Students enjoy week of warm weather as spring sports start fresh seasons.
Thomas Jackson / The Weekly Ringer
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Chinese language program cut at UMW
ELIZABETH
KYNE Staff Writer
After over two decades of Chinese language instruction at UMW, the university is ceasing Mandarin course offerings.
The Department of Modern Language and Literature urged the administration to reconsider in an open letter to staff signed by their chair, Marcel Rotter. The letter called the choice “a very troublesome development here at UMW, and one that could cause serious damage.”
The Language Department believes this change is due to budget cuts.
“The small savings from cutting these low-cost adjunct-delivered courses could cause the university to lose students, and revenue,” says the letter. Its authors believe “small savings from cutting these low cost adjunct delivered courses” are not an effective way to deal with the financial issues caused by low enrollment to the university.
“The small savings from cutting these low-cost adjunct-delivered courses could cause the university to lose students, and revenue.”
- Letter Authors
Adjunct Professor Hope Tang has taught Chinese language and culture courses at Mary Washington for 13 years. In light of the recent drop in interest in Chinese courses, with Mandarin 102 having only seven students enrolled, she primarily takes on students for individual studies to privately continue their education.
There is a feeling of being cheated out of the full experience amongst some students currently enrolled in the program.
The Chinese program has played a role in campus events, but has faced notably lower enrollment and now removal from the language course offerings. Tang says recent geopolitical events played a role.
“After COVID-19, the Chinese government gives American people or the international society some negative impressions,” she said. “People don’t have a good impression of the Chinese government.”
The Language Department’s letter agrees that “hostile rhetoric” between America and China has contributed to low enrollment.
Luther shared similar sentiments and said the decision feels “pointed.”
“I already felt a bit of the side eyes from people, like, ‘Oh, you’re taking Chinese?’” he said.
“I
am deeply disappointed by the administration’s decision to remove Mandarin classes from the university’s curriculum. This decision directly contradicts the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
- Heather Pham
There has been tension between China and America for some time now. A report released by California State University measuring 24 major cities from 2020 to early 2021 found an 189% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes. Stop APPI Hate has tracked a 58% spike in violent threats found online against Asians following the 2024 election of President Donald Trump. Similarly, the debate surrounding the Trump Administration’s TikTok ban has contributed to increased hostility towards the Chinese government, which some argue leads to increased xenophobia and fear-mongering.
According to Tang, Chinese cultural courses are often unintentionally put in competition with Japanese courses due to the fascination with Japanese culture among younger people. She notes that the popularity of Japanese media in America has affected Chinese enrollment rates.
Bell tower logo designed by Bernadette D’Auria ‘22
“They’re leaving before I get to complete it or leaving before I get to finish it, and my experience when I took German with UMW last year was not like that at all,” said junior historic preservation major Sam Luther.
Students currently enrolled in a Chinese class will be left without the ability to complete the full program. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Chinese language instruction has been a part of the Department of Modern Languages and Literature for almost two decades. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Friday, February 28, 2025
The term “Latinx”
is not as inclusive
as it claims to be
“Latinx” is a term that has been widely debated as it does not flow naturally within Spanish grammar rules. “Latine” is a more fitting alternative.
AYIANA ALLEN Staff Writer
Language is a tool with the powerful tool used to shape identities, to include and exclude groups in a society. As a mixed person, I’ve seen firsthand how words can carry deep cultural significance and cause erasure or exclusion. When words that come into circulation are from the outside, it can feel like the words being used within your group are being dictated by others. One of the most debated terms within recent years is the term “Latinx,” a word that was created with the intention of inclusivity, but has been met with significant resistance from the people it claims to represent.
The term “Latinx” seems to have come from activists in the United States looking for a gender-neutral term to “Latino” or “Latina.” The term first appeared in 2004 and resurfaced in an academic journal in 2013. Those in favor of the term recognize its use as inclusive for those who are non-binary and gender-nonconforming, which is an important part of creating a more progressive and accepting society. However, its adoption has been met with strong resistance from many Latino communities, both in the U.S. and Latin America. Hostility toward the term is not just about linguistics, but a large issue of modern colonialism.
A few grievances with the term “Latinx” stems from the fact that ‘x’ does not flow naturally or fit within Spanish grammar rules. In fact, it caters more toward the English speakers than Spanish speakers, especially considering that the letter ‘x’ is not pronounced the same way in English. In this way English is enforcing its norms onto Spanish speakers and Latinos by introducing it as the new inclusive term.
“The idea is fundamentally broken in the native language. It’s unpronounceable in Spanish and in English,
which just makes it difficult for everyone and is counterproductive,” said Addai Tavara-Alanso, a sophomore computer science major.
I have heard professors use “Latinx” because they believe that they are being inclusive and respectful. I often relay these instances of professors using that term to friends who meet me with confused looks. Some go as far to ask for the professor’s name in order to avoid taking a class with them. These students are not alone in their grievances with the term.
“I wouldn’t feel or say uncomfortable [if a professor used the term ‘Latinx’], but it’s disillusioning,” said Tavara-Alanso. “They have the right intention but don’t go about it in the right way.”
A recent 2024 survey collected from Pew Research Center found that only 4% of Latinos use the term “Latinx.” The study also reported that 42% have heard the term and don’t use it, while 51% have not heard the term.
This raises an important question: Who gets to define identity? If we truly care about decolonization, respecting and representing communities, shouldn’t we listen to what those communities have to say about their own identities.
Especially as a university, we want to ensure that students at UMW feel they have a safe and supportive community that truly hears them. The use of “Latinx” follows the historical pattern of outsiders enforcing their cultural language and labels onto maragnized groups. Especially for those of the Indigenous communities of North and South America, where there has been historical change to their culture and language especially. While “Latinx” is not under the same cruel oppressive intent, the use of it despite its vocalized hostility speaks of a troubling trend.
Another aspect to consider is the diversity within the Latino community already. The term “Latino” is already a
broad term that encompasses many different cultural, racial and national backgrounds. Adding “Latinx” does not solve the broad term problem, if it should be considered a problem at all, but instead exacerbates them.
Language should reflect how individuals or a people see themselves, not how outsiders believe they should be seen or categorized. There will be those who will use Latino to describe themselves while others may use Latinx if they so identify outside the gender binary.
An alternative to “Latinx” is the term “Latine” which is still an equally debated term as Latino is the gender neutral form within Spanish. However, compared to the suffix “-x,” “Latine” is more natural to the Spanish language and native speakers have the “-e” ending come more naturally within their language than the English “-x.”
Furthermore, “Latine” refers commonly to the individual who is gender non-conforming rather than the group (Latinos). Nonetheless, “Latino” remains the preferred term among the majority of Spanish-speaking people.
The debates about “Latinx” are not just about the term. It is about power, identity and the right of communities to label and define themselves. While some may prefer to use the term “Latinx,” using it as a broad stroke over all Latinos is being more restrictive than inclusive from the intention of making marginalized communities more heard and represented. More importantly, we should be asking Latino communities how they wish to be identified rather than assuming what they want to be named.
Ultimately, if we are serious about decolonization, we must be serious about respecting the self-determination of all communities. The first step toward true progression and understanding means listening rather than dictating.
The Weekly Ringer Editorial Board extends condolences
The Weekly Ringer Editorial Board extends our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Jeremy Wacker, a UMW student who sadly passed away earlier this month on Feb. 9. Jeremy was a senior communication and digital studies major who will be remembered fondly by the UMW community. If you or someone you know is grieving or needs additional support, the university offers free mental health services through the Talley Center for Counseling Services. Resources can be accessed in-person Monday through Friday from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Lee Hall room 106 or Tyler House and via their office line, (540) 654-1053.
Secondhand retailers dominate downtown FXBG
ELIZABETH KYNE Staff Writer
Alongside brands and businesses unique to downtown Fredericksburg, there is a large selection of secondhand stores to browse.
Secondhand shops are unlike average stores because their stock is curated by the owners from donations or deals with outside resellers. The stock varies from antiques and collectibles to modern treasures donated by the community.
There are three bigger “mall” style antique stores downtown. The Fredericksburg Antique Mall & Clock Shop and R & R Antiques are seated side by side, divided by Willaim Street. They are both two-story antique malls but hold very different stock.
While all of the downtown antique stores have the average collection of vintage clothes and memorabilia, Mall & Clock has several large sections full of unique and more specific products.
On the top floor, there is a large section of assorted clothing. Most of the clothes are vintage, but the dates vary. Racks separate the clothes into categories: jackets, coats, sleepwear, pants and shelves for hats and belts.
Nearby is a selection of children’s toys, including lots of Beanie Babies, the toy collector’s bread and butter. There are several sections for various types of physical media, including books, DVDs, CDs, cassette tapes, vinyl, VHS tapes and comics. Towards the front, there is a more classic antique-type display including a large section of wartime photos and memorabilia.
The basement has even more clothes and heaps of furniture, everything from lamps to couches to vintage signs. A small room is packed full of Christmas decorations of every kind, teddy bears, fake trees and smiling Santas all crammed into one corner. This is a treasure hunt area. You never know what’s waiting.
Specialty sections containing items from specific companies or for specific interests are common, such as a topfloor booth dedicated to everything Disney or a collection of vintage photo frames.
R&R follows a similar mall layout but is more dedicated to its vintage products. There are more vendor booths with obvious specialties; Asian furniture, vintage toys, wartime antiques, coins, jewelry, card games and sports helmets.
R&R allows its vendors to bring their unique passions to the store by organizing it in this manner. It’s good to check back regularly, as you never know what might be added to the stock.
R&R is also a wonderful place for looking for high-end, expensive antiques, such as designer bags kept in pristine condition. A lot of the vintage merchandise is displayed with a date or label that helps identify the specifics of the object.
Any collector knows the pain of spending hours researching an unidentified purchase afterward. R&R’s labeling helps avoid the hassle entirely.
The third antique mall is the true wildcard of the lot. Caroline Square LLC has an unparalleled variety.
Caroline Square’s selection of children’s toys is unparalleled. There are shelves upon shelves of dolls and stuffed toys stacked together. They all vary in style and size, a Madame Alexander doll might be sitting next to a Garfield plush or wedged between two stacks of Beanie Babies. This is the spot for toys of the soft nature. Alongside the collection of toys, dolls and clothes, Caroline Square has sections of specific dedication, such as a candy area.
The store’s top floor holds a goldmine of creative tools for crafting of all kinds. Sewing patterns, stamps, cutting dies and embellishments for all projects.
Alongside antique sales, there is a large section towards the back of the store for a variety of spiritual practices, namely left-hand paths. If you ever wanted to buy incense, a metal poster of your favorite slasher, an American girl doll and some taffy in one shopping trip, Caroline Square is perfect for you. Collectors of niche and specific hobbies will have much luck here.
If the mall style of antique shopping is too much for you, don’t worry, Downtown has plenty of shops left. Oldies But Goodies Antiques and Collectibles LLC has similar merchandise to these malls but is more easily navigated.
What sets Oldies But Goodies aside is a section towards the back of the first floor devoted to photography. There is a large selection of cameras, mostly film cameras, and a row of beautifully preserved old-style camcorders. There is a large selection of brands and models.
Oldies But Goodies offers multiple boxes of camera accessories at extremely low prices for those who have already found their dream camera. Photography is a notably expensive hobby, and Oldies But Goodies is a rare gem for great deals on materials.
Blue Shark Collectibles is the place for fans of music, sci-fi and comic books. The Star Wars display in their window shows the safe haven for geeks inside. The store is divided into several large sections for these categories and more. The collections inside are neatly organized into alphabetized or otherwise labeled boxes, making it easy to flip through and find your favorite story.
About half of the second room is full of comic books and Superhero memorabilia and the other half is dedicated to all types of physical music media. Music nerds will especially appreciate this shop.
For bookworms, there’s Riverby Books, a secondhand store that divides its content on shelves split by genre. Riverby books come from all time periods and sell for extremely low prices.
There are lots of specialty books for things such as philosophy or art and various antique books for sale. Combined with a children’s section, there is something for every reader in Riverby books to enjoy. Many of the books were originally manufactured in a smaller count, making them uncommon treats for a reader who might pick one out. It’s impossible to give a suitable preview of Riverby books with the sheer range inside.
With such a range of fascinating and unique stores close to campus, there’s no reason not to set out today and explore the beautiful community around UMW.
Oldies But Goodies has all the trinkets. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
The Fredericksburg Antique Mall & Clock Shop is known as the largest Antique Mall in Olde Town. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Caroline Square has an array of secondhand items. From dolls to vinyl, this store has you covered. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
African American culture takes the stage at UMW Step Show
The Step Show at the University of Mary Washington is a cherished tradition that has been fostering community and cultural appreciation for over three decades.
This annual event is held as part of Black History Month and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, culture and connection. This annual event is organized by the James Farmer Multicultural Center and serves as a vibrant celebration of African-American culture and a testament to the power of unity.
“It is an electrifying dynamic program, for the campus community, and even for the broader community to, to come in and be mesmerized, be captivated by it, and then just want to engage in it themselves,” said Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of the JFMC Marion Sanford.
The event celebrates cultural heritage and provides a platform for students and the Fredericksburg community to witness and appreciate the art of stepping. Sanford highlights that the event was envisioned by the original director of the JFMC, the late Forrest Parker, 34 years ago. This vision has been carried forward, making the Step Show one of the longest-standing traditions at UMW.
“It’s a really big part of what it means to be an African-American and the celebration that comes with just being us,” said Quintessa Gaines, a senior political science major and the president of Women of Color. “It’s really important that everything goes as good as it can, but more than anything like that aspect of family and community and all that good stuff.”
The Step Show is an educational opportunity that introduces students to this vibrant cultural expression and fosters a greater appreciation for diversity. By bringing together students, staff and faculty, the event creates a shared experience that strengthens the sense of community on campus.
“Look for those opportunities to participate in step activities—whether here or in the communities,” said Sanford. “Hopefully, this will inspire students to want to create that step team again so that we can be able to witness that experience.”
Many of the performers are alumni or members of local step teams who bring their experience and passion to the stage. This connection with the broader community not only enhances the quality of the performances but also strengthens the ties between UMW and the surrounding area.
Despite its success, the Step Show faces challenges. One of the primary issues is the lack of a dedicated step team at UMW.
“We did have a step team and after covid, it hasn’t picked back up, but I feel like our step team here was more enticing for other groups to come here because they knew we had a step team,” said Gaines.
The absence of a step team makes it harder to attract outside performers and to maintain the continuity of the event.
“Now that we don’t have one, it’s a little bit harder for them to kind of understand where we’re coming from,” Gaines said. “If our old steps team could pick back up, I feel like that would bring more of the community members out for sure.”
However, this challenge also presents an opportunity. Reviving the step team could significantly enhance the Step Show and increase its appeal to both the university and the broader community, according to some of the event’s organizers.
“That just brought the students in even more because their friends will come and support them and watch them, and they’ll bring some of them, then they bring their brothers and sisters, and then other community members come in,” said Assistant Director for Multicultural Student Affairs and the JFMC Chris Williams.
The success of the Step Show is a result of meticulous planning and execution. Sanford explains that the planning process begins well in advance, with student organizations taking the lead in coordinating the event.
“Being able to identify and reach out to a number of different groups who perform step and invite them to come and participate here,” Sanford said. “It takes a lot of dedication and time, and these student leaders have been doing wonderfully. Preparing for this event, getting the word out, announcing it and then just making sure we can have this event.”
Looking to the future, Sanford, Williams, Women of Color and the Black Student Association are committed to maintaining the Step Show’s legacy while also seeking opportunities for growth and improvement.
“The standard of programming that we do and try to make sure we continue to offer each year, that’s what inspires us each year to offer this program,” said Sanford.
One of the primary goals of the Step Show is to increase awareness and education about the cultural significance of stepping. By fostering a greater understanding of this tradition, the Committee for Step Show hopes to attract more participants and spectators from both the university and the broader community.
“It might not be the best show, but we’ll give you the best energy we got,” said Gaines. “You have to give us something. We want to hear y’all sing. We want to see y’all dance and want to hear you shout.”
Gaines and Leah Reaves, a senior political science major and president of the Black Student Association, hope to establish stronger connections with step teams and Divine Nine organizations across the country. By reaching out to these groups well in advance, they can ensure a diverse and dynamic lineup of performers. They foresee this proactive approach would help elevate the Step Show and make it an even more significant event on the UMW calendar.
“Join Women of color, Join black Student Association,” said Reaves. “They’re not specific to Black people or women. Everyone needs community, especially in college. Always a good time. Always someone to talk to someone to hang out with. The James Farmer Multicultural Center, the people there are fantastic, Dr. Sanford and Dr Williams, they are great leaders.”
ADAM BRITTON Staff Writer
Local kids joined in on the fun at the end of the performance. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
With a 34 years history, Step Show is a lasting tradition at UMW. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Black pride stole the spotlight during UMW’s annual Step Show. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Locals joined together to celebrate Black history before our eyes. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Mandarin no longer offered to fulfill Asian Studies minor
FROM CHINESE, PAGE 2
“Our younger generations liked playing video games and watching Japanese anime... they say ‘we like Japanese culture, we want to travel to Japan,’ so Japanese is more welcomed and popular for the younger generation,” she said. “Maybe that’s why the students choose Japanese. I never blame the Japanese program, but it is a fact that these two programs have a hard time surviving.”
“You cannot imagine next year if we don’t have any Chinese program. Our Lunar Celebration no Chinese performers, no Chinese food. What kind of events? Nothing. Events would be very, very small.”
- Hope Tang
When reached for comment, Heather Pham, co-president of the Asian Student Association said she was “deeply disappointed” by the choice, saying it “directly contradicts the university’s commitment to diversity”
and saying the change “may discourage minorities from applying to the university and prevent many educational opportunities.”
The Language Department’s letter notes that removing Mandarin as a language will limit the Asian Studies minor to only offer Japanese for fulfilling requirements. Mary Washington students are not the only ones who may feel the loss, as the removal of Mandarin could end exchange programs with Chinese Northwest University.
“They are interested in Chinese culture...it’s very sad, very disappointing for our students,” said Tang.
Tang is involved in the Asian cultural affairs on campus and the larger Rappahannock River Area Chinese Community, including Fredericksburg, Stafford, Vineyard, King George and Orange County. The Fredericksburg community has been entwined in Mary Washington’s school events, often attending as performers and lecturers or providing food service. Most catering and performances at the recent Lunar New Year event were from the Fredericksburg Chinese community.
“You cannot imagine next year if we don’t have any Chinese program,” said Tang. “Our Lunar Celebration— no Chinese performers, no Chinese food. What kind of events? Nothing. Events would be very, very small.”
Trump’s federal hiring freeze impacts UMW students
WILLIAM ROBINSON Staff Writer
Noah Fellinger, a senior accounting major at the University of Mary Washington who is expected to graduate this spring, began seeking out job opportunities and submitting applications well over one year ago. During his search, he applied for a position with the federal government.
Over Winter Break, in December 2024, Fellinger began the interview process and was eager to see where this opportunity with the government may lead. That was until President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order that placed a hiring freeze on all federal civilian positions, effectively halting Fellinger’s prospect of employment in the public sector.
“I first applied to an organization about a year ago, and I just started the interviewing process this December,” he said. “Right before I had an interview about three weeks ago. I learned that the hiring freeze was put in place, and until further notice my application has been paused.”
The hiring freeze went into effect on Jan. 20 and is expected to last 90 days, ending in late April just three weeks before commencement. The pause not only affects soon-to-be graduates looking for full-time opportunities, but also those applying for internships with executive agencies.
“My biggest piece of advice would be to look away from the federal government right now and try to find the small businesses of America.”
- Nick Wederman
According to the UMW Class of 2020 Outcomes, 6% of Mary Washington students entered government jobs after graduation, which is about 250 students. While UMW does not release data specific to how many of those students went on
to work for the federal government, recent career acknowledgments highlight the federal opportunities pursued by UMW graduates.
Assistant Professor of Political Science Jared McDonald advises students concerned about the impact of the hiring freeze to cast a wide net when looking for jobs.
“Have multiple. If you’re someone certainly coming out of political science, there are a lot of different sorts of jobs, and certainly the public sector is one that we encourage,” he said.
McDonald encourages students to take an interest in the public sector, but recognizes the potential difficulties associated with finding positions after graduation.
“We want strong public servants, people who are devoted to doing a good job on behalf of the people as a whole,” he
said.“They’ll be circling the wagons to protect those who are already vested in the system, and that means fewer opportunities for people who are coming out of college.”
Junior marketing major Nick Wederman, who hopes to work as a federal contractor upon graduating, believes the hiring freeze will impact students’ desire to join the federal workforce, even after the hiring freeze is lifted.
“My biggest piece of advice would be to look away from the federal government right now and try to find the small businesses of America,” he said.
For the time being, any student who has considered working for the federal government or who may have already applied to a government job will be put in a state of limbo until the freeze is lifted later this spring.
Japanese will be the only language that fulfills the Asian Studies minor after Chinese is removed. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to place the hiring freeze that affects all federal civilian positions. Kristina Volgenau / Unsplash
The government hiring freeze affects soon-to-be graduates and students looking for internships with executive agencies. Scott Graham / Unsplash
BOV hears student comments on potential tuition increase
SAMANTHA ALLISON Staff Writer
The University of Mary Washington is considering a potential tuition increase between 0% and 4% for the 2025-2026 academic year and comprehensive auxiliary fees ranging from 0% to 5%. UMW held a Board of Visitors meeting on Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. to give students a voice and allow them to provide input on the increasing tuition prices that may take effect as soon as next semester.
While a potential rise is possible, it will not be finalized until April 11, when the Board of Visitors will vote on the tuition and fee rates at its meeting. Feb. 20 was an opportunity for the Board to hear from the students; members were not allowed to comment on student statements, as they were just there to listen.
The meeting included three students who wanted to explain why the tuition increase could harm them and hinder their ability to afford college.
Donald Glander, a junior communication and digital studies major, addressed the Board and said this increase could harm students instead of helping them.
“Every university in the country demands a high fee, and it’s often priced as the most significant factor in the student’s decision for college,” he said.
Glander says that choosing UMW is a cost-effective option because students can receive an education even if they cannot afford it. He notes that tuition affordability
is a significant reason for UMW’s increasing enrollment.
“Not only would the university welcome more students, but students would also be assured of their financial decisions,” Glander said. “They would come to the university with enthusiasm that only financial stability can guarantee.”
Keely Butler, a sophomore majoring in communication and digital studies, told the Board that this tuition
Crime Column
EMMA KINGKEO News Editor
The Crime Column is based on UMW Police reports from Feb. 12 - Feb. 26.
There has been no crime reported since The Weekly Ringer’s last publication on Feb. 14.
increase could make it challenging for many students to afford their education.
“Everyone should have access to education, not just for those who can afford it,” Butler said.
Freshman Shane Maguire said at the meeting that many Mary Washington students choose schools not based on our programs but rather on the cost of attendance. With tuition rising, this trend shows that students are selecting schools not for merit but for affordability.
“Increasingly, across the nation, students are picking schools not necessarily on the merit of its program, but on the competitiveness of their pricing,” Maguire said.
As there is potential for tuition increases each year, some students are concerned that costs will rise to a number they cannot afford. Maguire says that many students are turning down enrollment offers from other schools because of how expensive it is.
“Several students at the University in Washington have turned down offers from much more prestigious schools to attend here because of its incredibly competitive tuition pricing,” Maguire said.
Last year, for the 2024-2025 year, tuition increased by 2% and the auxility fees increased by 3%. The housing costs rose by 5%, and dining costs increased by 7%. A state budget has yet to be adopted, but will help determine fee rates.
The Board of Visitors meetings are held at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center.
Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Some students are concerned about tuition increases becoming too high to afford continuing at UMW. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Sports
Mary Washington baseball falls to Lynchburg at home following costly errors by the Eagles
THOMAS JACKSON Sports Editor
On Wednesday afternoon the University of Mary Washington baseball team fell to the University of Lynchburg, 2–7.
The Eagles play another game the next day on Thursday, sophomore geospatial analysis major Eric Powell says that while playing back-to-back games is difficult, support from his teammates keeps them all going.
“One of our motos as a team is family,” he said. “If one of us is struggling, everyone helps out to pick them up and get them back on their feet. Playing back to back games is tough but I have confidence in all of my teammates to support me and I will support them.”
Graduate business administration major Noah Roots said that while it is a tough stretch for the team, their constant dedication keeps them prepared.
“I’d say we’re pretty used to it by this point,” he said. “More of just a tough stretch for us, a lot of games. We really just stay connected by, show up early, stay late and hang out a lot.”
“We realize energy wins games. If we can have more energy than the other team then we will be more confident and win more games.”
- Eric Powell
The Eagles started with left-handed pitcher, senior business administration major Gavin Riley. After a trio of walks and two earned runs in the first, Riley would go four more innings without giving up another score.
UMW would go scoreless through the first, but with a double from Powell, the Eagles would score in the bottom of the second.
After his scoring double, Powell said that the energy and support he felt from the dugout would keep him going the rest of the game.
“It’s the best feeling in the world knowing your team supports you and that they have your back no matter what,” he said. “Watching the team get hype standing on second gave me a confidence boost for the rest of my at bats that game.”
This support and communication is not new for the team, says Roots, with each player supporting the others achievements.
“It’s still early in the season, but it’s always been great,” he said. “Everyone is really behind everyone else and really excited when someone else does well.”
Going into the bottom of the third, UMW would score their second and final point of the day off of a double from Roots.
As the game entered the sixth inning, Riley was swapped out at the mound with freshman right-handed pitcher Ryan Henson. Henson would only give up one earned run, but two more Lynchburg players would score off of UMW’s two errors.
Henson echoes Powell’s sentiment that the entire team is a family. Saying that the communication on and off the field has started to come naturally.
“One of the big things we are as a team is trying to be a family, so just constantly talking on and off the field, just it kinda comes naturally to us now,” he said.
To start the seventh inning, junior environmental science major and right-handed pitcher Ryan Northup came in to pitch for the Eagles.
After having a scoreless seventh, Northup would give up two runs in the eighth before UMW would finish the day with sophomore marketing major and left-handed pitcher Connor Hassan finishing the top of the ninth without giving up a run.
With another game in just over 24-hours, Henson hopes the team stays aggressive while batting and continues having hard contacts on the ball.
“Our at-bats, just staying aggressive,” said Henson. “We had a lot of hard contact today and that’ll lead to more success.”
After the game at Hampden-Sydney College on Feb. 27, the Eagle’s next game will be against Houghton University in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on March 1.
“We realize energy wins games. If we can have more energy than the other team then we will be more confident and win more games,” Powell said. “As the season goes on, confidence and believing in your team is the key to winning.”
Grace Wagner contributed to reporting for this article.
THOMAS JACKSON Sports Editor
Men’s Basketball (11-14)
Feb. 22 vs. Christopher Newport University (58-72)
Feb. 28 @ Salisbury University
Women’s Basketball (9-16)
Feb. 22 @ University of Lynchburg (52-58)
Feb. 28 @ Salisbury University
Men’s Tennis (6-1)
Mar. 2 @ Caltech
Mar. 2 @ Chapman University
Women’s Tennis (3-0)
Mar. 2 @ Caltech
Mar. 4 @ Chapman University
Men’s Lacrosse (2-2)
Feb. 22 vs. Bridgewater College (12-3)
Mar. 1 @ Eastern University
Women’s Lacrosse (4-0)
Mar. 1 @ Messiah University
Baseball (3-2)
Mar. 1 vs. Houghton University
Softball (1-1)
Mar. 1 vs. Virginia Wesleyan University
Men’s Rugby (1-1) Feb. 21 @ University of Delaware (76-0)
Women’s Rugby (1-1)
Mar. 1 @ Virginia Commonwealth University
Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpage www.eagles.com/composite
Most recent games included. Bold indicates home game. University of Mary Washington Spring Sports Schedule
#7, infielder and senior business administration major Burke Steifman goes up to bat against the University of Lynchburg. Mary Washington will go on to face Hampden-Sydney College. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
UMW used four pitchers on the day, starting with senior Gavin Riley. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
#9 Noah Roots heads to the dugout with teammates after an inning. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
#26 Eric Powell completing a swing against Lynchburg. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer