The Pitt News
The independent student newspaper of the University of Pittsburgh | PIttnews.com | October 5, 2016 | Volume 107 | Issue 40
ACC NAMES NEW GAME LOCATIONS Ashwini Sivaganesh Assistant Sports Editor
After saying it would relocate this year’s championship games because of a discriminatory law passed in North Carolina, the Atlantic Coast Conference named the new locations for each of the conference’s eight title games on Tuesday. The bill, which the North Carolina state legislature passed in March, bars transgender people from using bathrooms that match their gender identities. In September, ACC officials called the bill inconsistent with their values of equality, diversity, inclusion and nondiscrimination. The ACC — which contains 15 east coast schools from Boston to Miami, including Pitt, the University of North Carolina and Duke University — announced in mid-September they would be moving all of the 2016-17 championship games out of the state as a result of the bill All of the new locations are neutral sites, meaning games are played on facilities not affiliated with an ACC school. The ACC announced the following locations: Women’s Soccer Championship: Nov. 4 and 6 at the MUSC Health Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina. Football Championship: Dec. 3 at See ACC on page 9
Angel Jimerson, a contributing host of the Iroquois White Corn Workshop at Conflict Kitchen, demonstrates recipes for customers of the stand Tuesday afternoon. Julia Zhu STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
NRA PUSHES GUN RIGHTS ON CAMPUS Wesley Hood
attire, “Make America Great Again” hats and “Trump 2016” t-shirts attended the event In an event billed as an educational pro- to hear a seminar on gun rights, legislative gram on the same night as the Vice Presi- threats to those rights and gun safety. dential Debate, the Pitt College Republicans Though the Pitt College Republicans hosthosted representatives from the National Rifle ed the event, the event was not explicitly billed Association to discuss Second Amendment as a political event and speakers did not menrights. tion specific candidates or the election during At a presentation in the William Pitt their presentations. Union, approximately 50 people clad in NRA Christian Ragosta, an NRA grassroots Staff Writer
field coordinator for the Northeast region, led the seminar, which encouraged students to know and exercise their rights and also discussed the outcome of increased gun legislation. “It’s a slippery slope: Once they ban one thing, they will find another to ban,” Ragosta said about what he called “the liberal government’s” attempt to ban firearms. “It’s not going See NRA on page 3
News
SGB PLANNING TO CLEAN UP SOUTH O Leo Dorman Staff Writer
Rohit Anand and other Board members will walk through South Oakland looking for places to improve. Will Miller SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Looking to clean up their neighborhood — affectionately described by some as “trashy, not classy” — Pitt’s Student Government Board is planning to look first-hand at the issues that earned South Oakland that nickname. At Tuesday night’s meeting, Board members Rohit Anand and Sam Jankowitz said they and other SGB members will walk through South Oakland on Wednesday night searching for areas in need of fixing up and safety improvements. Along with several other committee members like Wellness Chair Malcolm Juring, Facilities, Technology and Transportation Chair Dhruv Kohli and University representatives such as Associate Dean Steve Anderson, the group plans to look specifically for sections of the neighborhood that lack adequate lighting, clear crossing areas for pedestrians and have
high amounts of trash on the sidewalk and street. Dubbed the “Safety Crawl,” which the Student Affairs Committee started last year, SGB’s efforts aim to address safety issues specifically in South Oakland this year after previously focusing on on-campus locations. Because a large number of Pitt students live in South Oakland, Anand said it’s important the area be as resident-friendly as possible. Anand said he sees a litter problem in South Oakland, and he wants to make service organizations and student organizations more aware of the Adopt-a-Block program to clean up the neighborhood’s sidewalks and yards. The Adopt-a-Block program is led through the Pittsburgh Dream Center, an organization that aims to address issues, like cleanliness and safety, that afflict Pittsburgh neighborhoods, according to its website. Dream Center leaders guide a team of volunteers in addressing any basic needs facing a neighborhood block,
including picking up trash or mowing lawns. “The Adopt-a-Block system works. It’s just a matter of letting service organizations know about it,” Anand said. The Safety Crawl also plans to look at crosswalks –– or lack thereof –– in South Oakland. Anand said many streets lack clear crosswalks or signs for pedestrians, making it more dangerous for students to traverse South Oakland. The crawl will start at the William Pitt Union and head into South Oakland from Bigelow Boulevard and Forbes Avenue, ending near Boulevard of the Allies. They plan to address any areas of concern — such as areas with trash pile-ups — that come up along the way. After talking to students after SGB meetings and other events, the Safety Crawl route changed to cover more frequently requested areas and look into more of South Oakland, See SGB on page 4
DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN PA IS OCTOBER 11 Emily Brindley
Assistant News Editor Even though election day is still five weeks out, the voter registration deadline –– Oct. 11 –– is less than one week away. For many Pitt students, this is the first presidential election they are eligible to vote in. For others, this is their first time voting away from home. In any case, we have compiled resources about how to register, how to check registration status and how to vote with an absentee ballot. How to register online First-time voters who want to register in the state of Pennsylvania can do so online at the Department of State’s voter services website. The application requires voters to fill in basic personal information such as their name, address, birth date and either a Pennsylvania driver’s license number, a PennDOT ID number or
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a social security number. The online application is processed through the county voter registration office, which will then mail a voter registration card to the voter’s address, as indicated on the application. For voters who don’t want to register online, they can print the same application and mail or deliver it to the county voter registration office — which is Allegheny County for students registering through an Oakland address. To register to vote in this year’s presidential election, mail applications must be postmarked by Oct. 11. All first-time voters must bring a form of photo ID to the polls on election day. Acceptable forms of ID include a Pennsylvania driver’s license, a U.S. passport or a student ID. How to check voter registration status
Students who think they’re already registered to vote can check their registration status at the voter services website as well. Voters can search by their Pennsylvania driver’s license number, their PennDOT ID number or by their name and address. How to send in a PA absentee ballot In-state students who registered to vote through their home address rather than their Pitt address can send in absentee ballots to vote in the election without leaving Oakland. Students must first fill out an absentee ballot application, which can be found on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website. Students should mail their application to the County Voter Registration Office –– using the county of the address they wrote on their application –– and enclose a photocopy of an acceptable form of photo ID. To find the
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correct office’s address, voters can visit the county information tab on Votes PA’s website. Once the application is approved, the Voter Registration Office will mail an absentee ballot to the student, which can then be completed and returned to the same address the application was sent to. Absentee ballot applications must be received by Nov. 1, and completed ballots must be received by Nov. 4. Absentee voters should note that the postmarked date makes no difference and should allow several days for the applications and ballots to reach the County Board of Elections Office. For out-of-state students who plan to vote via an absentee ballot using their permanent address, the process varies slightly by state. Instructions can be found online at each state’s official website.
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BONNER TALKS DIVERSITY, INCLUSION
Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner talked with students about diversity and inclusion. John Hamilton STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Rachel Glasser Staff Writer
When Kenyon Bonner took the stage in front of a crowd of students Tuesday night, he invited them to talk over him. As students took turns passing around a microphone and sharing their opinions, Bonner, Pitt’s vice provost and dean of students, gripped the edge of the podium in the center of the O’Hara Student Ballroom’s stage. With a pen threaded between his fingers, Bonner gazed out into the middle of the room at the student speakers, taking short pauses to scribble on a piece of paper in front of him. Tuesday night, those in attendance at the event, called “Dialogue with the Dean” were not focused on the dean but rather on the student voices that filled the ballroom. The idea sharing was part of a Universitysponsored conversation about diversity and inclusion — and how Pitt could improve in both areas. The event was held as part of the Year of Diversity and allowed students to share their perspectives on the University’s attempt to improve diversity and inclusion on campus, which Bonner said meant representing the entire spectrum of humanity on campus and making everyone feel like they belong. The discussion was open to all Pitt students. According to organizers, 150 undergraduate and graduate students RSVP’d to the event. “The spirit of this event is really a genuine interest in hearing from you students,” Bonner said. “In order to get where we need to be, we all need to be involved.” Organizers working with the Year of Diversity and Inclusion divided the students into round tables of six to 10 students, each featuring a faculty facilitator who posed questions such as, “How is the climate at Pitt around diversity and inclusion?” and, “What is Pitt doing well, and what could be improved?” Students discussed a need for greater visibility
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and publicity of events centered around diversity and events offered by cross-cultural student groups in addition to greater collaboration and communication between diverse student organizations such as Black Action Society and Campus Women’s Organization. One student suggested Pitt should hold a “president’s council” once a month where representatives from all campus student groups could meet to discuss what events they were holding for the month. Additionally, students emphasized that diversity involves not only race but also gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic diversity and cognitive disorders, such as ADD. They said that all aspects of diversity should be addressed. For Solangel Garcia, a junior accounting major, the need for increased socioeconomic diversity at Pitt is personal. She thinks recruiting students of lower socioeconomic status would help to increase other types of diversity — such as racial and ethnic diversity — as well, exposing students to a variety of perspectives. Garcia moved to Pittsburgh from the Dominican Republic in 2009. After attending community college in New Jersey for two years, she returned to Pennsylvania to enroll at Pitt. Now a junior at Pitt, she said she has struggled to pay for her education at Pitt. Based on her own experience, Garcia suggested that Pitt offer more financial aid opportunities than it currently does. For full-time, in-state students, Pitt’s tuition ranges from about $17,000 to about $22,000, depending on the college they are a part of. For outof-state students, the price ranges from $28,000 to $33,000, according to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid website. Although she said she loves being a student at Pitt, Garcia said had she known how hard it would be to pay for school, she probably would not have ever applied to the University. “If [Pitt] is looking for diversity and inclu-
sion, it’s not only about race or ethnicity,” Garcia said. “I’m pretty sure there are many, many smart people, [but] they give up before they even begin because they don’t know how they’re going to be able to finance school.” For Stanley Umeweni, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, the number of students of different races or ethnicities should not be Pitt’s only concern. He said the integration of diverse people, experiences and perspectives is more important than just the numbers. “It’s about mixing,” Umeweni said. “Diversity is all about sharing experiences.” Sharing experiences and perspectives through interaction with students outside of one’s comfort zone was a recurring theme. One student talked about how it can be important to look at diversity, or lack thereof, not just through a minority lens but through a white lens as well. “How unfortunate it is that you came to college for four plus years, and you only saw people just like you. You could’ve just stayed at home,” one student said. Throughout the discussion, many students raised concerns about how long Pitt’s focus on diversity would last. Most said it would take more than one year to effectively address diversity and all its encompassing issues. “We just want to know what happens when the Year of Diversity is over?” one student said. “Like, then what?” Bonner, who spent most of the meeting silently listening, said the end of the year would not mark the end of Pitt’s commitment to diversity. Instead, he said, this year is meant to be a spark that will raise attention to diversity and inclusion. In the long term, Bonner said that Pitt could look at campus climate, retention of students, faculty and staff recruitment and retention, programming and what students are learning to monitor Pitt’s progress. “Is this a one-and-done?” Bonner said. “Absolutely not.”
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NRA, pg. 1 away. It’s a constant fight to make sure your rights stay the way they are.” Although Ragosta said he was unable to comment personally on any issues relating to the topics discussed, he emphasized during his lecture the need for Americans not only to carry firearms but also to be responsible with those weapons. “Taking away guns is like what happened to the Jews [during the Holocaust],” Ragosta said in reference to increased legislation surrounding guns and gun owners. “It’s saying that if you believe in the Second Amendment but don’t believe in stricter gun control, that you are like a Jew that likes Hitler.” Throughout the election, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has touted the NRA as a close ally, promising his supporters that he would protect their rights to own guns while saying Hillary Clinton, his opponent, would take those rights away. At the Republican National Convention, for example, the NRA’s chief political strategist Chris Cox delivered a fierce testimonial for Trump. In 2007, the NRA-Institute for Legislative Action — a subset of the NRA — launched NRA U, because it believed not enough college students were educated on their Second Amendment rights or the NRA’s ideas, according to the NRA’s website. Since its foundation nine years ago, NRA U has held similar seminars over 120 times in 16 states. Some students on Pitt’s campus simply wanted to learn more about the policies and laws regarding firearms. Harley McCain, a junior environmental science major, said she attended the lecture for her own personal education. “I’m a Republican, and I [was] curious to see what they say about gun policies so I can have more educated arguments,” McCain said. Ashley Ward-Willis, a sophomore political science major, said she attended the event because she hoped learning more about her Second Amendment rights would allow her to have more educated and validated opinions. “I’m from Westchester, New York, and gun culture really isn’t a thing where I’m from,” Ward-Willis said. “I’ve never really been exposed to this type of education in regards to the Second Amendment.”
Find the full story online at
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SGB, pg. 2
Allocations PIST Skiing and Snowboarding requested $3,450.00 for transportation to their annual Stowe trip. The board approved in full. PIST Skiing and Snowboarding requested $3,450.00 for transportation to their annual Killington trip. The board approved in full.
The Pitt news crossword 10/5/16
The African Students Organization requested $2,200.00 to bring a comedian to Pitt for their upcoming comedy night event. The board approved in full. Pitt Tonight requested $1,223.38 for funds to attend the annual College Broadcasters, Inc. conference. The board initially moved to approve funding for two registrations, but after discussion decided to approve in full.
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including Bates and Semple Streets. “We’ve already adjusted the route to look at the turn from Bouquet Street to Dawson,” Anand said. “This turn was one of the concerns that came up.” As indicated by the name, one of the main concerns of the crawl is improving safety for students living in South Oakland. Anand said one fix would be to provide more street lights. “One of the biggest concerns that has been brought up is lighting,” Anand said. “Increasing lighting decreases crime.” In other news, SGB President Natalie Dall, Board members Anand and Arlind Karpuzi and Community and Governmental Relations Chair Nicholas Fisher hosted members of student governments from other state universities for the annual Pennsylvania Association of State-Affiliated Schools conference last Friday and Saturday. The conference brought together representatives from Temple and Penn State universities to discuss the issues addressing their campuses like diversity and community relations and to share tips about what strategies have worked. The representatives from Lincoln University were unable to attend due to an unknown accident. “It was a really productive weekend,” Dall said. “We focused a lot on mental health and sexual assault — topics that are affecting all our campuses.” Part of the conference focused on comparing how each university handles student affairs and student life and seeing where each had success. The representatives split into
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groups and shared ideas with each other, looking into how each university’s student government functions. The conference also included a review of state legislation to see if any upcoming bills warranted student governments taking action, such as letter writing or raising awareness on campus. Dall said the student governments are currently still researching legislation and setting action items. Dall and the other Pitt representatives also found time to give the other representatives a tour around Pitt. “The PSU representatives said they were so surprised how much they liked it,” Dall said. “None of the other representatives had really been to Pitt, so it was good to show them around.” At this week’s meeting, the Board members represented Mental Health Awareness month with matching green shirts declaring “Let’s Talk,” Pitt’s new slogan for mental health awareness. As part of the month, students are encouraged to pick up a free shirt from the seventh floor of the Union and wear them every “Talk About It Tuesday.” Mental Health Awareness Week is Oct. 10-13 this year. The week will include a speaker and other interactive programs to educate students about mental health. “It’s good to see everyone wearing their shirts today,” Jad Hilal, Judicial Committee chair, said. “I just encourage everyone to take part, and remember to check on your friends.”
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Opinions from the editorial board
column
Look past campaign spending in Senate race In Pennsylvania’s contentious Senate battle this year, the race seems be about which candidate can outspend the other instead of the issues. On Tuesday, the Center for Responsive Politics disclosed that spending on Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race has amounted to $88.9 million thus far. The race is the most expensive in the country, falling behind only the presidential race and costing more than any previous Senate race. With this in mind, student voters should look past the flood of dollar bills and examine what the money is being spent on and where the candidates stand on the issues. In large part, the money in this race has gone to political ads that the campaigns air on radio and television stations around the state — and understandably so. Democratic candidate Katie McGinty and Republican Sen. Pat Toomey are running a heated race, polling neck-and-neck in recent weeks. According to RealClearPolitics, McGinty leads Toomey by an average of two points across all polls. But while that reality is flooding Pennsylvania airwaves with political spin, don’t look to the ads to learn about the candidates themselves. In two ads that aired after Tuesday night’s Vice Presidential debate, for example, a pro-McGinty ad promised that the Democrat would fight for lower taxes, while an anti-McGinty ad directly after said she wanted to raise taxes. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Voters must look beyond their television sets for the truth. Indeed, both candidates’ campaign websites as well as Toomey’s voting history in the Senate will provide more insight into their stances than any ad. McGinty is a candidate that advocates for issues such as clean energy, a $15 minimum wage, paid family leave, refinancing student loans and campaign finance reform. As a former environmental policy advisor to Gov. Tom Wolf, she has long
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been a supporter of clean energy and is pro-business. Toomey is a candidate that has pushed for sensible gun policies, tax reform, fewer business regulations, law enforcement protections and veteran support. The Republican senator, since 2010, has stood against the Affordable Care Act and environmental protections, supports tax cuts across the board and pro-life policies and voted against LGBT rights while in office. These are the issues that should be at the forefront. The types of policies they vote for will impact all of us, and we must be wary of the advertisements trying to tell us otherwise. In this race, finding that truth is important. The Senate race here is so tight in part because it could mean a Democratic majority if McGinty wins. With this in mind, voters must closely examine the impact the Pennsylvania race will have on our Congress. Ever since the 2008 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC went into effect, campaign spending on elections has increased exponentially. This presidential election, both candidates have raised $1.09 billion by their committees alone. The decision catapulted outside spending on political campaigns, and as a result, voter’s voices matter less in the political process. Both candidates in the Senate race here have invested grotesque amounts of money in their campaigns, an issue that neither party can escape. McGinty has spent about $35 million on her campaign, and Toomey has spent about $44 million total. If we want to reject the corrupt campaign system plaguing our government, we will vote according to our will, not by the money being waved in our faces. Political campaigns may want to win us over with their wallets, but we as citizens must vote with our futures in mind.
TAKE IT FROM MICHELLE, VOTE FOR PROGRESS
Saket Rajprohat Columnist
Looking at the television monitor of the crowd, I was nervous. A crowd of some 3,000 people awaited my less-thanimportant two minute speech. In a constant sequence of rehearsing my speech, pacing the floor and sitting down to catch my breath, she came backstage again. As my name was called, she gave me a reassuring smile, and I walked onto the stage. “Without further ado,” I said at the end of a short speech at the Fitzgerald Field House last Wednesday, “I would like to introduce to you the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.” Never had I thought, at the age of 19, I
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Elaina Zachos VISUAL EDITOR would be meeting — let alone introducing — the First Lady. But the collective six minutes I spent with her and alone on stage brought more than just jitters — it forced my understanding of this election to come full circle. It made me realize how important our votes are for this election. I realized that this election is bigger than myself, and goes beyond our personal grievances with each candidate. The policies of this election will undoubtedly affect not only ourselves, but our children, our government and the way we live. Instead of giving up on the political process, we need to fight as hard as we can to bring our government back to life and represent the See Rajprohat on page 7
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Rajprohat, pg. 6 people again. I can’t say I went into the election with a fully open and undecided mind, as I have always been in support of the Obama administration and thought I would naturally support the Clinton administration as well. But I did my best to inform myself about the policies and opinions of the current Republican presidential candidate so as not to be completely ignorant. Nevertheless, he never failed to turn me off with his rhetoric, whether it was his statements against Islam, his defining creed to build a wall along the Mexican border in order to prevent the influx of immigrants into our country or his repeated degradation of women. What was most bothersome to me was that his support was not small by any extent. Masses of people all across the nation support him in what I’ve come to understand is essentially a xenophobic platform built for the wealthy. I knew that it would not be right for me, a firstgeneration American, to sit idle and hope that he would go away. So I decided to join the Hillary campaign. Becoming a fellow of the campaign, my main job was to register people to vote. Students all across campus have become increasingly annoyed with the efforts of people like me, asking students to update their addresses or encouraging them to fill out their absentee ballot, but there is a reason we bother students so much. It is a privilege to live in a country that not only has prospered so much but has also granted us liberties that are difficult to come by in many places around the world. This election is not just about him and her, and it is hardly the time for sitting out or a protest vote. Rather, it is about diminishing the greed of those at the top, helping the working and middle class gain equal footing on the job and income market and fighting for the liberties
that this nation was founded on. The hours I spend talking to students and strangers on the street is in an effort to help people express their freedom of speech — nothing more and nothing less. Every day, I manage to run into people who believe our government is broken or their vote will not make a difference in this election, blaming some institution like the electoral college for taking away their vote. My job is to explain why that is not the case. That it is their voices that will shape the government in a way that will help the American people the most. The outcome of this election will shape the future of our education, healthcare, social security, welfare programs and the economy. While I was registering people as a Clinton surrogate, I began to realize that simply registering them at all, regardless of party, was equally important. My hard work on the campaign eventually gave me the opportunity to introduce the First Lady. Meeting and hearing her speak was inspirational, but the premise of her argument was correct no matter what side of the political sp ectrum you are coming from. “Elections aren’t just about who votes, but also who doesn’t vote,” Obama said. It is the votes of the people that act to assure a government that is truly made for the people. Our government is built on the foundations of democracy and it is essential that we fulfill our role and shape a government we desire. This campaign, this election and this fight means a lot to me, and it should mean a lot to you as well. There is far more at stake here that many have yet to realize, both with our policies and our values. It is no longer even a matter of being educated in politics, or being able to 100 percent agree with a candidate. This election is about the principles our country was built upon and defending them to the best of our ability.
Without further ado, I would like to introduce to you the First Lady
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The Pitt News
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Editorial Policies Single copies of The Pitt News are free and available at newsstands around campus. Additional copies can be purchased with permission of the editor in chief for $.50 each. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the students, faculty or University administration. Opinions expressed in columns, cartoons and letters are not necessarily those of The Pitt News. Any letter in tended for publication must be addressed to the editor, be no more than 250 words and include the writer’s name, phone number and University affiliation, if any. Letters may be sent via e-mail to letters@pittnews.com. The Pitt News reserves the right to edit any and all letters. In the event of multiple replies to an issue, The Pitt News may print one letter that represents the majority of responses. Unsigned editorials are a majority opinion of the Editorial Board, listed to the left. The Pitt News is an independent, student-written and
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Sports
WHITEHEAD EXPECTED TO PLAY GEORGIA TECH Steve Rotstein Sports Editor
For at least the 30-minute window that was open to the media, Pitt safety Jordan Whitehead suited up and returned to practice with the Panthers Tuesday morning. After missing Pitt’s 43-27 win against Marshall on Saturday, Whitehead –– the reigning ACC rookie of the year –– appears to be on track to play against Georgia Tech on Saturday, according to Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi. Tuesday afternoon, Narduzzi released a statement addressing Whitehead’s status, saying the sophomore had not played for personal reasons. “As head football coach, I feel a tremendous amount of responsibility for the well-being of our players. That includes Jordan Whitehead (9) is anticipated to play against Georgia Tech Saturday.. protecting their privacy when appropriate,” Jeff Ahearn SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Narduzzi said. “Jordan Whitehead did not play in last week’s game for reasons that are personal in nature. I won’t comment further on the topic other than to say I fully anticipate that Jordan will be available to play this coming Saturday against Georgia Tech.” The announcement came after two days of uncertainty about why Whitehead missed last week’s game and whether or not he would suit up against Georgia Tech. At his Monday press conference, Narduzzi declined to answer multiple questions from reporters about Whitehead’s playing status, clouding the situation with uncertainty. “You guys know I’m not going to talk about injuries or anything else about anybody,” Narduzzi said. Without their star safety on Saturday, the Panthers managed to put together a defensive shutout in the first half and jumped See Whitehead on page 9
JETER ENCOURAGES TEAM ABOUT STALLINGS Dan Sostek
Senior Staff Writer In late March — after Pitt head basketball coach Jamie Dixon left for Texas Christian University, and the Panthers replaced him with Vanderbilt’s Kevin Stallings — whispers began to spread. Sheldon Jeter is gone! Michael Young and Jamel Artis are going to enter the NBA Draft! Chris Jones can leave without sitting out a year, so why would he stay? The entire freshman class: sayonara! Pitt fans immediately jumped to the conclusion that a new coach would drive out the talented core of an impressive crop of returning players. Stallings’ murky history with Jeter, a key member of the Panthers’ rotation, didn’t help to quell the rumors. But instead, Stallings kept the team
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together, thanks in part to the help of his former Commodore. Although Stallings blocked Jeter’s transfer out of Vanderbilt in 2013, forcing him to spend a year at Polk State in Florida, the Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania native actually ended up convincing every player eligible to leave to stay at Pitt –– a huge gambit for the 55-year-old head coach. Jeter admitted he was “shocked” when
Pitt hired Stallings, but he wasn’t holding any grudges. After speaking with the new coach and Pitt athletic director Scott Barnes, he determined he should stay –– and was instrumental in others re m a i n ing as well. “A lot of guys w e r e nervous. T h e y didn’t really know what was going to happen. And me, being down there [at Vanderbilt] for a year, they just asked me whether we should stay or leave,” Jeter said. “I just told them that Coach
I just told them that Coach is a genuine guy -Sheldon Jeter
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is a genuine guy. Everything he says he means. He’ll take care of you. Trust his process, and he’ll get you where you want to get to.” Redshirt sophomore forward Cameron Johnson said he wasn’t surprised that everyone remained in Oakland, noting that the Panthers were close to one another and wanted to remain teammates. Stallings did meet with every player individually, which helped in convincing potential NBA Draft entrants Young and Artis to stay. “I think what Coach Stallings had to do was come in and say exactly what he said,” Johnson said. “He got us all on board pretty quick, and I don’t think there was any hesitation.” Stallings, though, said that Jeter was one of the biggest factors in keeping the See Stallings on page 10
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ACC, pg. 1
Whitehead, pg. 8-
Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Women’s Swimming & Diving/Men’s Diving Championships: Feb. 13 to 16 — a change from the original date — at the Georgia Tech Aquatics Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Men’s Swimming Championship: Feb. 27 to March 2 — a change from the original date — at the Georgia Tech Aquatics Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Men’s & Women’s Tennis Championships: April 26 to 30 at the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. Baseball Championship: May 23 to 28 at Louisville Slugger Field in Louisville, Kentucky. The unveiling of the rest of the championship sites follows last week’s announcement about the site change for the 12th Dr. Pepper ACC Football Championship Game. This year’s ACC Football Championship will be played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. It will mark the sixth time the ACC championship game
out to a 27-0 lead. Though the Herd then stormed back from the 27-point deficit to make it a threepoint game late in the fourth quarter, Pitt put the game away with two late touchdowns. Despite being an uninspiring performance by the defense that almost turned into a catastrophic defeat, senior linebacker Bam Bradley said he didn’t think Whitehead’s absence contributed to Marshall’s comeback. “I feel like we didn’t come out with the same intensity and the same focus that we had in the first half,” Bradley said. “Obviously, momentum wins, so they got back in the game.” Pitt defensive coordinator Josh Conklin attributed the defensive lapses to complacency after coming out of the break with a big lead. Conklin said Whitehead’s absence had no effect on the Panthers’ game plan on defense against Marshall. He even called his replacement –– senior safety Reggie Mitchell –– Pitt’s player of the game after making a team-high nine tackles. “We didn’t and we don’t [change the game plan],” Conklin said. “Reggie’s very capable. I didn’t really think there was a big dropoff with Reggie … he had a good stat line and played really well and really sharp.” Meanwhile, junior cornerback Avonte Maddox said he has full faith in whichever safety is playing behind him. “We’re all a team, and whoever’s in there, whoever’s behind [me], I trust that guy, no matter what the name on the back of the jersey is,” Maddox said. “If Whitehead’s in there, I trust that man. If Reggie’s in there, I trust that man.”
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has been played in Florida. People who previously purchased tickets for this year’s football championship game when it was scheduled to take place in Charlotte will have a three-day pre-sale opportunity. Tickets will be available to the general public through Ticketmaster on Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. As in years past, the Atlantic Division champion and Coastal Division champion will each have an allotted amount of tickets to sell once they have clinched their division championship. Except for the Georgia Tech Aquatics Center, each of the locations will be hosting an ACC championship for the first time. Georgia Tech hosted the ACC Swimming and Diving Championships last year in addition to 2005, 2008 and 2011. Charleston’s MUSC Health Stadium will host both soccer title games. The 5,100-seat stadium will first host the ACC Women’s Soccer Championship semifinals and finals on Nov. 4 and 6 after four teams are selected to advance from quarterfi-
nal matches on campus sites the previous weekend. This will be the second time South Carolina has hosted the women’s finals since Clemson did so in 1996. The 2016 ACC Men’s Soccer Championship, which will feature first-round games, quarterfinals and semifinals at campus sites, will bring its championship match to Charleston on Sunday, Nov. 13. The Rome Tennis Center at Berry College, which opened July 29, 2016, is the largest single-surface facility in the nation. With over 50 courts across 30 acres, the city-owned facility built on property donated by Berry College is located less than a mile from the main campus. Louisville Slugger Field, home to the Louisville Bats’ minor league team, seats 13,131 fans. The stadium hosted the 2008 Triple-A All-Star Game and features second-level club seating and 32 private suites. Other than football, the ACC has yet to announce additional details involving ticket information for the remaining championship games.
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Stallings, pg. 8
Sheldon Jeter (21) met head coach Kevin Stallings when he played for him at Vanderbilt.. Jeff Ahearn SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER team together. “I thought Sheldon Jeter had quite a bit to do with [players buying in],” Stallings said. “I think his voice in the locker room of saying, ‘Hey, this guy is a good guy. He’s gonna help us. He’s gonna be there for us,’ [helped].” Artis, who said he was convinced to stay by talking to Jeter and former Vanderbilt coaches, said his excitement about fitting into Stallings’ system was the main motivation for his decision to stay put. “Me and [Stallings] talked,” Artis said. “I could have took a shot [at the NBA Draft], but I wanted to stay for my last year. I wanted to trust this coach.” Artis also said that the opportunity to bring the ball up as a point guard and show more to NBA scouts was a factor in his return. One player who didn’t need much swaying was redshirt senior shooting guard Chris Jones. Despite having the ability to switch schools as a graduate transfer without having to sit out a year, Jones said his mind was already set on staying before he even met Stallings. “He didn’t have to convince me. I love the city of Pittsburgh, I love the fans, I
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love the people,” Jones said. “When he first got hired, I did a little bit of reading on him. I was pretty much 90 percent here from the beginning, and when he came in and talked to us, I was sold.” Players are lauding Stallings for the amount of trust their new coach has placed on them. Jeter described his offensive system as “structured freedom” –– creating sets but allowing players to pick their shots and “just go.” Still, Stallings understands this honeymoon of happiness will likely not last forever. “This is the best time of year for a college basketball coach, because every kid thinks he’s going to start and play 30 minutes a game,” Stallings said. “But when those role definitions settle in, and certain guys don’t get the role they expected to get … that’s when you find out how together you are on the court.” Jeter acknowledged there will always be an adjustment period, but that the Panthers are already buying into their new coach. “Any time you have a new parent, there’s going to be the resistance at some point,” Jeter said. “But as a team, we met about it, and we’re fully trusting him now.”
The Pitt News SuDoku 10/5/16 courtesy of dailysudoku.com
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I N D E X
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1,2,3,4,6 BR. Available August 2017. Bigelow Boulvd, Truro Place, Craig, and Neville Street. Call 412-287-5712. 2 BR, 2BA apartment, Bigelow Blvd. $900 + utilities. Available Now. 412-287-5712. 1-2-3-4-5 Bedroom Houses & Apartments. 376 Meyran, 343 McKee, & Atwood, St. James, Bates St. $1,095-$2,000. Call 412-969-2790. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 bedroom apartments and houses available in May and August 2017. Nice, clean, free laundry, includes exterior maintenance, new appliances, spacious, located on Meyran, Bates, Oakland, Semple, Wellsford, Dawson, Juliet. 412-414-9629. 1,2,3,4,5,6 bedroom houses for rent. August 2017. Bouquet St., Meyran, Atwood, Semple, Chesterfield, Neville. 412-287-5712. 2-3-4 bedroom houses. Available now or January 1st. At corner of Parkview and the Boulevard. Free laundry. Central air. Really nice. 412-414-9629.
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2,3,5 BR houses. Available now. Bouquet, Atwood, & Dawson. Please call 412-287-5712.
4 BR Home - Semple Street. Equipped Kitchen, Full Basement. Available immediately. Also renting for May and August 2017. (412) 343-4289. One bedroom apartment available Oct 1. 400 South Aiken Avenue. Newly remodled, hardwood floors, new kitchen, great lighting and large windows. $800/mo + electric. Heat/gas included. On site laundry. Half a block from Centre Ave. Call 412-292-7156. 3,4,5 BR. Sarah Street and Wrights Way. Close to Pitt and Duquesne University. Call 412-287-5712. Studio efficiency, available immediately. $625/mo. All utilities included. On site laundry. Near West Penn Hospital and bus line. Call 412-292-7156.
Issues with your landlord? We can help. Ludin &Associates. Call 412-281-6557.
Smokers Wanted. The University of Pittsburgh’s Alcohol and Smoking Research Laboratory is looking for people to participate in a threepart research project. To participate, you must: -Currently smoke cigarettes. -Be 18-55 years old, in good health, and speak fluent English. -Be willing to fill out questionnaires, and to not smoke before 2 sessions. Earn $150 for completing this study. For more information, call 412-624-8975. The Psychiatric Molecular Imaging Program is seeking men 18-25 years of age for brain imaging research studies. Participants must be in good physical and mental health, planning to stay in the Greater Pittsburgh area for the next 12 months, and willing to provide blood samples to confirm eligibility. The study involves questionnaires, interviews, and brain scanning. The research study will take place at UPMC Presbyterian University Hospital. Subjects will be compensated up to $800 upon completion. For details, call 412-586-9888.
Comfort Keepers, a Post-Gazette Top Workplace, is seeking caring individuals. Caregivers work alongside seniors to provide companionship, light housekeeping, personal care services. Flexible hours available. If interested call 412-653-6100. Sales Clerk For Tea Store in Squirrel Hill Margaret’s Fine Imports is looking for a highly-motivated individual, able to provide great customer service. 5872 Forbes Ave., Ph: 412-422-1606 www.TeaPittsburgh.com Apply at http://www.pittsburghcuppa.com/jobapplication1.html
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Help Wanted: Office/ P/T Clerical person needed from MondayFriday, $250.00 weekly. Computer skills are a must. Need to be detail-oriented, possess good customer service skills, some cash & items, handling skills. Must be able to run errands. Apply Email: charlesdavids465@gmail.com. Hiring garage attendant in the Oakland area. Temporary thru Dec. 31st. Fridays 4:00 pm till 12:00 am. Must have valid license and be able to drive a stick shift. $11/hr. 412-683-9004 or email dh220n@verizon.net
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Restaurant pre-opening job fair. The Café Carnegie @ Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh Oakland Campus. OPENING SOON and NOW HIRING. P/T positions. Host/Hostess, Server, Barista, Busser and Cook. Flexible Schedules. Apply in person at job fair Thurs 10/6Friday 10/7; 10am6pm at Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave. (Carriage Drive entrance). If unable to attend, email resume carnegierecruiting@ciemail.com. CULINAIRE is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.
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Email: advertising@pittnews.com
South Fayette Township School District is seeking substitute teachers. Positions available for all grade levels and areas of content. Complete job descriptions are available at southfayette.org. Please send your complete application packet to South Fayette Township School District, 3680 Old Oakdale Rd., McDonald, Pa. 15057. Want to get a great discount and work flexible hours over the holiday season? American Eagle and Aerie are now hiring at the Ross Park Mall location. Great Discount. Competitive Wages. Call at 412-369-4426.
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Phone: 412.648.7978
MARKETING/NETWORKING: Gaming company seeking up to 10 motivated students to sign 3,000 players up for early testing on the world’s FIRST EVER INTERACTIVE SPORTS APP. Marketing materials provided. Earn up to $25/hr. plus bonus opportunities. This is a great and an easy opportunity for leaders of fraternities, groups, and teams. Email requests to rchristoff010@gmail.com.
Sharper Walls Studio is seeking individuals to tutor middle and high school students in academic subject’s math, science, english, writing, history and foreign languages, as well as, computer programming, graphic design, web design, photography, drawing, architecture, fashion design, music composition, music fundamentals, song writing and sound recording, filmmaking. We offer flexible hours. For more information please email Brian at sharperwallsinc@aol.com
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