February 16, 2023

Cow loose on roadway, stolen car found

KENDALL WRIGHT FOR THE POST

Loose change

A theft was reported on May Avenue in Chauncey, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

The caller said change and keys were taken from their vehicles and their garage. A statement and report were taken.

Short a dollar?

Sheriff’s deputies received a shoplifting complaint from a Dollar General in The Plains.

After speaking with the store manager, two individuals were identified and served with trespassing complaints.

Mediator

Sheriff’s deputies reported to New Marshfield on a juvenile complaint. They were advised that a juvenile had allegedly taken a bicycle away from another minor. The bicycle was returned to the owner and all parties were advised to stay away from one another.

Moooove out of the way!

Sheriff’s deputies responded to Lemaster Road in Athens on a report of a loose cow next to the road.

When offi cers arrived, several people

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were already trying to corral the cow because it was repeatedly running into the road. Deputies stopped traffi c and helped to control the cow.

Offi cers then returned to patrol.

Lone ATV

The Athens County Sheriff’s Offi ce received a report of a property located in Ames Township. The caller told deputies he found an abandoned ATV in the woods near his residence.

Offi cers attempted to locate the owner but were unsuccessful. The ATV was towed and taken as evidence.

Smelly situation

A dumpster fi re complaint at a condemned residence on Elliotsville Road, Athens, was reported to the Sheriff’s Offi ce.

Upon arrival, offi cers found a burning pile of rubbish on the ground. The Richland Fire Department responded and put out the fi re.

Pshheeewwwww (explosion noise)

Deputies responded to Sand Ridge Road in Guysville for a report of explosion sounds.

Deputies patrolled the area, but did not see or hear any sign of explosions.

It’s Slenderman

Deputies responded to State Route 144 near Four Mile Creek Road in Coolville after receiving a call from a man claiming he was being chased through the woods by unknown individuals.

The man refused to provide any details about the situation or himself and hung up. Deputies patrolled the area and dispatch made multiple attempts to get the man back on the phone for more information.

The man’s phone went directly to voicemail and deputies were unable to locate the male.

Apologies go a long way

A disorderly male on Stonybrook Drive in Athens was reported to sheriff’s deputies.

Upon the deputies’ arrival, the man explained why he was angry and then apologized. As of Thursday, there were no criminal charges.

Poor parking

A parking complaint on Spring Street in Chauncey was reported to the Sheriff’s

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Once on scene, deputies determined that the vehicle had been reported as stolen by the Athens Police Department. APD was summoned and processed the vehicle.

Anyone missing a phone?

A cell phone was found on Millfi eld Road in Millfi eld and was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Offi ce.

Upon arrival, offi cers collected the phone and placed it in evidence for safekeeping.

Stay in your lane

A complaint of individuals hunting geese inside the limits of the Village of Albany on State Route 681, near Louise Avenue was reported to Sheriff’s Offi ce deputies. After arriving at the village, offi cers found that the hunters had left the area. The case was forwarded to the Albany Police Department for further review because it was within their jurisdiction. @KENDALLKWRIGHT

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OU hires interims for temporary stability, potential permanent positions

PAIGE FISHER FOR THE POST

To provide continued support within certain departments, Ohio University hires interim employees.

Nick Wortman, director of human resources services, said interim positions vary depending on the need of a given department. There are currently 22 employees in interim positions within OU.

Interim employees are still eligible for benefits that are defined by university policy 41.010, much like full-time employees, Wortman said.

The benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, medical and daycare flexible spending accounts, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance and voluntary supplemental life insurance.

“Interim positions can vary depending on the needs at hand in specific departments, however, interim positions also provide opportunities for individuals to immerse themselves in both the responsibilities of a new role and its day-to-day pace while helping them determine if the position is one they’d be interested in pursuing on a more permanent basis,” Wortman wrote in an email.

Lyn Redington was recently hired as

the university’s interim vice president of student affairs. In her role, Redington is responsible for enhancing student engagement.

“President Sherman asked me to come in to support, help guide, and to help ensure that the budget is on track with the university and to really focus on student engagement,” Redington said. “That’s what I’m doing.”

Redington has prior experience in student affairs, having previously served as the vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Idaho State University, according to a previous Post report.

Redington said her primary goals are well-being, student engagement, equity and social justice.

“The ‘why’ I’ve worked in higher education for as long as I have is students,” Redington said. “I learn from them, I laugh with them, I appreciate all that they offer. I remember how much I enjoyed my college experience and that’s always what I hope for students.”

Wortman said it is also possible for interim employees to have the “interim” removed from their title eventually. The change would signify the individual has been selected to serve in the role on an ongoing basis.

Kathy Fahl recently dropped her “interim” title and is now OU’s dean of students.

Fahl said she has taken on a greater number of responsibilities since she assumed the permanent position. However, her responsibilities have changed very little.

“I would say that once you’re not an interim anymore, people then ask you to do more things,” Fahl said. “It’s like ‘great, now you’re in this role, you can take on some additional tasks.’”

Fahl said she expected her term as an interim employee to be between six and eight months but is excited that she now has the opportunity to be in the position permanently.

“There’s a sense of relief and an opportunity to start thinking about the future,” Fahl said. “I think when you’re in an interim space, you don’t want to be stagnant, but the reality is, you can’t do too many changes because you’re not permanent in your role.”

@PAIGEMAFISHER

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Kathy Fahl, interim associate dean of students and director of the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program. PROVIDED BY OHIO UNIVERSITY

Love is in the air

GABRIELLE CABANES FOR THE POST

Every year, it’s the same thing: boxes of chocolate, little teddy bears, flowers and jewelry crowd the aisles of almost every store in America. For some, the reminder of being single can be depressing and make the holiday uncomfortable, but others choose to embrace their relationship status and celebrate with friends. Even those in relationships find time during the holiday to spend with other people they love besides their significant other making the holiday a celebration of friendship and love.

According to National Today, the tradition of Galentine’s Day stemmed from an episode of the popular show “Parks and Recreation,” which aired in 2010. Traditionally celebrated on Feb. 13, Galentine’s Day then spread across the U.S. as an opportunity for “gals” and others to celebrate this holiday of

ILLUSTRATION BY ADELINE CHRISTENSEN

SCAN TO WATCH

love with their friends.

It is important to acknowledge that although the holiday was originally intended for single women to celebrate, since then, Galentine’s Day parties have been celebrated by all genders and regardless of relationship status.

Adisyn Dorman, a freshman studying pre-nursing, said she and her roommate would watch “The Bachelor” on their projector to celebrate Galentine’s Day this year.

She said celebrating this holiday centered around friendship was something she had been doing for years. Her basketball team in high school would often organize a dinner and a movie to celebrate.

Dorman said that although she has a boyfriend to celebrate the traditional version of Valentine’s Day with, they will not be able to participate in the festivities in person together. So, spending time with her friends will help her stay in touch with the holiday.

Dorman said she thinks it is important to participate in traditions like Galentine’s Day

to spend time with friends and take time to appreciate her friendships.

“Valentine’s Day is normally for significant others, but I think it’s cool to show your friends that you do really love and care for them,” she said.

Bella Jade Galakoutis, a freshman studying sociology and criminology, said for her Galentine’s Day festivities, she and her friends will enjoy a day full of self-care.

She said the schedule includes getting their nails done, putting on face masks and baking, among other activities centered around pampering and treating oneself.

Galakoutis said when she was living in Connecticut, her friends would often celebrate by getting manicures and getting coffee or dinner together.

She said she finds it essential to celebrate the holiday with friends in order to show them how much they mean to her, and that although this holiday was usually based around romantic love, it could also be observed through friendships.

“It’s important because those are my girls,” Galakoutis said. “They’ve been there for me through everything and I think it’s important to have that day where you appreciate each other and do things for each other.”

Ayomide Ayorinde, a freshman studying pre-nursing, said she had already had a Galentine’s Day celebration with her friends where they watched “The Bachelor.”

She said it was her first time celebrating Valentine’s Day and that she wasn’t particularly excited about it, but she enjoyed her time, adding that she just went with the flow.

Ayorinde said that although celebrating Galentine’s wasn’t very exciting for her, she thinks it is important to spend time with friends and show care for the people around you.

“I think it’s important,” she said. “It’s just like relationships, but just about people you care about and love.”

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Andrew, I love you so much and I hope you’re having an amazing day! I miss you so much! I can’t wait to see you soon! Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Through thick and thin, I love you most Nov -Ay

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"Happy Valentine's Day! Thank you for always being there for me and grounding me! You're the best!”

Xoxo,Grace

Jason Preston and Micaylah Nash share their story

their long-term relationship.

“It’s such a close knit campus,” said Nash.

Nash recalled the first time she met him, she was so nervous purchasing her West 82 quesadilla that she forgot salsa, but they quickly saw each other frequently.

“We were both in the business school, so we’d always see each other around,” said Preston.

Some of Preston’s biggest decisions were made in Athens with Nash right by his side. During his junior year, Preston had to choose to either stay at OU or follow his dreams as a professional basketball player.

“He left for the NBA following the March Madness tournament, going into senior year,” said Nash. “So, we did long distance for that whole year.”

As his dreams came to fruition in LA, Preston finished his degree virtually and Nash remained at OU. Despite living across the country from one another, the pair was still very much in love. Not even 2,000 miles and a three-hour time zone difference could break their bond.

“The long distance, it’s obviously not easy for every relationship,” said Preston. “Communication is the number one important factor in maintaining and growing relationships.”

Nash said learning to communicate while Preston was busy with practice helped them when they lived in different places.

“I think it’s really important, in especially college relationships, to be as compassionate and understanding as possible and know that everyone has totally different experiences,” said Nash.

After the couple graduated in 2022, Nash landed a job at United Talent Agency and moved to LA with Preston. Preston proposed to Nash in December of 2022. The OU alumni announced their engagement through Instagram posts on Dec. 29. Bobcats everywhere gushed over the news.

Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio for the surprise proposal.

“It was in the snow at Easton in front of the Christmas tree and he had a hidden photographer that he was working with,” said Nash. “We went to the dinner spot … and then my whole family was there waiting for me. They were like, ‘Congrats!’”

Preston and Nash remain optimistic about their relationship and future together.

“He’s just always been so supportive –biggest advocate, so understanding, so caring and selfless,” said Nash. “His superpower is really just how amazing he is and I just love him.”

Preston echoes the support for Nash.

“She does so much for me,” said Preston. “I’ve got a pretty up and down schedule, but you know, she’s just my rock.”

Every Ohio University student grows to love the small town of Athens, Ohio. The beautiful scenery and sense of community are the perfect setting for a love story. While students can only hope for a perfect ending to their collegiate romance novel, not everyone is as lucky as Jason Preston and Micaylah Nash.

Jason Preston, an NBA player for the Los

Angeles Clippers and Micaylah Nash, a junior strategist for United Talent Agency, first met in the winter of their freshman year at the West 82 Food Court. Their romance began in Athens during the summer of 2020. Preston was training for basketball, while Nash was working as a virtual tour guide.

“We would do outdoor dates, like picnics like a COVID couple, and he asked me to be his girlfriend on College Green,” said Nash.

Preston and Nash believe their time spent together at OU contributed to the success of

As beautiful as the proposal was, Preston explained that behind the scenes, it was no easy feat. He had planned a dinner and proposal in Ohio, but because of winter weather and canceled flights, Preston was stuck in New York. After intense searching and persistence, Nash found Preston a plane ticket from Ohio to New York on Christmas Eve.

“Another obstacle was getting the ring to Ohio because it was originally set to go to New York,” said Preston. “(Jeff Boals, coach of the Ohio men’s basketball team) helped me out a lot because he was able to pick up the ring from a location and bring it to Micaylah’s family’s house.”

After everything finally fell into place, Preston, Nash and her family gathered at

From College Green to LA, the pair feel they have found their other halves.

“We have a great balance in our relationship,” said Nash. “‘I’m a little more talkative, outgoing. He’s a little more reserved. I’m more emotional. He’s more logical. So we’re just a good balance.”

With a wedding upcoming, Nash joked they were getting into their vows already as the two expressed their affection.

“She’s a very happy and sunshine person,” said Preston. “I’m very glad we get to spend the rest of our lives together.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JASON PRESTON AND MICAYLAH NASH ABREANNA BLOSE FOR THE POST

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JASON PRESTON AND MICAYLAH NASH

Turkish Bobcats grieve, unite after devastating earthquake

bridges and even airports are destroyed, preventing some help from arriving. The fourth reason for the death rate climbing at an astronomical rate is the earthquake has put further stress on a region with a lot of tension already. Gaziantep is located right next to the Turkey-Syria border and is home to nearly 500,000 refugees alone.

As of the time this article was written, anywhere from 33,000 to 36,000 people in Turkey and Syria are dead as a result of the earthquake. That statistic does not even take into account the immense amount of the population injured or still under the rubble as well as the number of displaced persons. This earthquake disaster has become the deadliest in the world in more than a decade.

For Hakan Karaaytu, a teaching fellow, and Merve Ocak, a graduate student studying linguistics, it is a new kind of heartbreak to watch their home country undergo this mass destruction while being almost 6,000 miles away from their home country of Turkey.

Karaaytu and Ocak were actually together when they heard the news of the devastation. They were at dinner to celebrate another friend and Ocak turned to Karaaytu, grabbed his arm and whispered, “7.8.”

“I understood what she said, but my brain just rejected it,” Karaaytu said.

know, like my loved ones are healthy, but I feel like I lost everything right now. I feel like I lost my country basically.”

Ocak said that nobody is immune to the pain, saying everyone knows at least one person who was lost. Karaaytu said he went through his followers on Instagram and contacted everyone to make sure they were okay.

“Imagine you’re in a funeral,” Ocak said. “The whole country is in a funeral.”

Ocak and Karaaytu said they both felt an element of guilt being away from their families and being safe from the destruction. Even the simplest task of taking a shower reminds Karaaytu of the pain others are in and how little access they have to basic privileges.

In an effort to help their community and do their part, Karaaytu and Ocak along with other Bobcats, have organized a donation campaign to send relief and aid to those in need. The campaign, titled “Bobcats for Earthquake Survivors,” is collecting money to send to AHBAP. The organization is an NGO or a nonprofit that operates independently from the government and is raising money to help with recovery in Turkey.

In the early hours of Feb. 6, Turkish and Syrian citizens were awoken to a 7.8-magnitude earthquake. The epicenter of the earthquake was Kahramanmaraş, close to Gaziantep, a large city in the southeastern part of Turkey. Less than 10 hours later, the aftershock of the initial earthquake came in the form of a 7.5-magnitude earthquake north of Gaziantep.

The earthquake’s effects were enormous, with reverberations felt in Iraq, Israel, Lebanon and Jordan. However, it is reported the greatest amount of devastation occurred in northern Syria and southeastern Turkey. It is estimated 5,600 buildings were destroyed in

Turkey and 5,000 people died within the first 24 hours following.

The death toll continues to climb at an astronomical rate for a number of reasons. For one, many people were inside when the earthquake struck, and many of the buildings were not built to withstand the impact, causing a lot of them to “pancake” on top of each other. Turkey and Syria are also in the middle of winter, where temperatures can be below-freezing. Cold rain fell during the day on Monday over the rubble, and the temperature was below freezing during nighttime. Those who are trapped underneath rubble also face the impending threat of hypothermia.

A third factor is that because of the mass destruction the earthquake caused, relief efforts are more difficult to bring in. Highways,

Karaaytu and Ocak spent the rest of the night trying to remain calm while absorbing as much news as they could on Twitter to find out what was happening in their country. Both of them got little-to-no sleep that night, just trying to see the extent of the damage and make sure their loved ones were okay.

Karaaytu teaches on Mondays and tries to limit his social media intake on Sunday nights, but he said this was a totally different story.

“I have to be careful for Sunday,” he said. “That’s my rule, but I totally lost my control.”

Karaaytu and Ocak both immediately recognized the immense loss the tragedy was to the nation, both saying the entire country is in mourning. Karaaytu compared it to 9/11 to help others understand the severity. After 9/11, around 3,000 people died. The death toll is now more than twelve times that number.

“I didn’t lose anyone,” Ocak said. “You

Karaaytu and Ocak are hoping to drum up support for their cause by tabling outside Baker Center and the Alumni Gateway, as well as hosting a bake sale from Feb. 13 through Feb. 16.

“What we want to do is we want to include Bobcats because our family is here,” Karaaytu said. “We want to touch our friends and family because we feel like OU is our family.”

All parties interested in donating can Venmo the username @BobcatsForEarthquake1804 or send a PayPal to @Bobcatsearthquake. Karaaytu was adamant that he and Ocak would deeply appreciate any donation, no matter the amount.

ww2“If you just watch, we are going to lose our minds,” Karaaytu said. “So that’s why we need action. Action is going to keep us busy, action is going to make us feel a little better.”

A group of Bobcats stand near Alumni Gateway to help raise money for the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. PHOTO PROVIDED BY HAKAN KARAAYTU AND MERVE

ALYSSA CRUZ ASST. CULTURE EDITOR

Students and professors talk about the love they found in Athens

RYAN MAXIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Happy Valentine’s Day, bobcats! Love is all around Athens, and not everyone celebrates their love the same way. This year, The Post sat down with four couples at Ohio University to talk about their origin stories, their plans for Tuesday and their hopes for the future.

Sydney Britton & Andrew Thomas

The origin story

When Sydney Britton first met her boyfriend, Andrew Thomas, they lived almost 500 miles away from each other.

Thomas is a sixth-year senior studying marketing online at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, but in October 2021, he was visiting a childhood friend who attended OU. It was during Halloween weekend, and his friend wanted to show him Court Street. They walked into Lucky’s Sports Tavern, 11 N. Court St., and Britton was standing on a booth seat.

“When I saw him walk in the door, I was like, ‘Introduce me immediately,’” said Britton, a sixth-year senior studying commercial photography. “We hung out and talked for quite a few hours at Lucky’s and then we ran to Stephen’s for a second.”

Britton and Thomas exchanged snapchats, and the following day they continued snapchatting each other. Thomas was only in town for a weekend, so Britton invited him to a party and they hung out after. The next morning, they got breakfast together before Thomas returned to St. Louis.

The next weekend was Dad’s Weekend, but Thomas offered to drive the eight hours

it took to come back to visit the weekend after that.

“Then he came the next weekend after that, and then the weekend after and then the weekend after,” Britton said.

Thomas visited Britton’s family near Columbus during Winter Break 2021, and they continued to talk. At the time, Britton wanted to hold off on dating because she didn’t feel prepared for a relationship.

“I respected that so much,” Thomas said. “We didn’t rush into things and made sure that these were the right moves. I mean, traveling from St. Louis, at that point, not knowing I’m going to uproot my life and move here, we made sure everything was kind of thoughtful.”

Then, on Feb. 16, 2022, the couple made it official. A few months later, Thomas, who studied online and had a job that allowed him to work remotely, moved to Athens full-time and moved in with one of Britton’s friends.

They were both nervous about living close to each other after dating long-distance for months, but the transition was comfortable, the couple said.

Plans for Valentine’s Day

This year, with Valentine’s Day falling so close to the couple’s one-year anniversary, Thomas has a secret plan for how to commemorate his relationship with Britton.

“It involves Columbus and a scavenger hunt, that’s all I think I should say,” Thomas said.

Last year, two-days before they started dating, Thomas and Britton had dinner at Cirò Italian Kitchen & Bar, 120 W. Union St. Thomas surprised Britton with two bouquets of flowers, and the couple made a heartshaped brownie together.

What’s next?

After graduation in May, the couple plans to move to Columbus, where they just got approved for their first apartment out of college.

After a few years, they’d love to move to New York and continue their careers, Britton said. After that, marriage and kids are certainly on the table, but nothing is set in stone yet. No matter what happens or where they are, the couple plans on cultivating their love.

“I realized I loved him when I was sick. It was my first time being sick around him and he made

me soup, just like willingly came back and made me soup,” Britton said. “I was like, ‘Oh, he really cares.’”

Gwen Peters & Dylan Bertelsen

The origin story

Gwen Peters, a sophomore studying middle school education, wasn’t looking for a relationship in September 2020. But when one of her work friends came to her with his friend’s snapchat, she was intrigued.

Peters and Dylan Bertelsen, a sophomore studying accounting, began snapchatting back and forth, and they really hit it off. In December 2020, they

officially started dating.

Initially, Bertelsen knew he wanted to attend OU, but Peters was still deciding. She was conscious about the implications of attending the same school as her significant other, so she applied to 12 other schools. Once she visited OU, though, she knew it was the place for her.

“I feel like it was kind of convenient that we both knew where we were going. I mean, we had talked about long-distance and we weren’t really worried if we had to do that, but it was nice to know we were both going to go to the same place,” Peters said. “One thing we’ve always said is if we need space for schoolwork or just want to be by ourselves for a little bit, then we’re going to grant that no questions asked because we don’t want to overcrowd each other.”

So far, the couple has managed their closeness well. It’s nice to have each other so close, Bertelsen said, but it’s also OK if they decide to do their own things sometimes.

Plans for Valentine’s Day

For their second Valentine’s Day together, Peters and Bertelsen plan to keep things low key. After a nice dinner, Bertelsen said, they just plan to hang out and do the things that normally make them happy when they’re together.

“When we’re at school, our Valentine’s Days are more relaxed just because we’re college students, so we don’t have all this money but also it’s nice to just spend time together and reflect and stuff,” Peters said.”

What’s next?

Though they’re sophomores, Peters and Bertelsen have clear ideas of what they’d like their relationship to look like through college and after graduation.

“In my personal opinion, I see us getting through both of our college careers together and potentially either out of college moving in together or maybe

like (during our) final year having a place together and then going from there,” Bertelsen said.

Peters agreed, saying she sees herself spending the rest of her life with Bertelsen.

“I believe in soulmates and I kind of believe that there’s typically one for every person and I think that I’ve definitely found that in Dylan,” Peters said.

Silver Barker & C.J. Harris

The origin story

When C.J. Harris saw Silver Barker at North End Kitchen and Bar, 77 N. Court St., he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“She was good looking, so I went ahead and I tried to talk to her and she gave me some good conversation but she was not too interested in me at first,” Harris said, laughing. “Let’s just say I never gave up. I didn’t quit, so I kept working … to get her attention.”

Barker, a junior studying journalism, said she had just gotten out of a relationship and was weary about entertaining the idea of a relationship with anyone at the time. That was in September 2021, and over the next couple of months, she and Harris, a senior studying sports management, started to get to know each other better.

They talked during Winter Break heading into 2022, and Barker’s opinions about a possible relationship officially changed when Harris, who doesn’t like sushi, asked her out on a sushi date to Ginger Asian Kitchen because he knew she loved it.

“We sat down and had a talk about our goals and everything and our outlook and perspective on life, and I think that’s what really kind of set him aside,” Barker said.

After about a month-and-a-half of hanging out, they officially started dating in late February. The couple will celebrate their one-year anniversary Feb. 27.

Plans for Valentine’s Day

In terms of plans for Valentine’s Day, Harris said he was keeping them a secret. Last year, however, Harris took Barker to Columbus to eat hibachi, and when they returned to Athens, he gifted her chocolate strawberries,

a teddy bear, self-care items and more.

“I love chocolate covered strawberries,” Barker said. “My dad used to give them to me for the longest time, and now that C.J. is here, I think it’s kind of a must for him.”

Though his plans for Valentine’s Day are secretive, he said he and Barker plan to visit Columbus again on Saturday to eat and visit the city. The two have very hectic schedules, Barker said, so it’s nice when they can just spend a day having fun with no rigid plans.

What’s next?

With graduation coming up, Harris plans to pursue a graduate degree while Barker remains at OU to finish her undergraduate degree. Barker said her degree and Harris’ will likely lead to unpredictable work locations out of college, but the couple plans to do everything they can to stay near each other after graduation.

“Most definitely we’ll stick together and then wherever she goes, I’ll try to follow,” Harris said.

Ideally, the couple will move to the west coast after they secure steady jobs, Barker said. They love the outdoors and the heat, and they think the best place for them would be out West.

Regardless of location, Harris and Barker plan to be together through everything. In doing so, Harris said he’ll accomplish what he set out to do the first time he met Barker.

“I met her and I was like, ‘Yeah, I need this woman to be my girl,’” he said.

Garrett Thompson is the next man up for Ohio

ROBERT KEEGAN III FOR THE POST

In what’s been an up and down season for the Ohio wrestling team, one of the most impressive stories of the year has been none other than redshirt freshman Garrett Thompson.

Thompson was never a highly touted wrestling recruit out of his high school in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, but at Ohio, Thompson has worked hard to become one of the most surprising wrestlers in the Mid-American Conference.

“I can’t say enough good things about Garrett Thompson, he comes in and works his tail off every day,” head coach Joel Greenlee said after Thompson’s dominant performance against Kent State.

Thompson began the year wrestling at 157 pounds, but Ohio already has Peyten Kellar at that weight, the second ranked wrestler in the class in the January rankings. Thompson worked with Ohio’s dieticians to move up to 165 pounds. The move proved fruitful for Thompson.

“I started at 157 pounds, I thought I was losing a little too much weight there so then I moved up to 165 pounds and felt a lot better there,” Thompson said.

Despite how Thompson felt at 165 pounds, the Bobcats already had Jordan Slivka, a redshirt junior who began the year as the No. 3 wrestler in the class. The team did, however, need a wrestler at 174 pounds after Sal Perrine, one of the premiere wrestlers in the MAC, went down with an injury.

In lieu of his injury, Thompson made the leap to 174 where he has begun to wrestle opponents that may be much bigger and much stronger than him. Thompson claims to always be ready to step into any role no matter how great the challenge may be.

“I was trying to get a few extra lifts in

per week because I knew some of those guys were gonna be a lot stronger than the ones at lower weight classes,” Thompson said. “Moving up I knew it was gonna be a bit of a strength disadvantage for me.”

Thompson had big shoes to fill stepping in for the sophomore Perrine, however, his teammates have been there to help him embrace the challenge of being the next man up for one of Ohio’s best.

“I get a lot of support from my teammates and I know that they are happy with how I’ve been performing,” Thompson said.

“I feel lucky to be able to wrestle with those 174 pound guys.”

The support from his teammates is part of what attracted Thompson to Ohio two years ago.

“When I got into contact with coach (Greenlee), I really liked everything about the team and the atmosphere,” Thompson said. “We have a really good relationship. There’s a lot of criticism but also a lot of positive reinforcement. They’re always there to help you with whatever you need.”

This year Thompson has put up impres-

sive performances at multiple different weight classes. To start the year, wrestling at 157 pounds, Thompson placed second at the competitive Michigan State open with a win by fall and major decision.

At 174 pounds, Thompson has been nearly unbeatable. Against Northern Illinois he won by major decision, followed by yet another major decision win against Cleveland State. On senior night, Thompson was at his absolute best, winning by fall at just 1:51 against Kent State.

As mentioned by his coaches, Thompson has an undeniably strong work ethic that has helped him get to this point. This work ethic comes from one of his biggest role models, his mother.

“She’s always worked really hard and I admire her work ethic,” Thompson said. “That’s always something I keep in mind.”

A Pennsylvania native, Thompson’s family isn’t particularly close to Ohio but that doesn’t stop his mom from coming to support him.

His mom comes to as many matches as she can to support him no matter what. This support provides an extra level of confidence for Thompson every time he takes the mat.

With three years of eligibility remaining, it’ll be hard to talk about Ohio wrestling without mentioning Garrett Thompson’s name for a long time to come.

“He runs hard, he lifts hard, he wrestles hard and it’s paying off. He wasn’t a huge recruit but I believe he could be an all-american for Ohio University,” Greenlee said.

Garrett Thompson, a redshirt freshman from Pennsylvania, poses for a portrait in The Convo on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (CARRIE LEGG | PHOTO EDITOR)

A look at Ohio’s 2023 season

ASHLEY BEACH ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Ohio coach Craig Moore looked out the window of his office in The Convo and smiled. The sun cascaded over the parking lot and a cool breeze moved the trees. Baseball weather had hit Athens just in time for the 2023 season.

“We’ve been at it for about three weeks, counting individuals and team practice,” Moore said. “We’ve been fortunate enough to be able to get outside for a few days.”

The Bobcats are entering the season in good shape. They’re returning 20 players from last season’s roster — including AllMAC nominees Colin Kasperbauer and Mason Minzey. The returners are split even with upperclassmen and underclassmen, with the likes of A.J. Rausch, Brenden Roder and Braxton Kelly returning to the field.

There will be a few new faces, too, mainly on the mound. Pitching was Ohio’s kryptonite last season. By the time the fourth game of the weekend rolled around, the bullpen was spent. However, the addition of Luke Olson and others may alleviate that issue.

Roder became one of Ohio’s go-to pitchers last season and is excited to see the new pitching staff compete.

“The’ve been huge, our (junior college) pitchers,” Roder said. “They’ve been our saving grace this fall and kind of gotten our old guys, our freshman (and) our sophomores to really step up, too. We have a deep pitching staff. We have 17 and seriously all 17 could probably pitch the first weekend. It’s really exciting.”

New faces will help the Bobcats as they take on a few familiar nonconference opponents, such as Kentucky, which Ohio defeated last season and Morehead State. Ohio will

also take on Indiana in the middle of MAC play.

Ohio’s MAC schedule starts on March 10 with a series against Bowling Green, followed by MAC Tournament Champions Central Michigan the next weekend. Ohio is fortunate to start the season at home and it’s also happy with the league’s new format.

Rather than play a doubleheader on Saturday, the MAC has chosen to play a single game.

“That’s very exciting news when we heard that from the conference,” Moore said. “It was unanimous that every coach wanted to go back to that three-game set… It will be a lot easier going into the weekends to manage the pitching staff and then not have too many position players come out of those weekends just completely drained.”

Last season, Ohio’s bats carried it to the MAC Tournament for the first time since 2017. Ohio had the second-best batting average in the MAC. However, when Ohio didn’t hit, it didn’t win. Ohio lost two of its power hitters — Isaiah Peterson and Spencer Harbert — to graduation at the end of the 2022 season. Although the losses are felt, Moore is confident in Ohio’s emerging leaders.

“We feel like we’ve got a solid group there, now we just need a couple of guys to step in and amp their game up a little bit,” Moore said.

Moore looks for redshirt sophomore Nick Dolan, senior Alex Finney and fifth-year Will Sturek to have larger roles this season at the plate and in the field.

The new Bobcats are going to help at the plate, too. Ohio added Alec Patino and Gideon Antle, both junior college transfers. Patino hit .338 with 63 RBIs in 79 games at

Iowa Western Community College and Antle hit .331 with 38 RBIs in 55 games at Jefferson College.

Ohio will get to see its new additions in action this weekend. It is set to start its season at the Hugh Brothers Challenge at UNC Wilmington on Friday. It will be tasked with two games against the host, a game against Navy and one against Virginia, which was cast at No. 19 in D1Baseball’s preseason poll.

However, the feat of a new season or

ranked opponent isn’t too tall. The Bobcats are confident they’ll succeed.

“I’m excited to prove people wrong and do the same thing we did last year,” Roder said.

@ASHLEYBEACHY_

Voted ‘Athens Best Burger’ for 25 years

Ohio infielder Nick Dolan (1) hits a ground ball to third against Toledo at Bob Wren Stadium on April 8, 2022. (JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

How to slay Valentine’s Day

LAYNE REY

Whether you’re in a relationship or not, Valentine’s Day should be about self-love. In a world full of more comparison and toxicity than ever, using at least one day of the year as a time to delve fully into self-love is necessary. Here are some things I recommend doing in the name of self-love Feb. 14.

Buy yourself flowers

If you don’t take it from me, Miley Cyrus will also tell you to buy yourself flowers. Having fresh flowers on your desk or kitchen table can change the space completely for a fairly low price. Picking the perfect ones that look and smell the best to you is refreshing.

Have something sweet

Valentine’s Day is just the same as any other holiday — a day to indulge without any care. With access to a kitchen, numerous pink and red recipes online can get you in the right spirit. If not, CVS Pharmacy, located at 32 S. Court St., is a short walk from campus and has a wide selection of festive candy and chocolates.

Listen to an upbeat playlist or podcast

Music and podcasts are among the best ways to be alone but not feel lonely. As cheesy as that is, it can be hard to be

alone on Valentine’s Day. However, going on a hot girl walk while listening to a great playlist or making chocolate-covered strawberries while enjoying a podcast could positively change your Valentine’s Day vibe.

Take yourself on a date

Whether you have dinner plans with a significant other or plan to stay in for the night, take yourself on a date at some point in the day. It could be something as simple as walking over to Brenen’s Coffee to grab a coffee or buying yourself that lunch you haven’t had yet in an attempt to save money.

Find a rom-com to watch

Finding the perfect rom-com to watch on Valentine’s Day is key. There is something so peaceful in making popcorn and snuggling up to watch one of these movies. It will be a great time whether you choose to do this by yourself, with your significant other or with your friends.

Take care of yourself

Self-care is one of the most rewarding ways to show yourself love. Doing a simple face mask, painting your nails, journaling, exercising, drinking water or even taking an “ev-

CAT’S CRADLE

erything” shower can drastically change your mood and entire day.

Go celebrate

If it’s your thing, celebrate Valentine’s Day on Court Street. Get dressed up in your best red and pink and have a fun night with those you love.

Get yourself a gift

Valentine’s Day is the excuse you’ve been waiting for to buy that item that has been sitting in your cart. Even if you have a significant other getting you a gift, you still have to show yourself some love. If that’s in the form of a serotonin-filled package, so be it.

From me to you, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Layne Rey is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.

A history of Valentine’s Day

BENJAMIN ERVIN

Valentine’s Day is a highly commercialized holiday bound up in conceptions of the heteronormative practice of dating and long-term relationships. However, there is a history of Valentine’s Day that has become as cliché as flowers and chocolate for your partner but deserves to be revisited every year the holiday comes around.

Preamble aside, Valentine’s Day was not always a commercial holiday. Instead, the holiday can be traced back to the Roman Empire. From the third century B.C.E. to the fifth century C.E., Roman senators practiced the ritual of Lupercalia.

Every Feb. 15, Roman senators met in the chamber called the Lupercal, the supposed birthplace of the mythical founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. The senators would sacrifice a goat, run through the streets of Rome and strike women with pieces of meat to encourage fertility.

Concurrent to the polytheistic festivals of Rome is the conversion of Constantine the Great. In 312 A.D., Constantine converted to Christianity, changing the state religion from polytheism to Christianity. This began the rise of Christianity and the Papacy in Rome.

In the final years of Lupercalia, Pope Gelasius I declared Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day. The holiday — preceding Lupercalia by one day on the calendar— was meant as a feast day. It was established to honor Saint Valentine.

The story of St. Valentine varies depending on the account, from his attempts to convert Emperor Claudius II or Roman citizens, in each case leading to his execution. He became the patron of lovers, couples, marriages, beekeepers and epilepsy. This eclectic patronage is a sign that the earliest Valentine’s Day celebrations were not focused on love, but veneration of the saint through a festival focused on a feast.

It wasn’t until the time of Geoffrey Chaucer that the word “Valentine” was associated with ideas of love. In his poem “Parlement of Foules,” Chaucer first connected the Valentine with ideas of love.

Valentine’s Day would change once again into the commercialized holiday that we have come to know with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. The mass production era allowed Valentine’s Day cards to be produced in large quantities rather than individually handmade.

In the current moment, Valentine’s Day has become an equally commercialized and romanticized holiday. The tension of finding love and purchasing gifts has become the subject of parody, even being reinterpreted as Single Awareness Day, or SAD. Internationally, the holiday more broadly encompasses love for one’s friends as well as partners, like El día del Amor y Amistad.

Looking through the history of the holiday, we can see that Valentine’s Day was not always about love. Instead, it is a holiday with traditions deeply rooted in the celebration of relations from lovers to friends to family.

Benjamin Ervin is a senior studying English literature and writing at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Benjamin know by emailing him be425014@ohio.edu.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers

ABBY WAECHTER

You do not have to be in a relationship to celebrate the true meaning of Valentine’s Day.

Admittedly, it is special to spend Valentine’s Day with a significant other, but spending it as a single person can be just as meaningful. The history behind the holiday extends far beyond today’s traditions of conversation hearts, boxes of chocolates and red roses.

In elementary school, children cover shoe boxes with pink, white and red construction paper and create mailboxes for their “valentines,” later filled with goodies and sweets from their classmates. This tradition, however, is much deeper than it is thought to be.

St. Valentine was a Catholic priest who is believed to have previously worked as a doctor. He was known for marrying people who were in love but unable to marry legally. When the emperor, Claudius, learned of these illegal acts, he imprisoned Valentine. Valentine is most famous for having a connection with his jailer, who asked Valentine to help his daughter.

The jailer’s daughter was blind and needed help reading material for her studies. Before Valentine was killed, he left the girl a message encouraging her to stay close to

Christ and thanked her for being his friend. After receiving her “valentine,” it is said that the jailer’s daughter was cured of her blindness – an act of kindness that Valentine left for her.

Although St. Valentine is the patron saint of love, engagements and marriages, the history behind his feast day is also inspired by kindness. St. Valentine was a deeply caring individual, but was not in love himself, so why is the holiday primarily aimed at those in relationships?

Valentine’s Day does not have to be the stereotypical, materialistic and sappy holiday that everyone believes it to be. There is a much more positive, beautiful meaning to the holiday. Instead, it can be a day full of self-love and appreciating the non-romantic connections in our lives.

Being in a relationship is not a necessary part of the holiday. Most people in college are still growing and learning to love themselves, let alone a whole other human being. So, don’t feel discouraged if you’re spending the day alone.

As cheesy as it sounds, I like to spend the day surrounded by my friends and celebrate Galentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day originated from the TV show “Parks and

Recreation.” On the show, the female characters celebrate Valentine’s Day by eating waffles and indulging in excessive gift-giving regardless of their relationship statuses.

Whether spending the holiday in a relationship, with friends or by yourself, Valentine’s Day should be focused on the same kindness St. Valentine showed throughout his life. Acts of kindness such as holding the door, saying “good morning” or grabbing dinner with some friends are acts that make the holiday worth celebrating.

So this Valentine’s Day, instead of scoffing at couples on romantic ventures, recognize the small acts of kindness that the holiday is actually about.

Abby Waechter is a freshman studying strategic communications at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post . Have something to say? Email Abby at aw087421@ ohio.edu or tweet her @AbbyWaechter.

This year, Rihanna is the real winner of the Super Bowl

ILLUSTRATION BY LAUREN ADAMS

In September, Rihanna took to Instagram to announce she would be headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show. It was news that many fans were shocked to hear since the singer was adamant about not performing in the show after taking a stand with other NFL players against police brutality.

Yet, Rihanna took to the stage last night, playing many of her hit songs while also proving that her performance would top the Super Bowl game itself. What made the performance a surprise was the singer’s subtle pregnancy announcement as she sported an all-red look, which made the show all the more memorable.

As many questioned what song Rihanna would open with, she played her fan-favorite, “B**** Better Have My Money,” her vocals confidently ringing out across the stadium as she sang from a high-rise see-through

platform. As the platform slowly lowered towards the main stage, which was packed with an array of dancers in white puffer jackets and pants, Rihanna transitioned into the DJ-esque, “Where Have You Been.”

If the energy couldn’t be lifted even more, the crowd continued to get rowdier as Rihanna and the dancers started performing in sync, using similar choreography from her iconic 2016 MTV Video Music Award performance. With only such a short time, she quickly moved into “Only Girl (In The World),” with hints of songs “What’s My Name (feat. Drake)” and “S&M.”

Instantly bringing fans back to the mid2010s, Rihanna also sang “We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)” and “Rude Boy,” her confidence blooming. You could tell that the singer felt in her element, smiling and interacting with her dancers as she grooved along to the beat. With a swagger unlike previous halftime shows, she also truly proved her overall coolness with “Work (feat. Drake)”

and “Wild Thoughts (feat. Bryson Tiller and DJ Khaled),” unafraid to be sensual as a new and expecting mother in her 30s.

The audience was thrown into a club-like atmosphere as soon as the lights dropped and turned red all around the singer as she belted “Pour It Up,” but one of the most iconic parts of the show was when Rihanna boldly went through with singing “All of the Lights” and “Run This Town,” two songs fans were unsure if the singer would perform because of the recent controversial acts of collaborator and rapper Kanye West. Luckily, the songs didn’t turn the set sour, with Rihanna not even losing her cool or breaking a sweat, not even including West’s parts from the songs.

Sadly, no guest appearances were made during the next song, “Umbrella (feat. Jay-Z),” but the set around Rihanna illuminated the singer as she began to rise above the stage again as her 13-minute run time began to get down to its final minutes.

Ending the show with a banger, “Diamonds,” the whole stadium was filled with white light. Rihanna’s band and dancers held up lights, as well as the audience, as she stripped down one of her most beloved songs. It was the perfect way to end her long-anticipated performance, proving to the U.S. that even though she hasn’t released an album in seven years, Rihanna’s music catalog is still timeless, as well as her effortless swag and beauty.

All in all, Rihanna killed it, and her Super Bowl Halftime show will go down in history as being one of the best performances alongside highly acclaimed performers such as Prince and Beyoncé, especially during one of the most boring Super Bowl games in the last few years.

GRACE KOENNECKE FOR THE POST

Albany firefighter receives award for service

COLE PATTERSON DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA

On Feb. 11, Captain Randall Crossen Sr. was recognized for his service and presented the “EMT / Paramedic of the year” award for the state of Ohio.

Crossen, a long-time member of the Albany Area Volunteer Fire Department, began his firefighting career at just 14 years old.

“He’s been at this stuff for about 40 years,” Joe Mulligan, post adjutant for Veterans of Foreign Wars post 9893, said. “So you know, he’s probably seen all that you could possibly, unfortunately see in ways of fires and accidents. But he’s been there to help the community out and help our citizens out.”

In addition to working with the Albany Fire Department, Crossen is also big in Cub Scouts and the VFW auxiliary.

“Over the years, Randy has done so much for the community,” Lee Bolen, Fire Chief of the Albany Fire Department, said. “A lot of people that know Randy recognize that there’s a lot of folks that are new to the area that may not know what all he has done over the years, so this award is just excellent.”

Jim Riley, safety department chairman of the VFW, presented Crossen with a plaque from VFW post 9893 at the Albany Fire Sta-

tion Saturday morning.

Each year, hundreds of VFW posts throughout Ohio submit names for police, fire, EMT, paramedic and dispatchers of the year. Riley says Crossen rose to the top due to his credentials and experience.

“It was no competition when we read his qualifications, and the length of service he’s had to the people of this area,” Riley said. “He was a great public servant.”

Crossen is the first captain of the fire department, having been in the department for 39 years.

“I’ve known Randy since 2000, when I first joined the fire service, and we hit it off instantly,” Bolen said. “Randy is one of those guys that he can get along with everyone. He’s involved with everything in the community pretty much that you can possibly be involved with.”

Crossen said he never dreamed he would be awarded anything this high when he started in the field.

“I never knew I was even considered being nominated for it,” Crossen said. “Our VFW commander and VFW post Albany 8983, and our fire chief coordinated together and blindsided me, and nominated me for the award.”

Crossen said he has always wanted to

help people and be in the medical field. Crossen got his start in the field after seeing an advertisement for EMT training, sparking him to apply and begin his career.

“My chief’s been wanting me to be his assistant several times, they’ve asked me to be the chief here several times,” Crossen said. “I’m happy in the captain position. My work schedule, I’m on the road a lot, so it’s hard for me to be able to fulfill that position.”

The Albany Fire Department operates on

a volunteer basis, utilizing community members like Crossen daily. More information on the fire department can be found on its Facebook page.

“I’ll continue to try and do the best out there to try and make everybody the best I can do to protect their lives and families and property,” Crossen said.

Captain Randall Crossen Sr. poses with another firefighter. (COLE PATTERSON | DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA)

Photo by Lisa Berg

Your Valentine’s Day Horoscope 2023

JILLIAN BULLOCK FOR THE POST

Valentine’s Day is the day to express love and appreciation for not only our romantic partners but our closest friends and family, too. Keep reading to fi nd out what the stars have in line for you this holiday.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Aries are adventurous and energetic, and they love surprises. Planning a surprise for your Aries signifi cant other may be the way to go. Mercury currently travels through Aquarius, bringing some extra spark to your social life. Whether your Valentine’s Day company is platonic, romantic or just yourself, today can be whatever you make it be.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Happy V-Day, Taurus! The moon’s ruler, Jupiter, will be in your 12th house, suggesting you may spend your day with a love interest. If your partner is a Taurus sun sign, you should expect a well-thought-out Valentine’s Day with no detail missed, as they are great planners.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Hey, Gemini! It is important to hon-

or what you feel, especially on a day like this. Geminis are skilled at expressing their feelings more than the other signs, making it important to align your feelings with your actions this Valentine’s Day.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Cancers are known for being romantics, so enjoy the parts of this holiday that others may fi nd cheesy. Life is too short not to tell others how you feel, and honesty is the best policy. Your Jupiter is in Aries, which adds some pressure to the career sector of your chart. If you don’t have the time to do everything you want this Valentine’s Day, that is okay! Simplicity is key, and less is more.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

For you, Leo, it is hard being vulnerable. You may fi nd today to be just another day, but remember that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about others; it can be about your love for yourself. Your ninth house of self-discovery is glistening today. Take yourself out on a date; you deserve it.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Hi, sweet Virgo. Sometimes, the small gestures mean the most. With many Virgo’s love language being acts of service, provide your Virgo partner with an act that

will make their day. Venus is in conjunction with Neptune in your relationship sector, drawing you to be more romantic today.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Today, you may fi nd yourself daydreaming about your special someone. Jupiter is bringing luck and expansion to your relationship sector, so now may not be the time to commit and instead keep your options open. If your partner is a Libra, they appreciate grand gestures, so make sure you have some good stuff planned for Valentine’s Day.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Scorpios are known for passion, loyalty and devotion. You also like to keep things on the low, so any Valentine’s Day activities you have planned might be kept out of the light of social media. Venus is with Neptune in your fi fth house of love, and Mars adds heat to your eighth house of intimacy. Love is inevitable for you today, Scorpio.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Many of those whose sun sign falls under Sagittarius have the love language of quality time. This Valentine’s Day can attest to that, as you would much rather spend meaningful time with your friends or love interest than engage in gift-giving.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Capricorn, your Jupiter is in Aries in your fourth house of home. This may inspire you to host a Valentine’s Day activity this year, either with friends or a partner. If your partner is a Capricorn, they do not respond well to grand romantic gestures, however, may prefer gifts or fl owers.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Aquarians have a hard time expressing their feelings. Instead, you prefer privacy and don’t like to restrict celebrating love to just one day of the year. Mercury is in your sign, and Mars is in your fi fth house of romance, so anything is possible.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Pisces have the biggest heart out of all the zodiacs. If your partner is a Pisces, you should expect them to go all out for you. With Venus, the planet of love, sitting alongside Neptune in your sign, there is no doubt the day will be full of romance. Don’t expect too much from others, as no one shows up as much as you.

Fredrik Logevall is Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs at the John F. Kennedy School of Government and Professor of History at Harvard University. He is the author of: Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America’s Vietnam, for which he won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize, and JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956.