April 14 2016 by The Lantern

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The student voice of the Ohio State University

Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Year 136, Issue No. 35

The activist-admin disconnect Massarah Mikati Oller Reporter mikati.2@osu.edu

“It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love and support one another. We have nothing to lose but our chains.” Chants echoed throughout the entire police-guarded building, bouncing off the locked doors of University President Michael Drake’s office as dozens of student activists occupied the building to demand their voices be heard and represented by Ohio State. Tension filled the air as the students filed into Bricker Hall on April 6, marching up the semi-spiral staircase with their fists in the air. “We are tired of jumping through hoops at an attempt to get the administration to hear our voices,” leaders of the protest chanted. “We are here to get the university to finally be accountable to its students.” One by one, students stepped forward to tell their personal stories of being silenced by the university, applauded and cheered on by their fellow protesters. “My personal story of silence is coming to (Drake’s office) every month since June, every single month, and not getting a single response,” said Shell Sindle, a third-year in anthropology and criminology and a member of United Students Against Sweatshops at OSU. The group of students united under different causes, includ-

COURTESY OF OSU

Vernon Baisden, Ohio State Department of Public Safety director and assistant vice president, is set to retire on April 15.

MITCH HOOPER | LANTERN REPORTER

Students and faculty of Ohio State chanting in front of University President Michael Drake’s office on April 6.

ing diversity, sexual assault awareness and prevention, budget and investment transparency, and health issues. The movement touted the hashtags #ReclaimOSU and #NoEndsNOW. The university has a long history of tension with student activist groups on campus, and Wednesday’s rally was one of multiple attempts these students made to be heard. From rallies, to interrupting Drake’s university address, to delivering an abundance of letters and gifts to his office, student activists on campus are saying that enough is enough. There are more than 150 student activist organizations registered at OSU, according to the

Ohio Union website. Interviews with organization leaders and copies of email correspondence sent between the groups and the administration, which were obtained by The Lantern, help support their claims that the university cares little for their concerns. There’s also a resolve to be heard. “It’s not easy, but that’s why we all who are pushing back keep going,” said Lainie Rini, a fifth-year in geography and women’s, gender and sexuality studies, president of United Students Against Sweatshops at OSU. “The earth is at stake, unions are at stake, people’s livelihoods are at stake, Palestinians are at stake. These are things our university could

be doing better on, but they’re not.” University officials, however, said they do pay attention and take students’ concerns seriously. “If we clearly do have student groups and individual students who are expressing frustration that they’re not being heard, that there’s not a level of engagement that they’d like to see, we need to take that seriously,” said university spokesman Chris Davey. “We need to continue to be in dialogue with them to seek common ground, and the university is absolutely committed to that.” ‘Can you hear us?’ On December 2, six student UNIVERSITY CONTINUES ON 3

Public Safety director retires after 15 years at Ohio State Danika Stahl

Assistant Campus Editor stahl.145@osu.edu Vernon Baisden, assistant vice president and director of the Department of Public Safety at Ohio State, will retire on Friday after more than 15 years of service at the university. “Ohio State has a very dedicated and professional police, security and emergency management staff,” Baisden said in an emailed statement. “Our team works tirelessly every day to enhance the safety of the campus community, and I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside them for the last 15-plus years.” University Police Acting BAISDEN CONTINUES ON 2

Public-safety professionals answer student questions Caitlyn Sack

Lantern reporter sack.23@osu.edu Six panelists from various safety departments around Ohio State and the city of Columbus joined forces to present information about student safety on Tuesday evening. Sunder Sai, a second-year in neuroscience and deputy director of health and safety for Undergraduate Student Government, planned the town hall with the help of University Police. “We really want this safety town hall forum to pose students’ safety concerns and questions,” Sai said. Panelists included University Police Acting Chief Craig

CAITLYN SACK | LANTERN REPORTER

“If you see something, say something. Don’t just assume someone will take care of the issue.”

City Councilman Mitchell Brown, Deputy Chief Thomas A. Quinlan of Columbus Police Department, and Ohio State Director of Emergency Management Bob Armstrong present on their specialized topics during the question and answer session.

Mitchell Brown Columbus City Councilman

Stone; Director of Emergency Management Bob Armstrong; Deputy Chief of Columbus Division of Police Thomas Quinlan; Columbus City Councilman Mitchell Brown; and Off-campus Living Representative Ezra Baker. The student safety town hall began with Armstrong discussing students’ concerns as to

why Buckeye Alerts and Public Safety notifications are not sent out sooner. The Clery Act requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal funding to share information concerning crime on campus, as well as police efforts to improve safety on

or around campus, according to the Clery Center’s website. “Sometimes we’ll get questions like, ‘Why didn’t you send (the notification)?’ And by the act, we’re required to send it on campus property or immediately adjacent to campus property,” Armstrong said. “It’s kind

of hard to decide, ‘Do we take it beyond that, to Summit or (North) Fourth (streets)?’ We’re trying to stick to the Clery Act and make sure we get that notification out to you. It’s not an emergency notification.” The Buckeye Alerts, which SAFETY CONTINUES ON 2

2 | Thursday, April 14, 2016

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THE LANTERN Head to The Lantern’s website for more stories about campus-related events. BAISDEN FROM 1

SAFETY FROM 1

Chief Craig Stone spoke of Baisden’s retirement on Tuesday night at the Undergraduate Student Government’s safety town hall meeting and asked the crowd to give him a standing ovation. The university confirmed that Baisden, who joined the OSU community in August 2000, will officially retire on Friday. “He has been dedicated to the mission of keeping the campus community safe,” Stone said at Tuesday’s event. “I appreciate Director Baisden’s leadership and mentoring. His development of the 3C’s ... can be valuable to any profession involved in teamwork...” Craig Stone University Police Acting Chief

Baisden’s accomplishments at OSU include re-establishing the Department of Public Safety, which Dan Hedman, a spokesman for the Office of Administration and Planning, said in an email was disbanded in 1993. “A national search for Baisden’s permanent replacement is already underway,” Hedman said. “During the search, the

Department of Public Safety will report to Mark Evans, associate vice president for the Office of Administration and Planning.” During his time at OSU, Baisden also oversaw the establishment of two divisions within the department: the Emergency Management and Fire Prevention Division, as well as Communication and Central Alarm Center Division. Security Magazine named OSU’s Department of Public Safety the second best operation in the U.S. out of all colleges and universities in 2009 and 2010, according to a university spokesman. Baisden was also director during the introduction of the Buckeye Alert emergency notification system, the creation of the University Police and Columbus Division of Police joint patrol and crime prevention initiatives in the University District and east of North High Street, University Police’s Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies accreditation, and the spread of police presence to OSU’s regional campuses. “I appreciate Director Baisden’s leadership and mentoring. His development of the 3C’s

— communication, cooperation & collaboration – credo for the OSU Department of Public Safety can be valuable to any profession involved in teamwork, which we will continue,” Stone told The Lantern in an email. Baisden, who Stone said was first hired to organize the Department of Public Safety, was director of campus safety at Keene State College before coming to OSU. Prior to that, he worked at the University of Michigan’s Department of Public Safety’s Community Relations and Crime Prevention Unit as commanding officer. In total, he has worked in public safety for more than 30 years.

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are primarily text messages or posts on social media, are sent out in urgent emergency situations. Armstrong reiterated the purpose of the Buckeye Alerts is for students to take immediate action in order to stay safe. City Councilman Brown then discussed lighting issues in off-campus locations. He and his representatives urged students to take advantage of city representatives and report light outages via the 311 initiative, which is a way for Columbus citizens to submit service requests to the Columbus Service Center. Though it is expensive and costs the city money, it’s what the city council is elected to do, he explained. “If you see something, say something. Don’t just assume someone will take care of the issue,” Brown said. Quinlan and Stone tackled questions concerning the joint jurisdiction, explaining that the team of University and Columbus police work together to be the eyes and ears of all areas. Sai said he also wanted to address students’ concern about prolonged wait times for the Student Safety Service Safe Ride program. Program coordinator Sean

Bolender emphasized that though it wants to be able to meet every student need, the program is not a taxi service. “I am saying we are not a taxi cab service because there is some confusion,” he said. “The safe-ride program works by trying to get the most number of rides in a year because each time we provide a ride, that’s a possible crime that we prevented by having you in our vehicle with two student officers.” Bolender said the program is currently in the feasibility stage of an application that might increase technological abilities of the safe-ride program. Stone also encouraged students to engage in the Bug Your Bike program, which involves registering bikes with the city of Columbus as property, to decrease bike theft on and around campus. Stacey Renker, assistant director of Risk and Emergency Management, said she was pleased with how the town hall went. “The interaction we saw at this event was wonderful, and the amount of students who showed up really showed an interest in the community,” she said.

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UNIVERSITY FROM 1

activist organizations marched to the union and staged a sitin, sending Drake another list of demands for him to support. The organizations included Real Food OSU, USAS, OSU Coalition for Black Lives, OSU Divest, International Socialist Organization and Student/ Farmworker Alliance. Drake responded on January 15, telling the organizations he appreciates the diversity of their voices and encouraging them to continue raising their issues. Since December 2014, Real Food OSU has sent 16 emails to Drake, with no response directly from the president himself. After the initial five months of emails, they received an email in May promising to schedule a meeting. One month later, the meeting was scheduled for July, but did not take place until September. Real Food OSU was allotted 15 minutes to pitch to Drake their proposal to commit to fair, humane, community-based and ecologically-sustainable food sourcing. In addition to the emails, the group sent dozens of tweets, delivered 50 clocks to his office — signifying that time is running out to sign on to the commitment — called his office more than 50 times, delivered more than 100 Valentines to him, created email, video and letter campaigns, and, finally, passed a resolution through USG, which the university rejected on March 22. In November, a select group of individuals organized a rally and sit-in at the union in solidarity with the protestors at University of Missouri called #OSU2Mizzou. They presented a list of demands to the administration, one of which being that the administration write a letter in solidarity with Concerned Student 1950, the stu-

MITCH HOOPER | LANTERN REPORTER

Students stand in front of Bricker Hall after being locked out following a sit-in on April 6. Police blocked all doors in the building and did not allow food or water to enter the building after 5:30 p.m.

African-American and African studies and women’s, gender and sexuality studies, as well as president of OSU Coalition for Black Lives. “The tension in the room was a result of the administration trying to protect the institution and us trying to protect ourselves.” USAS, in addition, has been urging the university to not privatize its energy sources. They have delivered six letters to Drake since September, receiving one in response in November stating that discussion on the topic will continue and their diverse views are inspiring. USAS also marched into the president’s office on Halloween, hosted public teach-ins, held rallies, collected signatures for a petition and collaborated with other activist organizations to stage a sit-in at the union and send Drake a list of demands. After another email from Drake stating their diverse views and passions are valued,

MITCH HOOPER | LANTERN REPORTER

Students and faculty of Ohio State rally in front of Thompson Library on April 6. They later held a sit-in at Bricker Hall in front of University President Michael Drake’s office.

dent activist group at University of Missouri. The administration agreed, but students claimed conflict arose during a roughly 6-hour long meeting over using the word “demand” in the letter. “We were saying the word ‘demand’ because, historically, student power has been completely confrontational,” said Sarah Mamo, a third-year in

USAS decided to interrupt his State of the University Address on January 21. “What are students to do if the way that we try to have our voices heard through USG representation doesn’t go anywhere?” Rini said. “So we interrupted the University Address making sure (Drake) knew how we felt, making sure faculty

who is maybe privately opposed now may have a platform to be publicly opposed.” The student activists’ demands culminated in the occupation of Bricker Hall on April 6. Again, they were not satisfied with university response. In a video posted to YouTube, Senior Vice President for Administration and Planning Jay Kasey is seen telling student protesters the possible repercussions for their actions. “We have chosen to work with you because we respect you and this is your university. We want to have dialogue,” he said. “(But) if you’re here at 5 a.m. … we’re going to escort you out of the building and arrest you. You will be discharged from school too — as in expelled.” Kasey told protesters they were being “disruptive” and thus violating the student code of conduct. According to the student code of conduct, disruptive conduct is that which “unreasonably interferes with university activities or with the legitimate activities of any member of the university community.” Those who engage in this prohibited conduct are “subject to disciplinary action by the university.” Kasey said the employees working in the building were afraid of the protesters. ‘We are responding’ But despite student claims, Davey said that the university has in fact been responding to their causes and movements. “There have been multiple meetings with (Real Food OSU) where leaders of the university have been very actively engaged and listening to their concerns,” he said. “Same with the students who are concerned about the energy project — multiple meetings, multiple engagements … This is one of dozens of examples of very open, transparent, engaged dialogue and debate that has occurred.” The problem students have, Davey said, is not the communication with administration, but

more so action. “Sometimes it can feel as though one is going in circles when in fact it’s just that the resolution (that) was being sought isn’t arrived at,” he said. Davey said, for instance, in regards to the Comprehensive Energy Management plan, OSU has made a commitment that the chosen vendor would have to retain the workers already at OSU, which was one of the

ministration to respond to a list of demands that student activists put together. Instead of negotiations, students were presented with the Columbus Police. A brawl between the cops and students ensued, and riots developed as students began throwing rocks and bricks through the windows of the Administration Building. Over 300 people had been arrested, more than 70 hospitalized, and at least seven had gunshot wounds by the end of the day. The violent-turned protests and rallies continued for days, now involving the Ohio National Guard, eventually leading to a two-week shutdown of the university. “I was at OSU in the early ‘90s and there were a number of different student protests at that time, and there were times that resulted in conflict … between certain student groups and the administration,” Davey said. “There’s a long history of student engagement and activism in our country, and it’s a proud history here at OSU and one that we should embrace.” Some of today’s student activist organizations have followed the footsteps of the students in 1970, reiterating the demands made then while staging a sit-in at the Ohio Union for the Stand

“What are students to do if the way that we try to have our voices heard through USG representation doesn’t go anywhere?” Lainie Rini Fifth-year in geography and women’s, gender and sexuality studies, president of United Students Against Sweatshops OSU

main concerns of USAS students. As for Real Food, the university has “a commitment already in place for locally sourced food at OSU that is more expansive than the pledge they were insisting they want OSU to sign,” Davey said. “The notion that the university has not been engaged or responsive, or that discussions with them have been unproductive — I don’t subscribe to that.” A history of activism For the past 50 years and on, OSU and many other universities have been hotbeds for student activism and challenges. OSU saw an explosion of this student activism in the 1960s, as students protested against the Vietnam War, racism and sexism, demanding justice and equality for all, according to a May 3, 2010 The Lantern article. The tension cumulated and erupted into violent riots in 1970. The School of Social Work protested lack of representation in school decisions, rallies protested on-campus military recruiters and research with companies involved with the Vietnam War, and a campus-wide boycott of classes was established to pressure the ad-

Your Ground Campaign. The national campaign was supported by OSU students in 2012 due to multiple hate crimes around campus, culminating with the vandalization of the Frank W. Hale, Jr. Hale Black Cultural Center after the murder of Trayvon Martin. Just as in 1970, students demanded an increase of diversity on campus and the protection thereof, according to Mamo. Yet living on with student activism is the tension between the activists and the administration, and group leaders are expressing frustration with the limits they feel are imposed on their initiatives and their voices. “They constantly repudiate our power (and) try to belittle what we’re saying,” Mamo said. “It feels as though administration only cares about our issues and our concerns insofar as they protect the university’s agenda and the establishment.”

@MassarahMikati See the rest of the story at thelantern.com

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Alumni stand in support with #ReclaimOSU As alumni of the Ohio State University, we express our solidarity with the dozens of OSU students who occupied Bricker Hall on April 6 under the banner of #ReclaimOSU. Representing numerous organizations, students and community allies courageously called for transparent and democratic use of university funds, an end to the privatization of university assets, divestment from human rights abuses in Palestine and the adoption of sustainable and ethical food standards. The occupation of Bricker Hall is the latest stage in a long history of progressive student activism at OSU — from demonstrations against the Vietnam War and for the creation of Black Studies and Women’s Studies departments in the 1970s to Occupy and the #BlackLivesMatter Movement today. By challenging oppression and exploitation on campus, while bringing attention to the intersection of struggles at this university with those of people elsewhere, student activism has always been an important and necessary force in making OSU more democratic, just and inclusive. The students of #ReclaimOSU, as with each generation of student activists before them, embody the values of civic engagement that our university emphasized during our time as students, expressed in the OSU motto: Disciplina in civitatem, Education for citizenship. However, the response of university administrators to this peaceful protest has demonstrated that their commitment to engaged citizenship is merely rhetorical. Instead of addressing the entirely reasonable demands of students, university administration threatened to arrest and expel all stu-

dents present in Bricker Hall. Notably, administration reported that University President Michael Drake said that he “will never receive demands” and will not negotiate with the students occupying Bricker Hall — but what is engaged citizenship if not making demands of those in power? Without the right to make demands, “free speech” is a hollow term. As Frederick Douglass famously stated, “Power concedes nothing without a demand; it never did, and it never will.” Demanding transparency and democratic control over the use of university funding is completely legitimate — especially now, as the costs of a college education continue to soar, forcing an unbearable burden of debt onto students. Indeed, as many of us face tens of thousands of dollars in student debt, we recognize the necessity and urgency of building movements on campus to demand that higher education be accessible for all people, regardless of income. On the other hand, the behavior of administration in response to the #ReclaimOSU action is appalling. All people have a right to freedom of speech, and that includes students. The attempt to silence student voices when faced with demands for fiscal transparency reflects the increasingly corporate perspective of university administrators — one that prioritizes the interests of profit over accountability and collaboration with students, faculty and staff. We find this deeply disturbing, and it calls to question the ethical standards of the university administration as a whole. In the spirit of the old union slogan, “An injury to one is an injury to all,” we refuse to sit by as university admin-

MITCH HOOPER | LANTERN REPORTER

Ohio State students make signs for a protest in hopes of grabbing the administration’s attention on the Oval on April 6. istrators threaten students who raise their voices for justice. We call on administration to cease their intimidation tactics, allow students their right to assemble peacefully and respect the demand for political discourse. We encourage the students of #ReclaimOSU to continue organizing and fighting for their demands, and we pledge to do whatever we can to support these efforts. More than 150 OSU alumni have signed on to this letter. To see the full list of signatories, please view letter on The Lantern’s website.

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I stand with my classmates against university obstruction I’d like to remind everyone that, while suspected felons receive due process at Ohio State, according to Senior Vice President for Administration and Planning Jay Kasey, the same right is not extended to those who speak out of turn. That said, Kasey further distinguished himself at last week’s protest when he waited until the faculty left to dishonor his agreements. He wasted no time wildly threatening the stu-

THE STUDENT VOICE OF THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY The Lantern is a student publication which is part of the School of Communication at The Ohio State University. It publishes issues Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and online editions every day. The Lantern’s daily operations are funded through advertising and its academic pursuits are supported by the School of Communication. Advertising in the paper is sold largely by student account executives. Students also service the classified department and handle front office duties. The School of Communication is committed to the highest professional standards for the newspaper in order to guarantee the fullest educational benefits from The Lantern experience.

dents with arrest and expulsion once they were alone. This was the act of a bully and a liar. Protesters must scrupulously avoid mistreating staff members. Regarding the excuse that staff felt threatened, though, very few or no workers would be in a campus building overnight, and the students were displaying no hint of violence. It reeks of what it is: pretense. I had no awareness of this issue until

Editor in Chief Amanda Etchison Managing Editor for Content Alex Drummer Managing Editor for Design Denny Check Copy Chief Robert Scarpinito Campus Editor Michael Huson Asst. Campus Editor Danika Stahl Sports Editor Ryan Cooper Asst. Sports Editor Kevin Stankiewicz Arts Editor Sallee Ann Ruibal Asst. Arts Editor Hannah Herner Photo Editor Samantha Hollingshead Asst. Photo Editor Muyao Shen Design Editor Kyle Powell Assistant Design Editor Jose Lacar Multimedia Editor Jenna Leinasars Asst. Multimedia Editor Ashley Nelson Engagement Editor Jay Panandiker Oller Reporter Massarah Mikati

Kasey and his sullen Stalinists chose to threaten my fellow students. In a mood of solidarity with my beloved classmates and defiance of a rather laughable bully, I now must ask, “So, where IS that money going?” John Feerick Fifth-year in computer science

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SOFTBALL Check out The Lantern’s website for a full recap of Ohio State softball’s 1-0 win over Dayton.

MEASURING STICK

OSU put to the test at No. 1 Maryland

EVAN SZYMKOWICZ | SPORTS DIRECTOR

OSU senior attacker Cian Dabrowski (14) during a game against Penn State on April 9.

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Nick Sergakis’ go-ahead two-run homer led Ohio State to a 7-3 win over Morehead State. Go to thelantern.com for the story from Bill Davis Stadium.

OSU rallies to beat Morehead St. MEN’S LACROSSE

OSU aims to end losing streak at Showdown in the Shoe Zachary Konno Lantern reporter konno.8@osu.edu

When one hears of attendance for a college sporting event exceeding 20,000, the sport that usually comes to mind is football or basketball. The Ohio State men’s lacrosse team (5-7, 0-2), however, will likely see an attendance of this magnitude on Saturday against Michigan (3-7, 0-2) for the Showdown in the Shoe, the annual prelude to the OSU spring football game. OSU coach Nick Myers said he’s “not sure there’s a venue like it in college lacrosse.” “(We’re) very grateful for the opportunity that (Athletic Director Gene) Smith, (football) coach (Urban) Meyer and the administration has provided the program,” he said. “It’s an incredible responsibility to be in front of that many Buckeye fans and to go out there and play our very best, and we’re certainly looking forward to the opportunity.” The 2010 Showdown in the

CAMERON CARR | LANTERN PHOTOGRAPHER

OSU junior attacker J.T. Blubaugh (9) during a game against Notre Dame on March 26 at Ohio Stadium. Shoe matchup between the us.” Buckeyes and Air Force, a This year’s contest marks game OSU won 10-6, holds the the second time OSU, which NCAA lacrosse regular-season is amid a six-game losing skid, attendance record. At halftime will face off against the Wolverof the game, when attendance is ines in the annual event. In front recorded, 31,078 were in Ohio of 21,064 fans, the Scarlet and Stadium. Gray defeated Michigan 15-6 in OSU redshirt junior midfield- 2014. er and co-captain Tyler Pfister The Buckeyes and Wolversaid the team looks forward to ines have met every year since the Showdown in the Shoe ev- the latter program’s move to Diery year, and this year’s edition vision I in 2012. OSU has gone is no exception. 4-0 in the matchups. “It’s something that’s a huge Myers said the game against deal to us every season,” Pfister the school’s rival is one “you said. “We really appreciate the circle from Day 1.” Pfister addfans coming out and supporting SHOWDOWN CONTINUES ON 6

In the second round of the Big Ten tournament a season ago, the Ohio State women’s lacrosse team pulled off a stunning upset when it took down No. 1 Maryland 11-10. The No. 8 Buckeyes (11-1, 2-0), currently off to the best start in program history, have a chance to serve another upset to the top-ranked Terrapins (12-0, 2-0) this Saturday. OSU heads to College Park, Maryland, amid a nine-game winning streak, the most recent being a victory over No. 12 Penn State last weekend. That win, along with last season’s upset, is giving the Scarlet and Gray confidence heading into the major test. “That win over Penn State has given us a lot of confidence,” said senior attackman Rainey Hodgson. “We can compete at that high level and (the win) is reassuring us.” The Nittany Lions had been a thorn in the Buckeyes’ side for quite some time. Prior to Saturday, OSU had lost nine of its last 10 games against Penn State. After jumping over that hurdle, Hodgson said the team has worked on practicing at the level it’s been playing at in the games. “We’re really using that momentum in practice and hoping to transfer it over to the game,” she said. The Buckeyes are expecting there to be a great deal of excitement on Saturday, said senior midfielder Christine Easton. Maryland is one of the premier programs in the country, having won back-to-back national championships, so its games usually draw a sizable crowd. Plus, it’s senior night for the Terrapins, likely adding another dimension to the atmo-

sphere. That isn’t going to faze the Buckeyes, though, Easton said. “It’ll be a fun environment,” she said. “We love playing in front of big crowds.” A look at Maryland When trying to find reasons for the Terrapins’ success, look no further than their offense. Maryland boasts one of the nation’s most high-octane scoring units, registering 15.42 goals per game, which is good for second in the country. For comparison, OSU averages 12.83 per contest.

“We beat them before by being us, and want to continue that.” Rainey Hodgson Senior attacker

The Terrapins light up the scoreboard by spreading the wealth around. They have eight players who have double-digit goal totals, with sophomore attackman Megan Whittle leading the way with 40. “Maryland is very team-oriented. They’re all really good,” Hodgson said. “It’s not like there is one or two main people that you’ve got to focus on.” As good as Maryland’s offense is, its defense isn’t something to be overlooked. The Terrapins are tied for fifth in goals allowed per game, surrendering a mere 6.50. They have yet to allow an opponent to score double digits. The Buckeyes know all about how talented the Terrapins are, but they’re not backing down. “Maryland is very good, but so are we,” Hodgson said. “We beat them before by being us, and want to continue that.” Hardware for Hodgson Hodgson was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after her stellar performance on Saturday against Penn State. She recorded a career-high eight points with four goals and four LACROSSE CONTINUES ON 6

6 | THE LANTERN | THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016

@LANTERNSPORTS CAMERON CARR LANTERN PHOTOGRAPHER

OSU sophomore defender Brendan Barger (45) during a game against Notre Dame on March 26 at Ohio Stadium.

SHOWDOWN FROM 5

ed there’s extra energy going into Saturday. “I think practices look a little bit different this week — just knowing who we’re playing and what that means to each of the guys,” Pfister said. “It’s hard to describe … but there’s definitely something there for sure.” Close but no cigars OSU has lost four of its last five games by one-goal margins. The other loss was a lopsided 15-6 defeat courtesy of then-No. 1 Denver. Myers said there’s a lot that goes into late-game situations, and although the team played well against No. 14 Johns Hopkins in its previous game, it wasn’t enough. “We thought last week was arguably our best week of practice of the year, and I think it showed in a lot of the things we did,” Myers said. “But unfortunately, we came up

short against a talented team.” Pfister said that since the team is so close to winning, nothing drastic needs to be changed. “I think it’s just doing the little things that we know how to do, and not necessarily changing who we are but … refining and doing the things we already know how to do,” he said. Michigan has had its own struggles in late-game situations the past few weeks. The Wolverines have lost three of their past four games by a one-goal margin. Offense coming alive After failing to record double-digit goals in its previous six games, the Buckeye offense came alive on Saturday against Johns Hopkins, scoring 12 times in the loss. Myers said the opportunities for scoring have been there, but capitalizing on those

chances has been the problem. “We’ve outshot our opponents the last three games, but we did a better job (against Johns Hopkins) of getting (in the) middle of the field, getting more shots between the hash marks and finishing opportunities,” Myers said. The offense is set to go up against Michigan redshirt junior goalie and co-captain Gerald Logan. Logan is tied for ninth in the nation in saves per game, stopping an average of 11.6 shots. After Michigan The Scarlet and Gray are set to take on No. 5 Maryland on April 24. The game in College Park, Maryland, is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

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LACROSSE FROM 5

assists. Hodgson leads the Big Ten with two assists per game and is second in the conference with four points per contest. It was the first time in her career collecting the award. “It was really cool,” Hodgson said. “But our team as whole really went out this weekend and killed it, and it was really inspiring to be such a big part of that.” Easton said Hodgson isn’t just a key cog to the Buckeyes’ overall success, but to her personal success, as well. “I could not score any goals without her,” Easton said. Hodgson, at times, acts as the glue for the Buckeyes, taking command of the other nine players and holding them together during critical moments, Easton said. “She really knows what she’s doing,” Easton said. “It brings the team together having her out on the field.” Up next After taking on the Terrapins, the Buckeyes have another East Coast opponent on the docket in Rutgers (3-10, 0-2). The game is set to begin at 7 p.m. on April 21 in Piscataway, New Jersey.

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‘THE COAST OF ILLYRIA’ The Ohio State Department of Theatre is set to perform an adaptation of the play throughout the week. ON PAGE 8

MCoachella awards dedicated OSU musicians Zak Kolesar

Lantern reporter kolesar.25@osu.edu

SAM KAYUHA | LANTERN REPORTER

A selection of new vinyl at Used Kids Records at 1980 N. High St.

Local shops make plans to celebrate Record Store Day Sam Kayuha

Lantern reporter kayuha.2@osu.edu Vinyl connoisseurs, nostalgics and overall music fans can flock to remaining physical music retailers to celebrate the unofficial holiday of Record Store Day this Saturday. In 2007, a group of independent store owners dreamed up the idea of a day to celebrate local vinyl shops, which maintained their popularity even as listeners turned to the Internet for their music. It began as an unofficial holiday but has since been declared a national holiday in some larger cities, such as New York and Los Angeles. Columbus’ record stores will take full advantage, with some stocking up on special releases while others host bands and throw parties. Used Kids Records, located at 1980 N. High St. near campus, traditionally celebrates Record Store Day. This year, the store is opening up at 8 a.m. and serving coffee and doughnuts. The first band will take the makeshift stage at 11 a.m., and the music won’t stop until 11 p.m. “Each year we’ve done bands from noon on, but this year we added two acts,” said Ryan Eilbeck, who is in charge of booking bands and organizing record purchases for the store. “It can get ridiculous to get that many people in here, hanging out, listening to their friends’ bands. It’s always a good time.” This year will be the last Record Store Day on High Street for Used Kids, which is moving to 2500 Summit St. at the end of May.

“It’s definitely nostalgic,” Eilbeck said. “It will be a kind of send-off; ‘See ya, High Street!’” Magnolia Thunderpussy, located at 1155 N. High St. in the Short North, no longer hosts bands on Record Store Day, focusing instead on having a good supply of one-time releases. “We concentrate on having product available,” said Chuck Kubat, the store’s owner. “Bands distracted, there would be too many people standing around. Things would be too crazy.”

“People want to shop local ... They’re a lot more conscious of the local economy, and they want to support it.” Chuck Kubat Owner, Magnolia Thunderpussy

Product coming to Magnolia for the celebration includes a deluxe edition of James Bay’s “Chaos and the Calm,” as well as the strange pairing of the Bee Gees and Faith No More on a split 7-inch. Kubat sees Record Store Day as beneficial, especially for local businesses. “People want to shop local,” he said. “They’re a lot more conscious of the local economy, and they want to support it.” Roots Records, located just south of campus at 1357 N. High St, specializes in reggae music but carries a strong selection of electronic and hip-hop as well. Columbus hip-hop stalwart J Rawls will start the day off with a DJ set from noon to

1 p.m., and the store will be offering 20 percent off used vinyl. Students will also find stacks of new releases and deals at other stores. Records Per Minute, will be opening its doors at 2579 N. High St. at 8 a.m. Lost Weekend Records, located at 2960 N. High St. in Clintonville, will have a four-day sale starting Friday. The popularity of vinyl reached a 26-year high in 2015, thanks largely to college-aged customers. MusicWatch, which covers fan engagement with music, reported that half of record-buyers were under 25 last year. CNBC reported that the last time record sales were so high was 1989, before half of the consumer base was born. Paul Fox, the president and founder of OSU’s Vinyl Club, said he sees more than the average record store-goer being drawn in on Record Store Day. “It’s the Black Friday of records,” said Fox, a third-year in aviation. He went on to say that vinyl has become the most prominent nondigital music format. “It’s become such a big thing that more and more artists are putting stuff out on vinyl,” he said. “The smaller bands don’t even have CDs anymore.” And while there will be plenty of people purchasing records on Saturday, Eilbeck said that Record Store Day goes beyond buying music. “Releases are fun, but a local celebration is something we don’t want to lose touch with,” he said.

For seven years, the Musicians’ Collective at Ohio State has treated students and those passing through campus to an annual outdoor music festival consisting of some of the club’s most dedicated members. The event was known as Bouncearoo for the first three years, but it eventually evolved into MCoachella, which is in its fourth installment this spring. This weekend, the organization will play host to an 18-set mini-festival that will take place at Browning Amphitheater. The festival is scheduled to start both Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. with nine 30-minute sets arranged for each day. “There are students out there playing music, there are students getting together and collaborating, and it’s just a good social event. I mean, who doesn’t like live free music in their backyard?” said Michael D’Alessio, a fourth-year in marketing and vice president of MCo. With Saturday also marking the OSU football team’s spring game, D’Alessio and other members of MCo are hopeful that people headed to the game that day will wander over to the festival. Just under 200 people have RSVP’d to the event on Facebook. Members of MCo think the representation of Columbus’ diverse music scene will attract a steady audience. The organization will feature acts from electronic musician P S Y W V E to blues group Rust Belt Revival and hip-hop duo Booty & The Kidd. P S Y W V E, whose real name is Eric Sa, will perform for the second straight year, citing the environment that MCo

“I mean, who doesn’t like live free music in their backyard?” Michael D’Alessio Fourth-year in marketing and vice president of MCo

provides as a reason for returning. “It really gives you a place to all gather, and it doesn’t force creativity, but it allows it to grow a lot better,” Sa said. It also provides a prodigious platform for those navigating the Columbus DIY scene, said project manager Alex Arseneau. “It’s pretty cool that students who are not music majors (can) have a creative outlet, so you get to hear the creations of students,” said Arseneau, a second-year in landscape architecture. MCo provides the necessary tools for its members — a coalition consisting of an average of 20-40 members per meeting — to further foster their musical aspirations. MCoachella is just one of the many opportunities that MCo presents to its members throughout the course of the school year. Between 30 and 40 groups applied for the prospect of performing in a special campus setting, but only 18 were chosen, according to D’Alessio. “We want (MCo musicians) to be out in the spotlight so they can play in front of people and get their name out there and really just build the confidence to play in front of people,” D’Alessio said. In an attempt to maximize the possible exposure at MCoachella, the group made extra efforts this year to improve on its proMCOACHELLA CONTINUES ON 9

COURTESY OF MUSICIANS’ COLLECTIVE

Citizen 99 performs at last year’s MCoachella.

8 | THE LANTERN | THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016

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Students and faculty collaborate on play Maria Martello Lantern reporter martello.14@osu.edu

The Ohio State Department of Theatre will address addiction, mental illness, art and matricide in its adaptation of “The Coast of Illyria” this weekend. Set in 19th-century London, the dark comedy examines the struggles of family bonding despite mental health and addiction issues. The play looks at the lives of authors Mary and Charles Lamb after Mary’s return from a mental institution, which she was in for killing their mother, said Jennifer Schlueter, an associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Theatre. The play is based on real writers in fictional circumstances. “It’s about the struggles to stay close as a family while wrestling with mental health and addiction issues. It is more of a dark comedy than a drama,” Schlueter said. Schlueter worked with undergraduate student Cece Bellomy to adapt the historical fiction piece originally penned by Dorothy Parker and Ross Evans. The adaptation is more compact than the original version of the play and includes more references to Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” which is set in Illyria. “We got the assignment to do the adaptation in April of last year and worked together across the summer,” Schlueter said. “The first draft of the adaptation was finished in July, and revisions took place across the fall.” “The Coast of Illyria” is the last mainstage show for undergraduate seniors in the theater program, and Tom McKinney, a fourth-year in theater, will play the role of George Dyer, an English writer, for his final undergraduate performance. “It’s sad, this is my sixth main-stage production, and I have been in them since I was a freshman. I’m glad that I’m moving onto the next step in life, but it’s sad because I’m leaving all of the people I’ve gotten to know,” McKinney said. He said actors were encouraged by their director, theater associate professor Shilarna Stokes, to read literature

COURTESY OF MATT HAZARD

“It’s fascinating to work with the MFA students. They’ve been out in the field longer, and it is fun to see what they bring to the table and how we can learn from it.”

(Left to right) Zack Meyer as Charles Lamb, Ambre Shoneff as Mary Lamb and Benito Lara as S.T. Coleridge in “The Coast of Illyria.”

Tom McKinney Fourth-year in theater

written by their characters during the rehearsal process. Charles and Mary Lamb are most known for their children’s book titled “Tales from Shakespeare,” as well as for their essays and poetry. George Dyer’s writings focused on poverty and political reform. “I spent a lot of time reading my character’s writings,” McKinney said. “His poems about the poor in England and how to revamp society justify why I’m acting the way I’m acting.” The play features MFA students in addition to undergraduates. Mary and Charles Lamb are played by MFA students Ambre Shoneff and Zack Meyer, and the role of poet S.T. Coleridge is played by Benito Lara, all who are a part of the same MFA cohort. “It’s fascinating to work with the MFA students. They’ve been out in the field longer, and it is fun to see what they bring to the table and how we can learn from it,” McKinney said. “The Coast of Illyria” is set to be performed in the Drake Performance and Event Center’s Thurber Theatre from tonight to April 21. Performances are set to be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and Sunday shows are at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general public and $15 for students and children. They are available on Ticketmaster and through the OSU theater box office. “It’s entertaining, and it’s got very funny moments and very touching human moments,” McKinney said. “It really shows what it takes to balance family and friends while keeping track of your own life.”

COURTESY OF MATT HAZARD

(Left to right) Ambre Shoneff as Mary Lamb, Benito Lara as S.T. Coleridge and Zack Meyer as Charles Lamb in “The Coast of Illyria.”

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MCOACHELLA FROM 7

motional techniques. D’Alessio said there was an emphasis on improving the event’s social media presence and physical advertisement. Another MCoachella veteran, project developer Patrick Riley of the band Rust Belt Revival, has been involved with MCoachella for four years and had a hand in choosing the performers. He said he enjoys awarding committed MCo members with a set in the student organization’s furthest-reaching event. “Being involved in Musicians Collective really helps a lot of campus-area bands get gigs, and this is probably the best example of that with so many artists performing in two days,” said Riley, a fourth-year in economics and political science. Even if some musicians don’t get the opportunity to perform at MCoachella this year, the

COURTESY OF MUSICIANS’ COLLECTIVE

P S Y W V E during last year’s MCoachella.

organization also released a compilation CD on Tuesday that includes MCo artists both performing and not performing at the event. Arseneau, who is a guitarist and vocalist for MCoachella acts Mighty Kites

and The MCo All-Star Band, was in charge of compiling the record consisting of musicians in the MCo community. D’Alessio emphasized how important involvement in the club is to being rewarded with a spot in the MCoachella lineup. “If the group that wants to play has had members showing up to meetings and been active in our community, then those are the people that we want to see play at the event,” D’Alessio said. A full set list for Saturday and Sunday’s MCoachella performance can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

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DEFENSE FROM 12

6-foot-5 Cincinnati native is well aware that the ghost of No. 97’s shadow will be looming over the defensive line all season long, but he’s trying to avoid that pressure. “I don’t want to be Joey Bosa,” Hubbard said. “He’s a great player, but I just want to be the best Sam Hubbard.” Fortunately for Hubbard, he was able to accumulate enough experience last season to set him up for his newfound spotlight. Hubbard, who recorded 6.5 sacks as a redshirt freshman, was in the rotation, often giving Bosa a few downs off or even playing on opposite sides of the line. His biggest test, however, was when he replaced Bosa after the starter was ejected in the first quarter against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. From that point forward, Hubbard said he knew he needed to be a leader of the unit. “I used to watch the older guys, and now the younger guys are watching me,” Hubbard said. “There are great players that came before us, and if we have any drop off, then our possibility of losing the game is higher. We have to continue at the level of play that is expected at Ohio State.” One of the younger guys who could be a factor next year has a familiar surname: Nick Bosa. Before he even takes a snap donning scarlet and gray, one of the most highly touted recruits in the nation already has

SAMANTHA HOLLINGSHEAD | PHOTO EDITOR

OSU cornerbacks coach Kerry Coombs and then-freshman cornerback Denzel Ward (12) celebrate after a tackle by Ward during a game against Rutgers on Oct. 24 at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.

“My philosophy is that you don’t try to replace them, you just try and find a guy to raise their game to the next level.” Larry Johnson OSU defensive line coach

exceedingly high expectations. Although Nick Bosa is still on the road to recovery after sustaining a torn ACL as a high school senior, Johnson said he believes that once the younger Bosa gets back to work after his injury, the sky’s the limit. “He is so far ahead in his rehab right now, and we are

talking and communicating. I am getting great video of what he is doing,” Johnson said. Johnson and his staff have yet to make a decision on where on the defensive line Nick Bosa will play. His older brother played on the outside, but the incoming freshman could find himself on the interior.

“He can do both,” Johnson said. “We are going to see what’s the best fit for him and put the best 11 guys on the field. If he is a part of the best 11, we are going for it.” Alongside Hubbard is Tyquan Lewis, a redshirt junior defensive end from North Carolina. After playing through a

shoulder injury last year, Lewis is spending his spring rehabilitating to get back and lead the younger guys. For Lewis, though, it’s not about one guy but the whole unit defensively. “We all have to play within ourselves but understand that we are playing together as one,” Lewis said. “The expectations for all of us are high because this is big-time football at a bigtime university, so we want to make sure everyone gets a piece of the pie.” The culture that Johnson is helping bring to the defensive line is to limit the expectations of the individual but heighten expectations of the unit. This kind of collectivist thinking is influencing the players to think of themselves as one of 11. Hubbard, a primary leader of the defensive line, said he sets the example for not only the younger guys but for the entire defense. “I just want to never lose a rep, be a disruption, make plays, do my job, and be my one-eleventh part of the defense that everyone can rely on,” Hubbard said. OSU is set to make its return to the field on Saturday in the annual intrasquad spring game. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. at Ohio Stadium following the men’s lacrosse game against Michigan.

BATTLES FROM 12

Prince, true freshman Michael Jordan, redshirt sophomore Demetrius Knox and redshirt junior Evan Lisle are all aiming to start on first-year offensive line coach Greg Studrawa’s front line. Prince was the first member of the 2015 recruiting class to lose his black stripe, granting him rights to practice with the team. Prince, Jordan, Knox and Lisle all were consensus top 100 players in their respective recruiting classes. Although it’s not a real game, the live action that the young offensive linemen will see should be valuable for Meyer to assess what the best five-man unit will be in the regular season. Linebacker Only one member of Luke Fickell’s starting linebacker corps returns for the 2016 season. With two-year starters Darron Lee and Joshua Perry both gone, junior Raekwon McMillan — already named a team captain — mans the middle for the Buckeyes this season, while young, unproven talent is competing for the two outside linebacker positions. Two former Ohio Mr. Football candidates — Dante Booker, who won it in 2014, and Justin Hilliard, a finalist the year after — were highly touted recruits who haven’t had a chance yet to shine. Expect the two to consistently earn playing time

LANTERN FILE PHOTO

OSU then-redshirt freshman defensive end Sam Hubbard (49) during 2015 Spring Training. all year, as Meyer has shown he likes to rotate a lot of bodies into the mix at linebacker. Booker, who had 22 tackles last season as a two-deep linebacker, is an early favorite over Hilliard to earn a starting job. The other linebacker who is expected to receive plenty of first-team reps is redshirt junior Chris Worley. Along with Booker in 2015, Worley played on the second group and recorded 17 tackles last season.

Wide receiver Last season, Thomas was without a doubt the most talented pass catcher on the field. Now with Thomas, Jalin Marshall and Braxton Miller leaving empty spots, Meyer’s offense is desperately looking for someone from the inexperienced group of receivers to emerge. Returning from a broken leg last season against Indiana is redshirt senior wide receiver Corey Smith. However, as he only collected 25 receptions

and 317 receiving yards in a year and a half with OSU, it’s worrisome for Meyer to count on Smith for big numbers this season. Also recovering from a season-ending leg injury, this one suffered in fall camp, Noah Brown has a much-anticipated 2016 campaign ahead considering all reports out of the 2015 camp were positive from Meyer and his team. At 6-foot-2, the 222-pound wideout has great size and control in the air. The

redshirt sophomore is known as a physical receiver, which has been a staple in Meyer’s spread offense. If healthy enough to go, Brown will be a heavy favorite for a starting receiver position. Dontre Wilson is another member of the unit who could be looked to for big production in 2016. Yeah, remember this guy? Playing a lot his freshman campaign in 2013, the 5-foot-10 speedster from Texas enters his senior season with his career thus far been marred by injuries. Only at 180 pounds when he arrived on campus and now listed at 195 pounds, Wilson has one season to live up to the hype OSU fans had for him when he first entered the OSU facilities. Finally, if you’re going to watch one skill position player in Saturday’s game, look out for Austin Mack. The early-enrollee freshman has very impressive athleticism and knowledge of the position for a player who is just 18 years old. Mack is a U.S. Army All-American who showcased his skills impressively against future OSU talent in July at OSU’s Friday Night Lights high school showcase event. Don’t be surprised if Mack emerges as the standout in this year’s spring game.

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“We have to do a better job than we did a year ago. I see it happening this spring as far as the growth of the offensive staff.” Urban Meyer OSU football coach

SAMANTHA HOLLINGSHEAD | PHOTO EDITOR

OSU then-junior H-back Curtis Samuel (4) runs with the ball during a game against Michigan on Nov. 28 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. OFFENSE FROM 12

but, at the same time, they’re helping grow the offense. “(Beck) took over for a very valuable guy, and I expect more out of him and our offensive staff in general,” Meyer said. “We have to do a better job than we did a year ago. I see it happening this spring as far as the growth of the offensive staff.” As the centerpiece of the offense, Barrett has impressed many this spring, including Meyer. Just the fact that Barrett is healthy and getting a chance to take part in these valuable reps is a benefit that he hasn’t

been afforded since leaving Texas for Columbus. “He’s having a great spring,” Meyer said. “He’s never been the quarterback in spring practice or in a spring game. We are changing some things on him that were not fundamentally where they needed to be last year. … He is a fast player and we need him to play as fast as he can.” Barrett said he is already working on some of those fundamental changes that Meyer and the offensive staff encouraged him to make.

“I am trying to evolve my game to be able to see things faster because the game slows down as you play more,” Barrett said. “That’s just from watching film and transferring what I see onto the field.” That comes from practice, which Barrett said is a key part of what Buckeye fans see on Saturdays in the fall. “We don’t have game players,” Barrett said. “You have to make plays in practice in order to make plays on Saturday.” Two players taking advantage of the practice time are fighting

for the top spot in the offensive backfield: senior Bri’onte Dunn and redshirt freshman Mike Weber. Even though Dunn has more game experience at the college level — he has 48 carries for 287 yards in his career — Meyer said both Weber, a high-profile recruit from Detroit, and Dunn are neck and neck to take Elliott’s spot. “As of now, Bri’onte and Mike are still fighting it out, and the young guys have done a decent job,” Meyer said. “No one has separated themselves yet.” The backup quarterback role is another position, in addition to offensive line, that still needs to be decided upon. Even though Barrett has solidified himself as the clear starter, redshirt freshman Joe Burrow is performing at a high level this spring. “He’s doing pretty well,” Meyer said. “I don’t think he’s the athlete that J.T. is right now, but he is becoming a much better runner, his release is night and day of what it was.” Meyer was asked what would happen if Barrett sustained an injury and Burrow had to assume the starting spot. “We would probably lean on the tailback and high-percentage passes,” Meyer said, “But he’s getting close to being game-ready.” With that said, a way for young players, like Burrow, to become game-ready is through the spring game. With fans

breaking the national attendance record for spring games last year, Meyer is hoping that will happen again for the sake of the younger players. “I want to see Joe Burrow and Mike Weber perform in front of 100,000 people in the stadium,” Meyer said. “They have never done it. The value is probably the greatest it’s been in my four years here to see the young players respond.” Spring practice is not the stopping point, though, before the football season starts. It’s only a jumping off point, as there is still a lot of work to do before the team is game-ready, Barrett said. “One of the things we like to talk about is development and developing guys, and spring ball has definitely helped,” Barrett said. “Also, we still have summer. That’s the time where I get to work with receivers, especially the ones who haven’t been in. That’s definitely going to help us later on.”

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Spring game could answer questions for OSU Colin Gay • Lantern reporter • gay.125@osu.edu

DEFENSE:

OFFENSE:

After a major talent purge, OSU searches for new faces of the defensive line

The change in seasons is not the only change this spring at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. With 22 players having departed the program, the remaining players and staff for the Ohio State football team are left trying to fill those voids. A lot of that change can be seen in the defensive line. A gaping hole at the right side of that line is leaving many wondering how OSU will fare without Joey Bosa. Bosa, a two-time winner of the Big Ten’s SmithBrown Defensive Lineman of the Year award and a projected first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, leaves big shoes to fill. OSU defensive line coach Larry Johnson said he believes that the new contributors don’t need to be carbon copies of the player they’re stepping in for but can find ways to make themselves successful in different ways. “My philosophy is that you don’t try to replace them, you just try and find a guy to raise their game to the next level,” Johnson said. “I think the talent is there, and they want to be very good. What I do as a coach is to try and get them to raise their game.” Redshirt sophomore defensive end Sam Hubbard is one such player expected to raise his game to the next level. The DEFENSE CONTINUES ON 10

With a brand new receiving corps, J.T. Barrett looks to get in sync with his offense

SAMANTHA HOLLINGSHEAD | PHOTO EDITOR

OSU then-redshirt freshman defensive end Sam Hubbard (6) celebrates after a fumble recovery during a game against Penn State on Oct. 17 at Ohio Stadium.

SAMANTHA HOLLINGSHEAD | PHOTO EDITOR

OSU then-redshirt sophomore QB J.T. Barrett (16) celebrates after a touchdown during a game against Michigan on Nov. 28 at Michigan Stadium.

SAMANTHA HOLLINGSHEAD | PHOTO EDITOR

OSU then-sophomore Raekwon McMillan (5) during a game against Northern Illinois.

OPINION

BUCKEYE BATTLES: Jacob Myers

Lantern reporter myers.1669@osu.edu

LANTERN FILE PHOTO

OSU redshirt senior Corey Smith (84) and then-sophomore Cam Burrows (16) face off during the 2015 spring game on April 18, 2015, at Ohio Stadium.

The 2015 Ohio State football team came into the year with very few questions, riding a wave of consistency and experience. The same cannot be said for coach Urban Meyer’s 2016 squad heading into its annual spring game on Saturday. Most of the headlines surrounding the program this offseason centered around the nine players leaving early for the NFL draft, including defensive stalwart Joey Bosa and offensive playmakers Ezekiel Elliott and Michael Thomas. Returning just six starters — three on

Going into spring camp, Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer had a definite answer for who was going to be the guy behind the center: redshirt junior J.T. Barrett. But beyond Barrett at quarterback, there are many questions of who is going to replace players such as running back Ezekiel Elliott or receivers Braxton Miller and Michael Thomas. With the Buckeyes’ annual spring game set for Saturday at 1:30 p.m., there are several young players looking to make a good impression on Meyer and the offensive coaches. OSU is looking to limit the transition phase to only the spring so it can come into the regular season ready to produce at the high level that is expected, and having the veteran Barrett still at the helm makes that slightly easier. After former offensive coordinator Tom Herman took the head coaching job at Houston before the 2015 season, co-offensive coordinators Tim Beck and Ed Warriner were left with the tall task of replacing him. There were obvious growing pains during the 2015 season, but they seemed to recede toward the end of the year, evidenced by the dominant performances against Michigan and Notre Dame. Meyer said Beck and Warinner are still learning, OFFENSE CONTINUES ON 11

3 position groups to keep an eye on during the spring game

offense, three on defense — from last year’s team that went 12-1, there are a lot of new faces at the top of the depth chart for the Buckeyes. Although most of these competitions won’t likely be settled until the final days of fall camp, here are a few position battles to watch for in the Scarlet and Gray scrimmage. Offensive line Behind what might be considered the most intimidating front line in school history, “The Slobs” have a remodeled look in 2016. Redshirt senior Pat Elflein and redshirt junior Billy Price return up front for OSU. They’ll be looking to lead a group of unheralded, or per-

haps even unheard of, Buckeyes who will try to fill sizable holes. Elflein is moving over to center from his previous stake at right guard, while Price is set to slide over from left guard to right. Junior Jamarco Jones is thought to be the replacement at left tackle for possible firstround pick Taylor Decker, who manned the position for the past three years. At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, the former U.S. Army All-American has not yet had a chance in the spotlight despite being ranked as the No. 4 offensive tackle by 247Sports in his class. For the last two spots on the line, true sophomore Isaiah BATTLES CONTINUES ON 10