thelantern.com
2 | The Lantern | Thursday, April 15, 2021
@TheLantern
FOOTBALL
Buckeyes enter spring game with unproven, talented options to lead offense MACKENZIE SHANKLIN | PHOTO EDITOR
Ohio State freshman quarterback Kyle McCord (14) looks forward preparing to throw a pass during the Ohio State football spring practice April 5.
MACKENZIE SHANKLIN | PHOTO EDITOR
Ohio State freshman quarterback Jack Miller III (9) winds up to throw a pass during the Ohio State football spring practice April 5.
KEATON MAISANO John R. Oller Sports Editor maisano.2@osu.edu In his Ohio State debut against Florida Atlantic, then-sophomore quarterback Justin Fields threw the 40th pass of his career on a 5-yard completion to thensophomore tight end Jeremy Ruckert to open the game and the 2019 season. Two seasons and 578 pass attempts later, Fields is preparing for the NFL draft, and the Buckeyes are in need of a new gunslinger. Although the task of replacing the two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year will be difficult, the next Ohio State quarterback will have to take one small step first: throw a pass at the college level. With a shortened 2020 season, redshirt freshman quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Jack Miller III saw limited action while playing behind Fields. Although the two signal callers have been with the program for more than a year, early enrollee and five-star recruit Kyle McCord is also in the mix to claim the position once fall rolls around.
Head coach Ryan Day said the clean slate at the position offers great opportunity, but the potential also requires patience. “I think I get excited about that sometimes when I’m by myself in my office, but when I’m on the field and they’re going through growing pains, I’m not that excited about it because there’s a lot that comes with that,” Day said. “You just have to take a deep breath because most of the time, they’re making mistakes for the first time and as much as I just want to jump down their throat, they’ve done it for the first time.” While McCord was finishing his senior year of high school at St. Joseph’s in Philadelphia, Stroud and Miller were practicing and occasionally finding the field for the Buckeyes. Miller did not have to wait long to make an impact and find the end zone in 2020, as he crossed over the goal line on a quarterback keeper in Ohio State’s opening game against Nebraska. Stroud waited a bit longer, but his moment came in the form of an electrifying 48-yard touchdown run against Michigan State in early December.
Despite the limited experience for Stroud and Miller, Day said the first-team reps have rotated between the three underclassmen. “There’s going to be growing pains along the way and you just have to be willing to work through those,” Day said. “These guys are gonna kinda jump two feet in the pool, and they just gotta go and learn how to swim quickly.” In Day’s time at Ohio State, he has coached quarterbacks J.T. Barrett, Dwayne Haskins Jr. and Fields. Searching for the next offensive leader, Day said the position requires a player to do more than just throw a football. “You get around guys, you start to get a feel for how much it matters to them, and I think in the end, that’s the thing that I’ve found with quarterbacks, if they have enough talent, if they care enough and if they want it bad enough, usually it will work out for them, and that’s something we keep an eye on,” Day said. From outside the room, running backs coach Tony Alford said the three quarterbacks have shown tremendous talent with their arms.
thelantern.com
@TheLantern
Thursday, April 15, 2021 | The Lantern | 3
“These guys are gonna kinda jump two feet in the pool, and they just gotta go and learn how to swim quickly.” —Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach
MACKENZIE SHANKLIN | PHOTO EDITOR
Ohio State freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) prepares to throw a pass during the Ohio State football spring practice April 5.
Alford said the competition has not worked against any of the quarterbacks’ development due to the culture and leadership in the room. “They seem really good together, they help one another out,” Alford said. “I think it’s a great room, and all those guys have some innate leadership qualities and they continue to get better like the rest of our football team.” Although a large amount of responsibility falls on whoever is named starting quarterback, Ohio State’s next signal caller will not be without an array of help. Including the return of experienced players on the offensive line, the Buckeyes also have an arsenal of explosive playmakers at wide receiver. Day said the veteran wide receivers, including juniors Garrett Wilson and Jameson Williams and senior Chris Olave, will need to help make the transition easier.
“We have a young quarterback, so helping the young quarterback — whoever it is — giving him great pictures, making sure that they’re doing all the little things to make his life easier, to give him confidence — especially early in the season — is going to be critically important,” Day said. With the quarterbacks receiving the chance to throw in front of a crowd for the first time in their collegiate careers Saturday, Day said the quarterbacks are progressing, but there is no clear hierarchy. “Guys have had good days, guys have had not so good days, guys have good reps, guys have not so good reps, and that’s what happens when you have young quarterbacks,” Day said. “The minute you think one guy’s taken a step forward, he does something foolish and then somebody else will make a play, and then they’re coming on and then it flips the other way, but that’s expected.”
IVAN KOSTOVSKI | INFOGRAPHICS EDITOR
thelantern.com
4 | The Lantern | Thursday, April 15, 2021
MACKENZIE SHANKLIN | PHOTO EDITOR
Family of Ohio State Buckeyes cheer in Ohio Stadium during Ohio State-Nebraska game, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. Ohio State won 52-17.
Spring game serves as first step in return to normalcy
JACK EMERSON Assistant Sports Editor emerson.131@osu.edu Following a season in which the Buckeyes played in front of a mostly empty Ohio Stadium, the ’Shoe will be buzzing with life for Saturday’s spring game. For the first time since Nov. 23, 2019, head coach Ryan Day’s squad will play in front of a home crowd — marking the first step toward a return to normalcy
@TheLantern
for the program. With the opportunity to play in front of the Buckeye faithful, junior defensive tackle Taron Vincent pointed to the excitement surrounding Saturday’s scrimmage. “I’m really excited to just kinda get back to how things were,” Vincent said. “I know this pandemic really got people down about everything, just it’ll be good to see fans back in the ’Shoe.” Throughout the 2020-21 campaign, Ohio Stadium’s
capacity was limited to family and friends of athletes. However, Ohio State will host 19,180 fans for the spring game — with around 10,000 seats going to frontline workers. Tickets initially sold out in less than 24 hours after they went on sale Monday. With the uptick in allotted seating, graduate defensive tackle Haskell Garrett said he is looking forward to seeing the Ohio State fan base back out in full force. “Having your family in the
thelantern.com
@TheLantern
stadium is awesome in itself but having the whole nation, Buckeye nation, having fans back in there so that they can experience what we experience is even more enticing,” Garrett said. “We’re just happy to have everybody back in there.” Although the Buckeyes played in three home games last season, it will be the first time that the freshmen and sophomores on the team will experience Ohio Stadium with fans in attendance. Fans are not the only aspect being reintroduced to Ohio Stadium Saturday as the athletic band, spirit squad and Brutus all return after a season-long hiatus. With a more typical game-day experience awaiting the Buckeyes
Saturday, defensive line coach Larry Johnson said he was excited for the underclassmen to get a taste of a normal Ohio Stadium experience. “This is gonna be fun for our players,” Johnson said. “I know the young guys are excited about that. Just to be able to walk in and look around and see people instead of posters, that’s gonna be pretty cool.” Saturday will provide an unfamiliar experience for the team’s underclassmen, and Day added that the experienced members of the team may undergo a readjustment phase to playing in front of a crowd. “We had to adjust with no fans and then we kinda got used to
Thursday, April 15, 2021 | The Lantern | 5
that and now we have to adjust to having fans again,” Day said. “I know our guys love that, because they’re all showoffs, it’s what I call them.” As the atmosphere will reflect a slight return to normalcy, the game likely will not. Day said the plan is to split the team up for at least a half of football and then have a more controlled scrimmage atmosphere in the second half. He added that the coaching staff has not yet made a decision on whether they’ll tackle or just play to a thud. On the field, Day said he hopes to see the strides his players have made since they started the spring practice process March 19.
“As we get into the spring game, things I wanna I see is just improvement, just continually getting better,” Day said. “I wish we had another 15 practices here in May, but we don’t.” With the spring game serving as a trial run for Day’s squad, the third-year head coach said he’s thankful for the opportunity to finally have a somewhat normal game-day experience. “Thank goodness that we’re able to get some people in the stands. Looking forward to having our guys play in front of a crowd and get back to some normalcy here,” Day said. “We’re hoping we can get a whole, packed house here when Oregon comes to town.”
CHRISTIAN HARSA | ASSSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
“
I KNOW THE YOUNG GUYS ARE EXCITED ABOUT THAT. JUST TO BE ABLE TO WALK IN AND LOOK AROUND AND SEE PEOPLE INSTEAD OF POSTERS, THAT’S GONNA BE PRETTY COOL.”
Larry Johnson, Ohio State defensive line coach
thelantern.com
6 | The Lantern | Thursday, April 15, 2021
@TheLantern
Defense ready to reload for the 2021 season
“
MACKENZIE SHANKLIN | PHOTO EDITOR
Ohio State then-junior linebacker Teradja Mitchell (3) and then-junior defensive end Tyler Friday (54) tackle an Alabama player during the Ohio State-Alabama national championship game Jan. 11. Alabama won 52-24.
ATHENA MARKOWSKI Lantern Reporter markowski.19@osu.edu The Silver Bullets have a history of consistency, but losing seven starters to the NFL draft is cause for trepidation. The Buckeyes’ defense allowed 25.8 points per game in 2020, good for fifth best in the Big Ten — yet associate head coach and defensive linemen coach Larry Johnson and linebackers coach Al Washington aren’t concerned. They’re focused on polishing the next men up. “This is the evolution of football,
especially in college and this is why they come to Ohio State, this is what it’s about,” Washington said. “So the next guys up, take advantage of your opportunity, believe in yourself, compete every day and be able to identify the things that you need to improve on.” Washington’s linebacker unit suffered the biggest blow, losing four of its top players. Senior linebacker Dallas Gant was lined up to follow in the footsteps of Tuf Borland, but a foot injury is currently keeping him out of the spring game. Despite the injury, he said he’s still preparing in any way he
can while also helping the younger players find their footing. “Obviously, it’s not the same as being out there and being that voice to push people out there doing the work with you,” Gant said. “Just kind of being on the side as a mentor and helping people with little stuff, that is where the leadership is coming from.” Even with Gant’s injury, the Buckeyes’ depth at the linebacker position remains strong. Seniors Teradja Mitchell and K’Vaughan Pope are finally up to bat after holding backup positions while sophomore Craig
WE JUST HAVE THE EXPECTATION TO BE THE TOUGHEST, BADDEST ON THE TEAM, IN THE WEIGHT ROOM, EVERYWHERE. TO BE A LINEBACKER AT OHIO STATE, YOU GOT TO COMPETE. TUF BORLAND TAUGHT ME HOW TO WORK, JUSTIN HILLIARD TAUGHT ME HOW TO WORK.” Teradja Mitchell, senior linebacker
thelantern.com
@TheLantern
Thursday, April 15, 2021 | The Lantern | 7
Young and redshirt freshman Mitchell Melton will also add to the arsenal. Melton is out for the spring due to an injury. “The unit is looking very, very strong, their attitude’s been great,” Washington said. “The best thing we have is competition and I think everybody is competing, so when that happens, I think you get everybody’s best.” Johnson echoed the same sentiment as Washington despite losing one of the most highly acclaimed linemen in Tommy Togiai to the NFL draft. Graduate defensive tackle Haskell Garrett, who forwent the draft after finishing last season with 12 solo tackles, will add experience to the younger line. Alongside Garrett, Johnson said senior Jerron Cage, graduate Antwuan Jackson and junior Taron Vincent have emerged as possible starters on the interior. “I’m really excited about this group — those guys all played a little bit last season, and that gives us depth on the inside,” Johnson said. “As far as the ends, we got four veterans returning and that makes it a lot easier to really teach and move forward.”
Seniors Tyler Friday and Tyreke Smith and juniors Zach Harrison and Javontae Jean-Baptiste will lead the defense’s edge. The defensive end position at Ohio State has historically been impactful, with three top-three selections in the NFL draft since 2016, but Johnson still wants to see an improvement from last year. “When you sit down and watch all the pressure from last year, I think we were so close so many times for making a big play, but we didn’t get there,” Johnson said. “Now, just going back and studying that little bit, trying to change our tactical approach.” While parts of the defense are reestablishing themselves, Washington, Johnson and the defensive staff have prepped for the reload. Ohio State’s versatility speaks volumes to its mentality — be ready to be up next at all times. “We just have the expectation to be the toughest, baddest on the team, in the weight room, everywhere,” Mitchell said. “To be a linebacker at Ohio State, you got to compete. Tuf Borland taught me how to work, Justin Hilliard taught me how to work.”
Earn your degree sooner! Take summer courses at Tri-C! Summer registration begins March 22 Transfer credits seamlessly • Reverse transfer options • Statewide transfer guarantees • University partnerships tri-c.edu/transfer
Convenient campus locations tri-c.edu/campuses
Affordable tuition tri-c.edu/payingforcollege
MACKENZIE SHANKLIN | PHOTO EDITOR
Ohio State then-junior linebacker Dallas Gant (19) at the line of scrimmage during the Ohio State-Rutgers game Nov. 7, 2020. Ohio State won 49-27.
Choose from three summer sessions
June 1, June 14, July 6
tri-c.edu 216-987-6000 21-0257
thelantern.com
2 | The Lantern | Thursday, April 15, 2021
@TheLantern
Football:
Buckeyes enter spring game with unproven, talented options to lead offense
I
KEATON MAISANO John R. Oller Sports Editor maisano.2@osu.edu
n his Ohio State debut against Florida Atlantic, then-sophomore quarterback Justin Fields threw the 40th pass of his career on a 5-yard completion to then-sophomore tight end Jeremy Ruckert to open the game and the 2019 season. Two seasons and 578 pass attempts later, Fields is preparing for the NFL draft, and the Buckeyes are in need of a new gunslinger. Although the task of replacing the two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year will be difficult, the next Ohio State quarterback will have to take one small step first: throw a pass at the college level. With a shortened 2020 season, redshirt freshman quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Jack Miller III saw limited action while playing behind Fields. Although the two signal callers have been with the program for more than a year, early enrollee and five-star recruit Kyle McCord is also in the mix to claim the position once fall rolls around. Head coach Ryan Day said the clean slate at the position offers great opportunity, but the potential also requires patience. “I think I get excited about that sometimes when I’m by myself in my office, but when I’m on the
field and they’re going through growing pains, I’m not that excited about it because there’s a lot that comes with that,” Day said. “You just have to take a deep MACKENZIE SHANKLIN | PHOTO EDITOR breath because most of the time, Ohio State redshirt freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) prepares to throw a pass during the Ohio State Football spring they’re making mistakes for the practice April 5. first time and as much as I just want to jump down their throat, they’ve done it for the first time.” to the culture and leadership in — whoever it is — giving him While McCord was finishing learn how to swim quickly.” In Day’s time at Ohio State, the room. great pictures, making sure that his senior year of high school “They seem really good they’re doing all the little things at St. Joseph’s in Philadelphia, he has coached quarterbacks J.T. Stroud and Miller were practicing Barrett, Dwayne Haskins Jr. and together, they help one another to make his life easier, to give out,” Alford said. “I think it’s a him confidence — especially and occasionally finding the field Fields. Searching for the next great room, and all those guys early in the season — is going for the Buckeyes. Miller did not have to wait long offensive leader, Day said the have some innate leadership to be critically important,” Day to make an impact and find the position requires a player to do qualities and they continue to get said. better like the rest of our football With the quarterbacks end zone in 2020, as he crossed more than just throw a football. “You get around guys, you team.” receiving the chance to throw over the goal line on a quarterback Although a large amount of in front of a crowd for the keeper in Ohio State’s opening start to get a feel for how much it matters to them, and I think in responsibility falls on whoever is first time in their collegiate game against Nebraska. Stroud waited a bit longer, the end, that’s the thing that I’ve named starting quarterback, Ohio careers Saturday, Day said the but his moment came in the found with quarterbacks, if they State’s next signal caller will not quarterbacks are progressing, but there is no clear hierarchy. form of an electrifying 48-yard have enough talent, if they care be without an array of help. Including the return of “Guys have had good days, touchdown run against Michigan enough and if they want it bad enough, usually it will work out experienced players on the guys have had not so good days, State in early December. Despite the limited experience for them, and that’s something offensive line, the Buckeyes guys have good reps, guys have also have an arsenal of explosive not so good reps, and that’s what for Stroud and Miller, Day said we keep an eye on,” Day said. From outside the room, playmakers at wide receiver. Day happens when you have young the first-team reps have rotated between the three underclassmen. running backs coach Tony Alford said the veteran wide receivers, quarterbacks,” Day said. “The “There’s going to be growing said the three quarterbacks have including juniors Garrett Wilson minute you think one guy’s taken pains along the way and you just shown tremendous talent with and Jameson Williams and senior a step forward, he does something Chris Olave, will need to help foolish and then somebody else have to be willing to work through their arms. Alford said the competition make the transition easier. will make a play, and then they’re those,” Day said. “These guys are “We have a young quarterback, coming on and then it flips the gonna kinda jump two feet in the has not worked against any of the pool, and they just gotta go and quarterbacks’ development due so helping the young quarterback other way, but that’s expected.”
Campus
9 | Thursday, April 15, 2021
More than half of IFC fraternities in trouble in last five years, 10 this semester
JACK LONG | MANAGING EDITOR FOR DIGITAL CONTENT
Beta Theta Pi is on disciplinary probation through May 2022 for its fourth offense since Oct. 20, 2017, when it was found in violation of hazing and alcohol.
MARY KIDWELL Lantern Reporter kidwell.118
I
OWEN MILNES Campus Producer milnes.12@osu.edu
n the past five years, more than half of Ohio State’s Interfraternity Council organizations have been disciplined by the university. Between 2017 and now, 37
fraternities have been IFC members. Of those 37 fraternities, 21 have been charged with violating the Code of Student Conduct and 11 have lost their status as student organizations, and therefore their status as members of the IFC. The IFC currently has 26 member fraternities. Nine out of the 11 fraternities that lost their student organization status were cited for hazing.
Of the nine, six also included endangering behavior citations, according to the disciplinary records. Some citations also included alcohol rules violations and other conduct violations. A Monday update of the fraternity and sorority disciplinary records revealed the eight latest fraternities to be under investigation or put on disciplinary probation, including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Alpha Tau
FRATERNITIES
Omega, Alpha Gamma Sigma, Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Delta Theta Sigma and Acacia. Ryan Sheffield, IFC president and a third-year in business, said all of the organizations have been in contact with the Office of Student Conduct and are working to resolve these cases, including through meetings between student conduct and chapter leaders. “The IFC has had a long standing relationship with the Office of Student Conduct and will continue to work with their office,” Sheffield said. Sheffield is a member of Phi Gamma Delta. Reasons for these investigations and probations include hazing, endangering behavior, alcohol, drugs, student conduct system abuse, failure to comply with university or civil authority and violation of university rules or federal, state and local laws. The Code of Student Conduct defines hazing as “doing, requiring or encouraging any act, whether or not the act is voluntarily agreed upon, in conjunction with initiation or continued membership or participation in any group, that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm or humiliation.” The code defines endangering behavior as taking or threatening action that jeopardizes the safety, health or life of a person or causes fear of such action. The disciplinary record update comes after the reintroduction of anti-hazing legislation into the Ohio Senate March 10. The bill, known as Collin’s Law — named after Collin Wiant, an Ohio University student who died in a hazing incident in 2018
— would increase the penalty for hazing from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a second-degree misdemeanor and, if involving drugs or alcohol, a third-degree felony. The law was most recently introduced following the March 7 death of Bowling Green State University student Stone Foltz in an alleged hazing incident with the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, commonly known as PIKE. BGSU permanently banned PIKE from their campus. The fraternities that have lost their student organization status between March 2017 and the time of publication include PIKE, Chi Phi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Zeta Beta Tau, Theta Tau, Phi Kappa Psi, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Sigma Alpha Mu and Tau Kappa Epsilon. According to the disciplinary records, 2018 had the most incidents with 18. 2017 had the least with six from the beginning of the records in March until the end of the year. The lowest full year was 2020, which had nine incidents. Sigma Alpha Epsilon is on interim suspension pending an investigation into charges of endangering behavior, alcohol, drugs, failure to comply with university or civil authority and violation of university rules or federal, state and local laws. This is SAE’s sixth offense since Nov. 1, 2017 — and fifth including alcohol. Andrew Guagenti, president of SAE, declined to comment on the fraternity’s disciplinary records. Beta Theta Pi is on disciplinary probation through May 2022 for FRATERNITIES CONTINUES ON 10
thelantern.com
10 | The Lantern | Thursday, April 15, 2021
@TheLantern
FRATERNITIES FROM 9
failure to comply with university or civil authority, violation of university rules or federal, state and local laws and failure to comply with student conduct sanctions. This is the fraternity’s fourth offense since Oct. 20, 2017. In past citations, Beta Theta Pi has been cited three times for alcohol and once for endangering behavior and hazing on separate occasions. Michael Shcharber, president of Beta Theta Pi, did not respond to a request for comment. Delta Tau Delta is barred from hosting any in-person events, pending an investigation of charges of failure to comply with university or civil authority and violating university rules or federal, state and local laws. This is the fraternity’s third investigation since 2018. Ethan Garee, president of Delta Tau Delta, did not respond to a request for comment. Alpha Tau Omega is on interim suspension pending an investigation of charges of hazing, violation of university rules or federal, state and local laws, failure to comply with university or civil authority and student conduct system abuse, according to the disciplinary records. The fraternity has been cited three times since 2019, two
of which happened this spring. Preston Rice, president of Alpha Tau Omega, did not respond to a request for comment. Alpha Gamma Sigma is on interim suspension pending an investigation of charges of hazing and alcohol rules violations, according to the disciplinary record. The fraternity was placed on disciplinary probation from July 2019 through May 2020 for alcohol rules violations. Cody Tegtmeier, president of Alpha Gamma Sigma, declined to comment. Phi Gamma Delta is on disciplinary probation through December for violation of university rules or federal, state and local laws and failure to comply with university or civil authority. The fraternity was under disciplinary probation from March to December 2017 for alcohol and hazing. Ben Harris, president of Phi Gamma Delta, did not respond to a request for comment. Sigma Phi Epsilon is on disciplinary probation through December for failure to comply with university or civil authority and violation of university rules or federal, state and local laws. The fraternity was under disciplinary probation from February to December 2019 for alcohol violations.
Casey Petrae, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon, said in an email that current Sigma Phi Epsilon leaders are actively working with National Headquarters, alumni and university staff to learn from these instances. “We are committed to providing a safe experience for members and guests at Ohio State and hold ourselves accountable to move our chapter forward,” Petrae, a second-year in finance, said. “We have done our due diligence in identifying our shortcomings and learning how to avoid these situations from arising again.” Delta Theta Sigma is unable to host any in-person events, pending an investigation into charges of failure to comply with university or civil authority. Daniel Russell, president of Delta Theta Sigma, did not respond to a request for commend. This is the fraternity’s only offense since the beginning of the disciplinary records. Acacia was placed on interim suspension Jan. 22 while under investigation of charges of endangering behavior, student conduct system abuse, failure to comply with university or civil authority and violating university rules or federal state and local laws. Konstantinos Kantas, president of Acacia, did not respond to a request for
comment. University spokesperson Dave Isaacs said in an email that Greek life organizations are expected to follow university and legal guidelines. “It is the intent of the university to uphold the Code of Student Conduct, to promote the education and development of students and to provide a framework for future success of student organizations,” Isaacs said. Of the 26 remaining IFC organizations, 15 have not been in trouble. These fraternities include Alpha Delta Phi, Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Kappa Lambda, Alpha Sigma Phi, Delta Sigma Phi, FarmHouse, Kappa Delta Rho, Phi Kappa Tau, Phi Sigma Kappa, Pi Lambda Phi, Sigma Chi, Sigma Tau Gamma, Theta Chi, Theta Xi and Triangle. CJ Johnson, president of Alpha Kappa Lambda, said in an email his chapter makes a weekly effort to ensure members are educated and updated on current university policies and events. “I’d like to think this helps our members stay grounded and focused on what we are here at OSU to do— focus on academics while still forging amazing connections and bonds with our brothers,” Johnson, a thirdyear in sociology, said. “We
in Alpha Kappa Lambda aim to work on chipping away the negative stereotypes surrounding Greek life, which also ensures our members are focused on maintaining these standards of excellence consistently.” Alec Ogg, president of FarmHouse and a third-year in environmental science, said in an email his fraternity has internal processes that hold members accountable to the standards of following all laws, rules and regulations. Ryan Jaeckin, president of Phi Sigma Kappa, said in an email his fraternity stresses the importance of membership safety through programs and education sessions offered by the university. “The Pi Deuteron chapter looks forward to continuing our strong relationships with the Sorority and Fraternity Life Office and our International Headquarters, as well as being an integral part of Greek life at Ohio State,” Jaeckin, a fourth-year in music education, said. President of Theta Chi John Gardner, President of Pi Lambda Phi Alex Arenschield and President of Theta Xi David Guzior declined to comment. Presidents of the remaining fraternities did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.
thelantern.com
@TheLantern
Thursday, April 15, 2021 | The Lantern | 11
COURTESY OF SHAUN BARKET | FPA DIRECTOR OF VISUALS
Taylor Wandtke, a fourth-year in fashion and retail studies, said the lookbook will feature 11 collections by both groups and independent designers based on different elements they think fit the theme of performance in fashion.
Fashion Production Association launching virtual spring lookbook CHLOE MCGOWAN Lantern Reporter mcgowan.184@osu.edu
T
he Fashion Production Association’s 29th annual spring fashion design show will be cut from a different cloth this year in light of the ongoing pandemic. On April 17, the student organization will launch its first lookbook in place of an in-person fashion show. The lookbook, a digital catalog called “Intermission: The [Fashion] Show Must Go On,” will showcase the creativity and talent of the designers and production team members in a new aesthetically pleasing way, Lauren Fagan, a fifth-year in fashion and retail studies and member of FPA, said.
“This lookbook will be a fantastic way to showcase every part of not only the designer’s work, but also the work of the entire organization,” Grace Nanni, a fourth-year in fashion and retail studies and FPA copresident, said. Nanni said the lookbook will be able to reach a broader audience for a longer period of time and the multi-dimensional format would allow them to show more of the process behind designing a collection, rather than just a model walking down a runway. “It’s almost like a fashion show where there are videos and
photos of the designs, but there’s a more in depth look into the design process,” Mariel Trinidad, a second-year in world economy and business and strategic communications and member of FPA, said. “The lookbook will feature different kinds of fabrics that the designers used and the inspirations behind their designs.” Taylor Wandtke, a fourth-year in fashion and retail studies and member of FPA, said the lookbook will feature 11 collections by both groups and independent designers based on different elements they think fit the theme of performance in fashion. “Our inspiration ended up
being from an album cover of Hozier and how that had fabric moving underwater,” Michelle Kerr, a second-year in industrial systems engineering and member of FPA, said. “We really played that off in our collection and I think because of how broad the theme was, we could do that.” Nanni said FPA usually provides space and materials to designers, but due to the pandemic, designers had to use their own space and buy their own supplies in addition to finding a videographer and space to film their work. “Just preparing and leading up to it, we definitely had to be more creative and work with Zoom, FaceTime and group chats a lot,” Kerr said. “But I really enjoyed being able to do the video and photo shoots and see all the equipment and design aesthetics. I thought it was a really cool way to make the best out of this year in these circumstances.” Fagan, who is one of this year’s independent designers, said she was glad to have the option to do the show virtually this year and hopes that the lookbook will lead to more opportunities like this in the future. “I’m a commuter student and
I live an hour away, so for me it was actually super awesome to be involved with so much this year,” Fagan said. “If it wasn’t for that, I don’t know if I could drive the hour to be a part of FPA on our weekly meeting times and dates.” Nanni and Wandtke said although the spring fashion design show is usually a charity event, FPA worked with the nonprofit organization Dress For Success Columbus throughout the entire year doing clothing drives and volunteering at the boutique in the Short North. In previous years, FPA hosted a silent auction with the show, but Nanni said this year FPA plans to have a donation platform on the digital lookbook and a GoFundMe page where proceeds will be split between Dress For Success Columbus and FPA. After raising $1,000 last year, their goal is currently set for $2,500. The spring 2021 lookbook will launch on the Fashion Production Association’s website and Instagram page at 7 p.m. April 17. The lookbook is free to view indefinitely, but donations to FPA and Dress for Success Columbus will be accepted on their GoFundMe page.
COURTESY OF SHAUN BARKET | FPA DIRECTOR OF VISUALS
FPA Co-President Grace Nanni said FPA usually provides space and materials to designers, but due to the pandemic designers had to use their own space and buy their own supplies as well as find a videographer and space to film their work.
Arts&&Life Arts ife
12 | Thursday, April 15, 2021
PHILANTHROPY
Fashion Production Association design show goes virtual with lookbook instead
ON PAGE 11
Buckeye Creative Connection hosts Spring Arts Festival in Franklinton Arts District
O
LISA HIJAZIN Lantern Reporter hijazin.3@osu.edu
hio State students are bringing the arts to the greater Columbus community so locals can get outside and enjoy more than the improving spring weather. Buckeye Creative Connection — a group of Ohio State students in the art education capstone course — is partnering with the Franklinton Arts District to host a free Spring Arts Fest to allow the community to scratch its itch for the arts and interact with like-minded creative individuals through showcases, workshops, performances and more. Spring Arts Fest will be held April 18 from noon to 6 p.m. at 400 West Rich, the ROY G BIV Gallery and the Chromedge Studios. Attendees will have the option to take part in handson activities, such as creating a community mural and decorating masks. The festival will also host artist talks and poetry readings by many prominent artists in the community, such as awardwinning poet and author Barbara Fant, Richard Durate Brown,
Rachel Wiley, Sky Dai, Dana Lynn Harper and Amy Turn Sharp. “Our goal is to create sustainable relationships between current thriving creatives in the community and those who are emerging into the community or hoping to emerge,” Lauren Decamillo, a fourth-year in arts management and director of BCC, said. The Promenade Gallery at 400 West Rich will feature visual twodimensional artwork submitted by Ohio State students. There will also be performances throughout the day by local artists, including Mistar Anderson’s Eric Rollin and local band Palette Knife. Aloha Aina Food Truck will be available on-site for guests as well. Decamillo said the indoor spaces will have limited capacity, sanitation stations and temperature checks upon entering studios. Attendees have the opportunity to reserve their spots for the indoor interactive workshops in advance through Eventbrite.
The Buckeye Creative Connection Board of Directors poses for a picture.
“The great thing about this festival is that it was designed by students that are living through a pandemic and doing all of our academic work based on how to implement arts during a pandemic,” Decamillo said. “It is super difficult, but because we have had that at the forefronts of our brains, this festival is designed to be as safe as it can be.” From a young age, Decamillo said she has always been involved in the arts, but it took her a long time to realize that her passion could be seen as a viable career path. After taking some time off of school and becoming more immersed in music and poetry, Decamillo decided to follow her heart. Through an internship at ROY G BIV Gallery, Decamillo met with Johnny Riddle, executive director for the Franklinton Arts District. After having a conversation with him about
the district, the arts and their history with art, Decamillo said she shared the idea of hosting a festival with Riddle and Gretchen McIntosh, her capstone professor. “Lauren’s passion struck me as something very exciting,” Riddle said. “It is our responsibility to be that mentor to those young arts organizers, so when Lauren was telling me about BCC and the Spring Arts Fest, it seemed like a wonderful opportunity for us to provide that guidance and resource.” Before taking on the role of executive director, Riddle has had an immersive career in fundraising, volunteering and has worked for the 934 Gallery for four and half years. As the executive director at Franklinton Arts District, Riddle said he views himself as both a connector and an advocate for artists to ensure that they are being treated fairly. “I fell in love with the
COURTESY OF BCC
community of the artists and the volunteers who joined together to make something to benefit the neighborhood they served,” Riddle said. “It is something that became my all-in passion.” BCC said it is currently looking for charitable donations, which will be used to provide materials, supplies, help with event setup and artist payments. BCC is also actively looking for volunteers to help with the event. Riddle said he hopes to see the event elevate the visibility of Franklinton as an arts district and provide the young administrators with mentorship opportunities to continue their passion after graduation and use the networking experience to help their careers along the way. Individuals can sign up to volunteer on SignUp Genius and donations are accepted on DonorBox. For more information, visit the group’s Instagram page.