February 25, 2020

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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

It’s time to celebrate Student Press Freedom Day

MOLLY SCHRAMM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Though it doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, student journalism is real journalism. Students at high schools and colleges across the globe are covering the same issues as professional journalists at national and international levels despite not getting anywhere near the same level of praise and recognition.

Nevertheless, Feb. 26 is carved out for those student journalists. Student Press Freedom Day marks not only a celebration of student journalists in general but a celebration of their tireless work and dedication to produce stories and articles for any and all readers despite the hurdles and obstacles they have to overcome.

This year’s theme for Student Press Freedom Day is “Journalism Against the Odds.” That is something that not only stands for all of journalism but student journalism in particular.

COVID-19 continues to impact every single industry, and journalism is no exception to that. Other than the obvious lack of events for journalists to cover, COVID-19 has also impacted the financial state of student publications as well as the way the daily news

cycle is run.

Like every other other student and professional publication, The Post suffered financial losses due to COVID-19, but more so, it completely changed the atmosphere of the publication. All daily meetings are now done virtually — and yes, Zoom fatigue is a thing — stories can’t be edited in person, half the staff is not even located near Ohio University or Athens and, most of all, personal relationships and friendships aren’t being created like normal.

On top of all this, student press members are still students at the end of the day.

There’s the stress of virtual classes, virtual journalism and the seemingly never-ending impacts of COVID-19 on every other facet of life. That’s a lot. And these student journalists deserve some recognition for it all.

Despite that massive issue, The Post has been able to produce some great content this year. Hopefully you have all enjoyed the content that has stressed the experiential learning benefits of The Post and student journalism.

Election night resulted in a few of our staff

members coming to Athens and staying up for more than 24 hours. Covering the racial discrimination that has plagued our country has allowed us to shed a light on the activism throughout Ohio, and The Post has even had the opportunity to stand up for Southeast Ohio and Appalachia. These are just a few examples of the journalism we have produced despite the odds stacked against us.

Hopefully on Student Press Freedom Day, you can take the time to celebrate any source of student journalism that you enjoy and would like to showcase. Student journalism is real journalism, and it’s always important to remember that.

Molly Schramm is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions?

Email Molly at ms660416@ohio.edu or tweet her @_molly_731.

Correction: An article from the Feb. 18 issue with the headline “How to master stir-fry at home” misspelled the name of the recipe for moo goo gai pan.

COVER DESIGN BY OLIVIA JUENGER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Molly Schramm MANAGING EDITOR Baylee DeMuth DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Geiger EDITORIAL NEWS EDITORS Abby Miller, Nolan Simmons ASST. NEWS EDITOR Emma Skidmore LONG-FORM EDITOR Jillian Craig SPORTS EDITORS Jack Gleckler, J.L. Kirven CULTURE EDITOR Riley Runnells ASST. CULTURE EDITOR Lily Roby OPINION EDITOR Noah Wright ASST. OPINION EDITOR Mikayla Rochelle THE BEAT EDITOR Madyson Lewellyn ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR Emma Dollenmayer COPY CHIEF Bre Offenberger SLOT EDITORS Eli Feazell, Anna Garnai, Katey Kruback, Molly Powers ART ART DIRECTOR Mary Berger ASST. ART DIRECTOR Olivia Juenger DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Kelsey Boeing PHOTO EDITOR Nate Swanson DIGITAL WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brianna Lender SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Taylor Burnette DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA Ethan Sands BUSINESS STUDENT MEDIA SALES INTERNSHIP MANAGER Andrea Lewis MEDIA SALES Grace Vannan

2 / FEB. 25, 2021

THE

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ISSUE 20, VOLUME 131

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The Limits of Title IX

Appellate brief filed, OU argues limits of Title IX protections for non-students in appealed lawsuit EMMA SKIDMORE ASST. NEWS EDITOR An appellate court lawsuit alleging Ohio University turned a blind eye to the sexual assault of a minor by a police officer has led to a legal question about whether Title IX protections extend to non-students attending university-sponsored events.

The Post does not name people who report sexual harassment or assault unless they give permission. The woman in the original criminal case was raped repeatedly in multiple locations, including on university property, by Robert Parsons, a police officer employed by OU, when she was a minor in high school. As a result, Parsons was convicted of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor under Ohio law.

A Title IX complaint was brought against the university in which the woman’s legal counsel reasoned OU gave Parsons access to her at a 2005 career day event, where he later raped her.

“In addition to the event described above, Parsons used every University resource available to him to gain access to (the woman) and other minors,” according to the appellate brief. “He raped (the woman) repeatedly in his University-issued cruiser and while he

Current & Former

was in uniform.”

After lower courts granted OU’s motion to dismiss a Title IX claim, an appeal was made by the original survivor in 2019. An appellate brief was filed Feb. 3 of this year.

OU argues the woman lacks the standing to file a Title IX claim, as she was not a student at the university at the time of her assault. The university also claiming the complaint does not meet the standard of “deliberate indifference” needed to file a claim under Title IX. The appellate brief argues OU was aware of Parsons’ history of sexual misconduct previous to sexually assaulting the woman.

In 2000 and 2001, Athens County Children Services conducted an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor against Parsons.

“Defendant Ohio University was deliberately indifferent to Parsons history of sexual abuse of minors, including (the woman), and was deliberately indifferent in their response to reports concerning Parsons’ sexual abuse of minors,” according to the first amended complaint document.

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“If the District Court’s decision is not reversed, non-students participating in activities at American colleges and universities would not be entitled to Title IX protection,” Michael Fradin, the survivor’s counsel, said in an email. “It’s disappointing that OU has not only adopted a litigation strategy focused on victim shaming (the woman) but has also decided to lead the charge to try to narrow Title IX’s applicability.”

Fradin is referring to the deposition made in the Ohio Court of Claims in which the woman was questioned about past abuse, self harm and sexual history.

In regard to her family history in the deposition, the woman was questioned about if her father was an alcoholic and if he ever emotionally or physically abused her. The university did not provide a comment about why they felt these questions were relevant to the claim.

“The University swiftly and appropriately addressed the concerns now raised by plaintiff almost 15 years ago upon learning of the allegations that an employee was being investigated for potential improper conduct with a minor who was not associated with the University,” Carly Leatherwood, a university spokeswoman, said in an email. “Ohio University is committed to the protections afforded under Title IX. However, as the federal district court has ruled, even accepting all of plaintiff’s allegations as true as required at that stage of the proceedings, the claim fell outside of the scope of Title IX. Ultimately, this is a disputed

matter for the courts. The University is represented by the Ohio Attorney General. We have no further comment at this time.”

Though the university claims Title IX does not apply, the appellant brief makes a case for the close relationship the university has with Federal Hocking High School, the school the woman attended. According to the first amended complaint made by Fradin and the woman, Federal Hocking High School students were permitted to take classes at OU. The complaint also said OU uses Federal Hocking Secondary School as a site for programs.

“The close relationship between the university and the high school unquestionably facilitated (the woman’s) continued abuse, and so she has Title IX standing under this test,” according to the appellant brief.

The university argues because the woman could not show “she was a student at an education institution receiving federal funds,” Title IX does not apply. OU also cites cases that rule a “potential student” or recruit is not able to file a Title IX claim.

However, in the woman’s response to OU’s motion to dismiss the complaint, she argues the previous decisions cited by the university do not apply because she was not a recruit or prospective student.

An immunity hearing for Parsons will be held in the Court of Claims on April 1. OU has until March 22 to file its appellee brief in response.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Ohio ranks in lowest category for LGBTQ+ equality; COVID-19 death reported EMMA SKIDMORE ASST. NEWS EDITOR Ohio citizens hope to see more protections for LGBTQ+ communities on legislative level

Despite the current lack of protections for the LGBTQ+ community, some LGBTQ+ advocates in Ohio are hopeful that the current General Assembly will be able to further equality in the state.

On Jan. 25, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the Equality Federation Institute announced the release of their seventh annual State Equality Index. The index includes statewide laws and policies impacting members of the LGBTQ+ community. Ohio was ranked in the lowest category in 2020, High Priority to achieve Basic Equality.

Dom Detwiler, public policy strategist at Equality Ohio, said Ohio has a long way to go in terms of these issues. Several categories where Ohio doesn’t support LGBTQ+ equality include public accommodations, housing, employment and the restriction of conversion therapy, according to the index scorecard.

Barry Tadlock, a political science professor at Ohio University, said he thinks that Ohio being headed in

a more conservative direction contributed to the low ranking. Tadlock said the conservative drift is evident in the election outcomes for present and members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Tadlock also thinks it’s important to recognize Ohio State Sen. Nickie Antonio, the first openly LGBTQ+ individual in the Ohio House of Representatives, for her work. Emilee Kerr, a senior studying social work and an intern at OU’s LBGT Center, believes LGBTQ+ representation in government helps to build bipartisan support for LGBTQ+ legislation.

Kerr said the Ohio Fairness Act, which was sponsored

by Antonio in 2020, would make discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations on the basic of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression illegal.

Detwiler said there is a lot of possibility the Ohio Fairness Act will be passed with this General Assembly.

He said there is a strong coalition of businesses, faith leaders and politicians from across the political spectrum who are committed to making this happen.

Additional LGBTQ+ protections would be achieved through the passing of Senate Bill 50, which would prohibit certain licensed health care professionals from us-

ing conversion therapy on minors.

Kerr is also optimistic that with a change in attitudes surrounding the LGBTQ+ community, there will be a change in policy as well. She said she has seen more people becoming open to listening to pronouns and having conversations around the LGBTQ+ community.

COVID-19 death reported in Athens County

The 31st COVID-19 death in Athens County was reported Tuesday by the Athens City-County Health Department.

The individual was in the 50-59 age range, according to the Ohio Department of Health’s COVID-19 Dashboard. As of Wednesday afternoon, the total number of active cases in Athens County is 4,573.

Athens remains at a red level, which denotes a very high level of exposure and spread, according to the Athens City-County Health Department.

The last death reported in Athens was a person in the 80+ age range.

@E_SKIDMOREGS ES320518@OHIO.EDU

POLICE BLOTTER

Man slowly loses money in bank account; mail scattered on the road ANNA MILLAR FOR THE POST FALSE ALARM

correct location.

Deputies were unable to find the package. There are no further leads on the incident.

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded Monday to an activated alarm on State Route 550 in Athens.

When deputies arrived, they searched around the outside of the building. They did not find any evidence of a crime occurring.

An employee later responded and checked inside of the building, finding nothing wrong. It was determined this was a false alarm.

ATTEMPTED THEFT

MISSING PACKAGE

A report was taken over the phone Monday by Athens County Sheriff’s Office for mail being tampered with.

The caller said she and some neighbor’s mail was scattered in the road.

A missing package report from the postmaster Monday was taken by Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

The caller said a package had been delivered to an in-

4 / FEB. 25, 2021

Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded Monday to an attempted vehicle theft report on State Route 13. The caller said around 3 a.m., someone attempted to steal his car.

The caller did not want to pursue the issue at that time but did request extra patrols in the area.

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It is unknown if any of the mail was stolen.

DISAPPEARING FUNDS

Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a report Tuesday of money being taken from a man’s bank account. The man said he noticed fraudulent activity on his bank account while doing his taxes.

He said $435.96 was taken from his account since April 6, 2020. He said he never lets others use his card and had already informed his bank but needed a report on file in order to get his money back.

The man did not wish to pursue the issue at that time.

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Supporting Survivors

ASAP reacts to Faculty Senate special committee decision regarding Yusuf Kalyango

Lindley Hall, located on College Green, is home to Ohio University’s Survivor Advocacy Program (SAP). (COLIN MAYR | FOR THE POST)

EMMA SKIDMORE ASST. NEWS EDITOR Ambassadors to the Survivor Advocacy Program, or ASAP, is taking steps to support survivors in light of events surrounding Faculty Senate and Yusuf Kalyango, an Ohio University journalism professor found responsible for sexually harassing two students.

Maddy McFadden, ASAP president and a senior studying English-creative writing, said ASAP responded to the original recommendation that Kalyango be reinstated as a full professor with tenure by saying the group believes all survivors. After Faculty Senate recommended to the Board of Trustees to disregard that decision, ASAP’s focus shifted.

“Our focus is shifting to keep the pressure on the Board of Trustees since they have the final decision,” McFadden said.

McFadden said ASAP is hoping to collaborate with other student organizations to figure out creative ways to be visible to the Board of Trustees.

“I think the situation is important and it’s 6 / FEB. 25, 2021

also brought to light how issues in cases of sexual misconduct are handled by the university,” McFadden said. “It’s also given us the opportunity to discuss that and think about how we can make changes while we’re here and this is in the spotlight.”

Olivia Gemarro, a student ambassador for ASAP and senior studying English and sociology-criminology, said while ASAP would like to have a rally, it won’t be happening “anytime soon” due to COVID-19 restrictions.

McFadden said ASAP is trying to use the Kalyango situation to remind students of the resources available on campus that the organization provides. ASAP is also going to continue to use social media to connect with students and continue to attend Student Senate and Faculty Senate meetings.

Gemarro also said it was frustrating to ask questions at the Faculty Senate meeting due to its virtual format.

“We already feel disconnected from school right now, and worse when there’s an issue like this happening, and we’re not given a clear cut platform upon which we’re on

a level playing field,” Gemarro said. “It very much felt like a us versus them environment.”

There has been an increased number of students looking to join ASAP since the Faculty Senate decision was made public, and McFadden said it was nice to see the solidarity between different organizations in condemning sexual misconduct.

The Survivor Advocacy Program, or SAP, also released a statement in light of the new developments in Kalyango’s case.

“The Survivor Advocacy Program continues to stand with survivors and recognizes the importance of having a safe, confidential space for survivors to receive support and to be believed,” Kimberly Rouse, SAP director, said in an email. “We are constantly reminded of the importance of holding space for survivors and we will continue to show up each and every day in support of our Bobcat survivors. Ohio University students can schedule a virtual meeting with a survivor advocate using the link here: https://www.ohio.edu/ survivor/about-sap/advocates.”

McFadden said providing resources and

information to students is ASAP’s goal.

“Our priority has been to just keep it in the forefront — SAP’s information — and that if you’re struggling with the news or just need to talk to someone, you can reach out to SAP and utilize those resources,” McFadden said. “I know that because of the graffiti wall we did and our message on social media, that has happened.”

Gemarro said she saw not only ASAP gaining momentum for its cause but others speaking up about Kalyango’s tenure status as well.

“We’ve always known that sexual violence is a really big issue at universities across the nation, but it’s really nice to see people step up in our community and say that they want to do something actively in their student lives to hopefully change that on some kind of level,” Gemarro said.

McFadden said she thinks the amount of transparency regarding information about sexual misconduct and investigations needs to be improved. ASAP is trying to work toward those changes, she said.

“I think that it’s just hard because there’s things going on simultaneously, like budget cuts, and I think something that needs to happen is that the … administration that’s in charge of protecting survivors in the aftermath and also preventing sexual misconduct from happening on campus, those positions need to be filled at all times,” McFadden said.

Gemarro said it’s reassuring to know ASAP has the opportunity to provide support for survivors and make sure they’re being heard, and she hopes to see a crackdown on inappropriate behavior in the future.

“Depending on what happens with Kalyango, that will heavily influence the politics at OU and the internal workings of how situations like this are handled,” Gemarro said.

Gemarro said ASAP wants to make sure it continues to advocate for students and survivors the way it always has. Personally, she said she was “disgusted” at the Faculty Senate committee recommendation for Kalyango to be reinstated as a professor and the university’s response.

“I can’t even imagine being put in that position by somebody I’m supposed to trust to educate me and better me as a person,” Gemarro said. “So, for other professors to just look away from the reality of this is really disgusting, and I really hope that they have learned something from this and have seen … their decision says so much.”

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SURVEYING VACCINE INTEREST

OU COVID-19 vaccine survey gauges interest, though some students may have been missed BEKAH BOSTICK FOR THE POST

Ohio University’s COVID Operations released a survey Feb. 9 to gauge interest in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine among students, faculty and staff.

The survey will be used by OU to advocate for vaccine distribution. Some students, however, were not happy with how the survey was sent out due to how easily it was missed in their emails.

Students were sent the link to the survey in a weekly update from Gillian Ice, special assistant to the president for Public Health Operations.

Matthew Welday, a freshman studying undecided engineering, found out about the survey through his mom.

“The fact that that survey is used to gauge how many vaccines are needed or if the Athens or OU population wants the vaccine, I don’t think it was advertised nearly enough,” Welday said. “I think if it’s something like that, I should be finding out about it either through an RA, teacher, through OU itself, not through my mom on a (non)-OU ran website of the parents talking about things.”

The survey included different options to gauge the range of people who would be responding. When respondents are asked if they would be interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine if it were offered to them, options include “yes,” “no,” “maybe” and “I have already received it.”

“Just yesterday I was talking to someone and I asked them if they had taken the survey and they pretty much had the same instance with me where they got the email, clicked on it to send the notification away or whatever, but they didn’t actually see it,” Welday said.

Some students said the email got lost with all of their other emails from the school.

Emma Gabriel, a sophomore studying music production and the recording industry, thinks the email should have been made to stick out more in students’ inboxes. She said OU emails students about such insignificant things that the email including the survey could have been overlooked.

“I don’t read every single email I get if it doesn’t appear to be important right off the bat,” Kaitlyn Cummings, a junior studying communications studies, said in an email. “This is important stuff, and it needs to be snappy and attention-grabbing or it’s just going to get lost in all the other emails that students are getting in a 9-5 window any given day throughout the week.”

Due to how easily missed the survey was, Welday 8 / FEB. 25, 2021

thinks it should have been mandatory, similar to the required alcohol and sexual assault training students take before coming to campus.

“If you don’t want to put your opinions on there, at least just make it necessary. That way, they get more responses that are more true to life and how the OU population actually feels as students versus just the people who either saw it or were told about it,” Welday said.

Kathryn Jewell, a sophomore studying middle school education, thinks it would have been hard to have made the survey mandatory without sending it in its own separate email. If professors knew about the survey and reminded students, it would have been easier to make it mandatory, she said.

The survey was also available on the homepage of Blackboard from Feb. 10 to 17. OHIO News, OHIO’s vaccine website and OU public health’s various social media pages also made posts about the survey.

The survey is part of an effort by public universities in the Inter-University Council of Ohio to understand the interest of who would want to receive the vaccine.

By understanding how many people are interested in the vaccine and what concerns they may have, COVID Operations is able to better advocate for the OU community, Ice said.

As of right now, 1,902 individuals have taken the survey, including 1,040 students, Ice said.

Those who completed the survey and indicated that they are interested in the vaccine will not be put down

on a waitlist or in a scheduling system, Ice said. Similarly, completing the survey will not increase the chances of getting the vaccine before anyone else, she said.

“It is important for people to remember that the University does not have access to any vaccines for its students, faculty or staff,” Ice said in an email. “Currently in Ohio, only healthcare systems, local health departments and pharmacies are able to distribute the vaccine.”

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health are in charge of determining who is eligible for the vaccine and when. If OU is able to access the vaccine, it will have to follow the Ohio Department of Health rules about vaccine delivery and is preparing to do so, Ice said.

Jack Pepper, administrator at the Athens City-County Health Department, said OU has completed the necessary process to be a vaccinator.

“However the health department is prepared to continue to do mass vaccination clinics for all residents in Athens County, including those associated with Ohio University,” Pepper said in an email.

Pepper said vaccine availability is very limited, and only those identified in phases 1A and 1B are eligible to receive a vaccine.

“Until we are informed otherwise it is a safe bet that vaccine will remain scarce for the foreseeable future,” Pepper said in an email.

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ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER

More COVID-19 vaccination sites available as doses are received JACK KNUDSON FOR THE POST Athens County is seeing an increase in COVID-19 vaccine administration locations as pharmacies and health centers receive more doses.

Currently, the Ohio Department of Health website shows 10 vaccine administration locations across Athens County.

Some locations are beginning to receive weekly vaccine shipments for first doses.

Although the recent weather conditions delayed shipments, Rachel Quivey, a pharmacist at Fruth Pharmacy, said they may be receiving 100 doses of the Moderna vaccine per week.

“That may change once the second does come in,” Quivey said. “We may end up doing: 50 of those would be first dose, or we may have to do all second dose. They haven’t given me any guidance for that yet.”

Shrivers Pharmacy in Athens is now receiving 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine each week, Ben Holter, pharmacist in charge, said.

One-hundred are being allocated toward first doses, while an additional 100 are being allocated as second doses for those patients who have already received their first dose through Shrivers. The other Shrivers location in Nelsonville is receiving 200 doses each week as well, Holter said.

“Our two Athens county locations (Athens and Nelsonville) are combining our doses and administering the doses at off site clinics on Wednesday and Thursday each week,” Holter said in an email. “We have been utilizing the Athens Community Center and the Christ Community Wesleyan Church as sites for these large clinics.”

The Athens City-County Health Department, or ACCHD, has seen an increase in the rate at which they receive doses. James Gaskell, the health commissioner at ACCHD, said it now receives 200 doses each week.

Gaskell said the Health Department initially received the Moderna vaccine but now receives mostly the Pfizer vaccine because it has the equipment to store it in colder temperatures. However, there is still the occasional need for the Moderna vaccine to follow up the first dose.

“Sometimes, we’ll reach out to some of the pharmacies in order to get a couple doses of Moderna, so we have a working relationship with them, and we talk with them frequently,” Gaskell said.

ACCHD has been collaborating with OhioHealth, a health care system based out of Columbus that owns O’Bleness Hospital in

Athens. With the inclusion of OhioHealth’s 200 vaccines, the Health Department is able to administer a total of 400 doses every Thursday and Friday at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Ohio University. Currently, they have administered 3,336 first doses and 1,567 second doses.

As a part of Ohio’s phase 1B, which indicates that the vaccine still has limited availability, Athens residents 65 and older who have signed up with the Health Department to indicate interest in receiving the vaccine will receive a call to schedule a vaccination time.

“That allows us to not overbook our clinic so that if we have 400 doses, we call 400 people … and, of course, there’s been no opportunities or times when we could be underbooked because we have thousands of people on our interest list waiting for a call from us to get vaccinated,” Gaskell said.

Gaskell said the Heritage College is the ideal facility for administering the vaccine due to the large amount of space to accommodate those scheduled to be vaccinated. Around 30 to 35 people can be seated in a waiting room, Gaskell said, to

be monitored for 15 minutes for any signs of allergic reactions.

Gaskell believes this facility will be used up until the summer, when he said there could be more drive-thru clinics.

Additionally, ACCHD has considered the possibility of holding clinics on Saturdays, although Gaskell said it does not have enough doses to add that date yet.

“If we start getting larger allotments of vaccine, we’ll certainly move to some Saturday clinics,” Gaskell said.

Gaskell suggests that a growing vaccination program will contribute to the well-being of those in Athens County.

“If we vaccinate enough people, and then develop herd immunity, which will require possibly as much as 70% of our population vaccinated, this pandemic will gradually disappear,” Gaskell said.

@JACKKNUDSON89 JK768518@OHIO.EDU

The Athens City-County Health Department on West Union Street. (NATE SWANSON | PHOTO EDITOR)

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Federal Funding for the Pandemic $100 million for rent, utilities relief available to Ohioans SOPHIA YOUNG FOR THE POST Ohio is now distributing $100 million in federal funding to help Ohioans pay for rent and outstanding utility bills during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new wave of funding is specifically targeted to assist Ohioans who do not own their own property and are at risk of eviction. Assistance can be used to pay outstanding rent and utility bills extending back to March 13, 2020.

Once outstanding payments are fulfilled, Ohioans may apply for future assistance with utilities or rent for three months at a time.

The funding will be divided among Ohio’s 47 Community Action Agencies. Citizens must contact their local community action agency to apply.

The Hocking Athens Perry Community Action, or HAPCAP, announced Tuesday “each county in HAPCAP’s service area has a Community Resource Navigator who will be able to help guide those seeking assistance through the program’s application process.”

In order to be eligible to receive funding, citizens must be below 80% of their county’s median income level, have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 and demonstrate risk of homelessness or housing instability. Median income level is determined by county and household size.

When applying, Ohioans should be prepared to provide names, dates of birth and social security numbers/cards for all household members, current or previous addresses and any supporting documentation demonstrating need, according to the Ohio Development Services Agency website.

To receive rental assistance, applicants will need to provide their total amount due, landlord contact information and lease/rental agreement.

Hocking, Athens and Perry County residents in need of assistance may contact HAPCAP’s main office at 740-767-4500 to schedule an appointment. The community action agency’s website also provides information about the program.

“We’re just recommending everybody that needs help. If they contact us, we’ll work through with them if they are eligible and what they’ll need,” HAPCAP Director of Community Services Jessica Stroh said.

According to a press release from the community action agency, funds are available for a limited time, so eligible residents are encouraged to reach out and apply early.

@SOPHIELISEY SY951319@OHIO.EDU

10 / FEB. 25, 2021

GRAPHIC BY MARY BERGER

Forever Ohio is much more than a rebrand ERIN GARDNER FOR THE POST Ohio University launched its Forever Ohio rebranding effort, but Robin Oliver, vice president for University Communications and Marketing, knows it’s much more than a rebrand.

“This is intended to be a university-wide articulation of our brand,” Oliver said. “When you say we’re going to rebrand, that usually means that we’re going to reset our values … I think this is really who Ohio University always has been and what Ohio University always will be. It is not intended to just be a campaign. This is intended to be bigger than that and to really inform the way that we’re talking externally about our brand.”

The university-wide brand articulation is all-encompassing as to what OU stands for.

Forever Ohio means OU has been here for a long time and will continue to exist for a long time, Oliver said. The community of students drives OU, and it is always looking forward.

OU doesn’t only offer a degree, Oliver said. The university offers the college experience that makes students who they are. Oliver feels the experiences will teach students everything they need to know — from how to learn, lead and forge a fulfilling career path to how to make an impact on people and communities.

Oliver and the brand articulation team created a PowerPoint to further showcase the Forever Ohio message.

“Welcome to Athens, Ohio,” Oliver said, reading from the PowerPoint. “No one simply passes through here, and it’s not a quick step along the road. In fact, it’s not even a single place. We are generations bound together by the Ohio experience and when you become a part of Ohio University, Ohio University becomes a part of you. Forever.”

For Oliver, Forever Ohio means that the university experience will stay with students forever. She knows the area, the people here and the connections they form can stick with a person for their entire life.

“You don’t come to Ohio University just to get a degree; you’re coming here to have an experience that is going to last,” Oliver said.

The brand articulation has been years in the making. Oliver joined Ohio University in 2019, but the brand project was already in the works. The marketing team brought in a consulting firm to look at the university’s perception from current and prospective students. According to the team’s market research, there was a gap between what current students know about the university and what prospective students think.

“We recognized that there was a gap between reality and perception, and this project is really about trying to bring those two things together,” Oliver said.

“It’s also really about bringing together a lot of disparate voices across the university.”

The marketing team hired a firm called Truth and Consequences, and they met with students, faculty

senate representatives and multicultural center representatives.

The firm worked to spell out what it means to say that OU is a blend of a big university with many resources and a caring community. The firm’s brand positioning statement is OU delivers the nation’s highest return on experience, Oliver said, from incomparable relationships to heavy drive and innovation in career fields.

“You’re going to remember your time here,” Oliver said. “It’s going to impact the way you think, the way you act (and) who you become in the end. It all happens in this tight-knit, supportive community.”

The brand articulation included a commercial, signage and banners across campus, a wall mural and new social media banners. In addition, a 60-second television spot debuted in November and became the brand’s kickoff.

“We really wanted to tell this story internally because we depend on you all, as our brand ambassadors, to help us tell that story,” Oliver said. “We wanted to give you all the tools to do that.”

Brad Walker, a senior studying journalism, and Jacob Krupp, a senior studying finance and marketing, were in the commercial together. Walker and Krupp are roommates, and in the commercial, Krupp is spray-painting

Walker’s hair in a Lindley Hall bathroom.

“It was pretty sweet, to be honest,” Walker said.

“Obviously, I love this place; that’s why I’m a tour guide, and I have nothing but good things to say about OU. It was so cool knowing that I was one of the first people to be a part of the new philosophy of the university.”

Krupp is involved in Delta Tau Delta fraternity, the vice president of Bobcathon and was a tour guide at the time of filming. “(The) video was great,” Krupp said in a message. “It showed how people come to (OU) and fall in love with the loyalty … and how great it is to be a part of the loving alumni.”

Not only are students loving the new university-wide brand articulation, but OU faculty and staff are on board as well.

“Representing this institution to the public is a dream job for me,” Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said. “The campaign really speaks to me as an alumna. That is how I feel, and I know there are other alum on the team who feel the same way.”

@ERINGARDNER_ EG245916@OHIO.EDU

Signs for the branding campaign that Ohio University came up with: Forever Ohio. (KATIE BANECK | FOR THE POST)

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11

‘You know you went to OU if…’ Facebook page fosters connection, reminisces college life RILEY RUNNELLS CULTURE EDITOR Part of the appeal of Ohio University is the community it creates. As one of the selling points, students are often told they will be Bobcats for life. Between OU’s Homecoming celebration and active alumni association, OU and Athens are never very far from students’ hearts.

In the digital age and with the COVID-19 pandemic, active students and OU alumni are looking for more ways to stay in contact with their alma mater.

Enter Erick Odom and the “You know you went to OU if…” Facebook page.

“I really want people from all generations who will tell you, Bobcats and everything, who just enjoy reminiscing about the ‘good old days,’” Odom said.

Odom graduated in 2005 and left Athens in 2006.

While in school, he studied broadcast journalism with a minor in political science, real estate and political communications. Now, Odom is a high school political science teacher in The Bronx, and he finds every opportunity to meet up with his college friends and revisit their old stomping grounds in Athens.

In 2011, Odom was looking for a way to further connections among OU students. Around that time, the “you know you went to (insert place here) if…” or “you know you’re from (insert place here) if…” trends were circulating the web, and Odom decided to follow suit.

He created a Facebook page called “You know you went to OU if…” and invited some of his friends to join.

Originally, anyone who wanted to join could do so.

However, he switched it to a request-to-join format due to many spam members joining.

Now, 10 years later, the group has over 11,600 members.

“I didn’t realize it would take off that much,” Odom said. “Aside from the official groups, I think we’re one of the largest, aside from OU’s own page and stuff like that. And it really brings me joy and happiness.”

Odom welcomes all posts about OU memories, Athens happenings or general introductions among mem-

bers. What he does not welcome, however, are hateful, political or negative posts.

“I don’t want it to turn into a political group, unless somebody’s posting a memory like ‘Remember when Barack Obama came to campus’ ... then they can post it,” Odom said. “I’m very strict with that. That’s the only thing I’ll take down. If somebody reports a post of a negative attack, I don’t want that. There’s plenty of places for that, and I’m very political, and I can get political, but that’s all my own personal time. I don’t want that in the group.”

The group ranges from current OU students to even some classes from the 1970s. Though the initial function was to make funny memes out of OU memories using the “You know you went to OU if…” format, it’s transitioned into more of a format to generally reminisce and meet other OU students.

Matt Kliot, class of 2006 with a degree in video productions, remembers the early days of the Facebook group when every single post began with the group’s name.

“It was a fun game to come up with clever things,” Kliot said in a message. “After FB changed the format of posts, the group became a way to keep up on the goings on of Athens beyond what might be in (The Post) or (The Athens Messenger) which is more of how I see its function than reminiscing … though I have noticed older classes tend to use it that way, as well as to help reconnect as they didn’t have the advantage of building their friends list while they attended.”

Another member, William Tarter Jr., joined as one of the original members with Odom. He received a Bachelor of Science in communications in 2005 and received his master’s in public administration in 2007, both at OU. Tarter Jr. loves when people’s stories from OU spark other memories and experiences. Just a few weeks ago, there was a thread about resident assistants, and he was able to share how his now-wife and himself were both RAs in school and are celebrating their 10-year wedding anniversary this year.

“It’s a great place, also, for answers about places

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and institutions that may have been around during their time, as well as reminisce about things that are no longer there,” Tarter Jr. said. “Anyone reading that page quickly notices that people who post on the page carry a love for Ohio University everywhere they go, and for their entire life.”

Odom, Kliot and Tarter Jr. feel that remembering fun times you’ve had can greatly help your mental health. More than anything, Odom just hopes the Facebook page brings joy to everyone who joins.

“When you’re in college, it’s the one time where you’re around a group of people who are your own age; you have almost total freedom, relatively speaking, and so these are the good times,” Odom said. “I’m not saying this is the peak of someone’s life, but these are the great times that you look back on, and you’re gonna make friends that you have for life. People love reminiscing about the good times. No one hates recalling past memories that bring a smile to your face.

This is pure goodness.”

@RILEYR44 RR855317@OHIO.EDU

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OU Bobcats plant the seed of civility with PRSSA competition

MARY JANE SANESE FOR THE POST

“Cultivating Change: Planting the Seeds of Civility” is an entry into this year’s Bateman Case Study Competition organized through the Ohio University chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America, or PRSSA. The campaign aims to educate and garner awareness of the importance of civility in our everyday lives.

PRSSA is a student organization aimed at preparing public relations and journalism students for the professional world. It is associated with the Public Relations Society of America, or PRSA. Team members for the campaign include active OU PRSSA chapter members: Managing Director Macy Cantrell, Social Media Coordinator Megan Parks, Creative Director Katherine Keber, Event Planning Director Kelly Lambers and Data Analyst Megan Gordin.

“One of Ohio University’s core values is civility,” Lambers, a junior studying strategic communication, said. “It is a core value that (OU) wants to instill within students. (This campaign) can be a great way to continue to bring awareness to that.”

Cantrell said with everything that has happened with COVID-19 and U.S. politics this past year, everyone has such different opinions, and it has caused so much disagreement in our country. A big part of civility is to recognize and accept that, rather than ignoring them or trying to change their mind.

“Learning skills now before entering the workplace can be really valuable to students,” Cantrell, a junior studying strategic communication, said.

The campaign has hosted multiple events already, both in person and virtual. The kick-off event, “Let’s Grow Together,” took place at Baker University Center on Feb 9. Students were given free flowers from Hyacinth Bean Florist.

On Feb. 17, the campaign held a “Plant the Seed in Politics Panel” featuring OU Democrats, OU Moderates and OU Republicans. The discussion centered around practicing civility in the current political climate.

Another event that helped bring people together and spark some discussions about creating civil change was “Civility on Tap” at Jackie O’s Taproom on Feb. 20.

The next event, “Cultivating Change x Scripps PRS-

SA Publicity Committee Social Media Workshop,” will take place on Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m.

The Scripps PRSSA Publicity Committee is teaming up with the Cultivating Change Campaign team to host a workshop for anyone interested in learning how to practice civility and combat incivility on social media.

Lambers said the publicity committee will offer tips and tricks for people to learn professionalism on social media. There will be breakout groups, and attendees will learn how to respond through given scenarios of situations.

Future events include an Instagram takeover of the OU accounts Friday, Feb. 26. The campaign team will be educating all students about civility as well as implementing activities throughout the day to bring awareness to incivility.

On Wednesday, March 3, on Twitter, there will be a chat regarding mental health. There are a few other events in the works, potentially a trivia night and an alumni panel. People can keep up to date through the campaign’s event calendar.

Keber said it is important for people to respect each other. Being aware of that decreases the chances of creating mental health issues or wellness problems for others.

“People can change little daily behaviors to be more civil and potentially have a more positive impact on other people’s well-being,” Keber, a junior studying strategic communication, said. “I would recommend people check their behaviors, watch what they are doing and make a concerted effort to change that to respect their peers and professors and know that this situation is difficult for everybody.”

Keber, Cantrell and Lambers agree practicing civility is as easy as turning on the camera, actively listening and responding and putting away the phone while attending virtual classes. Other than attending the events, the best way to get involved is to take “The Pledge,” a virtual promise to being civil and growing personal behavior.

“I encourage everyone to take the pledge to plant the seed of civility in their own lives,” Keber said. “It

helps (you) to reflect on what civility means and how (you) can help create a more civil world in the future.”

Cultivating Change OU can be found on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The hashtag for the campaign is #PlantTheSeedOU. There is also a blog with information and tips on topics like maintaining civility in interviews and civility through proper Zoom etiquette.

“We want to cultivate change on campus,” Lambers said. “If we plant a seed in someone, they can start to grow and blossom. Right now in the current culture and living in a global pandemic, everything is disconnected, and everyone doesn’t have the opportunity to be with people or in a normal classroom setting or student org or internship, but it is still so important.

We are learning there are so many ways that civility can be practiced in our everyday lives.”

@MARYJANESANESE MS943920@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13

Little Fish Brewing Company adjusts to the pandemic

that can visit Little Fish at one time,” Nishimura said.

Although it cannot keep the same occupancy as it did before the pandemic, Little Fish is still hopeful that once the weather warms up, it can again utilize its outdoor porch to seat more guests.

The city of Athens has been able to visit Little Fish since its establishment in 2015, and even amid a pandemic, the restaurant still obtains support from its loyal customers.

“The community has been absolutely amazing through this whole process,” Nishimura said. “The show of support from has been heartwarming – the amount of people that have supported us and want to make sure that we survive, the people that stop in and, sit, say that they they’ve been making sure to order carry out at least once a week, or every other week, to make sure they support us.”

That support comes from not only Athens residents but Ohio University students as well.

“Me and my boyfriend went there for Valentine’s Day and it was perfect for the two of us,” Clara Williams, a freshman studying studio art, said in a message. “They have a unique atmosphere since it’s in a brewery and a really good menu, we got a pizza and queso and I would definitely suggest those two things.”

Williams said she felt safe to visit Little Fish due to its social distancing and clean atmosphere.

Nishimura and the rest of the staff at Little Fish encourage anyone who hasn’t tried the restaurant to come out and experience what they have to offer in a COVID-19-friendly way.

“I think if people haven’t tried us yet, then they might be really surprised that we offer some of the most locally sourced food in the region,” Jimmy Stockwell, co-founder and president of Little Fish, said. “We have locally sourced meats. We make our own bread.

Everything is very much from scratch in the kitchen and sort of the same with our beer. We source from Ohio, a lot of our greens, and even some of our hops for the beers. We have a pretty wide selection of everything. From the beers, we have everything from farmhouse ales to IPAs. In the food, we have burgers, and recently we had oysters, and, obviously, those aren’t local, but we try and have a pretty big variety.

There’s usually something for everybody.”

Little Fish Brewing Co. located at 8675 Armitage Rd, Athens, OH. (KATIE BANECK | FOR THE POST)

KAYLA BENNETT STAFF WRITER Little Fish Brewing Company has been able to stay open during the pandemic while providing a safe atmosphere for its customers and a plethora of food and beer for them to choose from.

“I think one of the most challenging parts was figuring out how to open up and make sure that it was safe, not only for our guests but for our staff as well,” Beau Nishimura, taproom manager at Little Fish, said.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve definitely had to adapt and change through different serving models. We have definitely changed our business model multiple times.”

Little Fish has restructured all ordering to be online-based. There’s a QR code on all the in-house 14 / FEB. 25, 2021

dining tables that guests can scan on their phones.

The QR code has its full menu, and customers can pay straight through the online ordering. Once the food is ready, customers are able to pick it up at the bar food window.

Nishimura said the QR code will most likely be kept post-pandemic due to its easy accessibility.

As well as the QR code for in-house dining, carry-out is still a viable option. Not only is Little Fish’s food available for carryout, but its beer can be shipped anywhere in Ohio.

Although Little Fish has its safety guideline set, it faced some challenges when it came to adjusting in the beginning.

“I believe that we’re doing a really good job with our spacing of our tables to make sure it’s safe for everybody, but it definitely has put a limit on the number of people

@KKAYYBEN KB084519@OHIO.EDU

BASEBALL

What to watch for in Ohio’s series vs. Morehead State comeback last Sunday, when he batted in two runs and scored one himself.

MOREHEAD STATE Jack Gardner

The Eagles’ offense is spearheaded by Gardner. In four games and 11 at-bats, Gardener totaled five hits, four RBIs and one home run. His .455 batting average and .571 on-base percentage lead Morehead State.

Jason Goe

Goe has pitched five innings so far this season, giving up five hits and three runs. He totaled five strikeouts in one appearance and has a 5.40 ERA.

SERIES HISTORY:

Ohio’s Jack Liberatore (#12), pitches during its game against the University of Toledo on Saturday, April 13, 2019. The Bobcats beat the Rockets 5-2 in their first game of the doubleheader. (KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

ASHLEY BEACH FOR THE POST

Morehead in the same weekend for a second doubleheader on Sunday, Feb. 28.

Ohio (1-2) begins its first home series against Morehead State on Friday, when it hopes to capitalize on its win against Radford last Sunday. However, the Bobcats have not played a game at Bob Wren Stadium in 351 days. On March 11, 2020, the Bobcats lost to Marshall 3-2 in their final game before the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If Ohio wants to keep its success alive, it will need to channel its homefield advantage.

Times: Sunday, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

GAME INFORMATION: Opponent: Morehead State Times: Friday, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The Bobcats will also be traveling to

PLAYERS TO WATCH FOR: OHIO: Harry Witwer-Dukes

In two games, Witwer-Dukes has totaled four hits in seven at-bats. The graduate infielder currently has a .571 batting average and a .625 on-base percentage. These stats give him the honors of being the leader for Bobcats in both batting average and on-base percentage thus far this season.

Edward Kutt IV

In his first appearance of the season, Kutt picked up Ohio’s first win. He went five innings Feb. 21 against Radford and

only gave up two hits and two runs. The highlight of his performance was his five-strikeout total. Kutt currently has a 1.80 ERA, the lowest on the Bobcats pitching staff.

Joe Rock

While Kutt leads the charge for the right-handed pitchers, Rock holds the fort down for the lefties. In his start against Radford on Feb. 19, he totaled 12 strikeouts in five innings. Despite having a loss charged to his name, Rock is still proficient on the mound when the Bobcats need it most.

Joe Weisenseel

Weisenseel is the reigning Mid-American Conference player of the week.

Against Radford, he totaled five hits and five RBIs. His offensive prowess started the charge in Ohio’s seventh inning

The last time Ohio and Morehead faced off was April 2, 2019, when Ohio won 12-3. The two teams were scheduled to face each other twice before the 2020 season was ultimately canceled.

Since 2013, Ohio is 4-4 overall and 3-2 at Bob Wren when facing Morehead.

Games between the Bobcats and the Eagles tend to be high scoring on either side. Four of the eight games have ended with either one or both teams tallying double-digit runs. The series has a combined eighty runs between both teams.

Only one game has gone into extra innings in the past eight years. On March 27, 2018, the Eagles defeated the Bobcats 9-8 at Morehead in 10 innings.

In each of their last four games played, the Eagles have scored 17 runs compared to 12 for the Bobcats. However, Ohio dominates in hits with 26 compared to Morehead’s 19. Getting on base is not an issue for the Bobcats, it is crossing the plate that poses issues.

This dynamic could be one to watch for throughout the series.

With Morehead looking to pick up its first win of the season and the Bobcats looking to continue their winning streak, this series will be one to watch out for this weekend.

@ASHLEYBEACHY_ AB026319@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 15

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Ohio upsets Akron 90-73 despite limited roster JACK GLECKLER SPORTS EDITOR

second in the conference standings. Unlike Ohio, they were healthy and hadn’t had to pause practice.

When the Bobcats (12-6, 8-4 MAC) last faced Akron on Dec. 22, 2020, they left James A. Rhodes Arena with a chip on their shoulder. The Zips acted like an older brother who pushed them around and got into their heads, resulting in a 90-70 blowout that left a sour taste in the Bobcats’ mouths.

This time, Ohio bit back. It didn’t care if two starters were out. Ohio still had three veteran starters and a host of underclassmen willing to prove themselves.

“Everybody coming back expects us to maybe not play as well, but we had a different mindset,” Ben Vander Plas said.

“We wanted to come in and just perform.

We were all excited to be back out here.”

Vander Plas ended Tuesday with 17 points, tied for the team-high alongside

Ben Roderick. The pair have been known for their efficiency behind the arc, but Tuesday was on another level. Not just Vander Plas and Roderick, but the Bobcats as a whole were sinking 3-pointers with ease. Ohio was a season-best 10for-19 behind the line against the Zips.

With only three of Ohio’s starters on the court, Boals dug deep into his bench and utilized every player he had available. Freshmen Mark Sears, who had earned his stripes during Preston’s first absence, and Colin Granger were thrust into the starting lineup.

Many of Ohio’s underclassmen haven’t seen much action this season beyond killing time during blowouts. Tuesday, however, was what Boals considered to be the underclassmen’s shining moment.

Jalen White played for only nine minutes and went 3-for-3 on 3-pointers.

White has averaged 6.4 minutes a game

and 2.5 points per game in his freshman season, but Tuesday, he sank every shot he took.

Granger was a 6-foot-9 roadblock the Zips couldn’t fight through. He and junior Rifen Miguel refused to let the Zips get a shot off and weren’t afraid to get physical. The duo were both eventually taken out of the game with five personal fouls each, but they had stumped Akron’s offense long enough for Ohio to pull ahead.

“I think a big part of it is some of the guys ... got a couple extra minutes that they normally might not have,” Vander Plas said. “They all performed today, and they really bought into what coach is talking about with confidence, and that’s definitely gonna carry over for everybody on the team for the next couple days.”

Before Tuesday, Boals emphasized no one is going to feel sorry if Ohio was slow out of the gate after normal operations resumed. Two weeks remain in the season until the MAC Championship in Cleveland, and the Bobcats are still gunning for a spot. Now that the Bobcats have blown out the No. 2 team in the conference, their remaining opponents aren’t going to let them off easy.

A win against Akron during a normal schedule is impressive, but Ohio’s win Tuesday was monumental. The Bobcats, without two of their best players and on less than a week of practice, upset one of the MAC’s strongest teams. If this spark continues to burn over the next four games, Ohio will blaze a trail to Cleveland.

Jason Preston and Dwight Wilson hung back and watched their teammates warm up for Ohio’s first game in three weeks. Neither were moving around much. The pair stood on the half-court line wearing sweatpants and long sleeve Ohio shirts. Wilson had sustained a minor injury earlier that week, and Preston was not cleared to play until Ohio’s game against Eastern Michigan at the earliest.

The Bobcats were reentering the season without two of their best starters.

On paper, Ohio’s chances were slim to none. A two-week halt in activities due to COVID-19 issues spells doom for most teams. No one had stepped inside The Convo to practice until the week before the season was set to resume. Preston and Wilson sitting out of a rematch against the No. 2 team in the Mid-American Conference might as well have been Ohio’s death knell.

Coach Jeff Boals knew a win against Akron was a steep hill to climb. Ohio just needed the right footing. Before the Bobcats headed out for warmups, Boals gave them a simple plan — play with confidence.

“We’re down four guys,“ Boals said after the game.

“The last thing we told them coming out of the locker room was play with confidence. If you’re open, shoot the ball. If they’re on you, drive the ball.”

Simple as it was, Boals’ words resonated. Ohio trounced Akron 90-73 in a game few, if any, expected it to win. The Zips had been tearing up the Mid-American Conference all season, entering Ohio University’s Ben Vander Plas (5) boxes out Akron’s Ali Ali (24) during the home game in Athens, Ohio, on TuesTuesday with a four-game day, Feb. 23, 2021. (KENZIE TYSON | FOR THE POST) win streak and ranking 16 / FEB. 25, 2021

@THEJACKGLECKLER JG011517@OHIO.EDU

Bobcats

MEN’S BASKETBALL

prove they’re back on track J.L. KIRVEN SPORTS EDITOR Ohio had the perfect hand ... then in an instant, the deck was stacked against it.

When the Bobcats beat Central Michigan on Feb. 2, they had no idea they’d go three weeks before seeing another opponent. And while some teams could appreciate and use a break, Ohio’s COVID19-forced shutdown couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Ohio was balling. Coach Jeff Boals couldn’t have been happier with his team’s four-game winning streak. The offense was clicking, the defense was locked in and Ohio had finally emerged from its rebounding slump.

But when the MAC announced the Bobcats were halting all basketball operations Feb. 6, Boals had no idea what shape his team would be in when they came back.

“I think the big thing is trying to figure out what type of shape they’re in,” Boals said Monday. “When you take a 14plus day pause, just the timing of everything and the conditioning, there could be rust.”

To add to Boals’ worries was Ohio’s schedule coming off its layoff. Ohio was slated to play its most grueling threegame stretch since the opening of the season: starting off with Akron, who destroyed a healthy Ohio team back in December, then playing Eastern Michigan two days later and finally ending the week against a Buffalo team on a hot streak.

To make matters even worse, Boals doesn’t have his entire team. Moments before the Akron game, Jason Preston and Dwight Wilson, Ohio’s two leading scorers, were still in street clothes.

At this point, making it back on the court was a win for Ohio. But actually getting a win over Akron was a completely different story.

Or was it?

Ohio demolished Akron on Tuesday 90-73. Five different Bobcats were in double digits, and a team that was supposed to be riddled with rust stunned a

Ohio’s Mark Sears (#10) dribbles the ball past Purdue Northwest’s Xavier Allison (#11) during the Bobcats’ match in The Convo on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. (ANTHONY WARNER | FOR THE POST)

MAC powerhouse that’s had their number for the past few seasons.

So what does this mean? It means Ohio’s legit.

After garnering national attention in back-to-back games against Illinois and Cleveland State, Ohio started to settle into mediocrity. The Bobcats lost three straight following an uninspiring win over D-II Purdue Northwest.

Ultimately, Ohio started to fade from the spotlight. The Bobcats went from MAC title contenders to questioning if they’d make it back to Cleveland for the conference tournament.

But now the Bobcats are back.

Beating a team of Akron’s caliber without its two best players shows that Ohio (12-6, 8-4 MAC) is a team to take seriously when the tournament starts March 11.

The Bobcats don’t have a shot at winning the regular season title, but if a lineup consisting of role players like

Ben Vander Plas, Lunden McDay and Ben Roderick can beat one of the best squads in the conference, who knows how good Ohio will be when Preston and Wilson rejoin the team.

“Everybody coming back expects us to maybe not play as well, but we had a different mindset,” Vander Plas said. “We wanted to come in and just perform. We were all excited to be back out here.”

Excitement is a valuable asset for a team. While teams around the nation battle endure the late season blues, Ohio feels like its season has just restarted.

@JL_KIRVEN JK810916@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

HOCKEY

Aiden Grieco’s hockey career started all the way in New Jersey ELI FEAZELL SLOT EDITOR Aiden Grieco’s hockey journey began over 530 miles away from Athens in Montvale, New Jersey.

Grieco lived in Montvale his entire life. It’s like any other ordinary small town in New Jersey, but he smiled when he ref lected on his time growing up there. “(Montvale) is really nice and pretty,” Grieco said. “I have a good time there.”

Located in northeastern New Jersey right on the state border, Montvale is barely an hour’s drive from New York City. Grieco spent most of his youth with his friends enjoying the large urban space like any young student would. In particular, he remembers attending baseball and hockey games in the Big Apple.

Of course, athletics were a big part of Grieco’s youth. Aside from loving the New Jersey Devils, he’s also a die-hard Yankees and Giants fan. His love for hockey, however, began after he started ice skating when he was 4 years old.

Grieco played hockey at the high school level from 2015-2019 at Saint Joseph Regional High School, a private school in Montvale. Saint Joseph doesn’t have many students, but they all share a deep bond with one another. This bond extends itself into support for the school’s hockey team. The Green Knights’ hockey team has had historical success with four state championship victories and Gordon Conference Cup titles in 1986, 1990 and 1992.

Even if high school hockey doesn’t have quite the same reputation as club hockey in New Jersey, students at St. Joseph still gathered around the Green Knights during games, sometimes seeing crowds of over 600 people at Ice Vault Arena.

“You have a lot of support,” Grieco said. “I really enjoyed playing there. It was fun.”

Grieco simultaneously played hockey for the New Jersey Devils’ youth team and the New Jersey Hitmen AAA club. Club hockey gave him experience against more skilled players from dif18 / FEB. 25, 2021

Ohio forward Aiden Grieco (#21) poses for a portrait at Bird Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021. (COLIN MAYR | FOR THE POST)

ferent parts of the country. In comparison, Grieco was usually only able to play against kids from the New Jersey and New York area when he played with St. Joseph.

“Hig h school hockey is just more condensed,” Grieco said. “ With club hockey, you’re able to spread out and see everyone from all around the country.”

Some of Grieco’s favorite hockey memories came from when he was with the Hitmen. He met many of his best friends during on the team, and he still looks back fondly on his four-year tenure there.

Grieco has known about Athens his entire life. His father attended Ohio

University before him, and his brother is currently a student. He had also heard great things about Ohio’s hockey program, so he already had his foot in the door.

“I knew they had a really good hockey team and great school,” Grieco said.

“I just thought it was a perfect fit.”

Grieco is able to delve into a different lifestyle in Athens. At Ohio, he is more isolated from an urban setting and gets a college town experience that might’ve been lost to him in Montvale.

Grieco sees plenty of similarities between Athens and Montvale. Both have a tight-knit student body that is fanatical about its hockey team.

Whether he’s in quiet, rural Athens

or suburban New Jersey, Grieco knows he will always feel at home.

@ELIFEAZ EF195418@OHIO.EDU

NOAH’S ARK

Where is the “S” grading option?

NOAH WRIGHT is a senior studying strategic communication at Ohio University Online classes are miserable. There isn’t really a better way to put it. The quality of education is lower, the opportunities are absent and the environment is isolating. The last 2.5 semesters have been devoid of joy for plenty of students at Ohio University.

However, in the spring of 2020 and fall of 2021, OU attempted to alleviate this suffering with a new grade offering: the satisfactory, or S, grade.

The reasoning behind this was described as “an effort to ensure students’ successful, uninterrupted progress toward degree completion.” It was clear the university was aware of the mental and physical toll online classes would take on students and wanted to ensure their well-being and success. However, that concern is absent for spring of 2021. Nearly halfway through the semester, the committee tasked with putting the option into action has not reinstated it — for reasons that are unclear.

Obviously, it is not a university’s job to coddle students and hand out As to everyone, but that’s not what the S grade is. Most major-specific classes were barred from S eligibility, so students were not slacking off in classes they

actually need for their career and just taking the satisfactory grade.

Many of the classes open to S grades were general education courses that have little long-term utility for most students and are simply filler classes that would typically help a student achieve a more robust educational experience. Unfortunately, the online learning environment is not only unconducive to robust learning but prohibitive.

What the satisfactory grading scale did was create a safety net for mistakes made by students working in an alienating environment. No other OU student in the history of the university has had to adjust to university-wide changes this abrupt and impactful.

Now, as students return and life on campus feels tangible again, online courses still persist, this time with no satisfactory safety net. While it is true that more students are back on campus this spring and that does bring a twinge of normalcy back, classes are still, for the most part, not in-person. The S-grade was adopted because online learning is difficult and draining. It wasn’t adopted because people weren’t allowed to be in Athens.

In response, petitions have sprang up online calling for the reinstatement, and Student Senate passed a bill demanding the option be reinstated.

Other universities in Ohio have adapted their policies to be less lenient but still provide some relief for students. Ohio State is providing an “emergency pass” grade

for students who receive a D+ or D in a course. Cleveland State University is also offering a pass/fail grading option for this semester.

In contrast, OU seems to be pretending life is back to normal. Despite promises the many classes would be a hybrid of in-person and remote instruction, this semester feels no different than the past two. The university even admitted before the semester began that “many students will still have a majority of their courses taught remotely.”

So it’s hard to understand why now was the time to remove the “S” option. The rationale behind it either does not exist or is complete nonsense.

When asked about the status of the option and the reasoning behind its removal, the university did not provide any comment.

The future of this option is uncertain, but it does not seem like a lot to ask from OU when other public institutions within the state are taking similar measures. Students at OU deserve a lot more than just this, considering the chaos of the last year or so. Unfortunately, this may become yet another situation where the university fails to deliver what’s right.

Noah Wright is a senior studying strategic communication at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post.

Want to talk to Noah? Tweet him @NoahCampaign.

Apply online: bit.ly/dosa-jobs WORK IN DINING

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 19

Here’s when to expect the rerelease date of Taylor Swift’s ‘Fearless’ album HANNAH CAMPBELL FOR THE POST After two years of battling for her own music rights, Taylor Swift has finally announced a rerecorded album.

Earlier this month, Swift announced on Instagram that she would be releasing a new version of her 2008 album, Fearless, and shared the album’s cover.

“I’m thrilled to tell you that my new version of Fearless (Taylor’s Version) is done and will be with you soon,” Swift captioned the post. “It has 26 songs in-

cluding 6 never before released songs from the vault.”

Her hit single from the original album, “Love Story,” was also rereleased earlier this month, as excitement rumbles about the new songs coming to the album. These additions are songs written by Swift between the ages of 16 and 18 that hurt her to have to leave behind.

In her post, Swift shares a coded message revealing the album’s release date, April 9. The message is shown through the capitalized letters throughout the message to her fans. The release date,

4/9, also adds up to the number 13 and Swift’s lucky number.

Fans quickly noticed that the new album cover features Swift in a loose-fitting, long sleeve shirt. This is similar to the one worn by actor Justin Gaston in Swift’s original music video for “Love Story.” The new album cover also features Swift’s long and curled hair, which is nostalgic to Swift’s hair in the original album’s cover.

The album’s rerelease follows talent manager Scooter Braun’s acquisition of Big Machine Records, Swift’s former re-

cord label. The acquisition included the rights to Swift’s first six albums: Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989 and Reputation. Swift wrote about her struggle with Scooter Braun’s purchase of her work on her Tumblr.

She wrote, “now Scooter has stripped me of my life’s work, that I wasn’t given an opportunity to buy. Essentially, my musical legacy is about to lie in the hands of someone who tried to dismantle it.”

This acquisition prevented Swift from performing a medley of her songs for the 2019 American Music Awards because it was considered a rerecording of her music. Braun and his team also refused to allow Swift to use her music in her 2020 Netflix documentary, Miss Americana.

In a Twitter post, she wrote, “they’ll allow me to use my music only if I do these things: If I agree to not re-record copycat versions of my songs next year (which is something I’m both legally allowed to do and looking forward to) ...

This is wrong.”

After the long battle, Swift is now allowed to rerecord her past music and release never-before-seen tracks as well. While fans are ecstatic about the rerelease and Swift’s victory over Scooter Braun, she plans to rerecord more albums and seems more determined than ever to do so.

“This process has been more fulfilling and emotional than I could’ve imagined and has made me even more determined to re-record all of my music,” Swift shared on Instagram. “I hope you’ll like this outing as much as I liked traveling back in time to recreate it.”

@HANNAHCMPELL HC895819@OHIO.EDU

20 / FEB. 25, 2021

5 ways to feel like you went on spring break without leaving your house JULIANA COLANT FOR THE POST Spring break is the week-long vacation from school that marks the downhill slide toward the end of the semester.

The holiday is a time to step back from school and mentally recharge. However, thanks to COVID-19, many will not be making their annual spring break trip.

Instead of spending your time off wistfully daydreaming about how you should be on a beach, try at-home activities that mimic the spring break feeling. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide. It’ll have you feeling like you went on Spring break without leaving your house.

HAVE A PHOTOSHOOT

Grab a few friends and a cute outfit and have a photo shoot. Try coordinating outfits or that hairstyle you’ve seen all over Instagram. You don’t have to be on a beach to show off your new swimsuit. Head to the backyard and strike a pose in your favorite suit and sunglasses. Break out a kiddie pool and splash around. Think of out-of-the-box locations around that could make for a fun backdrop. Have you ever had a photoshoot in your garage, backyard or local grocery store? Try it.

PLAN A FUTURE VACATION

Although traveling may not be easy now, there is hope that one day it will. Be prepared for the turn back to normal by planning a future vacation. Organizing a trip takes much time and thought. Picking a hotel, deciding on an itinerary and travel accommodations are just a few of the things you must consider. Use your time off to plan your ideal trip to a dream destination. Then, when the time comes, all you have to do is hit “book,” grab your suitcase and go.

WATCH SPRING BREAK MOVIES

Go on spring break without leaving the couch. Have a spring break movie night and live vicariously through the characters. Try Spring Breakers, Fyre, Spring Breakdown, 22 Jump Street or 47 Meters Down.

BUY SUMMER CLOTHES

With warm weather ahead, it’s time to update your closet. Refresh it with new summer pieces. Scope out Instagram trends, buy online or browse your local thrift store.

When shopping, buy the four s’s: swimsuits, sundresses,

ILLUSTRATION BY HARLEY WINCE sandals and sunglasses (try saying that five times fast). That clothing haul will be nothing short of summer.

list of the best self-tanners of 2021 here.

GO TANNING OR USE SELF-TANNER

Get a beach tan by laying out in your backyard and soaking up some sun. Or, if you want a quicker and less harmful method, try at-home self-tanning. See Allure’s

@COLANT_JULIANA JC079419@OHIO.EDU

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the weekender Bobcats Well-Being, Campus Recreation host weekly hikes KAYLA BENNETT STAFF WRITER

With the weather warming up, Ohio University’s Bobcats Well-Being and Campus Recreation are encouraging students to spend time outside and join them in day hikes around Athens.

Athens holds many hiking treasures, including Strouds Run, Sells Park and The Ridges. Due to COVID-19, typical hiking places away from campus have been put on hold.

However, the team at Bobcats Well-Being hopes this will change in the upcoming months.

“We’ve got a good bit of different things. It just depends too on how people define their well-being and what’s best for them and where they’re at right now,” Wes Bonadio, director of Well-Being and Recreation, said. “I think what we’re trying

to do is provide some things in person –– a sense of normalcy of if this is something that you’ve always done while you’ve been here on campus. We’re still providing those things but also trying to acknowledge that there are some aspects of life that are really tough right now so trying to give educational programming around that as well.”

Bonadio said he and his team understand that life is difficult for students right now, but they want to provide support however they can. Their support comes in many different mediums and programs, which can be found on their website. ”We’ve tried to put together as much information as we possibly can. At least right now, it’s not exhaustive, but at least putting things out there in regards to resources — whether it’s on campus, whether it’s Campus Rec-related or if it is things that are just out there that we can support — and help people find ways of being healthy, being happy, staying

connected, but doing it in a way that fits them,” Bonadio said.

“Because everybody’s so different, (we’re) really trying to not put everybody in a box and say this is the one thing you got to do to be healthy and to find happiness in your life. It really is individualistic.”

The day hikes have been hosted throughout the first semester and will continue to be held for the rest of the school year. In order to attend a hike, students can sign up online on the Campus Recreation website.

On the day of the scheduled hike, students will meet at the hiking location. There will be hiking leaders who have planned routes that take around three hours to cover.

“We didn’t want to do any kind of hikes that were too far away where students weren’t able to get themselves there,” Judd Walker, assistant director for Campus Recreation, said.

“We wanted to encourage people to step away a little bit from campus and see what’s in our area. There’s really good hiking.

There’s a lot of really beautiful stuff to take in around here.”

These hiking opportunities let group members become more acquainted with their peers,who they may have never met before. This allows students to meet people with similar interests and learn more about fellow Bobcats.

“The day trips we’re offering this semester are a really good way to get out and engage in the world during a time when we really have been stripped of the opportunity to do that,” Walker said. “This is a really good, safe way to go on a guided, curated outdoor experience with other people.

You’re going to get to meet other Bobcats, which are in really short supply right now, and have a good time and get to know the area, away from campus and away from Court Street. There’s some really good outdoor stuff happening right here in our own city in our own town, and so this is a great opportunity to see the world beyond the tiny bubble that a lot of students tend to exist in.”

With trying to help students mental and physical health, these day hikes are made to involve students and help them become familiar with the area they’ll be spending their college days exploring.

“It’s really important to me. It’s a nice break to kind of separate yourself from school and everything going on in your life like schoolwork, volunteering, everything else and just spend time to kind of relax,” Emma Tremblay, a first-year studying biological sciences, said. @KKAYYBEN KB084519@OHIO.EDU

IF YOU GO WHAT: Day hike hosted by Bobcats Well-Being and Campus Recreation WHERE: Strouds Run State Park WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 28, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

(JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

22 / FEB. 25, 2021

ADMISSION: Free

WHAT’S GOING ON? Watch OU theater production virtually; shop for wool and fiber arts ISABEL NISSLEY FOR THE POST

FRIDAY, FEB. 26 Southeast Ohio Fiberworks February Wool and Fiber Arts Sale at 10 a.m., hosted virtually by Southeast Ohio Fiberworks. Support local artisans by shopping at the virtual wool and fiber arts sale.

Products are made and sourced in Southeastern Ohio. There will also be a live segment of the sale in which shoppers can meet the vendors online.

Admission: Free Ohio University School of Theater presents: Blood at the Root at 8 p.m., hosted virtually by OU’s School of Theater. Watch this “striking” ensemble drama by Dominique Morisseau online. The play examines justice, racial double standards, class relations and Black family life.

SATURDAY, FEB. 27 Athens Farmers Market at 9 a.m., hosted by Athens Farmers Market, 1002 E. State St. Shop for locally grown and locally made foods and goods at the farmers’ market. The market accepts SNAP, credit cards and wholesome wave. Masks are recommended, and social distancing protocols are in place.

SUNDAY, FEB. 28 “Women of Appalachia Project” Fine Art Exhibition at 12 p.m., hosted by the Dairy Barn Art Center, 8000 Dairy Lane. Explore art created by a diverse group of women. The Women of Appalachia Project encourages the making of art that shares artists’ culture and experiences, addressing issues of stereotypes and marginalization. Reservations to view the exhibit can be made through the Dairy Barn website.

Admission: $5, free for Dairy Barn members Day Hike at Strouds Run at 1 p.m., hosted by OU Campus Recreation, Strouds Run State Park. Enjoy nature with a hike at Strouds Run State Park. Participants must register on the OU Division of Student Affairs website.

Admission: Free Spring / Easter Wreath Crafternoon at 2 p.m., hosted by Island Time Oasis, 2209 Camden Ave., Parkersburg, West Virginia. Get crafty and learn how to make a 24” spring or Easter-themed grapevine wreath. Materials are provided, and participants are limited to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.

Admission: $35

@ISABELNISSLEY IN566119@OHIO.EDU

Admission: Free Community Glaze Night at 4 p.m., hosted by Hocking Makers Network, 3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville. Bring bisque ware and glaze it with friends at this community event. After glazing, one more firing is needed before participants can take their pieces home.

Admission: Free to ceramic workshop participants

Admission: Free

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 23

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