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THE DIAMONDBACK THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Denton Community welcomes 24-hour convenience store

Annapolis may slash university budget

The small shop will cater to ‘spur-of-the-moment’ customers and won’t stock school, beauty supplies

BY ERIN EGAN Staff writer

Dining Services opened the doors of its newest convenience store in the Denton Community on Sunday, and officials said the shop was full throughout the night even though students were just returning from spring break.

24 Shop, which is attached to the new 251 North dining hall scheduled to open in the fall, officially opened at 5 p.m. Sunday and will remain open 24 hours a

day until the end of the semester.

Dining Services Assistant Director Bart Hipple said the store — which is significantly smaller than the Cambridge Community’s Snack ’n’ Shop — is targeted for students who are “spurof-the-moment shopping.”

“Many of the items that you plan ahead for will not be there,” Hipple said. “School supplies and beauty supplies won’t be sold there. This is for people just stopping by.”

And a large crowd of curious

students did just that Sunday evening.

According to Hipple, 47 people came into the shop in just the first half hour, and that flow of customers was consistent until about 1:30 a.m. Traffic slowed after 3:15 a.m., but there was an influx of morning customers at about 6:15 a.m. yesterday, he said.

Hipple said the high volume of shoppers could potentially be

see CONVENIENCE, page 3

Our 101ST Year, No. 116

House, Senate propose millions in system cuts The 24 Shop opened Sunday in the Denton Community. CHARLIE DEBOYACE/THE DIAMONDBACK

BY YASMEEN ABUTALEB Staff writer

Lawmakers in Annapolis may be making more cuts to higher education, which university and University System of Maryland officials said may further burden already cash-strapped institutions.

The state Senate and House of Delegates are working on two independent versions of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed budget, and although both chambers have proposed higher-education cuts, it appears the two have drastically different notions of how much the university system can stand to lose.

Last week, the House of Delegates approved a bill that would cut approximately $8.1 million from the system, but a Senate subcommittee voted to cut

see BUDGET, page 3

Res Life bans charging of hovercrafts Decision issued after devices sparked fires University alumnus Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), right, met with university President Wallace Loh and dozens of College Park community members at Seven Seas Restaurant last night to discuss his visions for the city, the university and the United States. CHARLIE DEBOYACE/THE DIAMONDBACK

Made it in College Park Congressman Steny Hoyer addresses community members, officials

BY RACHEL ROUBEIN Senior staff writer

For one of the nation’s most visible and influential lawmakers, this university will always be home.

Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), who graduated from this university in 1963, proclaimed his love for the university and College Park before

dozens of community members and university officials at Seven Seas Restaurant last night. The informal meet-and-greet was a part of the Experience and Enjoy College Park Tour, in which participants attend a different local restaurant each month to eat and listen to the month’s designated speaker.

“The University of Maryland —

SEE VIDEO www.diamondbackonline.com To hear Hoyer’s address and responses of College Park residents, click the Multimedia tab. next to marrying my wife — was the best thing that ever happened to me. ...

It has shaped my life, and I have been intimately involved with the University of Maryland ever since,” Hoyer said. “I want you to know that I am focused on College Park, focused on Prince George’s County and focused

on the 5th Congressional District.”

In his speech, which lasted about 25 minutes, Hoyer outlined his humble beginnings, high hopes for the future of the university and its surrounding community and three main goals

see HOYER, page 2

BY MARIA ROMAS Staff writer

After charging hovercraft batteries led to two Denton Hall fires within five years, the Resident Life Department has officially pulled the plug on charging such devices from all on-campus dorms and apartments.

Steve Petkas, Resident Life’s associate director for student and staff development, sent an email to the campus community Friday, detailing the department’s decision to ban the charging of lithiumpolymer and lithium-ion batteries such as those used to power the hovercrafts built in ENES 100: Introduction to Engineering Design classes. The most recent batteryrelated fire occurred on March 10, and the first sparked on Nov. 29, 2006.

The decision to ban the batteries, which are commonly sold in hobby shops or by

see BATTERIES, page 2

City votes to unseat roof furniture Some students call law unnecessary, excessive oversight

BY LAUREN KIRKWOOD Staff writer

Sitting in a lawn chair on the roof of a city home is now illegal, after the College Park City Council unanimously passed an ordinance last week banning the placement of lawn furniture on roofs.

College Park’s housing regulations code will soon be modified to include a fine on residents who do not comply with the law, which city officials said will promote a safer

TOMORROW’S WEATHER:

environment. While the code will not prohibit roof furniture “designed and built for that purpose,” it will prevent residents from putting lawn or indoor furniture on top of their homes.

Although some students have called the law a targeted attack on their lifestyle choices, council members said it’s simply an issue of safety.

“It affects a small amount of people

BY ON ATI STR U L IL

HE R/T LLE I GO A SH

CK DBA ON M DIA

see FURNITURE, page 3

Freezing rain/30s

INDEX

NEWS . . . . . . . . . .2 OPINION . . . . . . . .4

FEATURES . . . . . .5 CLASSIFIED . . . . .6

DIVERSIONS . . . . .6 SPORTS . . . . . . . . .8

www.diamondbackonline.com

2

THE DIAMONDBACK | NEWS | TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011

Last night, Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) (left) revisited his old college town, speaking to dozens of city residents in Seven Seas Restaurant downtown. The event was a part of the monthly Experience and Enjoy College Park Tour, which council members — such as District 4 Councilman Marcus Afzali (right) — began in August. CHARLIE DEBOYACE/THE DIAMONDBACK

HOYER from page 1 for the rest of his congressional term: how to succeed in America, tax reform and conquering the nation’s deficit.

“He’s in a Chinese restaurant in College Park on a Monday night,” said District 4 College Park City Councilman Marcus Afzali. “It speaks about him politically. He really cares about the area.”

Afzali, who helped jumpstart the events in August, said the idea of the tour is to promote local businesses

BATTERIES from page 1 electronics vendors, according to the email, was made in collaboration with the Resident Life and Environmental Safety departments and the engineering school.

According to Petkas’ email, the batteries are sensitive to overcharging, are volatile and must be monitored at all times.

“The batteries are not a consumer product, and they require a lot of attention,” said Luisa Ferreira, fire safety manager for the Environmental Safety Department. “We felt it was not something you want in a residence hall room, especially because you can’t even have a coffee pot in your room.

They are a fire hazard.”

Ferreira said officials thought the 2006 fire was an isolated incident, but when a second occurred earlier this month, they decided to re-evaluate the batteries’ safety. Petkas was unavailable for comment yesterday.

ENES100 faculty members are meeting tomorrow to discuss how to adapt their curriculum to this new ban because students have traditionally stored the bat-

while bringing together individuals who are invested in the city.

“When you enter College Park there’s a sign that says ‘A Livable Community,’ but I think we can be much better than that — a community you really want to live in,” he said. “And I like making fun of that sign.”

Although no students attended the event, city residents said the events have allowed them to meet prominent members in the community — such as university President Wallace Loh and Mayor Andrew Fellows — while mingling with others.

Hoyer credited the university and local voters with his life successes during his address, recalling how he began at this university as a freshman with a GPA of 1.7.

After listening to then-Sen. John F. Kennedy speak in Cole Field House, he decided to pull his act together.

“Whether it’s working on local transportation problems, whether it’s working on the Sigma Chi house, or working for the University of Maryland, its academic excellence or its athletic excellence — I’m a big Terp fan — I always knew the only reason I had

teries — which are integral components to the hovercrafts — outside the classroom. Until a consensus is reached, the engineering school will set up charging stations in the on-campus labs under faculty supervision.

ENES100 coordinator Kevin Calabro said faculty members may ultimately decide to ban all lithium-based technologies in the labs.

“The downside is that other [batteries] are heavier and less powerful,” he said. “But it wouldn’t adversely affect students — in the grand scheme of things, our lessons are not based on having the best batteries. ... We do anticipate, going forward, that we will be doing things different than this semester to remain in accordance with new recommendation not to have these in dorms.”

Some engineering students said although it will be difficult to adjust to not charging the batteries in their rooms, they understood the reasoning behind the ban.

“I feel like it’s definitely going to be a hassle, but as long as they are taking steps to deal with this problem, it will be OK,” freshman engineering major

Chelsea Bradford said. “The project in general is already a bit of a hassle. It adds to [the] dynamics of [the] project — it’s an annoying fact but I don’t really think it’s the worst thing that could happen.”

But freshman civil engineering major Chris Williams said the charging ban on such batteries could be a bigger issue than students realize.

“I think that it will make it a little more difficult to operate the hovercraft when the class time comes, in the sense that if you use the battery during class you won’t be able to charge it in your dorm,” Williams said.

“If I use my battery up during class, when will I charge it? It will probably be a mess.”

Ferreira said trial and error will ultimately be the best way to figure out which batteries are best to use in the classrooms and how they will be stored and charged.

“I know it can be confusing, but we want people to know there is a problem, and we are trying to resolve it,” she said.

“We do need a solution, and we will get there.” romas@umdbk.com

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those opportunities was because of all of you who felt enough confidence in me to vote to send me back to Congress 15 times,” Hoyer said.

Looking directly at Loh, Hoyer also added that he expects great things from the university in coming years.

“I think [Loh] is going to be an extraordinary leader of the university as it goes from being great to super great,” he said. “We’re talking about exciting things now, partnering with other parts of the university system.”

As for the nation at large, Hoyer said one of his main

goals is to combine personal success with the country’s own achievements, such as doubling the United States’ exports in the next five years, part of Democrats’ “Make It in America” initiative.

“In this Make-It-in-America context, we need to all believe that we’ll bring our energy, faith, diversity, talent and hard work into the endeavor of making America what we want it to be,” he said. “Yes we can.”

Ryan Whitlow, a three-year city resident who said he has attended a tour before, said he particularly jumped at the opportunity to meet the “best

leader in Congress.”

“He comes from a normal family; it just shows if you work hard and dedicate yourself, you can be whoever you want,” he said. “I thought he brought up a lot of good points.”

Hazel Silver, a city resident since 1978, said she came to meet the man she voted for and didn’t leave disappointed.

“It’s almost like hearing a friend talk,” she said. “I thought he was very genuine. ... He really does care about the area.” roubein@umdbk.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011 | NEWS | THE DIAMONDBACK

CONVENIENCE

Maryland.” Hipple said the department decided to delay notifying the public of the store’s opening, just in case it wasn’t ready in time.

“One reason we didn’t advertise is because we didn’t want to raise false hopes,” Hipple said, noting 251 North and the attached coffee and ice cream cafe are still scheduled to open next semester.

Hipple said the new store features a grill that serves hot dogs and burritos — the only of its kind on North Campus to sell such foods. In addition to the hot food, many students were excited to finally have a convenience store open around the clock.

“It’s ver y convenient that it’s open 24 hours a day,” sophomore economics and finance major Chelsea Yin said. “I love it.”

Freshman biology major Andrew Macaluso, a Denton resident, said he was relieved to see the shop’s hours are more convenient than the Snack ’n’ Shop’s, which students often call the “Incon” due to its limited hours.

“I was really excited when I came back and found out it was open because it’s so conven-

from page 1 attributed to the lack of Late Night at the North Campus Diner on Sunday.

“Late Night was not open [Sunday night], so the 24 Shop might have gotten those customers,” he said. “We’re excited to see what it’s like now that Late Night is open. 47 people filled the shop. That is very, very full.”

Although Hipple was pleased with the high turnout, he said it is hard to compare the successes of the various on-campus convenience stores, which all target different types of students.

“The way we designed the shops is for people in that community,” Hipple said. “Commons Shop and Leonardtown Shop are for people with kitchens. Union Shop, for commuters filling their backpacks.

The other two are in dorm communities, so people are stocking their rooms. We’re particular to serving that community.”

Dining Services didn’t announce the shop’s opening until Saturday morning on its Facebook page, “The Shops @

BUDGET from page 1 voted to cut $2 million from higher-education funding. And while university officials said the Senate’s recommendation would be easier to cope with, they maintain that any cuts would be detrimental.

After the Senate votes on its version of the bill later this week, the two bodies will come together in a conference committee and work out the differences between their proposals.

University lobbyist Ross Stern said although it’s still too early to tell how the bodies will compromise, university officials feel that the senate number is “much fairer.” “[House members’] feeling was that they found a number they could live with, and they thought that was a number we could live with,” Stern said. “But we’re arguing that any cut at this point will hurt us. We’re holding onto every dollar that we can.”

State Sen. Jim Rosapepe (DAnne Arundel and Prince George’s), who represents College Park, said because the university system has a budget that exceeds $1 billion, eliminating up to $8 million would not be catastrophic. Regardless, he said, he will fight to prevent any cuts.

“We need to invest more in the university system and not less,” he said. “So obviously I will be working very hard to not make any cuts at all.”

But university system lobbyist P.J. Hogan said no matter how large the budget is as a whole, any cuts at this point will be harmful to state universities.

“It may not be a large number in the grand scheme of things, but every cut has an impact to a varying degree,” he said. “This is also totally a student issue because it could impact everything from course offerings to tuition.”

The primary concern administrators have, Stern said, is how the university, which has already cut vacant positions and endured three years of fur-

3

Denton Community’s new 24 Shop sells on-the-go snacks, such as hot dogs, burritos and chips. CHARLIE DEBOYACE/THE DIAMONDBACK

ient,” Macaluso said. “There’s no need to walk all the way to the Incon because now there’s one in the Denton Community. I think it’s a really good idea to

loughs, will manage further cuts if the General Assembly votes to scale back higher-education funding.

“It’s a very tight budget to begin with, and if there are additional cuts to it, we’re going to have to find them somewhere, so something will suffer,” he said. “We’ll have to sit down and figure out how to accommodate it in the least harmful way possible.”

State Sen. Richard Madaleno (D-Montgomery), who is the chairman of the subcommittee dealing with the budget for education, has vowed to maintain funding of state institutions at current levels.

“Maintaining funding for higher education was one of his priorities,” said Adam Fogel, Madaleno’s chief of staff. “He wants to ensure that the higher-education community gets the level of funding they need to remain at the level of excellence that they have. That’s why he fought to maintain that funding.” abutaleb@umdbk.com

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open it up for the rest of the semester. I went in it yesterday, and it’s very nice, much nicer than the Incon.”

Yin, who is a resident assis-

FURNITURE from page 1 who are doing something they shouldn’t,” District 3 Councilwoman Stephanie Stullich said. “I think it is mostly a safely thing, and I think people think it looks kind of trashy. It’s just not something people should be doing, and in most communities people wouldn’t think about doing it.”

A first violation of the law will result in a $200 fine, followed by a $400 charge for repeat violations during each consecutive week the furniture is not taken down. All revenue collected will go into the city’s general fund, Stullich said, noting she isn’t expecting substantial funds to be generated because the measure is straightforward.

“I hope that people will just take their chairs down,” she said. “It’s an easy thing to do.”

District 4 Councilman Marcus Afzali said the ordinance is a necessary measure to prevent accidents that could result from drinking alcohol on a roof with no railing.

“It’s only a matter of time be-

tant in the Denton Community, said many of her residents have already dreamed up a new nickname for the 24 Shop akin to the one assigned to the

fore someone gets injured up there,” he said. “We thought we had to do something to curtail that behavior.”

The law was first discussed in November after Stullich said she received complaints from constituents about the danger of furniture on roofs. After showing the council a slide show of houses with rooftop furniture, Stullich recommended the council consider addressing the issue.

But now that officials have officially banned such actions, some students said the law is excessive.

“I don’t really think it’s necessary,” freshman neurophysics major Arsheya Patel said. “We haven’t really had any problems with it [in the community], no major injuries or anything.”

And while officials have worried alcohol is directly related to such activities, junior kinesiology major Tricia Geiger said placing furniture on roofs does not necessarily mean more partying.

“I don’t see anything wrong with roof furniture,” she said. “If it’s a nice day outside, you can go and do your homework [on the roof]. It’s not all about drinking.”

Snack ’n’ Shop.

“They call it the ‘Con,’” she joked. egan@umdbk.com

“I don’t see anything wrong with roof furniture. ... If it’s a nice day outside, you can go and do your homework [on the roof]. It’s not all about drinking.”

TRICIA GEIGER JUNIOR KINESIOLOGY MAJOR

But some students still said they believed the risks of combining alcohol and rooftop gatherings justified the law.

“It’s dangerous,” senior biology major Mary Malik said.

“I mean, you could fall off a roof and die. You don’t even know what you’re doing when you’re drunk.” kirkwood@umdbk.com

4

THE DIAMONDBACK | TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011

Opinion

THE DIAMONDBACK

MARISSA LANG EDITOR IN CHIEF

YOUR INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK PHONE: (301) 314-8200 | FAX: (301) 314-8358 3150 SOUTH CAMPUS DINING HALL | COLLEGE PARK, MD 20742 NEWS@UMDBK .COM | OPINION@UMDBK .COM

KATE RAFTERY

MIKE WARLEY

MANAGING EDITOR

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

JUSTIN SNOW

KEVIN TERVALA

OPINION EDITOR

OPINION EDITOR

Staff editorial

Guest column

Conscious collaboration

An ideal speaker

I

But more importantly, by choosing to engage with their competitors as neighn recent years, College Park has become a graveyard of sorts, a city bors, friends and partners, entrepreneurs could go a long way toward creating haunted by the specters of an alarming number of burnt-out businesses, the “community feel” that the city lacks. And it is this sort of feeling that could failed franchises and scrapped stores. help halt the revolving door of business failure that has plagued this city for years.

Since 2007, an enormous number of businesses have came and gone: When you get to know the people who are working and living right next to you, Varsity Grille, South Street Steaks, Potomac Video, Fat Tino’s pizzeria, Wing you begin to care about whether they succeed. A vested interest in the success of Zone, Barry and Steve’s Clothing Exchange, Pita Pit, Fractured Prune, Simply Delicious Jerk Center, Vertigo Books, Lasick’s Liquor, Wata Wing, Floyd’s barber all begins to form.

Moreover, if businesses in College Park start approaching one another with shop, the College Perk coffee house, Chicken Rico, Santa Fe Cafe, The Mark, kindness, respect and empathy, they are much more likely to approach their cusBikini Splash, Jordan Kitt’s Music, Insomnia Cookies, Merchant’s Tire, Pita Plus, tomers that way. As it stands, students at this university Thirsty Turtle, Street Tacos, CD-Game Exchange and have little loyalty to local enterprises, largely because Alario’s Pizza — just to name a few. many of them feel as though their business is not appreciDespite of the revolving door of local businesses, entreBusiness owners must ated or valued. Were local retailers to treat everyone who preneurs are still drawn to College Park — enticed by the walked through their doors as a neighbor and a member thousands upon thousands of students who call the city look to one another to of the College Park community, sales would almost cerhome. For instance, a clothing store, Cloud 9, recently provide the necessary tainly increase. opened on College Avenue, and, in the next few months, Plans are already underway to increase inter-busithe city will see the grand opening of a bar, two pizza places, support to thrive in the ness cooperation. In January, several businesses — a Mexican restaurant, a Royal Farms convenience store city’ s unique economy. responding to a request from the College Park Planand cafe featuring coffee and hookah. ning Department — formed the College Park NeighSome students have stated the new ventures will bring added variety and vibrancy to the city. But for all those who have expressed opti- borhood Business Alliance to increase collaboration and create community mism and excitement about the soon-to-arrive businesses, many more city resi- among entrepreneurs.

However, while this alliance has succeeded thus far in creating a mission statedents, when greeted with the news, wondered how these particular enterprises ment, deciding upon a logo, initiating a search for leadership and beginning to would succeed when so many others have failed.

And while the recipe for success and sustainability in any city is by no means plan several outreach and advertising efforts, the number of businesses that have certain — it involves a very imprecise combination of hard work, effective mar- taken part in the alliance has been minimal. At the group’s most recent meeting, keting and luck — there is another large factor in economic viability: inter-busi- only eight businesses were represented. Moreover, the leadership in organizing meetings has come from city officials, not from businesses themselves. ness cooperation.

If the city ever hopes to have sustainable, successful businesses and create a Instead of viewing one another solely as competitors, entrepreneurs in this city should think of their fellow businessmen and women as partners. Store owners true community of entrepreneurs, the leadership for the effort must come from should work together, pooling resources, sharing skills and engaging in cross- the entrepreneurs themselves. All businesses should not only get involved in the promotion and advertisement. Through these actions, start-up ventures could recently formed business alliance, but they should commit themselves, through learn tips on how to succeed in College Park from veteran establishments, and words and actions, to cooperation and community building. The success of College Park depends on it. business owners could save money through collaboration.

Our View

Editorial cartoon: Morgan Noonan

English: I can read good

U

nlike many of my friends, I spent my spring break at home. While I knew it wasn’t going to be anywhere close to a tropical vacation on any level, I still hoped it would be a relaxing one. And it was, for the most part. I got to sleep late and ignore my academic responsibilities, and all my food was either home-cooked or paid for by my parents. If that’s not the good life, I don’t know what is. The one blemish on my lazy break was a question that has been haunting me, and probably a lot of us, for some time now: So what are you doing when you graduate?

This question comes in many forms, usually from people who either don’t really care or whom you don’t really care to talk to. I’ve found it doubly hard as an English major (I’m sure there are other majors that can relate — you know who you

ELLEN LINZER are). This vague question is usually coupled with a “what did you major in?” and the reaction I get when I respond with “English” is far from heartwarming. The person will sigh, make a tsk-ing sound or go “Aww, that’s rough” in response to my major. Really, adult-who-probablyhates-his-day-job? Really?

Now maybe I’m an optimist (OK, stop rolling your eyes now), but I’m confident I’ll find a job to support myself once I graduate and my parents change the locks on their front door. Just because I don’t know exactly what I want to do with my life right now does not mean you get

to look at me with any trace of pity.

Just because I am an English major does not mean I’m going to be that creepy unemployed 20-something still hanging out in College Park or my hometown.

I know people are trying to be polite when they ask me this question. I know people think they’re being concerned or maybe even funny when they pity my impending degree in English. But it’s just rude.

I may not make six figures like everyone in the business school dreams of (oh wait, they dream about seven figures, my bad). I may not ever make a Forbes or Fortune list.

But I can read, write and think critically (but please, stop asking me to proofread your papers). And I know I will do something productive and important. I will also make enough money to support my lifestyle. Please don’t hold any pity parties in my honor; I know I’ll do just fine. Heck,

I’ll do better than “just fine” — I’ll do fan-freaking-tastic.

A degree in English is not a death sentence. Sure, if someone asks me to add numbers that are bigger than double digits, I break into a cold sweat, but that’s what calculators are for. Just ask Joan Rivers, Christopher Nolan, Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer, who are only a few on a long list of successful English majors. With those heavy hitters touting a “measly” English degree, I can sleep easy knowing I’m in good company.

Also, let’s not forget that it takes more than just a framed piece of paper that cost thousands of dollars to get a job. There’s also a little gray organ perched precariously in our skulls that helps us succeed.

Ellen Linzer is a senior English major.

She can be reached at linzer@umdbk.com.

Class: A quality to be desired?

M

ost students are still tr ying to recover from the week-long hiatus from classes, and there are lessons to be learned from what occurred during our annual rite of passage, spring break. At pool parties, bikini contests and other worthy gatherings in Panama City Beach, Fla., our university was well represented, at least in numbers.

However, what those throngs of students were representing is another stor y entirely. Class, it seems, was a quality conspicuously missing from the numerous students I saw walking along the beach sporting their “Turtle Sur vivor” jerseys and Mar yland flag shorts.

Spring break has never been a big deal for students who would rather be discussing philosophy than downing shots of vodka. And to be honest, I was going to forgo discussing the behavior of this university’s student body — that is,

until I met Mike the Taxi Driver.

Mike, a middle-aged white man, drove me to the airport early Saturday. While I wanted to take a 30minute snooze, my Terrapin sweatpants identified me as a student at this university, and Mike felt at liberty to tell me stories about his encounters with students from this university over break.

Tales of women taking of f their shir ts, panties and other garments that should remain attached to one’s body while in public featured prominently. One par ticular group of students apparently had dif ficulty telling time, calling Mike numerous times at 2 a.m. from clubs such as Harpoon Harr y’s and Hammerhead Fred’s, even though Mike told them he finished his shift at 7 p.m.

Yet what Mike witnessed is just a sampling of what we’ve all seen from students at this university.

While our academic reputation has

MATT ARNSTINE skyrocketed in recent years, this hasn’t translated to students behaving more respectably. Vulgar chants still ring loudly at athletic events, and late-night bus flips are still the norm on the Orange Line. Students having sex in McKeldin Librar y, the Omicron Delta Kappa Fountain and the top row of Byrd Stadium — while signs that the human race will continue — aren’t signs of a classy student body.

But should we be surprised that we haven’t grown out of the wild behavior that characterized our university’s less prestigious past?

Indeed, as this university has risen in the rankings, students have grudg-

ingly started to work as hard as they play, lest they fail all of their classes.

This university has come a long way, transforming from a regional commuter school to a world-class research institution in fewer than 20 years. Yet, as university President Wallace Loh said, “If it took 15 years to get to where we are, I think it might take a few years [to change].” While his statement was in reference to rioting, it can also be viewed in a much broader context and could encompass Loh’s view of our university’s culture in general.

With this university on the rise, students’ shenanigans seem to be on a collision course with our ascending academic rankings.

And so we must ask ourselves, is class a quality to be desired?

Matt Arnstine is a sophomore journalism major. He can be reached at arnstine@umdbk.com.

I

n response to the March 16 staff editorial, “Worthy words,” as the Senior Council’s commencement chairman, I would be remiss not to comment about DeMaurice Smith, who is an ideal choice for commencement speaker.

The class of 2011 and the university have charged the Senior Council with choosing a keynote speaker.

After considering several worthy candidates, we decided an ideal speaker is someone who is not only well known and respected but who can also appeal to our graduates by offering a unique perspective on a relevant and timely topic. Smith is exactly that candidate.

Recently, the NFL Players Association decertified as a labor union, and by giving up their rights under applicable labor law, the players are poised to argue their case in federal court under antitrust law. Once the league’s collective bargaining agreement expired, the league’s owners initiated a lockout, which means that teams must have no communication with their players.

Although the NFLPA has been decertified, it still operates, according to its officials, “as a professional trade association with the mission of supporting the interests and rights of current and former professional football players.” Smith, the executive director of the NFLPA, is at the forefront of this contentious issue and represents the interests of the very same players who fans across the nation root for during football season.

Football fans do not want to miss the upcoming NFL season, which is unfortunately a potential repercussion of the stalled negotiations between the league’s owners and players. The NFLPA has not been in this position since 1987, when it was decertified in a fight by players to have a free agency system. The league is at pivotal moment: The rights of players are being contested, and the decisions that will be made at this historic time will have far-reaching implications beyond the NFL Draft and a potential lockout this season.

Regardless of what side of the debate you are on, labor and employment issues are among the economic concerns that are gripping the entire nation. Professional sports make up only one industry that has been highlighted recently in regards to the collective bargaining power of employees. Smith and the NFL are not alone in being challenged with renegotiating a collective bargaining agreement in an economic downturn; however, this particular story is one that many in the university community actively follow and find relevant, particularly as we enter the competitive job market.

On May 19, the graduating class will be given a unique perspective on the often-disenfranchised players by Smith, who also represents the NFL players’ interests outside of the current collective bargaining process. In a league that has been criticized for not protecting its players medically and financially, it will be uplifting to hear from an NFLPA executive who once said, “the strength of this league are the people who play this game.”

In a little more than two years as NFLPA executive director, Smith has left an indelible mark on the history of the NFL. It is no surprise that he has received praise from active and former players alike, which he has accepted with a continued commitment to making football safe for its players and enjoyable for its fans.

Listening to him address our graduating class will be an honor that I will never forget.

Brian Toll is a senior accounting and finance major and the Senior Council’s commencement speaker chairman. He can be reached at brian.h.toll@gmail.com.

TERRAPIN PULSE Should DOTS increase the price of select commuter parking permits to decrease the number of cars on the campus?

Yes:

20%

No:

75%

Unsure:

5%

Total number of votes: 167 Vote in this week’s poll at www.diamondbackonline.com

POLICY: Signed letters, columns and cartoons represent the opinions of the authors. The staff editorial represents the opinion of The Diamondback’s editorial board and is the responsibility of the editor in chief.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011 | THE DIAMONDBACK

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Features HOROSCOPESTELLA WILDER

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Breathe hard 5 Baloney!

10 Untidy person 14 Ms. James 15 Chicago hub 16 Modicum 17 Pizzeria must 18 All-inclusive (hyph.)

20 Muscle complaints 22 Hallux (2 wds.)

23 Rome’s legions 25 Hill’s opposite 26 Covers with crumbs 27 Tune 28 Entranced 32 Future turtles 33 Legends 35 Court order 36 Mo. with no holidays 37 Execs 38 Recipe amt.

39 Widen a hole 41 Quit 43 Josip Broz 44 Three, in Munich 45 Mr. Vigoda 46 Frightens 48 “Green Mansions” girl 50 Novelist Allende 51 Game hunter’s trek

54 Traffic tie-up 55 Fast learner (2 wds.)

57 Fuel cartel 61 Crashed down 62 Spine-tingling 63 Town east of Wichita 64 Fir 65 Golfer Sam 66 Adroit

27 Pond scum 29 Dress-code concern 30 Soft color 31 Misspellings 1

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Wheels Exasperate Guru’s domain Room meas.

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on Wednesday

orn today, you are the kind to put all your eggs into one basket and to bet the farm on an idea whose time may not yet have come — and yet you have a way of turning long shots into sure things with a Midas touch that is perhaps unmatched by anyone else born under your sign. You’re not one to listen to naysayers; indeed, the sooner you meet with resistance of any kind, the sooner you are likely to redouble your efforts to see your plans come to fruition — no matter how unlikely or far-fetched they may be. You like to do things on a grand scale.

B

Pride and overconfidence must not be allowed to bring you down, and you must therefore always be willing to look deep beneath the surface at your own psyche and determine whether you are letting these two dangers take control of your life. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

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LOP P I SA DE L I QUON T AS T E NEHR D L I I L SA B NASS I GNO K I E L E L EV SERE

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© 2011 UNITED FEATURES SYNDICATE

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Emery board Certain Dice throw “Ulalume” poet Brownie Vet patient

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DOWN 1 Earth, in combos 2 Dune buggy kin 3 Sault — Marie 4 Jipijapa hats 5 Most luxurious 6 Some pumps 7 Herr’s abode 8 Dada founder Jean 9 Hotel suite amenities (2 wds.)

10 Prima donnas 11 Boor 12 Conductor Klemperer 13 Home port 19 Friction easer 21 Spanish hero El 23 Polemist 24 Jamaican music 25 Restricts one’s intake 26 Vandyke

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Also born on this date are Pearl Bailey, entertainer; Elle MacPherson, model; Lucy Lawless, actress; Jennifer Capriati, tennis player; Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart; Vangelis, composer; Eric Idle, actor and comedian; John Major, British prime minister.

To see what is in store for you tomorrow, find your birthday and read the corresponding paragraph. Let your birthday star be your daily guide.

side feeling capable, confident.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Now is not the time for you to fall back on anything that provides you with a comfortable out. You must face what comes directly.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Once you make a strong start, you’re sure to get done what has to get done — even though someone may be standing in your way.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — You must strive to pick up the pace and ensure that you can meet all commitments. Don’t lose sight of the big picture.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — A collaboration of sorts is developing, and you’ll develop a greater understanding of what is possible and what is at stake.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — You may feel somewhat fractured at this time as a result of being pulled in too many directions at once. You must start saying no.

what has to be said to a friend or loved one, but not impossible, by any means. And it must be said.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — You’re looking around at all the options, but you’re not yet recognizing which suit you best or offer the best bet for success.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — It may be time for you to consider a major change either at work or on the home front. A difficult decision is made with relative ease.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Others are waiting for you to lead the way, but you’re not quite sure just yet what the final destination is — or should be.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) — Work you do alone is likely to pay off more handsomely than anything you can do with another, but this is not always the case, of course.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — You may find it difficult to say

Copyright 2011 United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Don’t start to believe any of your own excuses at this time.

You know where the truth lies and where it doesn’t.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — You may have to push through one or two difficult moments, but you’ll come out on the other

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THE DIAMONDBACK | TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011

Diversions

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: HOLY GHOST! AT THE 9:30 CLUB TONIGHT AND TOMORROW “My love of that music is truthful; for one, the music of the late ’70s and early ’80s is the music of my childhood.” —Nick Millhiser of the duo Holy Ghost! on his old-school music taste, as interviewed by Zachary Berman For the full story, just click the Diversions tab at: WWW.DIAMONDBACKONLINE.COM

arts. music. living. movies. weekend.

REVIEW | WIZ KHALIFA

RETURN OF THE SAME Wiz Khalifa’s Rolling Papers is everything that’s wrong with modern hip-hop

BY ZACHARY BERMAN Senior staff writer

It’s amazing and a bit disturbing what hip-hop has evolved into. Rolling Papers, the third album by Wiz Khalifa, is perhaps one of the laziest records in recent memory.

Let’s get real — in this day and age, it’s not hard to make music. A little Ableton Live here, some Pro Tools there, and any Joe Blow can make what Webster’s might define as a “song.” The problem is, for the most part, all these up-andcomers have nothing to say other than “give me money and bitches.”

Khalifa, with his claimed $10,000-amonth pot affliction and relative lack of lyrical prowess, sits atop the hill of wannabes. It used to be that people with talent and something to say were the most popular — need we name drop, oh, let’s say, Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur or perhaps even OutKast?

The collective musical culture today is more worried about hype than quality, so buzz on the Internet — even if baseless — is enough to get a person in the public eye.

Rolling Papers has not one memorable song outside of the ubiquitous “Black and Yellow,” which has already lost any gimmicky luster it may have had on release.

Thanks to trendfueling blogs such as www.goodmusicall day.com, there has been a noticeable shift in what people will accept as “good music.” Now, popular hip-hop has been reduced to 19-yearold college boys rapping over as many Colbie Caillat remixes and Disney soundtrack mashups as they can find — and yes, there are too many.

Why do we accept this generally soulless trash? Sure, the idea behind the “music” these poseurs represent is somewhat interesting and does find its roots in classic hip-hop sampling, but it is

so overused — and poorly done — that the trend is both stifling to its listeners and infuriating for those who still want to hear actual new music from new artists.

Then there is Wiz Khalifa. Based on Rolling Papers alone, it seems he’s escaped the lesser aspects of these hype pariahs. However, the man knows full well that the music he makes doesn’t really need to be that great because plenty of bloggers will piggyback on his name in an attempt to be a part of his publicity, regardless of how his record sounds.

If you’ve succumbed to the hype and believe music is about what others tell you to like, perhaps now is the time to step back and look at what Khalifa has done in the past and what is on this album now. The man could rap if he wanted to, but that’s no longer important. He can effectively phone in every performance for the rest of his career, and Rolling Papers is a great place for him to start.

Lyrically, this album is a wasteland of boobs, booze and big money; although Khalifa didn’t sign with Rick Ross’ label, he certainly likes to spit about the same material. Honestly, Khalifa raps as if his listeners can’t grasp that he probably has a bit of money, though, judging by these tracks, he hasn’t a clue how to invest.

When listeners finally get sick of his crap, it wouldn’t be surprising if the wiz kid ended up destitute.

Track for track, this album is a game of musical darts, the thought process being that at least one song will get the listener excited. Instead of trying new things on different tracks, every song has the same dry drums and similar faux-triumphant or laid-back melodies — in a sense, every song is the same song, and Khalifa’s goal is to hope that one will be

chosen by listeners as particularly catchy.

Compare single “Roll Up” and the song “Wake Up.” There isn’t any described connection between the two; however, listen to them together and it becomes apparent that they share a nearly identical melody.

Note to Khalifa: There’s more than one way to write a catchy song. Just ask Randy Newman.

The bore parade marches on through the album, with tracks such as “The Race” often inciting an odd feeling of placid head-bobbing and extreme déjà vu. In the moment, the song is one of the best on the album — just a simple, chilled-out jam.

Still, it leans too much on the far overused “I will survive and arrive” message commonly used by rappers who are secretly very unsure of themselves if not outright aware of the fact they have no talent.

Songs such as “No Sleep” will be great for big get-togethers, when partiers are so drunk that simply hearing the words “red cup,” “weekend” and “DJ” in succession will be enough to make the song a Friday night hit.

Listen to the song any other time and it just sounds like a guy trying way too hard to capture a shallow moment and proves that Rolling Papers itself is one massive attempt at doing the same.

There are so many other rappers out there today that are far more worth listeners’ time, whether audiences want to party or actually listen to something with more depth. For example, try Reks’ new album R.E.K.S. (Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme).

So, Khalifa, keep rolling on, keep getting high and keep trying to pass off lazy attempts at organized sound as good pop tunes. When tides change and trends lean toward music that actually tries to be worth a damn, perhaps more people will realize the errors in the Khalifa way. berman@umdbk.com

ALBUM: Rolling Papers | VERDICT:

Don’t believe the hype — Wiz Khalifa’s third album, Rolling Papers, is vapid and pandering. PHOTO COURTESY OF HIPHOPMUSICDOTCOM.COM

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TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011 | SPORTS | THE DIAMONDBACK

FOOTBALL from page 8 Tyler Smith.

TATE ON THE MOVE Even as Kenny Tate was listed as the Terps’ safety for all of last season, the playmaker rarely found himself deep in coverage.

On Friday, Edsall announced a switch in position for the All-ACC selection that would further cement him as a threat around the line of scrimmage. The junior, who checks in at an imposing 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, will play a hybrid linebacker-safety position, known as a “star,” in the

upcoming season.

Tate, who passed up an opportunity to enter the NFL Draft after a breakout season in which he amassed 7.7 tackles per game, three interceptions and 3.5 sacks, has shown a nose for the ball around the line of scrimmage throughout his career, most notably with his gameclinching, goal-line tackle against Navy in September.

“When you watch the tape of Kenny from a year ago, almost 90 percent of the time he was playing down,” Edsall said. “He wasn’t playing back in the deep half, the quarters or a post player. When you take a look at his abilities, he’s better suited to being a linebacker.”

7

Also on the move will be David Mackall (linebacker to defensive line) and Mario Rowson (defensive back to linebacker).

INJURY REPORT The early injury report for the Terps largely concerns those charged with protecting O’Brien, as three linemen and two tight ends will be either limited or held out when practice starts today.

Tackle Pete DeSouza is the most notable name on the early injury list that Edsall presented Friday.

DeSouza is still recovering from multiple leg fractures suffered in a scooter accident in October.

On the defensive side of the ball, Edsall said end Marcus

Whitfield will be limited initially, while defensive back Avery Graham will miss spring practice due to a shoulder injury.

Graham, Edsall said, will instead spend the spring working out with Terp track and field coach Andrew Valmon, who was recently named the coach of the U.S. men’s track and field team for the 2012 Olympic Games. Graham was an accomplished sprinter at Clarksburg High School.

“That’s all part of my team concept here,” Edsall said. “I want to utilize all the resources that we have available to make our student-athletes the best they can be.” cwalsh@umdbk.com

BASEBALL

Lofty dreams fade as realities of ACC hit hard After series sweep by Virginia, Terps stand at 1-8 in conference play with daunting slate still looming ahead

BY JEREMY SCHNEIDER Staff writer

Through the first dozen games of the season, Eric Bakich’s vision for a revitalized Terrapin baseball program seemed to be becoming a reality.

The Terps were 8-4, with three of those losses coming at the hands of national power Texas. And in even that four-game series, a decisive victory and a near-win for the Terps had them plenty confident for the 2011 season, Bakich’s second as the Terps’ coach. Series victories against Army and Canisius and a stretch of midweek wins only added to the team’s optimism.

But since a March 8 victory over Delaware that set the Terps’ highwater mark for the season, a 3-9 stretch has followed, reviving memories of the overmatched teams that were hallmarks of the program’s last era.

“It’s probably getting a little bit more frustrating, I would say,” second baseman Ryan Holland said. “In the beginning, in the first couple series, we were kind of like, ‘Oh well, you know, it’s early, we’ll still get them. We need to work on some things.’ But now we’re kind of getting frustrated, and we’re not liking losing.”

The Terps’ downturn has coincided with the start of ACC play, a portion of their schedule that the team acknowledged was important not only for achieving their goal of making the NCAA Tournament but also for differentiating themselves from previous Terp teams, which have struggled mightily in conference play.

So far, Bakich’s influence hasn’t changed much about their place in the league. The Terps (11-13, 1-8 ACC) were swept at then-No. 25 Georgia Tech, managed only one victory in a three-game home

series against Boston College and were plagued by uncharacteristically bad defense in a sweep at No. 3 Virginia.

While they have shown flashes of promise in league play, one victory in their first nine ACC games has them in the basement of the Atlantic Division.

“We’re going to compete with everybody. We saw that in Texas,” starting pitcher David Carroll said. “Competing shouldn’t help us be content. We should be content with winning.”

With games against ACC powers Florida State and Clemson looming, wins will be hard to come by. The upcoming schedule, compounded by the Terps’ close losses to Virginia and overall recent struggles, has made the going all the more painful.

“I think it was really tough to swallow, especially being the third week in,” Holland said. “With the schedule we got coming up, with the next two weekends being top20 contending teams, it’s really tough to swallow because we had [Virginia] for two games.”

Still, Bakich and his players believe this team is closer to the one that nearly split a series at Texas than the one that has faltered greatly in ACC play.

“There’s going to be a time in this season, if this thing is going to turn around and we’re going to be the team that we all know we can be,” Bakich said. “The team that played in Austin, Texas, and beat the hell out of Texas, 10-1, and played well against them in that second game, that team that was flying around with energy and playing with a lot of confidence and playing fearless, there’s going to be something.” schneider@umdbk.com

ZONE from page 8 the first time they truly struggled against one.

In the Terps’ earlier games against UMBC and St. Joseph’s — the two opponents leading up to their matchup with No. 5 North Carolina — the Retrievers and Hawks both played zone defense for extended periods of time, but to no avail. The Terps scored 15 and 11 goals, respectively, and were able to bust the two teams’ zones with accurate shooting from the perimeter and strong cuts to the crease.

The Terps went a combined 35.1 percent in their shooting against St. Joseph’s and UMBC, but Saturday was a whole different story.

After their early outburst in the game’s first nine minutes, the Terps could muster only two more goals after North Carolina switched things up, recording an abysmal 18 percent shooting mark.

“The zone was tough to play. I really don’t know,” attackman Grant Catalino said when asked why the zone was so effective. “We expected it. Because it worked, they kept running it like any other team would do.”

And although Catalino still had a good day — the senior recorded his 13th career hat trick in the loss — the rest of the Terps’ offense seemed anemic.

The Terps have been without attackman Travis Reed, a natural shooter and Catalino’s counterpart on the attack’s left wing, for three straight games due to an upper-body injury that he suffered during the team’s 8-4 win at Towson on March 12. His absence helped in part to explain the Terps’ struggles against North Carolina’s zone, and it may continue to be a hindrance should other teams successfully follow the Tar Heels’ example.

As in basketball, outside shooters are the key to breaking any zone. When defenders slouch off players to cover unprotected areas in the zone, they often leave opponents on the wing open for shots.

Following Saturday’s loss to the Tar Heels, even Tillman acknowledged the positive effect the sharpshooting Reed could have had — and he wasn’t the only one.

“Right now, Catalino is the only outside threat.

This team desperately misses Travis Reed,” ESPN lacrosse analyst Mark Dixon told The Baltimore Sun. “You put Catalino on the right, Reed on the left, and that really opens a lot of things up. Now teams are keying on Catalino or playing zone and daring other players to beat them from the outside, and it’s just not happening for Maryland.”

Even though North Carolina found success with the zone against the Terps, Tillman and his players believe Saturday’s performance was an aberration.

With Reed’s return nearing and the development of shooters such as Catalino, attackman Ryan Young and midfielders Joe Cummings, John Haus and Jake Bernhardt, the Terps have the firepower, at least on paper, to beat a zone defense.

After his team’s five-goal loss, Tillman all but dared opponents to copycat the Tar Heels’ tactics.

“If people want to zone us, I’ve said all along, with some of our personnel, that might not be a bad thing for us,” Tillman said. “If you’re going to zone and we have Grant Catalino and Ryan [Young] and Joe Cummings — those are pretty good shooters.” jengelke@umdbk.com

CORRECTION

Second baseman Ryan Holland has been one of the Terps’ few steady offensive threats this year. CHARLIE DEBOYACE/THE DIAMONDBACK

Due to a reporting error, a recap of the Terrapin baseball team’s weekend series at Virginia incorrectly identified a final score and the position of Tomo Delp in yesterday’s paper. The correct result was a 4-2 Cavalier victory, and Delp was playing third base in the game.

8

THE DIAMONDBACK | TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011

Sports

J. Williams nets latest honor Terrapin men’s basketball forward Jordan Williams earned honorable mention AP All-America recognition yesterday. Read more online at TerrapinTrail.com.

FOOTBALL | NOTEBOOK

MEN’S LACROSSE

Springing into action After breakthrough 9-4 year and chaotic offseason, Terps eye next step forward under Edsall as spring practice officially starts today “We’ll find out — what do we do best? And that’s what we’ll find out this spring,” Edsall said.

BY CONOR WALSH Staff writer

When the Terrapin football team kicks off its spring practice slate today, the uncertainty and questions surrounding the Terps won’t be much different from those faced by other programs across the country.

But after a roller-coaster offseason, the Terps’ situation is a unique one. The team’s practice this afternoon will mark its first time in pads under coach Randy Edsall, who is charged with sustaining the progress former coach Ralph Friedgen built with last season’s 9-4 finish before having his contract bought out.

Despite the considerable pressure, Edsall was brimming with confidence as he addressed the media Friday.

“As we look at that, I’m excited about the direction we are heading, what we’ve accomplished thus far since we got this started,” said Edsall, who was named Terp coach in January after leading Connecticut to its first-ever BCS bowl appearance.

“Would I like to be farther along?

Yes. But as a perfectionist, it doesn’t happen overnight.

“It’s a process that we have to continue to go through. But I’ve been very pleased with the process and these young men in terms of their ability to grasp and understand what this program wants and stands for as we continue to move forward.”

Known in recent years for a pounding, grind-it-out running game that catered to the strengths of star running backs Donald Brown and Jordan Todman, Edsall said he wasn’t locked into any style of play.

Instead, he explained, he’s searching for “Mar yland’s system.”

QUALITY UNDER CENTER

Coach Randy Edsall will oversee his first practice as Terp coach today.

Edsall was named coach in January. CHARLIE DEBOYACE/THE DIAMONDBACK

While quarterback Danny O’Brien, left, looks to refine his play at his normal position, Kenny Tate will move into a new one. FILE PHOTOS/THE DIAMONDBACK

Midfielder Laura Merrifield, second from right, keyed the Terps’ comeback win against Towson last year with a goal before halftime that cut into an 8-3 deficit. MATTHEW CREGER/THE DIAMONDBACK

WOMEN’S LACROSSE

No. 1 Terps put unblemished record on line against surging Towson team Comeback vs. in-state foes last year still resonates

BY MATT CASTELLO Staff writer

Last season, with two minutes remaining in the first half of the Terrapin women’s lacrosse team’s game against Towson, the scoreboard at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex showed an 8-3 Tiger lead.

Towson’s five-goal advantage was a particularly rare moment in time for an undefeated Terp side playing on its home turf, where it has lost only once in the past five years.

But there would be a comeback. It began with Terp midfielder Laura Merrifield scoring with 1:16 left in the first half to cut the deficit to four goals before intermission. After halftime, the then-No. 2 Terps scored five unanswered goals to take the lead, knocking off then-No. 7 Towson, 12-10.

Almost a year later, this year’s top-ranked Terp team hasn’t had any such troubles.

In 10 matches this season — all wins — the Terps have not yet trailed at halftime or experienced a close call of any kind.

Excluding a two-goal win

against a stalling Syracuse side, the team has won by at least seven goals in each game, relying on a relentless defense to jump-start its prolific offense.

The Terps (10-0) will look to continue their undefeated run tonight against Towson (4-4) at Unitas Stadium — the same site where nearly 10,000 spectators witnessed the team’s 13-11 national championship victory against Northwestern last May. The Tigers will trot out a lineup tonight far different from last year’s, which lost the bulk of its offensive production to graduation. And while Towson’s top three point scorers from last year have moved on, attacker Jess Dunn remains.

Dunn, a senior, scored 47 goals last year, including a team-high three against the Terps. This year, the Towson captain is averaging more than two goals a game, and her 18 points lead the team.

Facing the Terps’ offense is always a formidable task for an opposing goalkeeper, and Mary Teeters will draw the job tonight. The Towson junior had 12 saves in last year’s matchup.

“She’s come up big for them so far this year, so that’s going to be one of our focuses, making sure that we’re getting good shots and good looks at cage,” Reese said.

Towson began the year ranked No. 17 before quickly dropping following three consecutive losses. Recently, the Tigers have looked significantly sharper, winning four of their past five games to pull back to .500.

“They’ve gone on a little bit of a run here and they’re coming off of a good winning stretch, and we know that this is going to be a hard-fought game on their home field,” coach Cathy Reese said.

TERP NOTE: The Tigers’ slow start can perhaps partly be attributed to a coaching change. Missy Doherty, a former Terp, left the program to take over at Penn State last year. Sonia LaMonica — another former Terp — was then picked to lead Towson in August, becoming one of the sport’s most recent additions to the everexpanding Terp coaching tree. castello@umdbk.com

The Terps have spots left vacant by departures of one kind or another up and down their roster. One position that Edsall feels comfortable with, though, is perhaps the most important on the field.

ACC Rookie of the Year Danny O’Brien is set to return at quarterback for the Terps after a breakout year in which he finished sixth in the conference in passing yards per game.

While O’Brien’s favorite target, wide receiver Torrey Smith, is among the departed after forgoing his senior season to enter the NFL Draft, a continuation of the redshirt freshman’s solid play down the stretch last season likely would establish O’Brien as the team’s unquestioned offensive leader.

The young signal caller will become all the more important under Edsall, who built a prolific passing attack at Connecticut with former quarterback Dan Orlovsky.

“He’s a guy who is a student of the game. He’s a leader,” Edsall said of O’Brien. “What he’s got to do is go out there and work to be better, learn a new system and be a leader on the football team. Everything I’ve seen from him so far I like.”

Quarterback Jamarr Robinson, who started the first three games last season before yielding the starting job to O’Brien, has left the program, but Edsall said that he’s also comfortable with backups C.J. Brown and

see FOOTBALL, page 7

Terps zone out in loss to Carolina Change in defense halted strong start

BY JAKOB ENGELKE Senior staff writer

In the week leading up to its crucial ACC contest against North Carolina, the Terrapin men’s lacrosse team prepared for exactly what it would encounter against the Tar Heels’ defense Saturday.

But the Terps’ meticulous preparation — the team studied film and mimicked North Carolina’s zone defense all week in practice — ultimately proved fruitless in their 11-6 loss to the Tar Heels. After going down by four goals early, North Carolina switched from a man-toman defensive set to a 3-3 zone that stifled the Terps’ offense for the remaining 51 minutes of action.

After the adjustment, any semblance of offensive rhythm was absent for the No. 10 Terps (6-2, 0-2 ACC), who forced bad passes to the inside and rushed possessions that ended with low-percentage shots.

“They zoned us. We practiced against zone all week, and we’ve seen a lot of it,” coach John Tillman said. “We just didn’t dodge aggressively. We got a little impatient. We started throwing the ball inside to guys that were covered.”

Though Saturday’s game wasn’t the first time the Terps had seen a zone defense this season, it marked

see ZONE, page 7