership. It is natural to have other friends to hang out with and talk to. If you don’t think you can trust your partner around other people, the last thing you should do is cut them off from the outside world. Instead, talk openly to them about why you’re uncomfortable. Really, people aren’t lying when they say that honest communication is the key to a healthy relationship. It’s toxic to the other person to police their lives, and it’s a surefire way to create tension in your relationship. I’m sure you didn’t enjoy when a parent or older sibling may have started to interrogate you. This is the same thing, except it feels even worse coming from someone who is supposed to have the same power in a relationship. Now, I’m not saying you have to ignore your partner and hide things from them. What I am saying is that your partner is not solely responsible for your happiness and for every single one of your needs. It’s impossible for a single person to completely care for another person without distancing each other from friends and family. You don’t need to give up everything for your partner, especially if you’re currently at a university. Your top responsibility is yourself, always, just as theirs is to their self. So, how does one avoid their relationship going toxic? I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: honest, open communication is key. Take a breath and just talk to them. Once you break the ice, the conversation comes much easier and you’ll be thankful you brought up an issue that was bothering you. If your partner reacts negatively, calmly remind them that you’re both on the same side and that you want to fix any problems before they even come up. If they guilt trip you, let them speak, but tell them if you feel like they’re ignoring what you’re saying in order to shirk any potential “blame” or avoid the conversation. In the end, if you can’t have an honest conversation with your partner, maybe it’s time to break up with them.

Artist Hasan Elahi uses digital art to discuss racial profiling can study any subject through the arts. Elahi’s art has quite a history that cannot be fully conceptualized just by On Tuesday, April 4, artist Hasan looking at some of his pieces. In 2001, Elahi spoke at the University of Mary he was profiled and taken in by an FBI Washington about his unique artwork agent in an airport. He was profiled and the history behind it. Elahi is associbecause he was seen leaving his storage ate professor for the Department of Art at unit on September 12, 2001, with what the University of Maryland, and recently were apparently explosives – clearly this won a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Hugh was not the case. M. Hefner First Amendment Prize and Since that incident, Elahi has had grants from the Doris Duke Foundation to check in with his FBI agent George for Islamic Art. Even without getting a throughout all of his travels as an artist. high school degree, Elahi found that he Elahi began to take pictures of everything he did and log them, this included taking pictures of the beds he slept in and the toilets he used, the foods he ate and places he went to. Through this continuous logging and checking in with the FBI, Elahi found the relationship between physical and digital space, questioning what private space and public space is. In today’s age, nothing seems private no matter how hard we try. Elahi points this out in his artwork. In his piece titled “Citizen” from Emily Grottle/Blue & Gray Press 2006, Elahi reflects on the idea of

EMILY GROTTLE Staff Writer

“putting it all out there” while trying to be private, juxtaposing the idea of a public and private space. This piece is representative of a patch of camouflage worn by the United States Military, but created with multiple pictures from different places around the world. According to Elahi, the camouflage worn by the troops are representative of a “silhouette of a body broken,” a body that the enemy cannot see in night vision goggles. That is truly what camouflage is supposed to be, and he creates the image of it with smaller pictures he has captured. One of the biggest themes in Elahi’s work is the impact of war and landscape. Not just war, but surveillance as well – the concept of constantly being watched. You may not think about it, but anytime you use a location on your phone or search something on Google, you are being tracked. Surveillance has become such a regular part of today’s society that Elahi exposes it, shows us that “with every Big Brother, there are a Thousand Little Brothers watching.” This comes through in his piece title “Thousand Little

Emily Grottle/Blue & Gray Press

Brothers” from 2014, where he looks at concepts of privacy, secrecy and transparency. In a world of having to comply to this surveillance, Elahi gives what he calls “aggressive compliance,” leading back to when he logged his life for the FBI Agent George, just cutting out the middleman and making everything public. Elahi is able to take a private space and make it public through his art, showing us that we already allow ourselves to constantly be watched in a beautiful way, which juxtaposes those in power who want to know everything about us. His artwork is truly a representation of modern day war and landscape, and is

NEWS

POLICE BEAT ESTER SALGUERO News Editor

Trespass On Thursday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m., a student was arrested and given an administrative referral for trespassing on Eagle Landing grounds.

Possession On Thursday, March 30 at 8 p.m., underage possession of alcohol occurred at Mason Hall. A student received an administrative referral. On Thursday, March 30 at 9 p.m., underage possession of alcohol occurred at the Anderson Center. A student received an administrative referral. On Thursday, March 30 at 9:40 p.m., underage possession of alcohol occurred at the Anderson Center. A student received an administrative referral.

Students mourn loss of important leader of LGBTQ+ •GAY PRIDE | 1 pride parade that year. Milk was assassinated some months after the event, but the symbol he requested Baker to make continues to embody the gay rights movement. The untimely death of this hero coincided with “The Transgender Day of Visibility.” Both events show the astounding progress that the United States has made towards equal rights for all genders and sexual orientations since Baker made his first flag. In spite of the Trump administration’s rollbacks, like the ruling on February 22 to remove protections for transgender students who wish to use bathrooms according to their gender identity, UMW students continue to fly the iconic rainbow flag. A few handmade flyers and an unfortunate legal setback are not enough to deter the community from maintaining its inclusivity and has only brought students closer together in an act of unity. With the loss of this icon in mind UMW continues to be accepting of all genders and sexual orientations.

Student Senate Beat Continued Wednesday, April 5

On Thursday, March 30 at an unreported time a student was found in possession of marijuana and trespassing at the Anderson Center.

Intoxication On Thursday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m., a student was arrested and given an administrative referral for public intoxication, carrying a false ID and underage drinking at the Anderson Center.

Assault On Thursday, March 30 at 9:20 p.m., assault and battery was reported from 900 Block, Marye Street. The case is being investigated by the Fredericksburg PD and is pending.

Sexual Assault

Flikr / Creative Commons

From “Red de Noticias” a picture of Gilber Baker with former President, Barack Obama.

MOTIONS PASSED IN SENATE

•

A motion that student senate work with dining services to keep the food station at the University Center open until 2 p.m. on weekdays. ANNOUNCEMENTS: •

Everyone should recycle.

On Thursday, March 30 at an unreported time sexual assault occurred at the Anderson Center. The case is pending. On Sunday, April 2 at 10 p.m., an incident of sexual assault was reported from the Anderson Center and Alvey Hall.The case is pending.

Larceny On Friday, March 31 at 2 p.m., petit larceny of a parking decal occurred at an unreported location. The case is pending. On Saturday, April 1 at 11 p.m., petit larceny of a wallet was reported from Russell Hall. The case is pending. On Sunday, April 2 at 7 p.m., a bicycle was stolen from Jefferson Hall. The case is pending. Flikr / Creative Commons

Thursday, April 6, 2017

NEWS

Dance styles vary at 27th annual Multicultural Fair as students perform Susannah Tombes

The annual Multiperforming from the Staff Writer cultural Fair, was held time they were young, on Saturday, April 1 so the stage is not forwhere campus was filled with different eign to them. Kateri says that she danced vendors that lined the edge of Campus through middle school, high school and Walk. Some caught people’s attention even family weddings. She has been with carnival foods, while others were doing many different styles of dance drawn to the bright colors and sounds. including Indian classical, Bhangra and The University of Mary Washington Indian Folk dances. When she came to prides itself in promoting diversity on college, she was able to explore even campus and the Multicultural Fair repmore styles of dance and eventually resents this with so many diverse forms became members of several different of art, food and even dance. groups like UMW Eagle Bhangra and Part of what makes the fair so spethe Alter Egos Step Team. While Kateri cial is the many different dances that are has been involved with styles of dances performed. Freshman Kaitlin Viloria is that are uncommon to many, she has exa member of several different dance panded her repertoire to more familiar groups at UMW and says she enjoys forms such as ballet, jazz and modern what the Multicultural Fair does to prodance. mote her dances. “The multicultural The familiarity of dance that Kateri fair, without a doubt, helps showcase has makes it easy for her to pick up on and spread awareness of uncommon the talent others have, too. Coincidendances such as bhangra and belly danctally enough, Kateri was the first to see ing.” potential in Viloria. Up until she arrived The other main focus of the fair is at college, her love of dance had not to expose people to new and interesting yet fully developed. Kateri told Vilocultures. ria about the different dance groups “I also think that, when others see on campus and encouraged her to look groups of people from different backinto them. Not long after classes began, grounds coming together and having Viloria joined Eagle Bhangra and the fun dancing to either bhangra, belly K-Pop dance groups. dancing or K-Pop, it shows unity in diSimilar to Kateri, Viloria is always versity,” Viloria said. “It opens people’s looking to learn more dances and conminds to think that what is unfamiliar tinues to improve on what she already can be the most marvelous thing you knows well. could ever experience.” The Multicultural Fair has played an Wearing brightly colored outfits or important role in both the lives of Dakthemed clothing that captivated the ausha and Kaitlin. Both agree that the fair dience, the members of each of the difshowcases, share with campus and the ferent dance clubs at Mary Washington outside community what Mary Washshared their love of culture and dance. ington strives to exemplify. Junior Daksha Kateri has been perform“Everyone looks forward to this ing in the fair since her freshman year, event because it converges all the diand shared that even though she enjoys verse cultures and allows every student doing solos, performing in a group is from any cultural background to find her favorite part because it “brings more something to connect with whether it’s taste, story and culture to [the dance].” their own culture or an entirely different Kateri also talked about the preparaone,” Kateri shared. tion that she takes before each perforShe explained how the performances mance. “Each piece requires an appreciare enlightening for all who are a part ation of cultures, passion for dance and of them, viewer and performer alike. “It a smile,” Kateri said. makes you realize how important culHowever, first time Multiculturtures are that bind us together whether al Fair performer, Viloria, felt overit is through dance, food or any form of whelmed throughout the process of art.” preparation. “It was hectic, crazy and “The Multicultural Fair showcases stressful, but we pulled through, had what UMW strives for... diversity and fun and did well... I would worry about inclusion,” Viloria said. “By bringing in forgetting a move and making mistakes, all kinds of performances from different but when I threw away all my worries origins, everyone who comes to the fair and let my body do the talking, in the can have a little taste of the world outend, I felt a rush of euphoria.” side the United States.” Kateri and Viloria have both been

Top: On April 6, 1996 performers gather outside of Lee Hall for suxth annual fair.

UMW Archives

Six-year plan reveals renovations to Jepson, Seacobeck, more parking

Work on the sixstudents currently would Will Brorsen Staff Writer year plan for the Unirather opt out of buyversity of Mary Washing a parking pass. “I ington is underway by wouldn’t buy a parkThe Board of Visitors. Allocations of ing pass it’s not worth it,” said Lucas funding strongly influence the campus, Prunczik, UMW freshman. Even with as well as tuition. The committee had its the increase in tuition, students will still first meeting on March 22. UMW has have to pay for parking passes. three projects underway that will potenBefore the University Center, Seactially have a major impact on the operobeck Hall was the main dining hall on ating budget. The current projects are campus, and now the third project unthe Jepson Science Center expansion, a derway with renovation. Seacobeck will new parking deck and the renovation of be renovated for use in education and Seacobeck Hall. general programs. The estimated annual The north side of UMW’s campus is operating budget is $175,000, includgetting revamped with the recent addiing utilities, housekeeping and security tion of the Hurley Convergence Center services. This project serves as another and now the expansion of Jepson Scireason for possible student tuition raisence Center as well. The six-year plan is es. a document used by the Commonwealth Summer session enrollments at of Virginia to ensure that the budgetary UMW have been declining, and there priorities of the universities are aligned has been talk of allocating more funds with the strategic goals of the governor to make summer classes more viable. and state officials. 2016 business major and college graduThere will be an approximately ate Mathieu Wetmore said, “It’s a great 40,000 square foot addition to the Jepway to stay on track and get ahead, but son Science Center. This project should I wish more business classes had been be moving into construction, and the adoffered during the summer.” Efforts by dition is estimated to cost UMW about UMW in the past to expand online class$250,000 annually. Student tuition and es showed in increase in enrollment. fees will increase to cover the costs that Online classes are great for students as aren’t covered by state general funds. they are convenient, and flexible, while Like many other UMW students, senior also not requiring a commute. communications and digital studies maHowever new funding allocations jor, Samantha Levy said, “I hope that for the expansion of summer class ofthe cost of tuition doesn’t go up again.” ferings at UMW have been deferred. This will allow for an expansion of The upcoming 2017 six-year plan draft the STEM majors and more lab space. may attempt to fix the decline in sumAlso in regards to STEM majors, addimer enrollment. Online classes may be tional funding for our Geospatial Anala solution, if it is economical for the ysis program will be given to support student. the Master of Science in Geospatial Martin A. Wilder, Chief of Staff of Analysis. Almost 15 percent of geospathe Office of the President at UMW, tial skills jobs advertised nationally are and Clerk of the Board of Visitors said, in the northern Virginia area. “The UMW Board of Visitors is interSenior geography major Krissy Frye ested in being engaged with the 2017 stated, “In my experience, having GIS plan as it is developed; therefore, it has skills has definitely helped me with established an ad hoc committee on the jobs, internships and research projects. six-year plan.” It is a versatile skill that can apply to This new plan will affect the tuition almost any job and it’s a skill that diof UMW students, and many students verges into so many different avenues, are curious how much more they will even within the GIS world.” UMW is have to pay. The Board of Visitors, “anaiming for the potential to also attract ticipate that the draft plan will be subout of state graduate students in this exmitted to the State Council of Higher panding field. Education for Virginia by July 1, for There will be a construction of a review by the designated group of state new parking deck as well, which has officials.” The draft will be amended by required tuition to increase $200 per these state officials and then returned to full time student. Parking has been an the Board of Visitors for their approval issue in the past, so hopefully this new or disapproval in November. parking deck will address this. Some

University Relations

Thursday, April 6, 2017

SPORTS

Editor: Mikey Barnes | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

UMW Cheer excels at weekend competition

The team did their best in competition and enjoyed their free time.

ELIZABETH PATTERSON Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington cheer squad hit the road to compete this weekend, and brought home a second-place win. The road to competition, however, was a long and challenging one. Fans’ perceptions the cheer squad rests on the sidelines of every home basketball game, however, this sport is much more than the cheers and chants the fans have come to know and love. When basketball season ends, the UMW cheer season is just beginning. “It has been a long season,” said sophomore member Valorie Gibson. “We lost a lot of girls in the beginning due to lack of interest or time commitment problems, but we ended up with a good group of girls.” Gibson went on to explain that during basketball, the sidelines and fans are their priority, but as soon as basketball is over, “competition is our time to shine and showcase what we

Kelsey Bracewell

can really do.” The girls spend a minimum of six hours a week practicing cheers, chants and more recently their competition routine. In addition to the mandatory gym practices, some girls put in time outside of practice to develop better skills and prepare for competition. Recently, the team has been attending Cheer Fusion to solidify their tumbling skills and clean up their routine. “I think there is always room for improvement among any athlete or team,” said sophomore member Nikki McCormick. “UMW cheerleading has improved drastically in the last few years, and I’m excited to see it evolve into a better program in the years to come.” The girls’ dedication goes even further. “Because cheer is not a varsity sport at UMW, we have had to fund these visits to the all-star gym ourselves in addition to paying out of pocket for our $200 uniform,” said captain and senior Katherine

UMW cheer put up their best score in recent memory.

Koth. “We have also had to fundraise for every dollar that paid for competition. This clearly shows the girls on the team love what they do. Otherwise they wouldn’t be putting in so much time and money.” At 9 a.m. Friday, March 31, the squad woke up early and hit the road to Ocean City, Maryland with their spirits high and their ponytails even higher. Saturday morning, the first day of competition, they put all their hard work and private lessons to the test as they went head to head with one of the best cheer squads in their division. “We hit all our stunts perfectly- it might have been the best run we have ever done,” Gibson said. By Sunday morning, the final day of competition, the girls’ spirits were higher than ever when they realized their second performance earned them a zero deduction routine, the equivalent to a perfect score

Kelsey Bracewell

When it came time for awards the girls were elated to find that they had earned second place. “We ended up with a five point improvement overall on our score from last year; which in cheerleading, when you think about that a single mistake is a fraction of a point, it is a huge deal that we were able to pull our score up as much as we did,” Gibson said. Overall, the season proved to be a big stepping stone for the squad. “One thing I would want people to know is that cheerleading may look easy and non-athletic at basketball games but we all put in a lot of work in preparation for our competition,” McCormick said. “Tumbling/gymnastics isn’t easy- it’s an Olympic sport for a reason. Stunting isn’t easy either; I lift and toss humans above my head, and that takes practice and strength.”

Tar Heels upend Zags for sixth NCAA title RYAN BRAUCH Staff Writer

In an emotional two weeks of buzzer beaters, upsets and tears, the National Title game hung in the balance as the score of two elite No. 1 seeds were separated by only a point. Equally driven, but with different motivations. The Gonzaga Bulldogs and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels met in Glendale Arizona to face off in an intense game that would determine the fate of each program’s history. This matchup proved to be an interesting one, as both the Tar Heels and the Bulldogs are teams that predominantly operate in the paint. Seeing elite and NBA ready big men like Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks of UNC and Przemek Karnowski of Gonzaga square up under the basket excited the crowd to no end. As the two teams laced up to play the final game of the season, Gonzaga coach Mark Few and his squad had their eyes on bringing Gonzaga their first title in school history, while Roy Williams and the Heels aimed to avenge their devastating loss last year. From the moment the game started, the two teams were neck and neck while the crowd eagerly cheered for each team. Each team traded blows at the beginning as the game started off slow. Once the teams started to heat up, Gonzaga quickly jumped

Thursday, April 6 2017

to a 21-14 lead with 10:13 left in the first half. The Zags gained this lead atop the hot outside shooting of guards Nigel Williams-Goss and Josh Perkins. Facing a seven-point deficit early, UNC erased the lead with a big three-pointer from junior guard Joel Berry III, along with a pair of baskets from forward Justin Jackson. Despite the Tar Heels’ effort to get back in the game, the Bulldogs quickly formed another lead, capitalizing on Carolina’s turnovers. Although the Zags played a smart brand of basketball over the course of the first half, they only entered halftime with a five-point lead as they lead they Tar Heels 35-30. Gonzaga started the second half with a turnover by Josh Perkins, this would then create momentum for UNC to go on a run that would propel them to a 40-35 lead. Zach Collins, the Bulldogs’ forward, kept the Zags in the game with one jumper. Shortly after Collins’ shot, the lead changed again as guard Jordan Mathews put Gonzaga on top with a three. Over the next eight minutes the lead was changed or tied 11 times. Heading into the final six minutes of play, UNC led by two, holding onto a 56-54 lead. In the midst of a ferocious battle on the boards between Hicks and Meeks against Collins and Karnowski, Collins fouled out with 5:03 left in the game. The ejection of

Collins was a major hit to Gonzaga, as the forward was thriving under the intense lategame pressure. The freshman was putting in work for the Bulldogs in the second half, particularly on the defensive end. As Carolina attempted to pull away, junior transfer Nigel Williams-Goss kept the Zags in the game in just about every way he could. In the end, Williams-Goss’ efforts could not negate the fact that his team had went completely cold and the Tar Heels prevailed with a 71-65 win, redeeming their heartbreaking loss last year to Villanova. Despite losing the battle on the boards and shooting an atrocious 14.8 percent from three, Roy Williams and his squad got the win. UNC accurately demonstrated the philosophy that “defense wins games” by forcing Gonzaga to turn the ball over on multiple occasions and taking advantage of every extra opportunity. Carolina guard Joel Berry III hit four threes and finished with 22 points helping to lift the Heels to victory. Alongside Berry III, was forward Justin Jackson who recorded 16 points but failed to hit a single three, going 0-9 from beyond the arc. Although they were out rebounded, Hicks and Meeks combined for 20 points and 19 rebounds, but made a larger impact on the defensive side of the ball, shutting Karnowski down, forcing him to go 1-8 from the field and making him earn his

points at the line. Gonzaga’s sloppy play in the second half was the reason why the Bulldogs fell short in this championship matchup. Mark Few’s squad would have come out on top, had they not gone cold from the field and committed so many turnovers. After the game, Few and ESPN announcers commented that there were a few officiating errors in the last few minutes of the game. One main error was the late game jump ball call when Kennedy Meeks and Gonzaga guard Silas Melson fought for a rebound on the ground and Meeks put his hand out of bounds while touching the ball during this scuffle. Failing to see Meeks’ mistake the referees called a jump ball, which in turn, gave UNC the ball. With this win, Roy Williams earned his third national championship and Hicks and Meeks go out on top in their last game for the Tar Heels as they now prepare to start their NBA careers. In the process, the Heels crushed Gonzaga’s hopes of making school history in winning their first national championship, following their first Final Four appearance. Maybe this defeat will motivate Mark Few and the Zags to avenge their emotional loss in next year’s tournament, as UNC did this year.