Weekly
UMW faithful show out in Charlottesville despite loss
THOMAS JACKSON Sports Editor
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — On Wednesday, the University of Mary Washington’s men’s soccer team traveled to face the University of Virginia at Klöckner Stadium in Charlottesville. This matchup was only the second time in UMW history that the two teams have faced off against each other, according to U.Va. Athletics.
“I was surprised by how many Mary Wash fans there were. There were probably just as many UMW fans as there were UVA fans. Everyone was super enthusiastic about the game.”
- Madison Mayes
The previously undefeated UMW Eagles were ultimately bested by the U.Va. Cavaliers in a final score of 4–2. The teams first went head to head in 2021 when the Cavaliers similarly defeated the Eagles 2–0. The reason for their few meetings is that the teams play in different NCAA divisions. The Cavaliers are a Division I
team with a 2024 season record of 8–5–3 and the Eagles play in Division III with a record of 15–1–1.
Going into this game, the Eagles were ranked first in the United Soccer Coaches Poll for seven consecutive weeks. Because of the dominating season and the rarity of this matchup, UMW Athletics offered to purchase tickets for any UMW faculty, staff member or student interested in attending the game. According to Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Clint Often, approximately 100 people reserved tickets.
“I was surprised by how many Mary Wash fans there were,” said junior nursing major Madison Mayes, who attended the game. “There were probably just as many UMW fans as there were UVA fans. Everyone was super enthusiastic about the game.”
Despite the built-up excitement, UMW’s Sammy Amorose, a junior biology major, along with the rest of the team, treated this game like it was against any other school.
“I don’t think that the mindset has changed heading into the game. No matter the circumstances we are ready to work for each other whether that’s a game or in practice,” he said. “We are treating this like every game week we have had this
year and trying to prepare for what will be a tough game against a D I school.”
Amorose would continue believing that this game would be a good test for the team going against this Division I rival.
“This game is a great opportunity to showcase what our team is capable of doing,” he said.
Executive Director of University Communications Amy Jessee sent a campus-wide email on Oct. 4, advertising the free ticket offer. To Amorose, this shows Mary Washington’s commitment to their teams.
“We are extremely grateful for both UMW and our student body,” he said. “UMW offering to pay for the tickets of those who want to come shows their commitment to supporting their teams while they’re away at tough games like UVA.”
More than just showing commitment, Amorose believes that support from the UMW fanbase helps them win games.
“When the games get tough and we have everyone cheering us on and behind our backs, it pushes us to play better and harder to get the win,” he said.
Mayes says that acquiring the free ticket from UMW was an easy process and made it an easy decision to attend the game despite its distance.
“All I had to do was put my email in saying I wanted a ticket,” she said. “Then a few weeks later I was sent a ticket that I just downloaded to my phone. Overall, it is very easy to get tickets.”
“When
the games get tough and we have everyone cheering us on and behind our backs, it pushes us to play better and harder to get the win.”
- Sammy Amorose
During the game, UMW would have a slow first period, giving up three goals to U.Va., the first not even being from a Cavalier shot attempt. In the 24th minute, after an errant back-pass, Mary Washington scored in their own net. The next
The University of Mary Washington’s men’s soccer team faces off against the University of Virginia’s NCAA Division I team in Charlottesville. Thomas Jackson / The Weekly Ringer
The men’s soccer team gathers together in a huddle before the beginning of the game to prepare for a tough match. Thomas Jackson / The Weekly Ringer
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Eagles face Cavaliers in second-ever match
two goals would both be scored by U.Va. freshman Joaquín Brizuela, a reserve player for Argentinian football club Godoy Cruz. The first would be a header assisted by senior Paul Wiese and sophomore Cesar Cordova, an MLS reserve player for the Houston Dynamo, in the 38th minute, with the second being a shot off of a pass from Cordova in the 41st minute.
Despite their second-half deficit, the Eagles were determined to play their best game.
“Us as players talked about how we need to go out with more intensity and play our game,” said Amorose. “We had a rough start being down at halftime but we knew we could turn it around in the second half in our favor.”
Halftime would be a reset for the Eagles, coming out of the break graduate student Jared Dubose would score after an assist by Amorose in the 52nd minute. After se-
nior political science major Carter Berg was awarded a penalty kick in the 72nd minute, he would score and take the ball from the net, running in front of the UMW side of supporters to celebrate with the crowd. Unfortunately for Mary Washington, the attempted comeback was shut down in the 80th minute after U.Va. sophomore Brendan Lambe, a player on the MLS Atlanta United reserve team, scored on a penalty kick.
Even if UMW did not get the result they wanted, the team as a whole fought with a tough mindset, which Dubose believes will be important in the postseason.
“It was a really good test for us, and with all that said I believe we can compete with anybody,” he said. “Not one of us, sub or starter, let our head drop and we continued to fight, continued to push, and going into the tournament that’s a big thing that we need.”
Looking past the final score, Amorose believes that this loss benefits the team as
a learning experience that will help them improve.
“The lessons learned from this game are very positive,” he said. “We made mistakes just like everyone does but we learned from that and improved as the game went on.”
Despite the loss, Mayes said she was impressed by the team’s energy and believes that the nearly two-hour drive was well worth it.
“If UMW and UVA played again I would definitely go,” she said. “To watch Mary Wash play such a high-intensity game with a very well-known team is something I hope to see again in my time here.”
The Eagle’s next match will be on the road against Christopher Newport University on Nov. 2.
“We know that we did well against a tough opponent but if we can play up to that level against every team the sky’s the limit for our team,” said Amorose.
College Republicans club revived on campus
DEVIN SCHWERS Staff Writer
The University of Mary Washington’s chapter of the College Republicans met for the first time after being dormant for two years this past Tuesday.
The meeting came after a three-month-long coordinated effort by current students to revive the club that began earlier this semester. According to UMW College Republicans Vice President and senior political science major Carlos Nunes, initial conversations regarding the restoration of the club’s presence on campus started in August and have been ongoing since.
Eric Suon, presumptive co-president of UMW College Republicans, junior cybersecurity major and recent transfer student from Rappahannock Community College, helped initiate the revitalization process.
Suon says his primary motivation for restarting the club is to facilitate diversity of thought and make up for what he feels to be a suppression of free speech on campus. Despite having no previous political experience, he hopes to foster an environment that promotes open conversation among conservative students.
“I hear stories of students who are Republicans who feel like they don’t have an open space,” he said. “I also want to create a space for the sharing of ideas.“
Bell tower logo designed by Bernadette D’Auria ‘22
Nunes echoes Suon’s motivation and says that he believes conservative students do not always feel welcome to vocalize their beliefs in the traditional campus setting.
UMW goalkeeper Freddy Rogers saves a shot from going in UMW’s goal.
Thomas Jackson / The Weekly Ringer
Current students have made a recent effort to revive the UMW Chapter of College Republicans on campus. Allison Saeng / Unsplash
Friday, November 1, 2024
Taking a gap year can help students find their passions
ALANAH MULLER Staff Writer
College is an investment, financially but also physically and emotionally. For a while, I wasn’t sure if that was a commitment I could or wanted to make. However, my gap year gave me time to grow and it changed my perspective on college. It made me realize that although it would be an adjustment and it would be strange, it was an experience I didn’t want to miss out on.
I understand that sometimes people have a negative perception of gap years. Some think that taking a gap year indicates laziness or a lack of motivation. I never felt as if I was making this decision for those reasons, though. My decision came from a place of genuine curiosity and unknowing. I didn’t want to jump into college completely unprepared and overwhelmed, which could hurt my approach to education.
“I think one thing I have observed is that often students who take a gap year and return to college to complete their degree often seem to approach this goal with a renewed focus and appreciation for achieving their degree.”
- Marion Sanford
“I think one thing I have observed is that often students who take a gap year and return to college to complete their degree often seem to approach this goal with a renewed focus and appreciation for achieving their degree,” said Marion Sanford, director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center.
I was homeschooled growing up, so I had a slightly different childhood than what is considered normal. I never went to a physical school, which made the idea of going to college daunting. I also had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation. Originally, I was interested in pursuing a medical career, but after taking anatomy and physiology
in high school, I realized that didn’t seem like a good path for me. From there, I developed an interest in a career in criminal justice, and so on.
My slightly out-of-ordinary childhood also gave me a different perspective on things. When I was 17, and everyone else my age was starting their college application process, it occurred to me that I was still unsure about my own plans. This realization drove me to take a gap year. While a lot of students may feel pressure to immediately transition from high school to university, it’s important to understand that no timeline is universal. For me, taking a gap year enabled me to prepare for greater academic success.
“What I see for students who have taken time to make their transition into college is that often these students are more focused on their academic interest as well as having a clear mind about what they want to do in terms of the path that they take when they get here at university,” said Justin Wilkes, director of the Student Transition Program.
Wilkes continued, “I think that many of our traditional first year students come in with the same focus, but I do see with students who have taken a gap year that they often tend to come in with a level of focus that I think contributes to them having taken that extra time to really think through and make sure that they were ready to begin their college experience.
After talking to my parents and laying out my plan for a gap year, I realized this felt like a better choice for me during that time in my life. That experience gave me time to work and experience living away from my parents. Taking a gap year also introduced me to some of my best friends and people who have irrevocably changed my life for the better. It allowed me space to grow and develop my interests and my passions. I am lucky to come from a background that allowed me this opportunity, as I recognize that isn’t the case for everyone. I had the access and resources that allowed me this time, support from my parents, my ability to have a place to move into before moving out and family close by.
I traveled frequently growing up and visited many historical sites and presidential libraries over the years. I have always been interested in history and political science. Spending time around people who were also inter-
ested in these topics helped my interest and passion in the subjects to grow.
During my gap year, because of how close I lived to Washington, D.C., I was able to visit multiple times. I remember walking down the streets and one moment walking past the Department of Justice, then the next walking by the FBI headquarters. This experience—which I potentially would not have had if I had gone directly to college from high school—solidified my interest in criminal justice and set me on the path I am currently on.
“In my experience, when a student takes a gap year, it has worked to their benefit more so than to their detriment,” said Christopher Williams, assistant director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center. “Using a gap year can work well for students, but there are other examples where students fresh out of high school can thrive at a two-year or four-year environment.”
“In my experience, when a student takes a gap year, it has worked to their benefit more so than to their detriment.”
- Christopher Williams
I am very fortunate that I was given the opportunity to take a gap year. If someone does have the opportunity, there should not be a stigma around them taking it. My gap year gave me the chance to tour colleges and find the best place for me. It also gave me the time to work and to save money. As well as introducing me to some of my best friends, who I’ll know for the rest of our lives. Most importantly, it gave me time to figure out what I wanted. So, while it may seem simple for some to write off gap years as a waste of time, they really offer lessons and experiences that are just as valuable as formal education.
On her sightseeing tour through Washington, D.C., Muller saw the Capitol Dome. Photo courtesy of Alanah Muller
Alanah Muller stands in front of the White House on one of the trips she took to Washington, D.C during her gap year, in which she affirmed an interest in criminal justice. Photo courtesy of Alanah Muller
Storefront scarecrows haunt downtown Fredericksburg
GRACE WAGNER & ABBEY MAGNET Life Editor & Photo Editor
The Fredericksburg Scarecrow Festival is more than just a whimsical display of creative artistry; it’s a vibrant celebration of community spirit and small-town culture.
Each autumn, this charming event transforms the streets of historic downtown Fredericksburg into a colorful tapestry of handcrafted scarecrows, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of local businesses.
As visitors stroll along the artfully decorated streets, they can enjoy live music, local crafts, delicious food and a variety of activities for all ages.
As families and friends gather to admire the whimsical straw creations, the festival serves as a reminder of the importance of community connection, local traditions, and the simple joys that bind us together.
This creepy and brooding scarecrow was seated inside the window of Dragon’s Den & Treasures, located at 1002 Caroline St. The not so welcoming face still drew new customers in to get a closer look. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Rehana’s, located on 104 Wolfe St., participated in the “funniest” category of the scarecrow contest. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Located on 810 Caroline St., these yoga loving scarecrows are a part of Dragonfly Yoga Studios halloween decor and catch the eye of festival viewers as they pass their display window. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Blue Sage Massage Studio, located at 600 Caroline St., handmade this spooky scarecrow using a variety of different tools and techniques. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
This spooky, giant, moving scarecrow was in the Shops at Caroline Square, on 914-916 Caroline St. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Located on 920 Caroline St., Made In VA’s scarecrow greets people with a smile as they walked in. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
TICKETS ARE $5 w/ UMW ID AT THE KLEIN THEATRE BOX OFFICE IN THE LOBBY OF DUPONT HALL (Limit TWO tickets per UMW ID)
November 6 * -24
UMW students ghost campus for Halloweekend
MARTINA PUGH Staff Writer
Eagles all over campus have been decorating their dorm rooms and apartments for Halloween however, this holiday at UMW is complicated. Despite several clubs and organizations hosting events, some students still decide to leave campus to experience Halloween weekend at larger institutions.
According to the Assistant Director of New Student Arrival and Programs and UMW class of 2020 alumna, Lily Lester, students’ desire to experience parties at larger institutions is not unique to this year.
“I feel like when I was in school, there was this big rush of everybody going to other schools for Halloween like they would go to JMU or [Virginia] Tech and go hang out with their friends from high school and go to Halloween parties there,” she said.
Because UMW does not have university-affiliated Greek life, many students go off-campus to seek it out during the holiday weekend. Some, like senior environmental science major Holly Anthony, plan to travel to neighboring universities to join in the fun. Anthony says she will be spending the weekend at George Mason University, which does have fraternities and sororities and has an undergraduate enrollment rate over 7x higher than UMW.
“I think that people go off campus just because we are so close to other schools that are bigger and that have bigger celebrations for Halloween weekend. Likewise, it is a fun time to reconnect with friends, who may go to other universities,” she said.
Even though some students may choose to celebrate off campus, others have created their own streams of entertainment throughout the UMW community.
“My roommate and I are having a big Halloween party,” said junior creative writing major, Heather Smith. “We’re doing Halloween trivia and we’re also watching Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
For those who choose to stay on campus, the Office of Student Activities and Engagement intends to host a variety of activities to maintain energy surrounding the holiday with their latest event, Scary Washington.
“There’s going to be tons of free candy,” said Lester. “We’ll do spooky puzzles in Student Activities. We’ll have multiple games, including a witch hat ring toss and a pumpkin tic tac toe, which is something that we did last year too. We’ll also have a photo booth.”
“I
think that people go off campus just because we are so close to other schools that are bigger and that have bigger celebrations for Halloween weekend [...] it is a fun time to reconnect with friends, who may go to other universities.”
- Holly Anthony
Scary Washington will take place on Halloween from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Additionally, the UMW NAACP will be throwing a party in the underground, Class Council will host a spooky maze and many other organizations will have on-campus events to keep students entertained.
There are opportunities for students to dress up in costume at events like Hallowingo, which is Halloween-themed bingo where people can get an extra board if they attend in costume.
“Hallowingo is gonna be so big this year,” said Smith.
For those who choose to stay on campus and enjoy the festivities, UMW is not the only place where people can celebrate, the Fredericksburg community is also tuned into the holiday spirit.
“Last year for Halloween I did trick or treating around the neighborhood,” said Smith. “I thought we would get cussed out by parents, like, ‘You’re too old,’ and we got handfuls of candy.”
“I think that it shows that we do have our own events that other schools cannot do because of their size.”
- Holly Anthony
Although UMW may not be home to large parties, the community facilitates an environment that promotes various activities that people may not find in other places. Going off campus for Halloween allows people to be exposed to aspects of UMW that they may be taking for granted.
“I think that it shows that we do have our own events that other schools cannot do because of their size,” said Anthony
Traditional events at UMW are what make the institution special and despite the lack of stereotypical events hosted by larger institutions, students are still able to find the value in what the university has to offer.
Many UMW students are counting down the days until they can celebrate Halloween, but are making plans to pursue a fright filled night on another niversity’s campus. Martina Pugh / The Weekly Ringer
Although students make their dorms cozy for the Fall season, many Eagles flock the nest for Halloweekend parties. Martina Pugh / The Weekly Ringer
During Hallowekend, UMW becomes a ghost town. Martina Pugh / The Weekly Ringer
Crime Column
EMMA KINGKEO News Editor
The Crime Column is based on UMW Police reports from Oct. 23.- Oct. 30.
After being dormant for two years, UMW College Republicans hosts first meeting
FROM REPUBLICAN, PAGE 2
“For me specifically, it was about adding a space for students to share things about themselves that are otherwise not permitted on campus,” he said.
Vandalism
On Oct. 14 at 1:00 p.m., there was a case of vandalism at the University Center. This case is pending.
Larceny
On Oct. 24 at 7:08 p.m., there was a case of larceny at Seacobeck Hall. This case is pending.
Suon feels that part of the reason there has not been an attempt to revitalize the club sooner is due to his perception of the school being inherently more liberal. When approaching students on campus, Suon claimed to face direct criticism and negative reactions.
“I hear stories of students who are Republicans who feel like they don’t have an open space.”
- Eric Suon
“Whenever I first tried to get the club started, I asked a few people—like random people—and I just got mean looks from them,” he said. “And people overheard me and gave me mean looks as well.”
The UMW College Republicans club has been inactive on campus for two years, with member participation sharply declining after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I remember seeing stuff for it freshman year, but I haven’t seen anything since,” said Blaise Wingold, a senior communication and digital studies and theatre major. “However, as someone who is relatively liberal, it hasn’t been something I sought out.”
During a divisive presidential election year, Nunes believes that now more than ever, there needs to be a space for Republican students to freely express their views.
“I think now more than ever because it’s an election year and so more people are inclined to talk politics,” he said.
Shadwick Yoder, a senior political science major and president of the UMW Young Democrats, says that having a College Republicans club will likely benefit campus engagement across the political spectrum.
“I think it’s good, and I honestly think it will help political action and civic engagement from both sides,” he said. “I think that Young Dems is going to see more people want to join the club because there’s a counter to it, and I think that those students who are more disassociated on the conservative side that may not see an outlet, I think they’re going to finally see an opportunity where they have a club of their own.”
While the College Republicans club is still in its early stages, Suon says the executive board has already begun brainstorming potential events. Volunteering with Valor Ranch—a nonprofit that provides recreational therapy for military service members—and hosting debates with the Young Democrats club have both been proposed, according to Suon.
“The events we foresee happening are community service events, speakers, voter education and registration drives and debates,” said Nunes.
Suon encourages all students, regardless of political affiliation, to consider engaging with the club.
“To the students who maybe reject the idea of having a Republican party, I would invite them to the meeting and let us know why they don’t like it,” he said. “Anyone is welcome, it doesn’t matter what background, what you believe in, anyone is welcome to come.”
Sports
Lady Eagles defend the nest at Homecoming
ALEXA DELACONCEPCION Staff Writer
Last Saturday, the University of Mary Washington’s women’s soccer team took down Franklin and Marshall College in a 2–0 shutout, bringing their record to 9–4–3. This marks the third shutout in a row for the team.
“It’s been a long time coming for our program and a lot of work to get us to that point,” Head Coach Scott Gerseny said. “We’ve been so close in a lot of these [games]. To do it in front of our home crowd at homecoming is just really special.”
“Our girls really stepped up to match the physicality and intensity of it, and then find ways to put the ball in the back of the net.”
- Scott Gerseny
The game started with an early penalty granted to UMW in the sixth minute. With this opportunity, Eliza Franklin, a senior biomedical science major, put the ball away with ease, giving the Lady Eagles an early 1–0 lead.
“I’ve taken one or two this season and been able to get a goal for the team,” Franklin said. “I was just hoping to get it in, and it went in.”
Gerseny said this early goal was a game-changer that contributed to the tone of the rest of the game.
“When you get up early, you change the whole game for not only your team, knowing that they have a really good chance to win the game, but the other team is now scrambling and making changes to try and catch up,” he said.
Following halftime, UMW continued to pressure Franklin and Marshall’s players and take shots on goal. While a few of the shots went wide, three forced F&M’s goalkeeper to make a save.
The momentum of the game would take a turn in the 61st minute when a foul was called against UMW. After the kick was taken from just outside of the box, it curved into the top corner of the net. After a signal from the linesman, the goal was called off for offsides.
UMW would go on to strike again with a second goal by junior business administration major Ellen Shine in the 88th minute. This goal was assisted by Franklin, who ended her day with one goal and one assist.
Shine explained how she saw the gap in
“We have a big game coming up this week and the following week, and we’re just focused on winning the next one and keeping our momentum going forward.”
- Eliza Franklin
the opposing team’s disorganized back line and quickly yelled for Franklin to play her through. She said she felt pressured not to mess up one-on-one with the goalie, seeing the large crowd of homecoming tailgaters watching from behind the goal.
“I was thinking, ‘don’t mess this up,’” she said. “I honestly just hit it with my toe, and just hoped for the best.”
Physicality was something that Gerseny said he was most proud of. Although the women on UMW’s soccer team like to play what he refers to as, “a little bit better soccer,” the nature of Saturday’s match called for a change.
“It was a really kind of choppy soccer game with a lot of fouls and traditionally, we haven’t always been the most physical team,” he said. “Our girls really stepped up to match the physicality and intensity of it, and then find ways to put the ball in the back of the net.”
The Eagles’ next match is on Nov. 2 against Johns Hopkins University on the road.
“We have a big game coming up this week and the following week, and we’re just focused on winning the next one and keeping our momentum going forward,” Franklin said about the team’s mentality going into the next game.
THOMAS JACKSON Sports Editor
Men’s Soccer (15-1-1)
Oct. 26 vs. Salisbury University (3-2)
Oct. 30 @ University of Virginia (2-4)
Nov. 2 @ Christopher Newport University
Women’s Soccer (9-4-4)
Oct. 23 vs. Southern Virginia University (2-0)
Oct. 26 vs. Franklin and Marshall College (2-0)
Oct. 30 @ Catholic University (0-0)
Nov. 2 @ Johns Hopkins University
Women’s Volleyball (12-13)
Oct. 23 vs. Washington Adventist University (3-0)
Nov. 2 @ Randolph College
Nov. 7 @ Christopher Newport University
Men’s Rugby (3-5)
Oct. 26 vs. Southern Virginia University (79-7)
Nov. 2 @ Belmont Abbey College
Field Hockey (11-6)
Oct. 26 vs. Meredith College (8-0)
Nov. 2 @ Christopher Newport University
Men’s Swimming (1-1)
Nov. 2 @ Franklin and Marshall College
Women’s Swimming (2-0)
Nov. 2 @ Franklin and Marshall College
Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpage www.eagles.com/compositeFull schedule not listed above. Most recent games included. Bold indicates home game.
#20 sophomore marketing major Emily Box prepares to take a shot.
UMW Athletics
The University of Mary Washington’s women’s soccer team prepares to take the field before their 2-0 shutout win at homecoming.
UMW Athletics
#12 junior Ellen Shine attempts to pass two defenders with the ball. UMW Athletics