THE
BLUE &GRAY
THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER
October 19, 2017
VOLUME 91 | ISSUE 7
PRESS
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE
1922
UMW Health Center is understaffed OLIVIA BRIDGES Senior Writer
UMW, a predominantly female university, was without a female practitioner at the Student Health Center for several weeks. According to UMW physician and Director of Student Health, P. Thomas Riley, MD, the current female nurse practitioner and Associate Director of the Student Health Center, Heidi Simpson, took an extended leave. Simpson was on leave for several weeks to take care of her mother who lives in California. The exact number of weeks Simpson was gone from the health center was not disclosed. Simpson returned to UMW’s health center on Monday, Oct. 9. During Simpson’s leave, Riley attended to female patients. “In Heidi’s absence, our Women’s Clinic registered nurse, Danielle Hollandsworth and I have started and renewed birth control prescription and dealt with female issues,” Riley said in an email. “All health care practitioners are trained to provide care for all patients no matter the gender.” Riley is a Board Certified Family Physician of 41 years. Due to Riley’s experience as a family physician, he said he felt comfortable stepping into the roles normally performed by a female nurse practitioner. “Personally, I don’t think there is a huge issue with the female practitioner being gone, especially because she is back on campus now,” said junior Sarah Myers. “I grew up with a male
doctor… So I am comfortable seeing a male doctor even about women’s issues.” Many female students agree. They did not have a problem with Riley caring for females during Simpson’s absence. “As long as the male is capable of doing their job and as long as the females aren’t uncomfortable with it, I don’t see a problem.” said sophomore Rebecca Parise. While some students were comfortable with their only being a male practitioner on campus, others held a different opinion. “I prefer to see a female doctor because they know more about me than a male,” said junior Sarah Ebsworth. “That is just my personal preference, I prefer to see a female practitioner, but if the male was there I would be completely fine with it.” The majority of male and female students shared a similar opinion on this issue. They felt that the main problem was whether or not women would be comfortable with a male practitioner. “I know a lot of people that wouldn’t be comfortable with telling a male practitioner about certain things,” said junior Nabel Mriza. “If more people are comfortable with it or more people are uncomfortable with it than the schools should do something to change it.” Despite the health center not having a female practitioner for several weeks, many students were unaware
“I prefer to see a female doctor because they know more about me than a male.” -Sarah Ebsworth
•HEALTH CENTER| 2
UMW has over 1000 bikes registered to students on campus.
Cayley McGuire / The Blue & Gray Press
Students confused when bike pump disappears from UC ALLISON TOVEY Staff Writer
The bike pump located by the University Center was taken away for repairs earlier in October. The university’s original goal was for the pump to be fixed and back at the University Center by the time students returned from fall break. John Wiltenmuth, UMW’s Associate Vice President for Facilities Services, said, “the
pump was reinstalled last week after a new concrete base was constructed.” Students started to notice that the bike pump was not working properly for weeks leading up to the pump’s disappearance from the University Center. “I have been using my bike on campus for the past two years because my car is not always reliable,” said junior Rona Randall. “So when I saw that the bike pump had •BIKES | 2 been removed, I
“It’s frustrating if only one of the pumps is working, especially since they are pretty far apart from each other.” -Mackenzie Hard
UMW athletics new rides
GRACE WINFIELD Staff Writer
Grace Winfield / The Blue & Gray Press UMW athletics recently got two new vehicles for recruitment purposes.
IN THIS
ISSUE
GO GREEN
The University of Mary Washington has recently obtained two new vehicles. Both vehicles have been given to the UMW Athletics department in hopes to expand and simplify the recruiting process for potential players. The Director of Athletics, Ken Tyler, says that the cars’ primary use is to support coaches, of all teams, at UMW in their recruiting travel. Coaches travel frequently to recruit prospective student-athletes all throughout the year; however, it is a difficult task to compete with other university’s when the responsibility and expenses of transportation lie on the coaches themselves. “Having a department vehicle
FIRST DOWN
John Green goes on tour for his new book.
NFL players have the right to protest.
LIFE | 7
VIEWPOINTS | 4
means that coaches aren’t piling up miles on their own vehicles or spending money on rental vehicles,” said the Director of Athletics, Ken Tyler. “These cars will save us money and allow our coaches to travel in a more efficient and effective manner.” There are currently only the two vehicles for approximately 40 head and assistant coaches, according to Tyler, so everyone must share and rotate. This is common practice, and not unlike how other university vehicles are utilized by UMW Admissions or Advancement staff. The two cars are a part of a Corporate Partnership with Sheehy Toyota; they provide the vehicles and the funds to pay the lease. Corporate partnerships with local car dealers are very common in NCAA •ATHLETICS | 10
ALL DEFENSE
Goalkeeper Matt Spencer continues his amazing season. SPORTS | 3
NEWS
Editors: Meaghan McIntyre & Izzy Briones | blueandgray.news@gmail.com
Female nurse practitioner retires
THE
BLUE & GRAY PRESS
MISSION
•HEALTH CENTER | 1
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.
about this issue. The lack of a female practitioner at the health center was an unusual situation because in the past there had been two female practitioners. At the beginning of the fall semester, UMW’s Student Health Center had two female practitioners. As of Friday, Sept. 22, one of the two female nurse practitioners, L. Timmes Ross, retired. There is currently only one female practitioner and male practitioner at the health center. However, the health center has additional staff besides the
EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kelly Emmrich
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ester Salguero
MANAGING EDITOR Tessa Cate
SECTION EDITORS NEWS Meaghan McIntyre Izzy Briones
VIEWPOINTS Ginny Bixby
LIFE Lauren Closs
SPORTS Ryan Brauch
ONLINE Es Hethcox
PHOTO Alex Sakes
BUSINESS TEAM Linda Fitzpatrick Janelle Behm
FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian
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Tailgating is a popular homecoming tradition at UMW.
http://umweagles.com
Familiar faces at UMW homecoming
MACKENZIE HARD Staff Writer
Each year, in mid-October, students across Mary Washington’s campus come together to celebrate Homecoming weekend, including Alumni. “Homecoming is my favorite event of the year,” said alumni, Emily Dzubak. “I love being about to reconnect with people that I don’t get to see everyday and it’s always great being back in the Fredericksburg area.” This event is one that draws many UMW alumni back to campus. Some-
times it is not just for the tailgating, many alumni come back to reconnect with their freshman roommates from back in the day and reminisce over their college memories. With alumni coming back, it also means current students get to see past teammates or fellow club members. “I’m most excited to see some of my friends who graduated last year and are flying back to Virginia,” said junior psychology major,
“Homecoming is my favorite event of the year.” -Emily Dzubak
•HOMECOMING | 11
Bike pump removed for repairs
•BIKES | 1
was disappointed because while I don’t bike often, I do use it for important trips around and off campus, and unfortunately the closest gas station that would have an air pump is more than a mile away so that is not always an option.” On Sept. 28, Randall experienced issues with the bike pump and posted on Facebook that the pump was not working. Since then, the pump was removed without any announcement to students. This left many wondering why the pump was gone and when they could expect it to be back. According to UMW Chief of Police Michael Hall, UMW is a bike-friendly school with 1,067 bikes currently registered to students on campus. Despite the large number of bikes on campus,
the school only offers two bike pumps. “In addition to the pump/tool station at University Center, there is a pump at Eagle Landing,” Wiltenmuth wrote over email. However, for students who do not live near Eagle Landing, it would be inconvenient for them to have to rely on that pump given the distance between Eagle Landing and the center of campus. “I personally do not have a bike on campus, but if I did, it would be super helpful to have more than two bike pumps,” said junior Mackenzie Hard. “In the past I know students who have struggled with finding the bike pumps or finding one that works. It’s frustrating if only one of the pumps is working, especially since they are pretty far apart from each other.”
“If more people are comfortable with it [a male practicioner] or more people are uncomfortable with it than the schools should do something to change it.” -Nabel Mriza practitioners. According to Riley, the Student Health Center does not have plans within the foreseeable future to replace Ross. “Going forward one female practitioner is sufficient for our patient volume,” Riley said. “Our services have not been impacted this past several weeks.” However, some students such as Parise disagree with Riley. They feel that the Student Health Center has been impacted by the loss of Ross. “The health center was definitely understaffed, which isn’t good,” Parise said.
CORRECTIONS FOR THE WEEK PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Kelly Emmrich, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu
Finnley Goff / The Blue & Gray Press The UMW Health Center currently has one male practitioner and one female practitioner
Thursday, October 19, 2017
SPORTS
Inside a great season with Matt Spencer
The University of Mary Washington men’s soccer team has had an amazing start to their 2017 season. Senior goalkeeper, Matt Spencer from Stafford, VA, has also had an incredible season thus far. Spencer talked about his background and how his collegiate soccer career started. Spencer’s parents taught him how to play soccer when he was just 5 years old.
EMILY KUBE Staff Writer
State on Wednesday, and added five stops in a 2-0 shutout win over York on the road on Saturday. He has posted 0.81 goals against average with 39 saves in 11 games, with five shutouts. Spencer was nominated as captain in the winter of 2016 by his fellow teammates and coaches. Being a captain has put much more responsibility on his career. When asked if he enjoys being a captain, Spencer responded, “Yes, I am honored and extremely proud to be able to represent our team... It comes with a www.umweagles.com lot of hard work with staff behind the scenes, but I enjoy every second of it.” Success does not come from minimal input. “We probably train close to 10 hours a week, we also have weight training two days a week, games on Wednesdays and Saturdays, film sessions, team meetings and team dinners... We spend a lot of time together,” says Spencer. When asked about his biggest challenges, Spencer said, “the hardest part is scheduling classes around practice and lifting times.” Spencer has a routine down and shows his hard work and dedication on and off the field. UMW’s biggest conference opponent this season is Christopher Newport University. “More times than not we have to take morning classes
Matt Spencer
“My dad played soccer his whole life, so he was able to coach me and teach me the basics when I was young,” said Spencer. “I played a lot of sports when I was young, but I excelled at soccer so I stuck with it.” When Spencer got a little older he found an interest in watching professional soccer on TV which is where he says his passion grew. “I love watching Chelsea FC and the rest of the English Premier League... Iker Casillas is my favorite goalkeeper, I grew up watching him play in his prime and he inspired me greatly.” Spencer went on to play at Mountain View High School and was a four year starter at the varsity level. He won many awards during his career in high school. During his junior year, he was named player of the year all conference, first team all state and first team all area. Senior year was a repeat for Spencer with being named to first team all state, conference and area again. His talent was recruited by Coach Kilby, UMW men’s head soccer coach, in the winter of his senior year. He continued at Mary Washington, and earned Coastal Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors for the third time this year as a senior, after posting a pair of shutout wins in CAC action last week. Spencer registered a pair of saves in a 1-0 win at Frostburg
Matt Spencer
so our afternoons and evenings are open for practice, lift and games,” says Spencer. “Getting enough sleep at night can sometimes be hard especially when you get back at 1am from an away game and have class the next morning at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m.” Trying to balance playing a sport in college and academics can be very challenging. Shutouts, low GAA and a high save percentage are among the accomplishments Spencer has had this season. The senior goalkeeper has won three Coastal Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week Awards. “We made it to the conference final last season against them and lost 1-0... We are the only two teams with perfect 5-0 records in the conference thus far,” said Spencer. “It’s our turn to hand them a loss in the final this year, [we] could not have received these awards without the ten players playing in front of me.” When asked how much it would mean to him to take his team to the championship, Spencer said, “We’ve been there once in my four years and lost so getting there is one thing, but winning it would mean the world to me... There is nothing else I want more, it’s something I would remember for life.” As of now, Spencer has no plans to continue soccer after graduation in May, 2018. Due to this being his last season, he is living in the moment. “I plan on ending on a high note here and winning a conference championship and going to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2001... All my focus is currently here, right now, in this moment.”
www.umweagles.com
The Wizards look to get off to a hot start this season DUSTIN THOMAS Staff Writer
This NBA season brings a lot of optimism for the Washington Wizards led by nine year head coach, Scott Brooks. As the Wizards start the season Wednesday, versus the Philadelphia 76ers, fans can expect to see the same starting lineup at the beginning of this season. Besides power forward, Markieff Morris who will be sitting out due to injury, this roster has so much more potential. General Manager, Ernie Grunfeld felt comfortable with this season’s starting lineup which he felt simply needed another year of team chemistry. Last year, the biggest problem for this young Wizards squad was their bench. Grunfeld addressed the issue by acquiring point guard, Tim Frazier and veteran shooting guard Jodie Meeks. For Washington to have a successful season, these two guards have to score and lead the second unit efficiently, unlike Trey Burke and Brandon Jennings did last year. One major obstacle on their season will be starting off without Morris for six to eight weeks due to a knee injury. In his place, coach Brooks has experimented with forwards Kelly Oubre Jr. and Jason Smith during the preseason. It looks as if Jason Smith will get the nod after a 22 point performance in the Wizards preseason game versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. The future is bright for the Wizards, led by all stars John Wall, Bradley Beal and rising star Otto Porter Jr. This season the team aspires to earn a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Washington Wizards
Bleacher Report
Weekly Scoreboard Field Hockey
Men's Soccer
Oct. 18 @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (W) UMW: 0 St. Mary’s (Md.): 2
women's Soccer
Oct. 18 vs. St. Mary’s (Md.) (W) UMW: 2 St. Mary’s (Md.): 0
Oct. 21 vs. Christopher Newport TBA
Oct. 18 vs. Gallaudet (W) UMW: 3 Gallaudet: 0
Oct. 21 vs. Christopher Newport TBA
VolleyBall
Men's Soccer
Oct. 14 York (Pa.) (L) UMW: 3 York (Pa.): 4
women's Soccer
field hockey
Oct. 19 vs. Frostburg St. TBA
volleyball
Oct. 20 vs. Frostburg St. TBA
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VIEWPOINTS
NFL players are not being disrespectful by exercising their right to protest
Ginny Bixby Viewpoints Editor
After weeks of criticism and media attention focused on players kneeling for the national anthem in protest, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at a news conference on Wednesday, Oct. 18 that while he believes that players should stand for the playing of the national anthem, he does not plan to create or enforce any rule requiring them to. While Goodell should openly support his players’ First Amendment rights, it is reassuring to know that he does not plan to censor them- after all, that would be illegal. American citizens’ First Amendment rights to free speech are non-negotiable. America as a nation was founded on the principles of protest when colonists fought against the taxation without representation in parliament by boycotting consumption of goods imported from Britain and dumped tea into the Boston Harbor. Free speech is not a new or radical concept, and considering that free speech is what brought about the forming of this country, it is arguable the right that must be held most sacred and protected. However, there seems to be this idea that public figures are not granted the same rights outlined in the First Amendment as “regular” citizens are, and this has fueled much of the criticism surrounding the protests. San Francisco 49ers player Colin Kaepernick started protesting police brutality and racism by kneeling for the anthem in August 2016. Slowly, other players joined in, and recently these
protests have become such a hot topic again because so many players are participating in them, particularly fueled by President Donald Trump’s racist words and actions throughout his campaign and presidency. But a lot has been misconstrued about these protests. What these players are protesting is not a flag and not an anthem. In an interview with NFL Media in August 2016, Kaepernick said “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” This was over a year ago, yet while more players have followed Kaepernick’s lead, there seems to be a lot of public discourse over whether or not this is disrespectful to the military and people are not listening to what these players are telling us. The irony is that the military fights for the rights of American citizens to engage in protest like these players are. Also, many players have directly stated that this has nothing to do with the military. In a postgame locker room interview on Oct. 8, San Francisco 49ers player Eric Reid told reporters, “This is not about the military, this is not about the flag, this is not about the anthem. My mother served in the armed forces. Three of my uncles served in the armed forces… I have the utmost respect for the military, for the anthem, for the flag… this is about systemic oppression that has been rampant
in this country for decades on top of decades.” In response to Goodell’s news conference statement, Trump tweeted: “The NFL has decided that it will not force players to stand for the playing of our National Anthem. Total Norm Hall/Getty Images disrespect for our San Francisco 49ers players have protested racial conflict by kneeling great country!” in for the National Anthem since 2016, when Colin Kaepernick started But what exactly the trend. is disrespectful denly are no longer American citizens. In about the players’ fact, their large platform is an excellent protests? Nothing. They are engaging way for them to voice their concerns in a completely peaceful, nondisruptive on certain issues. Kaepernick and Reid, exercise of their First Amendment rights, for example, are black athletes who are the very same rights that allow Trump using their position in the world to speak to tweet out inflammatory remarks on a up for other black Americans who are nearly daily basis and allow him to call discriminated against and are subject to these protestors “sons of b******”. systemic racism. Why shouldn’t someTrump and his supporters need to one in the public eye take on this issue? realize that for Trump to be able to be as They have an exorbitantly large followshocking and rambunctious as he is in ing and audience that the average citizen his rhetoric, others need to be extended cannot reach. the same privilege. There is a popular Regardless of what the NFL players -or argument that NFL players and similar anyone, for that matter- are protesting, public figures such as actors should not the First Amendment is not up for deget the same rights to discuss controverbate. Free speech is what makes America sial issues like police brutality. However, the country that it is, and attacks on it there is no logic to this argument. threaten American freedom. Maybe it While these players are privileged in is time to stop worrying so much about that they are paid enormous salaries and respecting a flag and start worrying about are getting to play a game they love for a treating people as they should be treated: living, that does not mean that they sudas free, equal American citizens.
UMW needs to do more to promote self-care among students Paige Walton Staff Writer
As college students, we are among the most highly stressed individuals. As people who dedicate the majority of our time to school, our university needs to do more to educate and promote selfcare. The idea of engaging in intentional acts to care for our bodies and minds is vastly overlooked and underappreciated, especially within academia. With so much stress weighing down students, there needs to be a push at the university level to recognize the importance of self-care. According to the 2015 National College Health Assessment, over 85 percent of students say they have felt overwhelmed with stress in the previous year. With an undergraduate population of over 4,000 students, that statistic would translate to over 3,400 persons in the UMW community feeling swamped by workload. While the University and the Office of Student Activities and Engagement provide a week of relaxation and fun
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during finals, self-care is not merely about de-stressing. Self-care goes beyond winding down or temporarily forgetting about problems. Self-care looks different for everyone because everyone is different. It can be as simple as taking an extra five minutes in the shower because it has been a long day, or sleeping in on the weekends to give your body time to rest. Taking time just for yourself, to play games on your phone and have a 10 minute break, eating healthy and drinking plenty of water, are ways we can care for ourselves. While many of these strategies are up to the individual to adopt, given that the university is made up of thousands of individuals, it is a topic that deserves to be talked about. The university needs to do more to promote the idea that we are people first, and students second. According to UMW’s Fast Facts webpage,over 50 percent of the student body lives on campus which means many students
Tim Gouw/unsplash.com
In the 2015 National College Health Assessment, over 85 percent of students said they had felt overwhelmed with stress in the past year.
live, eat, study and sleep on campus within university housing. Students live and work as UMW students and there needs to be a holistic approach to caring for students. Academic services are offered, there is a Department of Financial Aid and the Talley Center for Counseling Services, among many other resources. But there are currently no events or advocacy for self-care, to promote putting ourselves first. A big change from high school to college is the increased amount of free, unstructured time. Without curfews or parents to dictate schedules, we are primarily left to our own devices. In addition to being students, many of us have full or part time jobs, are members of clubs or sports teams, have a social life and family to juggle.
Remembering to intentionally take time for ourselves at the end of the day is often neglected because of our busy schedules. Our university as an institution, however, does not seem to place a premium on the topic. Rather, student run clubs and organizations may occasionally hold events for students to let a load off, but again, letting loose is different than taking time to care for yourself on the daily. Being adults comes with additional responsibilities that we as individuals need to attend to, but as we take classes and live within an institution of learning, the University should offer events or at the very least information regarding the promotion of self-care within the student body. A healthy student population should be what college campuses strive for.
Thursday, October 2017 Thursday, January 21,19, 2015
VIEWPOINTS
Editor: Ginny Bixby | blueandgray.views@gmail.com
Students: Be considerate of students with kids type that the only thing college students care about is themselves. “[A to do list reads] wake up at 6 a.m., However, considering how many students are, in fact, parents we get Jolene’s homework in her bag, get should be including them in the her to school by seven, be at school by discourse of college life. 8 a.m.” This is a day according to a deThis year, the Institute for tailed planner coded with five different Women’s Policy Research reportcolors. One for the gym, one for school, one for work, one for Jolene and one for ed that nationally student parents make up 26 percent of the University of Mary Washington senior, undergraduate student body. Yet, Rachel Hicks. student parents go unrecognized Hicks is a 28-year-old student majoring in studio art at UMW, and she is one by other students. Hicks is one of many here at young woman representing a unique UMW proving that yes, student part of the undergraduate student demoparents do exist, and it is time to graphic; the student parent. Being a parent and a student is a strug- be considerate of them. After all, Parent Co/Parent .com gle not many would immediately under- there is a lot we can learn from The Institute for Women’s Policy Research reported that nationally student parents make up 26 the dedication, hard work and stand or even think about. Most of the percent of the undergraduate student body. time, students without children don’t determination they demonstrate even consider which of their classmates every day. Some of the things Hicks deals Between taking care of her daughter, student parents play in our community. have to maintain the responsibilities that with may resonate with students without working a full-time job and having a As a student herself, Hicks can inspire come with being a parent. When somechildren, like the age-old struggle of limited pool of courses to choose from, her daughter to one day pursue her own one brings their child to class, other sturegistering for all Hicks has found it difficult to get into goals. dents react in a mixture the right classes. some of the classes she needs to gradu“Don’t use your children as shields,” of surprise and shock However for her, ate. She has found that communication, Hicks said. “My daughter is really into as if they never would “Most of the time, stuthe struggle is a persistence and detailed organization art because I’m into art, and one day have guessed their little different. really pay off when it comes to getting she’s going to come to me and be like, classmate was a parent dents without children Hicks transferred into the classes she needs. ‘Hey I want to be lawyer or an artist or too. don’t even consider from Longwood While other students probably undera dancer’ and I think it’s really unfair to “My top priority, University stand the frustration Hicks experiences tell your children, ‘Well, I wanted that in school or out of which of their classmates in 2009. She when registering for classes, the other too, but then I had you.’” school...has to be her have to maintain the reattended UMW issues she encounters are specific to Hicks says that by going to school, she [Jolene] and I think it’s for a semester parents. Despite being viewed as a is leading by example. a big thing for some- sponsibilities that come before she gave “Super Mom” figure by some of her For those of us who do not have chilone who isn’t a parent.. birth to her peers, Hicks gets plenty of unsolicited with being a parent.” dren, learn from the example students they can make school daughter, Jolene, advice and clichéd assumptions thrown like Hicks set for us. Perseverance and their top priority when who is now sevat her. One reason might be the failure determination make all the difference I can’t,” said Hicks. en. It was hard to understand how someone’s priorities in reaching your goals, no matter if it is -Sarah Goodnough “It’s never really affor Hicks to get change after they have children. in getting your degree or having chilfected me as far as my into the classes Despite her busy schedule and jugdren of your own. Let’s try proving the academic work, but it’s something that’s she needed for her degree because, as gling work and school while also millennial stereotype wrong by being inkind of always in the back of my head.” a transfer student, she had to wait for caring for Jolene, Hicks handles it with tentional in considerate towards student In a society of iPhones and social meother students to register first. elegance and shows how big of a role parents at UMW. dia, it has become a millennial stereoEmily Kube Staff Writer
Staff Ed: The Blue & Gray Press stands with sexual assault survivors in wake of Harvey Weinstein scandal The Hollywood bully and titan of the independent film industry, Harvey Weinstein, has been brought to his knees after reports by the New York Times and the New Yorker exposed his years of sexually assaulting starlets. In the wake of the reports, the board of the movie company that Weinstein built with his brother, Bob, fired him on Sunday. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revoked his membership, the Producers Guild terminated his membership him. Police in London and New York are investigating him for sexual assault. He is
now an outcast in the entire film industry, and Weinstein’s wife has left him. The latest reports, in the New Yorker on Tuesday, are even darker and more extensive than the original stories of sexual harassment in the New York Times. Many of Weinstein’s accusers’ stories played out the same way. Young actresses and models were tricked into meeting Weinstein in his hotel room, and then they were intimidated into performing sexual acts. Many complied and stayed silent because they feared for the future of their careers. Those who did speak up believed that their careers suffered from
it.
This is about more than infamous “casting couches” and decades of abuse. This is hopefully a turning point in our entertainment industry and greater society. Amongst a University that is majority women and an editorial staff that is majority women it is disheartening to hear about. The next step for many of us is in the workplace, and knowing that sexual misconduct is still common in the office is terrifying. One thing that gives the Blue & Gray staff hope is the growing number of women coming forward and the slow
decrease of the stigma surrounding sexual assault victims. Women in Hollywood are no longer staying silent and neither should other women. At UMW there are several resources for sexual assault survivors. If you have been sexually assaulted or are experiencing intimate partner abuse or know of someone who has please reach out to the on-campus resources. http://students.umw.edu/counseling/sexual-assault-information/
By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD
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LIFE
Editor: Lauren Closs blueandgray.life@gmail.com
Plugged in Playlist: the editors’ edition
After a two year hiatus, Plugged in Playlist is back in action this week. On production night, the editors listen to a wide range of music to stay motivated. If you’ve ever wondered what the editors listen to, this is the playlist for you. This playlist ranges from indie, rap, broadway, experimental, pop to classic rock. If you are in need of some new tunes, check out our top 20 songs. Happy listening!
1. "The Fiddlers" by Tingsek, chosen by Kelly Emmrich, Editor-in-Chief 2. "Miserable America" by Kevin Abstract, chosen by Ester Salguero, Associate Editor 3. “Really? Yeah!” by KYLE, chosen by Tessa Cate, Managing Editor 4. "Bad at Love" by Halsey, chosen by Es Hethcox, Online Editor 5. “Bibia Be Ye Ye” by Ed Sheeran, chosen by Izzy Briones, News Editor 6. “Why Worry” by Set It Off, chosen by Meaghan McIntyre, News Editor 7. "Waving Through a Window" by Pasek and Paul, chosen by Lauren Closs, Life Editor 8. “SWAMP” by BROCKHAMPTON, chosen by Ryan Brauch, Sports Editor 9. "Holy Water" by Laurel, chosen by Ginny Bixby, Viewpoints editor 10. "You Wreck Me" by Tom Petty, chosen by Alex Sakes, Photo Editor 11. "Resolution" by Matt Corby, chosen by Kelly Emmrich, Editor-in-Chief 12. "Answer" by Tyler the Creator, chosen by Ester Salguero, Associate Editor 13. “REDMERCEDES” by Aminé, chosen by Tessa Cate, Managing Editor 14. "Good at Goodbyes" by Sam Smith, chosen by Es Hethcox, Online Editor 15. “Unforgettable” by French Montana, chosen by Izzy Briones, News Editor 16. “Learn to Let Go” by Kesha, chosen by Meaghan McIntyre, News Editor 17. "Riptide" by Vance Joy, chosen by Lauren Closs, Life Editor 18. “Made Love First” by Marc E. Bassy, chosen by Ryan Brauch, Sports Editor 19. "Smokestacks" by Layla, chosen by Ginny Bixby, Viewpoints editor 20. "I’ll Be You" by The Replacements, chosen by Alex Sakes, Photo Editor Thursday, October 19, 2017
LIFE
John Green novel conveys complexities of mental illness ARIANA BARRETT Staff Writer
On Oct. 11, George Washington University’s bookstore and coffee house, “Politics and Prose,” hosted author John Green’s second stop on his book tour. He was promoting his new book “Turtles All the Way Down,” which had just been released the day before. Green is best known for his novels “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Paper Towns,” which were made into major motion pictures. He is notorious for basing his plots around young adult romance, but this time he decided to focus on mental illness with just a little romance. Green began the talk by giving some background information on the book’s plot and reading a section where the main character, Aza, is repeatedly worrying about, cleaning and opening a self-inflicted wound. No matter how much she tries to resist the urge of partaking in this cycle, she cannot break free. “We project our biases and expectations and experiences and so on, on to everyone and everything else because we are stuck with just this one consciousness,” said Green. When listening to this passage the audience began shifting uncomfortably in their seats. It has been five years since he released his last book, the longest he has gone since he released his first novel in 2006, and says this is because it took that long to for him to be able to portray his message in the book. Green himself suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety and depression. He wanted to write this book in order to show what it is like to be coping with these disorders. “My kids are my kids, my parents
John Green is currently on a book tour for his new novel, “Turtles All The Way Down.”
are my parents but in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Scout isn’t my anything;” said Green. “Instead I’m asked to live inside of her consciousness to see the world as she sees it... I think every novel was a way out of your life and into others and [with] “Turtles All the Way Down,” I wanted to give people a look at what it’s like to be stuck with a mind that doesn’t always feel yours.” Although this book has nothing to do with turtles as the title may suggest, it is a metaphor originating from an old folk tale. There once was a teacher explaining that the world was round and not flat, a student countered his explanation with her own theory that the world was indeed flat and it lays on the back of a turtle. When the teacher questioned what that
turtle was on top of she explained that it was just turtles all the way down. Green explained that whenever he is feeling at his worst he is constantly looking for the turtle at the bottom; an escape. Green spoke of how hard it is to be a functioning human being when he becomes frustrated with himself and how today’s society romanticizes mental illness. Because of artists and authors like Vincent van Gogh and Virginia Woolf, we correlate having mental disorders with abilities to create masterpieces naturally. However, Green aims to break this idea because, as he says, only when he can gain control of his mind is he able to function enough to read and write. “I do think stories can help us to
Ariana Barrett / The Blue & Gray Press.
empathize but I don’t they can ever tell us precisely what someone else’s life is like and that’s why we mustn’t think that reading a book or even many books makes us qualified to speak over other people or on behalf of them,” said Green. His goal is to humanize those with mental disorders so people can understand that it’s not a conscious decision and many are aware of their actions but can’t always control them. “I understand that I too am real,” continued Green. “...That I may not always control my thoughts but I am none the less a real creature, a singular noun, capable of loving and being loved, not just capable of love, in fact, but also worthy of it.”
Homecoming kicks off with illuminating Big Ash Bonfire Photos by Cayley McGuire From left: Hannah Galeone, Dan Clark and Rick Altenburg.
Students gather for the bonfire on Jefferson Square.
From left: Jamie Fedock, Jenna Morgan, Camila Shoeibi and Leslie Pullen enjoy the firelight and apple cider.
Students take selfies in front of the fire and enjoy club performances and food, including funnel cake and fried Oreos.
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Homecoming Events
Thursday
• Homecoming t-shirt sales, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., UC Patio • Lip Sync, 8 p.m., Dodd Auditorium
Friday
• Homecoming t-shirt sales, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., UC Patio • Alumni Happy Hour, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Home Team Grill • Transformers: The Last Night, 7 p.m., Monroe Hall 116 • The House 10 p.m., Monroe Hall 116
@theBlueandGray
BlueandGrayPress
Saturday
• Alumni Brunch, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Rappahannock Grand Ballroom (Jepson Alumni Executive Center) • Tailgate, 11:30 a.m. Battleground • Alumni Tailgate, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m Location: Battleground • UMW Field Hockey vs. Salisbury, 12:30 p.m., Battleground • UMW Women’s Soccer vs. CNU, 1 p.m. Battleground, • UMW Women’s Volleyball vs. Southern Virginia 3 p.m. Anderson Center • UMW Men’s Soccer vs. CNU, 3:30 p.m. Battleground • The House 7 p.m., Monroe Hall 116• Transformers: The Last Night, 10 p.m., Monroe Hall 116
The Blue & Gray Press
LIFE
Death from Above reverses writing technique for new album GRACE HOWIE Contributing Writer
Punk-rock duo, Death from Above, is back with a new album. It’s been three years since their last full release which followed a five-year hiatus. This band has been around for a while and while there’s no guarantee they’re around to stay, the newest album, “Outrage! Is Now” is a nice treat. This album came almost out of nowhere, it was released on Sept. 8 after only being announced three weeks earlier. The album is reminiscent of their past albums but is more dancey while maintaining the classic, head-banging “Death from Above” sound fans have come to know. This duo has a fairly
Their new album was released Sept 8.
simple set up. Sebastien Grainger sings and plays the drums, while Jesse Keeler provides backing vocals and plays both bass and synthesizer. It’s loud, energetic and at no point is it evident that just two people are creating such full-bodied, complete songs. I had the opportunity to talk to Grainger and he said the creation of this album differed in a lot of ways from their past work. Grainger said, “the very Jesse Keeler playing bass at the Parklife Festival in 2011. first EP’s [they] made and the first Grainger explained how “Jesse would record [they] made, [they] come up with an interesting riff idea, wrote the songs just sitting and then [he] would take that demo and in the basement with all play over top of it. [They] kind of passed [the] amps on and turned demos around” until they had the final on and turned up.” record. This record saw no real specific This was also done with influence but rather they’re just “trying their first record, except to entertain” each other. now they had “instruments I think this is communicated in set up in a room and were the record with the originality of the playing together, trying to ideas. Grainger said “[they had] been land on interesting ideas.” playing together for 15 years or so, it’s While they did this a little not like [we] can just keep doing the bit for the latest record, same things or doing the same tricks... only “All I C is U & Me,” [They’re] trying to surprise one another my personal favorite on the with music ideas, lyrical ideas, melodic album, and “NVR 4EVR” ideas, and that will inherently surprise survived to make it on the other people,” which I think is a goal record. This time, they they have achieved. I think this change wrote the majority of them in their writing process is in some ways separately. evident in the songs. It shows a growth
deathfromabove1979.com.
Wikipedia.
and evolution not only musically, but in relation to the time we are living in. The songs are very concise and coherent, which in some ways is a reflection of this extremely deliberate process of building upon pieces that each of them contributed. After they chose the final tracks to be part of the record, only then did they “figure out how to play them as a band” and this to me is very interesting and in some ways shows the musical ability of this group through this reverse engineering of almost their entire album, to be something they’re able to tour with. Death From Above’s tour starts on Oct. 19, and they will be playing at “The Fillmore” on Oct. 28 in Silver Spring, MD. You can find more details and information about them on their website http://www.deathfromabove1979.com/.
Contemplative studies meshes intellectual and personal growth COLLEEN SULLIVAN Senior Writer
Information learned in school is often applied solely in practicum, jobs or internships. Contemplative studies, unlike other programs, is directly applied alongside the learning process, rather than only afterwards. This minor is centered upon meditation and contemplation in everyday life, which is both a personal and intellectual skill. Five years ago, a contemplative practice class started being offered by professors David Ambuel and Angela Pitts and many students were eager to become involved. Due to the combination of student interest and growing popularity of the topic around the globe, in 2016 the contemplative studies minor was offered here at UMW. The concept of contemplative studies can be seen globally, from meditation to mindfulness. These ideas are studied by experts intensively due to their stressrelieving qualities, which have become all the more important in a world where busier schedules dominate everything else. Relaxation apps, coloring books and courses are offered everywhere it seems, now it is even being taught on college campuses. One may wonder how feasible
it is to apply this in a classroom, but students. neuroscience.” He encourages less Professor Daniel Hershberg is confident Over a dozen students have declared conventional uses though, such as in the ease of combining application this minor within the past year and a few dealing with difficult stages of one’s life and knowledge studies in this particular have already graduated. The uniqueness or coping with high-stress occupations. minor. of this area of study sets it apart from Overall, the pathways students can The scope of this area of study is other minors offered. When asked explore with this minor are numerous broad; it spans from Classics, Philosophy about where this minor would be best and the benefits are personal and and Religion studies to Art History used, Hirshberg said, “Its most direct intellectual. studies. The concepts taught in class can career path would be towards graduate be used by students as extensively as studies or research in psychology and they would like, since they are applicable on a daily basis. Hirshberg, who worked to create this minor, emphasized the uniqueness of the interdisciplinary study. “It can be amazingly empowering to discover that mind and experience in fact are workable,” said Hirshberg. “That you can make progress towards reducing stress and anxiety, towards deepening relaxation and concentration, through exercising the mind and brain directly.” This minor is not only a growing field of study in the world, it is also an opportunity to build upon meditative skills, which can Pixabay.. be useful for stressed college Meditation and mindfulness are two concepts withing contemplative studies.
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NEWS
Vehicles provided to athletics department for recruitment purposes
•ATHLETICS | 10 athletics and amongst university teams. Universities, such as Virginia Tech and Virginia Commonwealth University, all participate in corporate partnerships that can be located on each school’s website. “As part of our partnership, we agreed to have the vehicles wrapped and branded in a way to emphasize Sheehy, UMW and UMW Athletics,” said Tyler. The two cars serve as “traveling billboards,” highlighting not only UMW, but UMW Athletics. Madison McLean, a sophomore biology major on the women’s golf team, feels that the Athletic Department would benefit more with vehicles for a different purpose, the transportation of athletes. “Personally, I wish the money would have gone towards larger vans
for the athletes to travel in instead of recruitment vehicles,” said McLean. “As an athlete that travels quite a long way for matches, the vans we have now are a little crammed with the players’ gear and luggage so larger vans would be a little more beneficial, in my opinion.” With the two new vehicles, the Athletic department looks forward to a more reasonable and reliable means of travel for their coaches. “However, since they have already signed the vehicles, I guess the cars will be able to help with recruitment in terms of transportation to and from the recruit,” said McLean. “I’m not sure how much a new car will help in the recruit’s decision to commit to Mary Washington, but if it does then that’s great for whichever team they commit to play on.”
“These cars will save us money and allow our coaches to travel in a more efficient and effective manner.” -Ken Tyler
Finnley Goff / The Blue & Gray Press The new vehicles are part of a Corporate Partnership with Sheehy Toyota.
UMW begins two-year renovation period of Jepson Science center
Krystiane Urbaniak / The Blue & Gray Press On October 9, a two-year renovation period began on Jepson Science center.
LUKE ENGBERT Staff Writer
On Monday, Oct. 9, work began on what has been approximated as a twoyear renovation process of the Jepson Science building. This project will likely impact many UMW students and faculty members, particularly those in the science department. One reason for the renovations is that the amount of space in the building is not sufficient enough to hold the number of science programs that Mary Washington has to offer. The number of science classes currently offered includes courses in the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, environmental earth science and environmental science. “Jepson only has three official classrooms right now leading to many classes being held in labs or in other buildings on campus like DuPont and the HCC,” said senior chemistry major, Nick Atwell.
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According to Leslie Johnson, the project manager, the renovation process will result in an addition of a three-story building which will be attached to the existing facility. The funding for this project was appropriated through the state legislature. The building will have a total useable area of over 42,000-square-feet. The third and fourth floor will also be renovated. Johnson said that the new space will be used to house classrooms and other facilities for Earth and environmental science as well as for the physics department. Changes made to the existing building itself are expected to include renovations of some 29,000-square-feet. That space will then be used as classroom, study and research space for biology and chemistry majors. This prospective arrangement will give each department more space for their own specific uses. The number of classrooms and laboratory rooms which are currently shared by different
science fields, should be reduced to some extent. This project was met with a overall positive reaction from students. “I am glad to see that they are adding more labs and renovating the old ones which will allow for more research to be conducted and different experiments to be done in the laboratory setting,” said Atwell. With what appears to be an increasing popularity of the sciences at UMW, some students believe that the renovation of Jepson is occurring at an opportune time. “The sciences are growing at Mary Washington and we are tightly packed into one building [we are] overflowing into other buildings too,” said junior geology major, Grace Rihl. “I think that it is important to support the sciences and this is a perfect way to do that.” There are some downsides for students which will be due to the renovation. Atwell pointed out that the construction could interfere with existing work and study space. “Since the renovations are being started during the school year we will not be able to use certain machinery and equipment because of limited supplies,” said Atwell. The existing Jepson science building was constructed in 1998, and was funded through the generos-
ity of alumni, Alice Andrews Jepson and her husband, Robert S. Jepson Jr. The building which they funded was a replacement for the then current home of the science departments, the Combs Science Hall. Since its original construction in 1998, the building has undergone little renovation apart from various pipes being replaced. One aspect of the Jepson renovation project that will affect people other than the science majors, is parking changes. The information provided by Johnson states that the existing parking lot at Jepson will be closed off. That means that the faculty and staff who currently park there will be obligated to park on the top deck of Goolrick parking deck. Student parking will not be affected quite as significantly, but the parking spaces along the portion of College Avenue in front of Jepson will most likely be unavailable for the duration of the renovation process. Much of this parking information was also distributed to all faculty and students of UMW via an email a few weeks back, forwarded by Anna Billingsley from the Office of Parking management. At the end of the project, all regular parking at Jepson will be reduced to just ten parking spots. The existing handicapped parking spaces, however, will remain available for use. Also, Johnson says that the number of handicapped spots available will be increased from nine to eleven spaces.
“I think that it is important to support the sciences and this is a perfect way to do that.” -Grace Rihl
Thursday, October 19, 2017
NEWS
UMW Students and Alumni look forward to annual homecoming traditions
•HOMECOMING | 2
Christina Amaral. “For Alpha Mu Sigma, we usually have a brunch [of activities] for the current members and alumni as well... It is great getting together and being able to spend time together.” This year homecoming will also involve tailgating at the Battlegrounds. “Last year was my first year tailgating for homecoming and it was a lot of fun,” said junior English major, Allison Tovey. “I got to see a lot of my classmates and make a few new friends along the way [and] I am really excited to do it again this year.” This years tailgating event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “I always love seeing alumni come back to campus,” said senior marketing major, Jackson Downey. “They seem so happy to be back and to see everyone they missed.” For some UMW students, homecoming weekend means more than going to watch games or tailgating with one’s friends. Two big UMW
homecoming traditions are the Big Ash Bonfire and Lip Sync.
“I got to see a lot of my classmates and make a few new friends along the way [and] I am really excited to do it again this year.” -Allison Tovey “Personally, I love all the performances from the different groups on campus during the bonfire, along with the food that the university provides,” said sophomore psychology major, Sydney Coleman. UMW Class Council is hosting a Lip Sync battle this year and it is going to be held on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. in the Dodd Auditorium. “Lip Sync is my absolute favorite UMW tradition and event,” said junior psychology major, Paige Walton. “It’s a blast to come out and see so many different people and clubs fake sing their hearts out and I love seeing how creative everyone can be.” Many UMW students and alumni come back and celebrate their
own homecoming traditions. For the Women’s rugby team, this means it is a chance to play against current and past teammates. “One of my favorite traditions happens on the rugby pitch,” said alumni, Heather Haddock. “The rugby alumni come back and play the current team... It’s a great way for all these women to connect and network for further team bonding.” Homecoming is a time of making new connections and being able to reconnect with old friends. This years festivities start on Wednesday, then this weekend on Saturday at the UMW Battlegrounds the field hockey team
The Blue & Gray Press UMW community cheers on athletics
“They seem so happy to be back and to see everyone they missed.” -Jackson Downey will take on Salisbury at 12:30 p.m. Women’s soccer and men’s soccer will play Christopher Newport University at 1 p.m. with the women’s game. Women’s volleyball will go up against Southern Virginia University at 3 p.m. inside the arena.
http://umweagles.com/ Alumni return to UMW for homecoming
Student Government Beat October 16 – October 20 Executive Cabinet Mondays at 5 p.m. in the UC Capitol Room •
A special task force has been formed by the SGA President to create a new SGA Constitution. The group meets weekly this semester to decide changes and restructure existing procedures. • •
SGA will soon be collecting feedback regarding President Paino’s Strategic Vision for UMW. This will include surveying students about the plan’s goals and action steps.
SGA will be tailgating near the Alumni Tent at the Battlegrounds on Saturday for Homecoming. Come by for free swag and food! For more information, visit umwsga.org or contact info@umwsga.org
Student Senate Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in Monroe 116 While the following motions have been passed by the Senate, they are still subject to further review and a vote by the Executive Cabinet. Listed motions may not take effect as written, and are not obligated to occur. • •
•
Motion 10.18.1 – Motion to work with University Services to troubleshoot and restore faulty cable connections in residence halls. Motion 10.18.2 – Motion to work with Facilities Services to open the closed second staircase to the parking lots adjacent to Sunken Road and the Parking Deck. Motion 10.18.3 – Motion to work with Facilities Services to have several potholes repaired and lines repainted in the parking lots adjacent to Sunken Road and the Parking Deck. For more information, visit umwsenate.org or contact vp@umwsga.org DETAILS PROVIDED BY MATTHEW GOOD
Thursday, October 19, 2017
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SPORTS LUBNA AKHTAR Staff Writer
Editor: Ryan Brauch | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com
Eric Shaw shares about how it all started and his feelings about the upcoming season
As basketball season approaches, Eric Shaw, a senior power forward on UMW’s basketball team and communications major, reflects on his relationship with basketball and how it has shaped him into the man he is today. He began playing basketball competitively at the age of six and has continued since then. “I have always had a basketball in my hand... the game, or even just shooting allows me to escape whatever troubles I’m experiencing,” said Shaw. “It brings my emotions to an all-time high and [the game] is more than just a distraction – it is a sanctuary, and makes me feel like I’m home... I’m in love with it.” Shaw’s inspiration in basketball comes from his former coach, Craig Boothe and his mother, Rhonda Shaw. Working with Boothe allowed Shaw to see how basketball is not only a game, but a tool for his own betterment. It has helped him become well–rounded in his academics and in other talents, such as digital media and painting. “Basketball has given me things that I wouldn’t have otherwise – from material things like shoes, clothes to the more important things such as a sense of belonging – I’ve always had
SEAN BERMINGHAM Staff Writer
a sense of brotherhood, character, the ability to travel… I probably wouldn’t be in college if it weren’t for basketball,” said Shaw. “It has given me fundamental qualities like leadership and discipline.” Through his mother, Shaw has been able to persevere in any hardship that life has bestowed upon him. Her resilience and persistence has given Shaw the power to push past any obstacles or difficulties. When overwhelmed with responsibilities, he reminds himself that anything is possible. “Playing basketball has helped me discipline myself in not only my sport, but in my workouts [too], like when I have to run sprints,” says Shaw. “It’s also made me pay more attention to my artwork... I find myself dedicating more time and consistency into my art, just like I do with basketball.” When Shaw notices himself wanting to take days off, he constantly reminds himself of his ultimate goal – his continual betterment of himself – on and off the court. Like many others, he finds himself feeling lazy every now and then, but is able to overcome this sentiment by reminding himself of his opportunity. “I realize that there are peo-
ple who aren’t blessed with the same capabilities as me... If I don’t do everything that I can, I’m not respecting and honoring what I have,” said Shaw. “I’m sure there are millions of people who’d want to be in my shoes – to be a student athlete in college, so I can’t give that away.” Shaw says that he feel like his leadership abilities have improved due to basketball, making him a better teammate. This growth has opened his eyes to see basketball as something “greater than self.” He demonstrates strong leadership through his motivating nature. “I’ve never wanted to be team captain,” he says. “I’d rather be more of a vocal and emotional leader – lead by example [and] not just my words.” As his college career wraps up, he says, “My two focuses this season are to give it everything I have since it might be my last time competitively playing and to also help instill positive qualities in my teammates, who I consider brothers and not just teammates or friends... I would like to inspire them to have the qualities that my inspirations have instilled in me, which will make them better players and people.”
Eric Shaw
www.umweagles.com
Eric Shaw
www.umweagles.com
United States Men’s National team falls short in World Cup qualifier
On Oct. 10,, the United States men’s soccer team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986. This flop occurred seemingly against all odds, since the men’s team was rated at 97 percent going into the qualifiers making them favorable to earn a spot in the World Cup. The United States competes against other North and Central American teams and is often teased for having an easy time compared to some of the European and South American teams. Having lost to both Panama and Honduras while only needing to tie to move on to the World Cup, the final game ended with a 2-1 loss between Trinidad and Tobago, the ninety-ninth ranked team. It was downhill from there, with an own-goal by Omar Gonzalez, in the middle of the first half. This early goal helped Trinidad and Tobago psychologically,
Thursday, October 19 2017
then they began playing better while the United States’ defense suffered because of the point. Bruce Arena, the head coach of the United States Men’s National team, made a comment about not getting rising star, Christian Pulisic, involved enough in the game. Soccer is not a popular sport in the United States compared to football, baseball, basketball or hockey, however this loss is significant for the revenue of the national team. The team put a large amount of its resources including about $22 million into its youth development program in 2016, because of this the fumble of not making it to the World Cup will make it even more difficult in future years to come. This loss also has a societal impact that may increase the difficulty of making the qualifiers in the future. Since young kids are less likely to play a
sport that is not represented at the global level, this impact could be avoided by the team’s performance in the Olympics. The defeat also makes the choice for dual-citizenship players harder. Many of them live and play in the United States. However, if the United States is not represented internationally in the largest soccer tournament, then they will likely rather play for the secondary country they hold citizenship in. It also serves to make American players less appealing on the international players’ market where they are already rarely sought after. The loss is bad news for Fox Sports which outbid ESPN for the rights to show the next two World Cups which they spent around $425 million for. Fox Sports has already scheduled over 350 hours of World Cup programming.
U.S. National Team
otowns11.com
U.S. National Team
businessinsider.com
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