2014 Football Preview
The Flat Hat
Vol. 104, Iss. 6 | Friday, September 12, 2014
The Twice-Weekly Student Newspaper
of The College of William and Mary
203 students respond to poll on three residential dining halls, share their commentary on changes ELEANOR LAMB Flat Hat ASSOC. NEWS EDITOR
Campus dining has been transformed and the students have spoken. The Flat Hat ran an unscientific poll from Thursday, Sept. 4 to Wednesday, Sept. 10 to gauge student opinion on dining this year in
comparison to last year. The poll was advertised on Facebook and 203 students responded to the poll, rating food quality at the three dining halls and adding comments about what they feel Sodexo has done well and what they need to improve. Students shared a number of complaints, including everything from food quality to the
Poll respondents rated the three residential halls on a 10 point scale 2013-14 2014-15
3.29
6.28 THE MARKETPLACE
5.73 THE COMMONS
5.30
THE SADLER CENTER
5.56
All ratings out of 10
4.13
Data from The Flat Hat’s unscientific poll advertized on facebook GRAPHIC BY AINE CAIN AND ROHAN DESAI / THE FLAT HAT
College ranks 33rd overall in U.S. News rankings The College of William and Mary remains the sixth-ranked public university in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual guide to colleges and universities. Among both public and private schools, the College took the 33rd spot, tying with the University of Rochester and placing directly behind New York University. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill directly precede the College on the public schools list; they are ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. The College is tied at second overall for undergraduate teaching, sharing the honor with Miami University-Oxford. This year’s rankings are comparable to last year’s. In 2013, the College tied for 32nd among public and private schools and was ranked third in the nation for undergraduate teaching. Although its ranking for financial
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resources rose to 110th — four spots above last year’s ranking — the College maintains a significant gap between its overall rank and its financial means. William and Mary News reported that the 77spot gap between its national rank and financial resources is by far the largest discrepancy among the U.S. News and World Report’s top 50 schools. This, however, represents a decrease from last year’s 82-spot gap. In terms of other schools’ performances, Princeton University took the top honor and was ranked first overall. The University of California-Berkley remains the top public university and is 20th overall. The University of Virginia is the only other institution from the commonwealth of Virginia to appear among the U.S. News and World Report’s top 50. U.Va. is ranked 23rd. — Flat Hat Managing Editor Abby Boyle
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absence of the College of William and Marythemed waffle iron. Some of the most frequent complaints involve the way Late Night at the Sadler Center is operated, the long lines in the dining halls, and the limited amount of food available on meal swipes. “I’m not interested in a la carte dining options, and know many of my fellow students share the sentiment,” one responder said in the comment section. “We’re busy and working hard, and want to eat fresh, clean food without worrying about bugs, hair, glass, or anything else that’s not food in it.” Many students also commented saying that Marketplace is not as good an option this year as it has been in previous years. Marketplace began the year only accepting Dining Dollars, as opposed to meal swipes. Marketplace’s move to Dining Dollars may have contributed to long lines in the other dining halls. Although Marketplace reinstated the meal swipe system last week, many students responded while the poll was active saying that the dining hall does not provide enough options. “I really don’t like what they’ve done with Marketplace! [It] used to be representative of [the College] with Tribe décor,” one responder said. “The food they have there now is yummy, but is not sustainable for a dining hall. It’s a ghost town and there is barely any food there.” Students have reached out to Auxiliary Services about the changes to campus dining. Before Marketplace’s switch to accepting meal swipes, one student created a petition on social media in favor of Marketplace’s return to the regular meal plan. On Monday, Student Assembly President Colin Danly ’15, Vice President Kendall Lorenzen ’15 and Chief of Staff Drew Wilke ’15 met with Dining Services and Auxiliary Services. The three SA members discussed the concerns that students have expressed on social media, such as the College’s Overheard Facebook page. “[Dining] is such a large part of college life,” Wilke said. “We needed to get on top of it right away.” Although the SA leaders brought with them some frustrations expressed by their peers, they felt the meeting went well. The Auxiliary Services department plans to create a dialogue between students on social media sites so they can quickly communicate with students. Wilke said the departments’ leaders expressed appreciation for all the feedback they had received, and stressed that communication between their offices and the students is important. “[The departments’] tone and communication channels were very positive,” Wilke said. “The big takeaway for us is making sure communication continues.”
Cornering the Marketplace College emphasizes Dining Dollars JACK POWERS Flat Hat ASSOC. SPORTS EDITOR
The College of William and Mary designated the Marketplace a “retail” dining location — rather than a “residential” location requiring a meal swipe — before the selection of Sodexo USA as the College’s new dining provider in February. The Marketplace’s recent shift back to a meal-swipe location may affect Sodexo’s projected $449,704 revenue in Dining Dollars. The Request for Proposal sent out by the College Aug. 5, 2013 lists the Commons and the Sadler Center as the only residential campus dining options in the Dining Services’ “desired coverage of services.” The Marketplace is listed as a retail dining area, meaning that the location would take Dining Dollars, rather than meal swipes. All three food service companies who bid on the contract last fall (Sodexo, Aramark and Chartwells/Thompson) treated the Marketplace as retail dining, rather than residential dining, in their proposals. “Based on student feedback, we wanted to strengthen the retail program on campus that was part of the meal plans,” Director of Auxiliary Services Cindy Glavas said in an email. “This led to the Marketplace becoming a retail location in the RFP and adding dining dollars to each meal plan to provide more flexibility and value to the retail program for students.” Sodexo’s transformation of Marketplace from a residential dining hall that primarily took meal swipes to one that exclusively accepted Dining Dollars or outside forms of payment was done in the context of a larger shift within dining services toward the increased use of Dining Dollars, formerly known as “Flex.” Two food trucks, each exclusively accepting Dining Dollars, were added to campus dining options, and the Tribe Square restaurants See MARKETPLACE page 3
CAROL PENG / THE FLAT HAT
Marketplace’s return to meal-swipes may affect Sodexo’s revenue.
Alumni
Alumnus missing abroad since early July Cody Roman Dial vanished months ago exploring Costa Rican park aine cain Flat HaT news editor
On July 9, Cody Roman Dial ’09 emailed his parents and friends about his plans to explore Costa Rica’s rugged, treacherous Corcovado National Park. The journey should have taken 4 or 5 days. No one has heard from him since. Aside from a possible abandoned campsite and several confusing, unconfirmed sightings from locals, searches have yielded no trace of the 27-year-old Alaska native. As the son of explorer and Alaska Pacific University environmental science professor Roman Dial, Cody is described as an experienced survivalist. However, Corcovado is rife with dangerous ravines, illegal gold mining tunnels and poachers, according to the Alaska Dispatch News. Cody does not appear on the park’s registry, but it is believed that he entered illegally to
access challenging routes off-limits to visitors. He had been exploring Latin America since January, taking a break from pursuing his master’s degree in
environmental science at APU. Costa Rican officials concluded See ALUMNUS page 3
COURTESY PHOTO / ERIC GOLDMAN
Cody Roman Dial ’09 went missing in Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park in July.
Inside VARIETY
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Reaching across the aisle
To engage in informed political debate, we need to be able to find the middle ground. page 4 Mostly cloudy High 75, Low 67
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DINING
DININg
Poll reveals student opinion of campus dining issues
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Featuring the farmer’s market, campus gardens and sustainability. page 5
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The Flat Hat | Friday, September 11, 2014 | Page 2
THE BUZZ
One didn’t wonder how he had gotten out there in the first place, but why he had decided to leave [Alaska] for Virginia. He had all these stories of exploring the mountains and the woods. Looking back on it, I can’t say that this disappearance doesn’t make sense. But that makes it all the more sad.
— Hunter Braithwaite ’08 on Cody Roman Dial ’09’s disappearance
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60 Second Stories “Now our country faced unknown tragedy and we knew the repercussions would shape the months and years ahead.” — Cara Passaro In the first edition of The Flat Hat’s podcast “60 Second Stories,” current students and an alumna of the College of William and Mary speak about their memories of the 2001 Sept. 11 attacks. The memories are as vivid now as they were 13 years ago. Listen to their recollections of the day at soundcloud.com/flathat-online. allison shomaker / the FLAT HAT
The Blog Log Flat Hat blogger Rachel Brown ’15 reflects on her last first day of classes. See what she has to say in The Flat Hat’s senior year blog, “Last Lap.” Additionally, new Flat Hat study abroad blogger Matt Heffernan has just arrived at St. Andrews University in Scotland. He adjusts to cultural differences and begins his blog amid the vote for Scottish independence. Read “Stories from Abroad” and all of The Flat Hat’s blogs on FlatHatNews.com.
CITY POLICE BEAT
CORRECTIONS Correction: An article in the Sept. 5 issue of The Flat Hat incorrectly stated that a psychiatrist is on call for students. The counseling center does not employ a psychiatrist. An on-call psychologist can be reached by phone at any hour of the day through the College of William and Mary Police Department.
News in brief
Sept. 8-10 1
Monday, Sept. 8 — An individual was arrested on a charge of abduction and kidnapping on Richmond Road.
Sept. 9 — An individual was arrested for 2 Tuesday, being drunk in public on Richmond Road.
The Flat Hat wishes to correct any facts printed incorrectly. Corrections may be submitted by email to the editor of the section in which the incorrect information was printed. Requests for corrections will be accepted at any time.
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3
Wednesday, Sept. 10 — An incident of larceny was reported on Richmond Road.
4
Wednesday, Sept. 10 — An individual was arrested for tampering with a vehicle on Richmond Road.
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NEWS IN BRIEF Swem to get new Media Center
“Restoration Ecology” features VIMS
College Mobile app takes off
Earl Gregg Swem Library’s Media Center will undergo a major renovation this semester. One change will be the implementation of a new digital media lab. This lab will include collaboration spaces equipped with the latest software. The renovation will also include a production studio and two new classrooms furnished with new media technology. The acoustic production studio will be moved to the ground floor. The Media Center is undergoing renovation because of the high demand for technology-equipped spaces. In 2012, Media Center studios were booked 7,321 times. The renovation, which is expected to cost $2 million, will begin later this month.
A recent study from the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences appeared in the cover story in “Restoration Ecology’s” most recent issue. The study explored the process of restoring oysters and the oysters’ ability to filter water. Researchers found that mussels that colonize in restored oyster reefs can double their overall filtration capacity. This issue is of particular importance to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Filtering plankton improves water quality because these organisms consume nutrients that humans dump into the water. VIMS conducted this study with researchers from the University of Maryland and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
William and Mary Mobile, an app that allows students to submit work orders, reserve study rooms, and use the campus directory, recently launched for iOS and Android devices. Information Technology and Creative Services collaborated with Modo Labs to design this app to give students easy access to campus resources, faculty and fellow students. Later this fall, students will be able to access grades and classes through Blackboard and Banner. This project aims to establish a presence for the College in the mobile app world, offer students mobile access to their courses, and provide easier access to campus resources.
Friday, September 12, 2014
The Flat Hat
Page 3
STUDENT ASSEMBLY
Senate approves soccer, Homecoming acts Senators focus on improvements to internal communication, pass two bills
MADELINE BIELSKI flat hat ASSOC. NEWS EDITOR
The Student Assembly Senate approved two bills during its meeting Tuesday night, including The Victorious Vans for Soccer Fans Act and the
Homecoming Grants Act Round 4. The Victorious Vans for Soccer Fans Act, sponsored by Sen. Seth Opoku-Yeboah ’16, provides students with free transportation to the College of William and Mary Men’s and Women’s soccer games at the Martin Family Stadium. The bill allocates a total of $1,350 to
MEREDITH RAMEY / THE FLAT HAT
The College of William and Mary’s Student Assembly held its second meeting of the year Tuesday night.
provide vans, gas and drivers to the games. That total will cover transportation to nine soccer games. The bill’s goals are to increase attendance at the soccer games, as most students do not have transportation to the off-campus stadium, and to increase support for Tribe athletic teams. Secretary of Transportation Gabriel Morey ’16 voiced his support for this bill. “This is a great opportunity for us to provide a wonderful service to students who would otherwise want attend these games, but maybe couldn’t, because it is a fairly dangerous walk or bike ride,” Morey said. Sen. Nadia Illunga ’15 recognized the benefits this bill will have for freshmen interested in supporting Tribe sports teams. “Specifically for freshmen, this will be a wonderful opportunity, as they often don’t know upperclassmen with cars, but they’re really excited to go to games,” Illunga said. The Victorious Vans for Soccer Fans Act passed unanimously. The Homecoming Grants Act Round 4, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Ackerman ’16, was also discussed during Tuesday’s meeting. The bill works to get more campus organizations involved with Homecoming by supplying them with grants to execute campuswide events during the week of Homecoming. Ackerman explained that the effort to extend Homecoming grants has been a work in progress. “We’ve worked ahead and improved the project a little more every year,” he said. This year, multiple student organizations which team up to put on a campus-wide event may receive up to $10,000 in funding for the joint event. The fund allocation cap for any single student organization’s proposal is $5,000. A total of $15,000 will be allocated
to supply grants. Additionally, the Homecoming Grants Act Round 4 updates the application review and grant allocation processes. Last year, senators said flawed communication between the Executive and Senate branches of the SA plagued the process. In the past both the Executive Student Life Committee and the Senate Finance Committee were charged with allocating the grants; however, the groups had differing opinions on which groups should receive grants. Sen. Yohance Whitaker ’16 offered his support of the bill and addressed the improvements made to communication. “What I really like about this bill … is that accountability is really important,” Whitaker said. “We know who’s making the decisions. And we don’t have to go through this back and forth between finance and student life.” In the Homecoming Grants Round 4 Act, a defined group, including SA members from both the Executive and Senate, will review grant applications and bestow Homecoming event funds. That group will include the Secretary of Student Life, the Chairman of the Student Life Senate Committee, the Secretary of Finance, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and a representative from the SA’s Executive Leadership. The Washington, D.C. Fall Break Act was introduced under new business. The bill allocates a total of $6,000 to fund two buses to Washington, D.C. the weekend of Fall Break. The bill’s sponsor, Ackerman, described it as a “sustainable” program. Ackerman assigned the bill to the Finance and Student Life Committees. At Tuesday’s meeting, Senators also confirmed two Executive Cabinet Nominees. Edward Linnecke
Friends, College classmates discuss alum’s disappearance ALUM from page 1
mission but forbade Roman from participating in their searches. Despite attempts to enlist the help of the New Mexico National Guard, which has an arrangement with Costa Rica’s security forces, the U.S. military determined that it has no legal authority to help with the search. Roman and his friends conducted their own search of the park. He now believes that his son may no longer be in the park, indicating foul play as a potential explanation for Dial’s disappearance, according to the Alaska Dispatch News. During his time at the College of William and Mary, Cody was a biology major and a member of the College’s now defunct branch of the Psi Upsilon fraternity. That’s how Hunter Braithwaite ’08 first came to know the young man, whom he describes as softspoken and exuding a serious energy. “Coming from Alaska … he had an exotic presence in Williamsburg,” Braithwaite said in an email. “One didn’t wonder how he had gotten out there in
the first place, but why he had decided to leave it for Virginia. He had all these stories of exploring the mountains and the woods. Looking back on it, I can’t say that this disappearance doesn’t make sense. But that makes it all the more sad.” Ben Saxton-Ruiz ’08 was president of Psi Upsilon when Cody was first recruited. He describes Cody as a dedicated brother and an avid rock climber. Cody would hone his skills by scaling the kinesiology department’s wall. “He had a great respect for nature,” Saxton-Ruiz said in an email. “He never backed away from a challenge, and if possible would learn from the experience. Lastly, he is one of the sincerest people I know; he would call you out on your B.S., even if you didn’t want to hear it.” Devon Trotter ’06 reflected on his friend’s sense of humor and artistic creativity. “[Cody] Roman is the type of guy whose spirit belongs to the wilderness; so much so that he often felt constrained by society’s superfluous
rules,” Ruiz-Saxon said in an email. “An environmentalist, Roman’s heart belonged to nature.” Many of Cody’s friends from his time at the College mentioned that Cody’s hobbies centered on nature. “He would tell stories about going up in the mountains in Alaska as a kid and rolling boulders down the slopes for fun, which I assumed at the time was hyperbole but it wouldn’t surprise me if that was true,” Ed Winstead ’09 said in an email. “If there was something around that could be climbed, he’d climb it — onto a roof, up a chimney, whatever he could get a grip on. … If there’s anybody who could make it through something like this, wherever he is and whatever’s happened, it’s him.” Eric Goldman ’06 is working to keep attention on his friend’s disappearance. He said that a GoFundMe account has been created to enable the searchers to continue their efforts. So far, $3,315 dollars out of a requested $15,000 have been raised. Additionally, the Dials have requested that checks be sent to Margaret Dial at Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, PO Box 196613,
Meal swipe change may affect dining revenue MARKETPLACE from page 1
Sodexo’s drive to diversify the campus’s dining options, as well as its sources of profit from the contract. Sodexo’s original intentions for the Marketplace, as In the financial proposal included in the company’s initial bid, Sodexo projected total Dining Dollar sales of outlined in their bid to the College, included a “full$2,624,523 and retail cash sales of $1,319,688 for the 2014-15 service restaurant” named TJ’s. However, the restaurant school year. Combined, these two projected totals compose was later relocated to the Commons as the recentlyroughly one quarter of the total projected revenue for the opened Chancellor’s Bistro. The Marketplace underwent year. The centerpiece of this growth is the Marketplace, renovations over the summer to improve the quality of food projected to bring in $449,704 in Dining Dollars and $227,956 production there, as well as to update its design and concept. According to a in retail cash capital projects sales. spreadsheet The share from dining of Dining s e r v i ces, D o l l a r s — Director of Auxiliary Services Cindy Glavas on $1,950,000 increased by Dining Services, Auxiliarys Services and Sodexo USA’s was allocated at least 50 decision to bring meal swipes toward the percent for M a r k e t p l a ce each meal back to the Marketplace and the plan from Commons last semester to this semester. However, this shift in the Marketplace’s for summer construction. Additionally, $1,200,000 of the function was poorly received by the student body, $5,300,000 allocated toward dining services capital projects for the fiscal year 2015, which began after the end of the prompting action from the administration. “It’s fair to say we underestimated the impact and spring semester, was given to the Marketplace. “The College has invested approximately $700,000 to response,” Glavas said. “But it’s also important to remember that all of us (Sodexo, Dining Services, Auxiliary Services) date in design, construction, utilities, equipment and want to do what’s best for our campus community. When fixtures,” Glavas said. After the reimplementation of meal swipes at the it became clear this was an issue for students, we acted Marketplace, 500 students used their meal swipes at the quickly to solve the problem.” It is unclear how the return of meal swipes to the Marketplace Friday. Glavas said that she hopes changing the Marketplace Marketplace may affect these proposals and the 12 percent retail dining revenue given to the College. The return of back to a meal-swipe option will result in traffic comparable meal swipes to the Marketplace increases the residential to that of the Sadler Center dining area and the Commons dining options on campus, diverting swipes away from the dining hall. Cosi, an additional retail dining chain restaurant, will two primary residential dining halls — the Sadler Center and the Commons — without adding to the total number be added to the Marketplace. The venue is scheduled to be of meal plans purchased by students. The switch limits completed Dec. 12.
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When it became clear this was an issue for students, we acted quickly to solve the problem.
COURTESY PHOTO / DEVON TROTTER
Cody Roman Dial ‘09 (right) is currently missing, supposedly in Costa Rica.
Anchorage, AK, 99519 with the memo “Cody Roman Dial Donation Account.” Goldman said he believes his friend is still alive.
“He was an excellent adventurer and a better friend, and that I’m sure he’ll have one hell of a story for us when he’s found,” Goldman said in an email.
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The Flat Hat | Friday, September 12, 2014 | Page 4
EDITORIAL CARTOON
STAFF EDITORIAL
Cater to us A
BY PATRICIA RADICH, FLAT HAT GRAPHIC DESIGNER
GUEST COLUMN
Preventing suicide on campus bisexual) is considered a risk factor as well. However, it is not being homosexual or bisexual per se that is the risk factor, but rather it is the lived experience of this group of people in a particular society. The next risk factor is being a friend or family member of someone with suicidal behavior. Parental psychopathology (e.g. depression or substance abuse) is also associated with suicidal behavior. Stressful life circumstances such as interpersonal loss, or legal/ disciplinary problems are risk factors. The glamorization of suicide FLAT HAT GUEST COLUMNIST through media coverage can be a risk factor. And finally, access to lethal methods of killing oneself (e.g. firearms) is a significant risk Nothing is more tragic for society than the death of a young factor of suicidal behavior. person. Making this tragedy even worse is a young person dying What can we do to help reduce suicidal behavior? The first step by his or her own hand. In the United States, suicide is the leading is to arm yourself with good information. For example, an email cause of death among college students. In 2010, approximately 10.5 was distributed to the College of William and Mary community on suicides were completed per 100,000 people aged 15 to 24. This Aug. 25 on behalf of Student Affairs that contains excellent ideas represents the third leading cause of death for this age group. for suicide prevention. My strongest recommendation to you is, Suicidal behavior actually includes four behaviors: suicidal “When in doubt, act!” By this I mean that, as a caring person, you ideation (thinking about killing oneself ), can tell when another is feeling distress. Drop gestures (engaging in behaviors that are selfTo help a person who is any concerns you might have about causing a harming, but not necessarily lethal), attempts by asking about it. This is a myth. Also, thinking about suicide, it suicide (making legitimate efforts to kill oneself that do not expect yourself to be an expert on this is important that you act. topic. Very few people are. We have experts fail) and completions (dying by suicide). What can we do to reduce the suicidal behavior of in place. What is needed is that you look for college students? This is the critical question being asked worldwide. distress in others, including overindulgence in alcohol or other With this past Wednesday being World Suicide Prevention drugs, hopelessness, talk about suicide or feelings of worthlessness Day, I thought that this is an appropriate time to share some or hopelessness. If you are close enough to the person to note information about suicide prevention. An important fact to help significant changes in behavior, significant relationship problems, give some context is that, while many people have engaged in the occurrence of suicide in that person’s family, or other suicide ideation, very few have gestured or made attempts to kill indicators of distress, be aware that these are also associated with themselves. An even smaller group has been successful. There are suicidal behavior. several significant risk factors for suicide. The first are psychiatric To help a person who is thinking about suicide, it is important disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is referred to as that you act. It is much better to be too early in seeking care than co-morbidity and is very strongly associated with attempts and too late. Remember, your role is not the last step in the process, but completions. The next risk factor is substance abuse. This can vary it may be first step to help the person you are concerned about. in type, but alcohol and other popular depressants are the more No life is beyond repair, as those who begin down the path of common types. A person’s cognitive and personality factors, such suicidal thoughts may come to believe. With good information and as hopelessness, coping skills and neuroticism, are also associated a willingness to act, we can help our fellow College community with suicidal behavior. The fourth risk factor is aggressivemembers back to a healthy state of mind. impulsive behavior. A person’s sexual orientation (e.g. homosexual, Email Tracy Cross tlcross@wm.edu.
Tracy Cross
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fter unusually long lines and numerous student complaints, Sodexo finally brought meal swipes back to Marketplace. While this is a good start to repairing Sodexo’s shaky relationship with students, more changes are needed. Since students are required to purchase a meal plan, Sodexo must continue listening to students’ comments and adjusting its policies accordingly. One area of concern is the variety of food for students with untraditional diets. Vegans, vegetarians and students with food allergies often struggle to find a variety of highquality food options. As more students with special diets enter the College of William and Mary, Dining Services needs to get more creative to accommodate them; students should not have to compromise their health or moral beliefs to attend the College. More broadly, during certain hours all food options are limited. Students whose schedules force them to eat during non-traditional mealtimes — between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. — find few open food stations. We understand that, during those times, dining halls are preparing for the lunch and dinner crowds, as well as for late night dining. Individual stations, however, do not all have to prepare at the same time. Certain stations could remain open while others prepare, providing students with more balanced options. For example, the omelet station could remain open past 10 a.m. and the vegan station could remain open between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. During crowded meal times, supplies often run low. A constant fork shortage plagues the Sadler Center’s Center Court and the Commons Dining Hall, which could be solved through better planning — or simply buying more forks. Similarly, late-night dining’s food depletes quickly, leaving hungry students low on dining dollars with even fewer options after 8 p.m. Dining Services ought to allocate more food to late-night. Dining also needs to improve food labeling. Certain foods like pasta sauce may contain meat, which students may not be able to see. Additionally, dining should provide more nutritional information on all of its labels, including calorie counts, cholesterol, saturated and unsaturated fats and carbohydrates. Since students are required to be on the meal plan, they have a right to freely access that information. To better inform students, Dining Services should also make menus available online — something that Aramark, the College’s previous dining provider, used to do. Students appreciated knowing what their choices were, and would be grateful if dining provided that information again. Of course, Sodexo cannot respond effectively if students are not engaged. Angry tweets and Facebook statuses about Sodexo may feel satisfying, but they are unproductive. Text ‘n’ Tell allows students to express their complaints, and even their praise. Students need to use this resource if we expect dining services to know what we want; dining options can only improve when Sodexo can hear us. While switching to Sodexo saved money for the College, students’ meal plans aren’t getting any cheaper. Students expect high-quality dining services — that take all students’ health, schedules and dietary needs into account — for the money they’ve put in.
The staff editorial represents the opinion of The Flat Hat. The editorial board, which is elected by The Flat Hat’s section editors and executive staff, consists of Abby Boyle, Matt Camarda, Zachary Frank, Meredith Ramey and Ellen Wexler. The Flat Hat welcomes submissions to the Opinions section. Limit letters to 250 words and columns to 650 words. Letters, columns, graphics and cartoons reflect the view of the author only. Email submissions to fhopinions@gmail.com.
Across the aisle: Bipartisanship achieved through mutual respect
Sumner Higginbotham THE FLAT HAT
In every news source, you’ll find someone declaring that our country is a hopelessly divided nation and all compromise is impossible. To which I say, well, not with that attitude. It’s true that there are many political issues that are unlikely to be resolved soon. Sometimes, in deadlocked subjects such as abortion, we have to agree to disagree. But the problem is not that citizens disagree about a variety of topics, the true failure that led to this “divided nation” is the inability to have productive debates. In our YouTube-comments culture, it has become ubiquitous that political arguments are just about volume, likes, follows, who is louder, and who’s better at insulting the other side. 140 characters and a cloud of dust. But the future of political debate isn’t so dismal, as long as we take responsibility to change the culture. No matter the party platform, Democrats, Republicans, Independents and everyone in between have one resounding similarity despite a myriad of differences. They all want to make the country better. They may have
different theories, different methods, and different theories about different methods, but all policymakers look back at their decisions and hope they will bring a brighter tomorrow. We’re part of the same team. Taking this common-ground approach to create more productive debate means recognizing the good intentions of the opposite side. Disagreeing with someone is not a personal insult. It means listening carefully and patiently to their points, calmly expressing your side, and always showing respect for their opinion. And I mean actually respecting their viewpoint; respect isn’t merely waiting to explode into expletives. Diversity makes America a stronger nation, which includes diversity of opinion. Remember that people have different backgrounds and perspectives; they deserve respect, not a condescending attitude or a dismissive “check your privilege.” Save the strong language for when it’s required. Labeling someone who opposes NSA surveillance a terrorist, or denouncing someone who disagrees with affirmative action policies as a racist — such proclamations poison debate and render compromise unattainable. Most importantly, overuse of extreme terms trivializes the true terrorists bombing subways in England, or the real racists proclaiming “Hitler was Right” regarding the Gaza conflict. Those actions were and are abominable, and merit strong terms. Want to know the awesome part about civilized debate? It can change your opinion. What if, instead of calling the person against NSA a terrorist, you told them that the NSA
cannot access the content of a phone call without a warrant? You might make them think. They might even say, “Huh, well maybe the NSA isn’t all bad.” Or what if you showed the person against affirmative action, in lieu of calling them a racist, a series of articles showing how affirmative action provided impoverished students with their first opportunity to succeed? They might see some of the policy’s positives. Sure, they probably won’t do an about-face on the issue, but it opens the door to compromise. A few guidelines will facilitate establishing a Jeffersonian paradise of educated masses in political debate. If someone doesn’t want to argue, don’t force them. If you don’t want to argue, don’t fire off your opinion and then say, “I don’t want to argue,” because that implies, “Your opinion is not worth my time.” Professors aren’t necessarily right on issues, but you’d better debate at an appropriate time and have your argument straight; they will know the facts. If you don’t know enough about an issue to argue, say so, and make an effort to learn. With some common ground, mutual respect, and a couple rules of engagement, I feel confident our campus will become a dynamic center of informed political debate. My hope is that this column will serve as a bipartisan reminder that there are always middle-ground issues on which we can agree. And maybe we’ll find a way to tie together this divided nation and reach across the aisle. Email Sumner Higginbotham at sshigginbotham@email.wm.edu. GRAPHIC BY MONTANA CONE / THE FLAT HAT
variety
Variety Editor Tucker Higgins Variety Editor Devon Ivie flathat.variety@gmail.com // @theflathat
The Garden Issue
The Flat Hat
| Friday, September 12, 2014 | Page 5
Keeping it fresh, every Saturday, in the colony BAILEY KIRKPATRICK FLAT HAT ASSOC. VARIETY EDITOR
Every Saturday morning, Mickey Whalen packs up a little part of her garden shop, sets up a table in the hot sun, and shows off her collection of plants, succulent gardens and bonsai trees to people passing by, enticing students and families alike with the beautiful plants, bulbs and decorations on display. Whalen works at Gifts of Nature, one of the many stores which set up shop at the Williamsburg Farmer’s Market to be a part of the community and simultaneously market their businesses. “Gifts of Nature is my family’s company,” Whalen said. “It is one of the original vendors that started coming about 12 or 13 years ago when the farmer’s market first started.” Mixed amongst Williamsburg natives are tourists, students, joggers and seemingly hundreds of dogs. Whether it’s for pies, seafood, soap or fresh vegetables that they come to see, there is always large variety — typically 40 or more — of vendors that showcase their products on any given Saturday. “There is a wonderful assortment of vendors, and the market is not heavy in any area,” Nell Bartlett of Rockahock Farm said. “There is a nice mix as well as quite a few unusual things that you wouldn’t find in many other places.” What makes the Market unique from many others in the area is that it features exclusively locally grown, locally produced, and locally sold items. All items, food and art are grown or created in Williamsburg-James City County and then sold back to the community. Not only does this format help the economy, but it provides many different and unique options for patrons. “The mission of the Williamsburg Farmers Market is to create a sense of community while encouraging local purchases direct from farmers,” Market Manager Tracy Herner said. “When consumers buy directly from the farmer, they support the local economy and help farmers keep more of the food dollar, making it more profitable to be a farmer and therefore keeping farmers farming.” The farmer’s market, in many ways, is an ambassador program for Williamsburg. When students, tourists and families walk down Duke
of Gloucester Street to see the vendors, they’re able to share their experiences and recommend that more people come. Because of the customers, vendors such as Tracey Winslow of Simply Southern Pies bring many types of baked goods to the market every year. “We make all of our pies fresh from scratch and try to bring a variety,” Winslow said. “We keep coming back because of the people. We really enjoy making people happy with pie. Our motto is ‘pie fixes everything’ and we live by that.” Many of the vendors also offer discounts for College of William and Mary students, who are becoming an increasingly large presence in the market. Certain vendors offer tax-free purchases and others offer a discount of a dollar or two off the purchase in order to make things more costeffective for students on a budget, as well as to incentivize them to continue coming around. “I think it’s important the students know about and visit the market because it’s a chance to learn where their food comes from and to connect with the community,” Herner said. “Hopefully, a visit to the market inspires them to eat healthier and ask questions about their food.” Sophomores Abby Barnes ’17, Bridget Thompson ’17 and Erin Gunderson ’17 have been coming to the market since their freshman year, and enjoy the vibes, the blueberry lemon bread, the flowers and spending time together in Colonial Williamsburg. “We visited the market a few times last year, so now it is just something that we like to do together,” Barnes said. “It’s a beautiful day outside and a nice way to spend a Saturday.” Thomson seconded the idea. “The market creates a sense of togetherness,” she said. “It is an old fashioned idea because it creates a time to see people you know in a different setting and enjoy the day instead of rushing around.” The vendors, not unlike Herner, love working at the market and enjoy their jobs, and patrons, immensely. “The market contributes to the community as it is a meeting place and it has all the fresh vegetables and anything you can think to shop for right here,” Whalen said. “It is a wonderful thing on a Saturday morning to take a break and enjoy seeing people, dogs, children, and each other. I love the mix of people that come here every weekend.”
SARAH PERRY / THE FLAT HAT
“The Market creates a sense of togetherness,” said Bridget Thompson ’17.
It is easy being green Environmentalists take After change of leadership, community garden continues to bring students, faculty and Williamsburg locals together HALEY ARATA FLAT HAT STAFF WRITER
Garden plots located on the campus of the College of William and Mary will soon be brimming with green beans, cherry tomatoes, strawberries and gourds galore. You don’t even have to wash these vegetables before chowing down. Why? Well, organic food works that way. The Campus Gardens, located behind the Commons Dining Hall on campus, provide a space for any and all students, faculty, staff and Williamsburg locals to grow such organic food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In years past, the Student Environmental Action Coalition at the College managed these Campus Gardens. This year, however, management has been handed over to the Committee on Sustainability. In spring 2014, the Committee renovated the gardens to include 12 raised garden beds, which are divided into 24 half-plots available for rental. They also constructed a fence encompassing the entire area and mulch pathways between the plots which help control weeds and add to the overall aesthetically pleasing environment of the gardens. The Committee on Sustainability will implement a few changes to the plot-rental system this year. Instead of garden-plot rentals running the entire year, they will be on a seasonal basis to allow more people to rent the plots, but for a shorter amount of time. Students, faculty, staff and Williamsburg locals interested in renting a plot simply need to sign a contract with COS, insuring their care and dedication toward the plot. The Committee will provide the seeds and tools needed for maintenance, and gardeners may till away. Gardens intern and senior member of COS Nora Jackson ’15 spoke about specific plans for the Campus Gardens this year. Along with aiming to increase participation by individual students as well as clubs, a big focus of the gardens this year is for faculty, staff and Williamsburg locals to take advantage of the gardening opportunities. COS will be offering plots to locals close to the College in hopes that they will add to the overarching community feel of the gardens and contribute their own gardening expertise to the College students and staff. “There’s a large part of community about gardens. They get people to get together, learn together, garden together,” Jackson said. Last year, Jackson shadowed a friend who was the gardens intern at the time, and this fueled her inherent passion for farming. As an environmentalist
interested in agriculture, the gardening keeps her grounded and focused on implementing change and raising awareness about what the natural world has to offer. Aside from describing the importance of learning where our food comes from, she detailed the positive personal experience she has when farming. “Gardening is really relaxing. It’s a really big stress-reliever, and a way to get outside and be a little bit active,” Jackson said. Ben Olinger ’16 looks forward to working on SEAC’s garden plot this year. An experienced horticulturist, Olinger has been working on the Campus Gardens since his freshman year. As a Sharpe Scholar living in Botetourt, the program’s volunteer-oriented mission and his close proximity to the Gardens spurred his growing interest in gardening. “Gardening is highly relaxing, but more importantly it’s about having the knowledge about the means of basic production,” Olinger said. “It’s important to have a basic knowledge about how people would go about foraging.” Along with working on its plot in the Campus
AUDREY KRIVA / THE FLAT HAT
Students interested in renting a plot sign a contract with the Committee on Sustainability, which supplies the tools and seeds needed to garden.
Gardens, SEAC plans to widen its harvesting scope to gardens outside of the College in Colonial Williamsburg and surrounding Williamsburg area. Ashley Meredith ’17, a dedicated member of SEAC since her freshman year, is excited to get her hands dirty in the club’s garden plot this year. “It’s really great to cultivate the plants and watch them grow,” Meredith said. “And last year, we used some of the herbs from our garden plot to make soap from goat milk.” The specific details of the garden plot rental system for the year are still being worked out, but contracts will be available soon for those who are interested.
lead throughout campus Promoting sustainability from the Copy Center to Lake Matoaka AMANDA SIKIRICA THE FLAT HAT
In 2008, then-interim College President Taylor Reveley released a statement on the College of William and Mary’s sustainability policy which committed the College to setting “an example for present and future generations in the use of natural resources.” Six years later, this fall semester is shaping up to be filled with examples of this commitment. Auxiliary Services controls much of the infrastructure on campus, from dining halls to parking and transportation. Many sustainability initiatives are currently at work, some more noticeably than others. The Copy Center recycles scrap paper into notepads and sells two for $0.25 or ten for $1. Scrap paper that isn’t used is donated to Williamsburg Campus Child Care for children’s art projects. The Office of Parking and Transportation Services is currently collaborating with the Student Assembly on a bike initiative. Director of Auxiliary Services Cindy Glavas said the initiative will promote “the installation of bike fix-it stations, organized rides and marketing efforts.” A new class, Kinesiology 196: introduction to cycling, has also been added to the course listing. It focuses on biking basics, safety and repair. Additionally, Glavas said that Tribe Card Services is partnering with the Williamsburg Farmer’s Market “to accept William and Mary Express as a form of payment and encourage students to buy locally.” The farmer’s market is open every Saturday, weather permitting, during the spring, summer and fall in Merchants Square. New sustainability initiatives from Dining Services include planning a third annual “Farm to Fork Dinner” in the coming weeks (last year’s was
COURTESY PHOTO / WM.EDU
Meet the Greens, which took place during the first week of classes, was a gathering of environmental and sustainability oriented clubs and organizations on campus.
held on the Sunken Garden with a small admission fee) and an upcoming $25,000 study. This Kitchen Energy Study aims to analyze the efficiency of residential facility kitchens. The Keck Lab has maintained a record of water quality in Lake Matoaka, College Creek and the campus stream for the past 10 years. It has also gathered meteorological data at 10-minute intervals for all of them over the same period. Students have used this data in the past for projects such as the establishment of beehives on campus, and the data is available for other future projects. “[We] plan to conduct intensive studies on the storm-water ponds located behind the [MarshallWythe School of Law] and behind the [McCormackNagelsen] Tennis Center [this semester],” Keck Lab Director Randolph Chambers said. Director of Sustainability Calandra Waters Lake is planning new sustainability events on campus this semester. “Meet the Greens,” which took place during the first week of classes, was a gathering of campus clubs and organizations focused on environmentalism and sustainability. Many fall semester events were unveiled at the event. “Sustainable Soccer” will be held Sept. 27 and Sept. 28. Two soccer games will be “greened” through a partnership between COS, the Athletic Department, Dining Services and Facilities under the activity “Local Sustainable William and Mary.” “The goal is to make those games as sustainable as possible,” Lake said. Volunteers will be available to direct spectators to recycle and compost their game-day waste. There will also be sustainability groups tabling at the games. The Football Club approached the College to help organize the event and has also helped facilitate ‘greening’ sports games nationally. Planned for every month this semester beginning Oct. 7, Sustainability Seminars on different subjects will take place at the Williamsburg Community Building. The topic for October is “Natural Landscape.” There will be speakers on native plants, campus landscaping and home gardening information for interested students and community members. Additionally, the second annual “Sustainability Summit” will be taking place Oct. 25. The event will gather students, faculty and staff together to discuss sustainability projects and development on campus. There will be a panel of professors and break-out groups in this day-long event. “The goal is to have as much communication between people and groups on campus as possible,” Lake said.
2014 Football
Preview
EVERYONE
FH
READ UP Y’ALL
’14
Zable Stadium is scheduled for a much needed $27 million overhaul. On the field, William and Mary is long overdue for a conference title. Junior tailback Mikal AbdulSaboor and the Tribe look for forward progress this season.
Offensive preview, page 2 Defensive preview, page 3 Conference capsules, page 4
COURTESY PHOTO / BCWH ARCHITECTS
TRIBE
OFFENSE Designed from the ground up
The Flat Hat | Friday, September 12, 2014 | Page 2
As it has for years, the Tribe will run the ball first and ask questions later MICK SLOAN FLAT HAT SPORTS EDITOR
Every football season raises questions, and this one is no exception. In 2013, William and Mary nearly rode a dominant defense to the Football Championship Series playoffs, lifted by an offense that seemed to grow stronger. Now that former quarterback Brent Caprio has graduated, the College’s offense has to build on last season, rather than regress. Last year, the College ran the ball 470 times and attempted 299 passes across its 12-game schedule. It should be no surprise that this season, the Tribe has already run 78 times and thrown just 39 passes — the College has leaned on its running game for head coach Jimmye Laycock’s entire tenure, and this year promises to bring more of the same. Clearly, the chief offensive burden falls to the Tribe runners, especially junior running back Mikal Abdul-Saboor. After serving a limited role in his freshman year, Abdul-Saboor rushed for 840 yards in nine starts last season, averaging 4.7 yards-percarry. His 91.6 yards per game ranked fourth-highest in the Colonial Athletic Association last year. AbdulSaboor’s longest gain was just 17 yards last season, and he earned his yards by consistently moving the chains in five-yard bursts. The Tribe is depending on that consistency this year, and so far Abdul-Saboor has delivered 192 yards and 6.9 yards per carry in his first two games, including three rushing touchdowns. By contrast, the rest of the Tribe’s backs averaged just 3.3 yards per attempt, a drastic drop-off from Abdul-Saboor’s 4.7. Sophomore running back
Kendell Anderson is the Tribe’s second option, with 54 yards in his first two games. The College’s offense will benefit if Anderson and senior running back Jarrell Cooper can provide a spark when AbdulSaboor takes a breather. Despite its emphasis on running the ball, the College will not abandon that passing game. Sophomore quarterback Steve Cluley is now two starts into his career. So far, he has completed 17 of his 37 passes for 243 yards, for an average of 6.6 yards per attempt. Laycock and offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers have mostly limited Cluley to short attempts, occasionally calling a deep pass to keep defenses honest. Though Abdul-Saboor and the Tribe’s runners will be the backbone of the offense, the College’s success hinges on whether Cluley can punish defenses that ignore the Tribe’s passing threats. Abdul-Saboor and his teammates appear to believe in Cluley. “The biggest thing is having a quarterback this year that we all feel confident in,” Abdul-Saboor said. “This year we’re going with our guy, and we all have his back.” Cluley’s receivers are in a state of uncertainty. Senior tight end Bo Revell is out for the season with a leg injury, and an ankle sprain leaves senior receiver Tre McBride’s status in doubt. McBride was a potent weapon for the College last year, piling up 801 receiving yards and five touchdowns, while also adding 605 yards on kick returns. The Tribe’s passing offense will be visibly different when McBride returns — his speed, athleticism and reliability are irreplaceable assets. For now the Tribe’s passing revolves around
senior receiver Sean Ballard and freshman receiver DeVonte Dedmon. Ballard was a mainstay in last year’s offense: he caught 36 passes for 593 yards, and his 16.5 yards per catch were third in the CAA. Dedmon made his first start against Hampton and has demonstrating his speed and elusiveness. When McBride returns, the Tribe can experiment with three receiver sets that draw defenses away allowing Dedmon to catch the ball in space. However, there is uncertainty at tight end, where sophomore Eric Hensley has yet to catch a pass. The task of protecting the Tribe’s skill position players will fall to the offensive line, where freshman tackle Chris Durant and freshman guard Connor Hilland join three incumbent starters: junior center Andrew Jones, sophomore guard Dominic Martinelli and sophomore tackle Jerry Ukogwe. The starters weigh in at an average of 293 pounds, but the line must prove that it has skill and chemistry to match its size and strength. Laycock is pleased with his linemen’s versatility. “The offensive line is kind of a revolving thing anyway,” Laycock said. “We have backups that can move in, and some young guys. I think that will resolve itself.” The first two games of the season indicate that the College will lean heavily on its running game early on, at least until McBride returns and Cluley grows more comfortable. Given the Tribe’s sterling defense, the College will compete if the offense can grind out rushing yards, convert the occasional third and long and avoid turnovers. If McBride returns quickly, Cluley improves and Abdul-Saboor keeps churning for first downs, the team will be all the better for it.
DEFENSE Tribe looks to repeat dominance Sports Editor Mick Sloan Sports Editor Chris Weber flathatsports@gmail.com @flathatsports
The Flat Hat
Despite the loss of Jerome Couplin to the NFL, the Tribe has talent on deck
JACK POWERS FLAT HAT ASSOC. SPORTS EDITOR
Four William and Mary defensive players received Colonial Athletic Association all-conference first team honors last year — an astounding statistic, especially given that the only one not returning this season recently played in his first National Football League game. Jerome Couplin ’14 will surely be missed, but so was B.W. Webb ’13 until the Tribe defense proved itself to be one of the most stifling units in program history last year. Senior Ivan Tagoe steps into Couplin’s shoes as the team’s free safety after playing right beside him as strong safety for a full season. Any lingering concerns over the transition were softened when Tagoe made 13 tackles in the first two games. Beyond the graduation of the current Detroit Lion and four other important contributors, the program’s defense has hardly ever been more hyped than for the current season. Tagoe is joined by junior middle linebacker Luke Rhodes and senior defensive end Stephen Sinnott as team captains, looking to lead their experienced unit to another season of not giving an inch. Rhodes, senior outside linebacker Airek Green, and senior defensive end Mike Reilly are all returning All-CAA first-team honorees. The fear starts up front. With Sinnott and Reilly circling quarterbacks like 260-pound vultures and senior defensive tackle Jasper Coleman punishing unlucky linemen through the middle, the Tribe’s defensive line will be tough to handle. Having led the conference last season with 11 solo sacks, Reilly was named the pre-season CAA Defensive Player of the
Year at media day in July. “Mike Reilly has kind of made himself into what he is through his work ethic,” defensive coordinator Trevor Andrews said. “You won’t find a guy that works harder anywhere. His ceiling will probably depend on how the guys around him play. Guys like Coleman, [Tyler] Claytor and Sinnott and the other guys up front are who really helped [Reilly] have a great year last year.” The one remaining question regards who will fill the trenches beside Coleman. Junior defensive tackle Spencer Bopp started the opening game at Virginia Tech, but was replaced by freshman Isaiah Stephens for the 42-14 win at Hampton. Nevertheless, whoever steps in at the role will be flanked by three veteran linemen aiming for a big season. A bona fide stud since his freshman season, Rhodes enters his junior year as the defense’s nucleus and Bulldozer-in-Chief. Rhodes trailed only Couplin in total tackles last season with 98, good for 12th in conference. Green could be an even more instrumental player this season, especially after racking up 13 tackles through the first two games. Quincy September ’14 left a hole on the right side that has been filled thus far by sophomore Marcus Harvey. Harvey comes off an encouraging first season that included an interception for a touchdown, though Andrews occasionally used Rhodes and Green in a two-linebacker set against Hampton last week. “Luke and Airek are proven play-makers,” Andrews said. “They play really well together — that’s one thing I noticed transitioning that maybe I didn’t notice before. Those two kids have played a lot of snaps and a lot of games together and they think for each other. If
Starting Lineup
Ballard
Durant
LT
WR
Jones
Martinelli
Ugokwe
LG
C
RG
RT
Hensley
TE
Tagoe
Velasquez
FS
SS
McBride
WR
Green
Rhodes
Harvey
OLB
MLB
OLB
Reed
WR Cluley
QB
Abdul-Saboor
RB
one of them screws up, the other can make it right. It’s been really fun to watch those guys do it.” The College’s secondary has produced the program’s two brightest stars of the past two years, and, fittingly, this year’s squad is one of the team’s best. Junior cornerback DeAndre Houston-Carson will presumably guard the opposing team’s most dangerous wideout each week. Houston-Carson settled into the same role last season with impressive results throughout and finished as a third-team All-CAA selection. Sophomore Tre Green will work opposite Houston-Carson in a big step up from his reserve role last season. Tagoe, junior Jared Velasquez, and senior Frank Tamakloe comprise the Tribe’s safety corps, each offering sizable game experience. One of the indelible images of the 2013 season was Velasquez bringing back an interception 90 yards for an electrifying touchdown against James Madison in the College’s homecoming game, a victory which jumpstarted a three-game winning streak. “I’m really excited for Ivan Tagoe,” Andrews said. “Since he’s gotten here, the kid has done nothing but keep his mouth shut and work hard and play hard. I think he has as high of a ceiling as anyone on this team and I think he’ll do some things this year.” Hired after a historic defensive campaign under current Nevada defensive coordinator Scott Boone, Andrews, formerly the program’s defensive line coach, faces sky-high expectations in his first season, particularly given the questions on offense. However, if the offense does struggle, there are few other Football Championship Series defenses that are more capable of picking up the slack.
Starting Lineup
Hilland
Dedmon
| Friday, September 12, 2014 | Page 3
CB
HoustonCarson Sinnott
Coleman
DE
DT
Stephens
DT
Reilly
DE
CB
2014 Football
Preview @STONY BROOK WHEN WHERE
Sept. 27, 6 p.m. Kenneth P. Lavale Stadium, Brookhaven, N.Y. First meeting RECENT GAME
COMMENTARY Stony Brook enters its second season in the Colonial Athletic Association, compiling a 5-6 overall record in 2013. As has been the case for the last six seasons, the Seawolves will start a new quarterback. Conor Bednarski and John Kinder have split time in the early going.
@NEW HAMPSHIRE WHEN WHERE RECENT GAME
Oct. 11, 3:30 p.m. Cowell Stadium, Durham, N.H. 17-0 win (2013)
COMMENTARY New Hampshire enters the 2014 season as the favorite to win the Colonial Athletic Association. The Wildcats host the longest active playoff streak (10) in the nation, including a trip to the Football Championship Series semifinal in 2013, and 139 weeks as a ranked team.
LAST SEASON
VILLANOVA WHEN WHERE RECENT GAME
Oct. 18, 3:30 p.m. Zable Stadium, Williamsburg, Va. 20-16 loss (2013)
COMMENTARY John Robertson leads Villanova into the 2014 season after posting a 1,405-yard season a year ago. Look for Robertson to fuel the Wildcats offense — Robertson already owns the school rcord for highest completion percentage in both a game (94 percent) and season (68 percent).
DELAWARE WHEN WHERE
Oct. 25, 12:30 p.m. Zable Stadium, Williamsburg, Va. RECENT GAME 24-10 win (2013)
COMMENTARY After posting a 7-5 overall record in 2013, Delaware returns six starters on both sides of the ball and looks to improve a No. 5 conference finish. Despite the 2013 win, the Blue Hens traditionally play the Tribe close. Expect a high-quality game with conference implications.
PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
Richmond (2008) and Villanova (2009) each won the Football Championship Series before three teams advanced to the FCS Championship in 2013. Towosn reached the title game. The conference enjoys level of respect from rival conferences — in 2013, the Colonial Athletic Conference posted a .711 nonconference winning percentage.
1. New Hampshire (15) 2. Villanova (2) 3. Richmond (3) 4. William and Mary (3) 5. Towson 6. Delaware 7. Maine 8. James Madison (1) *First-place votes in parentheses
The
schedule and conference PRESEASON PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
CAA HISTORY The Atlantic 10 assumed operational control of the Yankee Conference in 1997 and ran the league until, in 2007, the Colonial Athletic Conference formed. 12 schools comprise the conference, ranging from Maine to Elon.
Offense: John Robertson Junior quarterback Villanova Defense: Mike Reilly Senior defensive end William and Mary
@JAMES MADISON WHEN WHERE
Nov. 1, 3:30 p.m. Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, Va. 17-7 win (2013) RECENT GAME
COMMENTARY
The Tribe defeated James Madison in a dramatic homecoming victory last year, and the Dukes have revenge on their minds. The Dukes have new quarterback Vad Lee, who transfered from Georgia Tech. Lee recently threw for 284 yards in JMU’s 31-28 win over Lehigh.
ELON WHEN WHERE RECENT GAME COMMENTARY
Nov. 8, 3:30 p.m. Zable Stadium, Williamsburg, Va. First meeting
The newest addition to the Colonial Athletics Association will face the College for the first time this season. The Phoenix finished 2-10 last season, and should be one of the Tribe’s easier conference opponents this season. Elon lost its debut game, 52-13, to Duke.
@TOWSON WHEN WHERE
RICHMOND WHEN WHERE
Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. Zable Stadium, Williamsburg, Va. 31-20 loss (2013)
Nov. 15, 3 p.m. Johnny Unitas Stadium, Towson, Md. 15-9 loss (2013) RECENT GAME
RECENT GAME
Towson outpaced its Colonial Athletic Association adversaries last season and reached the Football Championship Series final, winning five straight games in the process. The Tigers are without standout running back Terrance West, who is now playing in the National Football League.
The College’s 31-20 loss at Richmond ended the 2013 season. Quarterback Michael Strauss threw for 3,808 yards and 26 touchdowns last year, and threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns in an opening week win over Morehead State. The Tribe will need to contain Strauss this November.
COMMENTARY
COMMENTARY