The Orientation Guide 2018

The Orientation Guide THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2018

Let’s face it: Your first days on campus are some of the most daunting of your life. Luckily, ‘The Post’ has your back with the tips you need to make this year one to remember.

PALMER

COURT

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ST

MILL

CONGRESS

E STATE

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UNION

STHIGH

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XI XII I II X III IX VIII IV VII V VI

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Catch up on last year’s biggest headlines P8 Hungry? Grab a bite at Athens’ food trucks P11 The essential bucket list for your first month P12

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Get to know OU, follow The Post

W

LAUREN FISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

elcome to orientation. And more importantly, welcome to your new home.

In my own case, I remember freshman orientation as overwhelming, to put it lightly. The showers were too cold and claustrophobic, the salad bar at Shively seemed impressive but a bit intimidating, and the thought of staring out the window of a single dorm room alone brought tears to my eyes as I tried to fall asleep in Washington Hall. I was feeling more than a little lost.

Orientation, I’ve realized, can be a sobering time.

Don’t get me wrong — it’s the beginning of what will end up being four of the best years of your life (something your parents will never let you forget). But, it’s also a moment of clarity and realization. When Mom and Dad hug you goodbye and leave you alone in a room full of shiny IKEA furniture, if you’re anything like me, you’re going to be devastated. You may be thousands of miles from home, stranded in a new place full of strange faces and lofty expectations.

But I’ll let you in on a secret: it’s all going to be OK. These tree-lined streets will become more and more familiar. You might get lost on your first day of classes, but after a week of stumbling around Seigfred, you’ll know your schedule like clockwork. The dining hall food

won’t make you pine for mom’s cooking, and after a few instances of accidentally referring to Athens as “home,” you’ll actually start to mean it.

As much as it pains me to write this, your first year on campus will be my last, and to say that I’m envious of you would be an understatement. This year, and the three that follow, will fly by, and before you know it you’ll be a curmudgeonly senior like myself, writing columns to remind freshmen to “make the most of every moment.”

My hope is that The Post will be a lighthouse to guide you through your freshman year and beyond — as we have been for more than 100 years. Follow us @ThePost on Twitter, sign up for Post Haste, our daily newsletter, and make sure to grab a copy of our print edition each Thursday. We’ll be right by your side through thick and thin as the independent voice of Athens and Ohio University.

And if you ever want to visit us, our doors in Baker 325 are open.

So buckle up for a wild ride, Bobcats. You’re going to have the time of your life.

Lauren Fisher is a senior studying journalism and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Want to talk to her? Email her at lf966614@ohio.edu or send her a tweet @lauren__fisher.

Cover illustration by Rilee Lockhart

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LAUREN FISHER MANAGING EDITOR Maddie Capron DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Alex McCann ASST. MANAGING EDITOR Jessica Hill CREATIVE DIRECTOR Abby Gordon EDITORIAL NEWS EDITORS Abbey Marshall, Sarah M. Penix INVESTIGATIVE EDITOR Bailey Gallion SPORTS EDITOR Spencer Holbrook CULTURE EDITOR Alexis Eichelberger OPINION EDITOR Chuck Greenlee COPY CHIEF Laila Riaz ART ART DIRECTOR Abbey Phillips GRAPHICS EDITOR Riley Scott DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Meagan Hall DIGITAL DIGITAL PRODUCTION EDITOR Megan Knapp SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Kate Ansel BLOGS EDITOR Georgia Davis MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Alex Penrose DIRECTOR OF PODCASTS Madeleine Peck BUSINESS MANAGER Lily Perdomo Demorejon

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Who to know at OU and in Athens Before getting to campus in the fall, familiarize yourself with the leaders who shape Ohio University and Athens.

WHERE TO FIND THEM

DUANE NELLIS

TWITTER: @OHIOPREZOFFICE OFFICE: CUTLER 108

ELLEN WAGNER | ASST. NEWS EDITOR @EWAGNER19 EW047615@OHIO.EDU PRESIDENT DUANE NELLIS Duane Nellis was inaugurated as the 21st president of OU in October. Before coming to OU, he served as the president of Texas Tech University from 2013 to 2016 and the University of Idaho from 2009 to 2013. He also served as a provost and senior vice president at Kansas State University and the dean of Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University.

Nellis received his bachelor’s degree in earth sciences and geography at Montana State University in 1976. He also received his master’s and doctoral degrees from Oregon State University in geography in 1977 and 1980, respectively.

He is recognized nationally and internationally for his research with satellite data and geographic information systems to analyze various dimensions of Earth’s land service.

for student affairs and dean of students at OU. Since 2013, she has worked in administrative operation for several student affairs departments.

Her involvement at OU as a student led her to work with students as a career. Hall-Jones graduated from OU with a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminology, a master’s in college student personnel and a doctoral degree in higher education.

JASON PINA Beginning his third academic year at OU, Jason Pina serves as the vice president for student affairs. He oversees the intellectual and personal development of the students at OU, which includes oversight of professional and graduate-level staff, undergraduate student employees and an annual operating budget of $62 million.

CHRISTINE KNISELY Chris Knisley serves as the president of Athens City Council. She has served on the city council for 10 years and became president in 2015.

The council has seven members and form the legislative power of Athens. Council meets every first and third Wednesday at 7 p.m. on the third floor of the Athens City Building.

JENNY HALL-JONES Jenny Hall-Jones serves as the associate vice president

MADDIE SLOAT Maddie Sloat is the incoming Student Senate pres-

STEVE PATTERSON Steve Patterson has served as Athens’ mayor since November 2015. Before becoming mayor, he was a city council member and an associate professor at OU. Patterson oversees eight boards and commissions as mayor, including Board of Control, Board of Zoning and Planning Commission.

ident at OU. In April, the unopposed Bridge Ohio ticket won the Student Senate elections. Sloat was elected along with Vice President Hannah Burke and Treasurer Lydia Ramlo.

Student Senate meets every Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. in Walter 235.

TOM PYLE Tom Pyle is the chief of the Athens Police Department.

APD is responsible for enforcing the law in Athens and providing security at events like Halloween and fests.

JASON PINA

JENNY HALL-JONES

STEVE PATTERSON

CHRISTINE KNISELY

TWITTER: @JBPINA OFFICE: CUTLER 212

TWITTER: @MAYORPATTERSON

TWITTER: @JENNYHALLJONES OFFICE: BAKER 345

OFFICE: ATHENS CITY BUILDING

ANDREW POWERS Andrew Powers is the police chief at the Ohio University Police Department. OUPD oversees law enforcement and security on OU’s campus.

RODNEY SMITH Rodney Smith has served as Athens County sheriff since April 2014. He has worked in many aspects of the department throughout his 30 year career in Athens, including a corrections officer, sergeant and lieutenant.

As the Athens County sheriff, he works to solve problems in Athens Country, with a focus on property crimes and drug abuse. He also is dedicated to bringing community members together to solve problems in Athens County.

MADDIE SLOAT

TWITTER: @MADFOX16 OFFICE: BAKER 305

ANDREW POWERS

TWITTER: @OUPOLICE OFFICE: SCOTT QUAD 135

TOM PYLE

OFFICE: ATHENS POLICE DEPARTMENT

RODNEY SMITH

OFFICE: ATHENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 3

A welcome message to students from Ohio University President Duane Nellis

O DUANE NELLIS OHIO UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

n behalf of the faculty, staff and administration of Ohio University, we hope you have a wonderful experience on campus this summer and once school is back in session.

For some of you, this will be your first time away from home. For others, Athens is a familiar place that you lovingly call home. Get to know your campus. Explore your community. Meet new people. Your time here will be more special if you take full advantage of the academic and cultural opportunities presented to you by Ohio University and the Appalachian region.

Throughout the course of my career I have lived around the world and interacted with people of all nationalities, cultures, religions, sexual orientations and socio-eco-

nomic statuses. Growing up in a small town in the northwest U.S., I could never have imagined all the people I would meet in my life’s journey, but I know that I have been deeply influenced by those experiences. We can all learn so much from each other if we are only willing to listen and seek to understand.

As we look to the year ahead, we will be starting a new lecture series called OHIO Challenging Dialogues on Contemporary Issues, where we will bring in experts to engage in conversations surrounding the biggest concerns facing our nation and our world. We will also begin work on helping to tackle the opioid crisis that threatens our region. Through the formation of the Opioid Task Force, we can combat this epidemic in a concerted, co-

ordinated manner and leverage our collective expertise to save lives and enact real change toward the betterment of our region.

Ohio University and its students, faculty and staff, have the ability to make a difference in the lives of many. The time to act is now, no matter what challenges or barriers we encounter. As an institution of teaching, learning, research and service, we have an obligation to future generations, and you now share that responsibility.

I wish you all the best as we embark on another academic year, and I will look forward to seeing more of you as I am walking around campus.

Take care of yourselves and each other, and Go Bobcats!

Student Senate president invites freshmen to get involved, share innovative new ideas

I

MADDIE SLOAT STUDENT SENATE PRESIDENT

still remember bursting out of the Convocation Center like it was yesterday. Being pushed by the tide of other first-year students as we made our way from our freshman convocation to College Green, taking over the bricks as our own for the very first time.

Although the stress and nerves of my first weekend in college were overwhelming, I can still vividly remember walking under College Gate and thinking, “I’m crossing into a new chapter of my life today.”

Since then, Ohio University has provided me with so many adventures and opportunities that I could have only dreamed of, experiences available to all of you as you become Bobcats.

In my time at OU so far, I’ve created my own student organization, worked as a resident assistant and assistant resident director in Housing and Residence Life, connected with Bobcat alumni all across the country, collaborated with dedicated professors and ad-

4 / THE ORIENTATION GUIDE 2018

ministrators and, most recently, became president of OU’s Student Senate. I may be slightly biased, but I firmly believe that those experiences could only happen here, in the beautiful college town of Athens, Ohio.

I encourage all of you to make the most of your time here. With so many student organizations, research opportunities, campus and community jobs, and university events, there are countless ways you can take advantage of everything that OU has to offer. While these experiences can help prepare you for future careers and professional goals, the most important part of campus involvement is the people you meet and the relationships you build in the process. The best part about being a Bobcat is joining our Bobcat family, and I look forward to seeing the new relationships created in the following year.

If you are interested in becoming part of a student organization that helps to advocate for students on a larger scale, I recommend

that you look into OU’s Student Senate organization. Our members represent all students on campus, helping to bring student ideas and concerns to administrators and faculty and create tangible change. Last year, we institutionalized the funding of menstrual products in campus restrooms and addressed campus concerns about textbook affordability, diversity in faculty hires and campus free speech.

As the incoming Student Senate president, I’m excited to see the innovation and passion that your class brings to campus, and I hope that you will consider sharing some of those ideas with Student Senate.

I look forward to watching the ways in which your class takes to the bricks and makes this campus your own in the next several years. As you cross into the next chapter of your life, remember to take advantage of and enjoy every new opportunity that this university provides.

Welcome to our Bobcat family.

Orientation is weird, but so is the rest of college I walked across the stage at Green High School, was handed my diploma and gave a hug to my then-girlfriend who handed me a graduation CHUCK rose on stage. It was a cute GREENLEE moment, the crowd “awwis a senior ed” and that was that. I studying was officially a high school commugraduate, just like you. The nication next morning at 6 a.m., my studies at Ohio dad and I got into his car University. and made our way to Athens for orientation.

After getting to Athens at about 9:30 a.m., I had forgotten three papers I needed. I forgot my driver’s license and what I wanted to change my major to. (It was communications studies. I changed my major four times freshman year. I ended up back in communication studies. My dad was so mad.)

My collegiate career was off to a great start. My dad, understandably vexed with my forgetfulness, huffed and puffed until everything was sorted out. I started biting my nails, as I always do when I am a little bit anxious, and then everything ended up being OK right as blood started to make its way through the cuticles of my thumb.

If you’re reading this I assume you might be a little anxious, too.

Orientation is scary. For roughly 30 hours you get a whiff of what the next four years may be. Here’s the catch: It isn’t at all what it will be. Not in the slightest. Your hand isn’t held after your loved ones drive

away from helping you move in this August, and there isn’t a tight schedule you’re on.

It’s just you. I spent my first night of college alone in Tanaka 325 watching cat videos. I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

But that’s a few months from now. Right now you’re just worried about what orientation is, and it’s great that you decided to pick up a copy of The Post or visit our website. So as someone who is a cynical senior, I just want to let you know what to expect over your first 30 hours here.

You’ll get lost. It’s cool to do that, though.

Get lost, and you will end up finding something cool by accident. You will also probably have an existential crisis while you’re here.

That’s totally OK, and it’s completely normal.

Your first few months here are super confusing and weird — c’est la vie. Try to make friends, too. I can’t remember a single person from my orientation group. I think I see this one person from time to time who I sat next to through the whole thing, but we never spoke.

He is the closest friend I have made here.

Jokes aside, as you are confused and trying to figure out how to read a DARS, just remember that this whole college thing gets easier, and it also gets harder. That’s the whole point of why you’re here. This isn’t an easy time. It’s confusing and sweaty and dumb sometimes, but as cliché as it is, it’s the best time of your life. So please, enjoy it.

Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Chuck? Send him a tweet @chuck_greenlee.

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What to expect during Welcome Weekend Although the college experience is different for everyone, nothing brings OU students together quite like the sights and sounds of Welcome Weekend.

MADDIE CAPRON MANAGING EDITOR There are very few things that can make you feel more at home in Athens than Welcome Weekend.

From the second you get the keys to your brand new room in your residence hall, everything is new and exciting. You get to unpack your new accessories and make your space exactly how you want it. You start meeting people from all over the state, nation and world, and you’ll all be friends instantly because you probably don’t know many other people.

You’ll probably go to a dining hall for the first time and try pizza from Shively Dining Hall or breakfast foods at Nelson Court.

You’ll travel in a pack everywhere and try what will soon become your favorite latenight snack. Maybe you’ll be a fan of fried mac-and-cheese at Union Street Diner, 70 W. Union St., or order fried rice at Fusion Noodle Company, 30 W. Union St. It will probably be extremely hot, and walking up the hills will feel like climbing a mountain. Mill Street will look like a scene out of a movie during those first few nights back, and you can only get that during that one weekend. Everyone will be so excited and happy to be back, and you’ll probably hear people screaming or shrieking when they get reunited with their friends, which will become a thing you’ll do in the years to come.

During the weekend, you’ll be jammed into Peden Stadium and onto the football field for a photo with every freshman.

If it’s anything like when I did it, you will probably be sweaty, sticky and ready to be back in your bed. The sun will be beating on you, and you’ll feel like you’re squinting the entire time.

There will be programs put on by sleep-deprived resident assistants and mandatory floor meetings to attend. You will probably be worried about getting

your textbooks and what school supplies you need for classes to start on Monday, but those things will get worked out. You’ll also get a lot of free stuff from pizza to T-shirts to a water bottle or two.

Perhaps the best tradition of Welcome Weekend, however, is when Ohio University President Duane Nellis welcomes you in The Convo along with every other freshman.

“I don’t know how you spent your summer, but I spent mine falling in love. Don’t worry — my wife, Ruthie, already knows all about this,” Nellis said at last year’s convocation. “In fact, she fell in love this summer, too. We both fell in love with Ohio University.”

You’ll fall in love with the campus and town, too. After Convocation, you’ll get to follow the Marching 110 up Richland Avenue and onto College Green.

The band can be heard across campus, but only vaguely until it gets closer to College Green, which is swarming with new opportunities and upperclassmen waiting at the involvement fair.

Nearly all of the student organizations on campus will be there to welcome you.

They’ll want you to join their team, and they’re genuinely excited for you to be there. Everything from Harry Potter Alliance to Bobcathon to even The Post will be there. Find the things you love, and jump right in.

Then, the music gets louder and everyone remembers what it feels like to be back on campus, and new freshmen are officially welcomed to Athens for the first time as they walk through Alumni Gateway and onto College Green.

“So enter that daily thou mayest grow in knowledge wisdom and love,” the gateway reads.

Welcome home. You’re going to love it.

@MADDIECAPRON MC055914@OHIO.EDU

Salim Riley and his mom wait in the long line for the elevator in Bromley Hall on Saturday, August 23, 2014. (SETH ARCHER / FILE)

WELCOME HOME, BOBCATS! Housing Move-In Information Move-In Schedule

August 23 9AM-12PM: 1st Floor Residents 9AM-12PM: LINKS and TSP Participants 1PM-4PM: 3rd Floor Residents

August 24

Order a loft at bedloft.com!

Place your order by August 7 Check Floor Amenities website: ohio.edu/housing/amenities.cfm

9AM-12PM: 2nd Floor Residents 1PM-4PM: 4th Floor Residents

Check out the Arrival Guide: ohio.edu/arrival-guide housing@ohio.edu

6 / THE ORIENTATION GUIDE 2018

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President Nellis: A Year in Review

Duane Nellis speaks before the 2017 Interfaith Walk in front of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd on University Terrace. (BLAKE NISSEN / PHOTO EDITOR)

After one academic year in office, President Duane Nellis feels “really good” about his move to Ohio University.

When he arrived on campus last summer, his approach was to learn about OU as much as possible. Since then, Nellis established more than five task forces, attended and organized many community events, and started a monthly newsletter for OU alumni.

“I remain very positive about this opportunity here at Ohio University, I think we’ve had a very productive year,” Nellis said. “I come to work every day with a passion and excitement for the opportunities that this position presents.”

Beginning his presidency during a time of a university budget gap and national issues surrounding free speech, Nellis elevated shared governance around those issues by incorporating dialogue with groups on campus in “each step” of the process.

“Certainly the budget was a (challenge) coming in,” Nellis said. “One of the important dimensions of my approach to that was to be very inclusive.”

That inclusivity extended to the process of establishing the newly proposed policies about free speech on campus, which governed time, place and manner of demonstrations.

In October, Nellis established the Presidential Policy Advisory Group to craft recommendations for the interim “Freedom of Expression” policies at OU. That group included representatives from Student Senate, Graduate Student Senate, staff and faculty.

“I truly want to be an engaged leader, a leader committed to shared governance, and I think the way we’ve worked through (free speech policies) is an example of that,” Nellis said.

Now, new draft policies are circulating the five senates on campus for feedback. The next step is for the Office of the President to review and sign that policy.

“I function best as a team,” Nellis said.

“We’re all a big family, in a way, and I want to make sure that the different voices of perspectives are heard. Ultimately, we have to move toward decisions, and I’m willing to make those decisions.”

Along with policy changes, Nellis’ first year included important events such as the showcase of the Monument Quilt last fall,

“

I function best as a team. We’re all a big family, in a way, and I want to make sure that the different voices of perspectives are heard.

Ultimately, we have to move toward decisions, and I’m willing to make those decisions.

“

SARAH M. PENIX NEWS EDITOR

- Duane Nellis, president of Ohio University

which displayed survivors of sexual assaults’ stories, and the Take Back The Night Walk, an event on campus to show support for survivors of sexual assault, in the spring. Those events, along with talking to students, are what Nellis considers the most memorable parts of his first year.

“Those are powerful moments,” Nellis said.

Although Nellis feels OU is a safe environment, he said that doesn’t mean there is not a need for improvement.

“We were ranked 21st in the nation as far as one of the safest campuses in the United States,” he said.

Nellis urges students to take advantage of the quality of educational experience at OU because students have the opportunities to “truly make a difference.”

“We have faculty that care deeply about students’ success,” Nellis said. “You can come here and get one of the nation’s best, comprehensive, transformation educational experiences that you can get anywhere, and you can get it right here at Ohio University.”

@SARAHMPENIX SP936115@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 7

NEWS

Highlights from the 2017-18 year SHELBY CAMPBELL FOR THE POST During the 2017-18 academic year, Ohio University students saw a new, highly contested “Freedom of Expression” policy during President Duane Nellis’ first year in office. Additionally, former Today host and OU graduate Matt Lauer was accused of sexual harassment.

OU students saw the Hocking River at its highest in years, and an explosion on West Union Street injured a student.

Here’s more information about last school year’s top headlines: OU’S ‘FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION’ POLICY In August, OU announced its new “Freedom of Expression” policy. The policy banned protests at indoor university spaces. The announcement followed the 70 arrests made at Baker Center on Feb. 1, 2017.

The policy saw bipartisan opposition and was criticized by the Ohio ACLU, OU College Democrats and Republicans and an associate professor from Princeton University.

“I think that’s kind of a bipartisan fight,” Ryan Evans, the then-president of the OU College Republicans, said in a previous Post report about the disagreement on the policy. “There are definitely people on the left who want to protest … and that should be absolutely fine, like I said, as long as it doesn’t impede other people’s rights.”

In April, OU proposed new “Freedom of Expression” policies that would allow protests in Baker Center atrium spaces, empty classrooms, reservable conference rooms and meeting rooms in Baker Center when participants “are permitted to be present,” according to a previous Post report.

THE HOCKING RIVER FLOOD The Hocking River flooded more than 2 feet over its 20-foot stage April 5 and forced closure of parts of East State Street.

By 10 a.m., the river rose to 22.5 feet.

The flood closed several businesses on East State Street for the day, including the Fairfield Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn. East State Street was closed between Kroger and the OU Credit Union and between the Market on State and Cook Drive.

8 / THE ORIENTATION GUIDE 2018

MATT LAUER’S TERMINATION Students and faculty members at OU were shocked by sexual harassment allegations against Lauer, who attended the university in the late ‘70s.

The former NBC news anchor was fired following allegations of sexual harassment.

More than 60 OU students interned with Today, the show Lauer co-anchored since 1997. Lauer was “instrumental” in creating the internship program, OU Spokeswoman Carly Leatherwood said in a previous Post report.

The allegations sparked action from the Scripps College of Communication, which created a task force with alumni and students to combat sexual harassment in the workplace.

“I realized that we really need to focus on making sure our students, when they’re interning, are protected,” E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Director Bob Stewart said in a previous Post report. “Because there are a lot of mechanisms that students (have) on campus for how to get support. But when students are away from campus, there aren’t as many mechanisms to support them.”

Jolana Watson, a then-second-year graduate student studying communications and development, speaks to protestors on the steps of the Athens County Courthouse during Friday’s protest against Ohio University’s interim ‘Freedom of Expression’ policy.

(CARL FONTICELLA / FILE)

WEST UNION STREET EXPLOSION One person was injured April 15 in an explosion on West Union Street.

Part of Cycle Path Bicycles, 104 W. Union St., appeared to have crumbled in the explosion, according to a previous Post report.

Reann Lung, who lives next to Thai Paradise, said she was sitting on her bed doing homework when her window was open, and she heard a noise.

“I heard something, and I looked out the window (to) my left and the building was expanding — it literally collapsed,” Lung, a fifth-year mechanical engineering student, said in a previous Post report. “And then, maybe 15 seconds later, a guy came running out the window and then laid down on the roof and did not move.”

@BLOODBUZZOHIOAN SC568816@OHIO.EDU

Athens resident Taher Ala and his 2-year-old son, Ammer, view the flooding on East State Street on April 5, 2018. (HANNAH SCHROEDER / FILE)

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9

FROM MR. BOBCAT TO RUFUS Explore how Ohio University’s mascot evolved from its 1960s caricature, to its pairing with a female bobcat and then to how students know the university’s furry representative today.

TAYLOR JOHNSTON | FOR THE POST ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARCUS PAVILONIS

MR. BOBCAT

1960

BOBCAT & BOBKITTEN

1968

W

hile the bobcat has been Ohio University’s mascot since 1925, Rufus has only been around for a little more than a decade.

The Bobcat mascot, previously known as Mr. Bobcat, appeared in the 1960 Homecoming float competition, according to the Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections. Thomas Schantz designed the costume and then had it made.

From 1968 through the ’70s, the mascot also made appearances with Bobkitten, a female bobcat, according to the Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections.

After 21 years, the bobcat costume was redesigned and then again in the 1990s.

In 2006, OU decided to update the look of the mascot again, this time giving a name to the university’s mascot, according to a previous Post report. Several university groups individually teamed up to come up with designs for the new campus representative.

Before the proposed update, the mascot costume was dated and starting to show its age. Also, the old mascot was not cohesive with the “Attack Cat” logo, which also appeared on merchandise at the time.

In order to choose a new name for the mascot, there was a contest that ran from the end of the Spring Quarter to the first week of the Fall Quarter, according to a previous Post report.

“The name ‘Rufus’ was chosen by respondents to an online poll posted on the Athletic Department’s website. Respondents voted on the names Rufus, Flash, Bob, Prowler, Gamer and Attack,” a previous Post report reads.

While many were fans of the new update to the mascot, some people were not.

“Some people, though, prefer the look of the old Bobcat because it is approachable and familiar,” a previous Post report reads.

September of 2006 was when the new and improved Rufus the Bobcat “first rolled in to Peden Stadium.”

“The result was a slimmed-down, tougher-looking Bobcat dressed in an Ohio football uniform,” a previous Post report reads. With two new costumes purchased at about $10,000 each, it was said they “should be used for the next seven or eight years.”

@TF_JOHNSTON TJ369915@OHIO.EDU 10 / THE ORIENTATION GUIDE 2018

BOBCAT

1990

RUFUS

2006

THE FOOD TRUCKS OF ATHENS FROM FALAFEL TO FRENCH FRIES, PAD THAI TO PIZZA, ATHENS’ FOOD TRUCKS SERVE UP FRESH TAKES ON BOTH CLASSIC DISHES AND INTERNATIONAL FARE JESSICA HILL | ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR ILLUSTRATION BY MEGAN KNAPP

$7-10

$1.754.50

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ure, Athens has a dozen or so restaurants based around Court Street. But mobile food spots also pop up Uptown, giving students even more options to dine. Here is a brief guide to the food trucks regularly spotted in Athens: ALI BABA’S Price range: $7-10 Ali Baba’s has been serving Mediterranean food in Athens since 1988. Located at the corner of East Union and Court Street most days or at the corner of West State and North Congress streets, Ali Baba’s serves dishes like gyros, falafel and hummus. It also sells baked goods and other foods at the Athens Farmers Markets on Saturdays.

ATHEENIE WEENIE Price range: $1.75-4.50 Usually vending at 180 Columbus Road, Atheenie Weenie serves hot dogs with different toppings, such as chili dogs and slaw dogs, and also makes Philly steak and cheese sandwiches. Atheenie Weenie of-

$3-7

$5-10

$6.7515.75

ten parks its trailer at East Union Street with the other vendors as well.

A-TOWN PIES AND FRIES Price range: $3-7 A food truck often spotted near Holzer Clinic and on the corner of East Union and Court streets, A-Town Pies and Fries serves fresh pizza by the slice, sub sandwiches and french fries. Its pizzas include regular pepperoni and cheese as well as french bread pizza and pesto french bread.

BURRITO BUGGY Price range: $5-10 The recently reopened Burrito Buggy offers the option to buy burritos without the hassle of Chipotle’s lines. The Buggy has been an Athens staple since 1984. Menu items such as the Texas Bacon Ranch burrito are local favorites. The Burrito Buggy is parked almost every day on the corner of Court and East Union streets.

CAJUN CLUCKER Price range: $6.75-15.75 The Cajun Clucker is off the beaten path — literally. Parked outside of Little Fish

$8-13

$5-12

Brewing Company and off the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway at 8675 Armitage Road, the Cajun Clucker serves many different Cajun and creole foods, such as jambalaya and po’ boy sandwiches. It also offers burgers, chicken strips and ice cream.

CHELSEA’S REAL FOOD Price range: $8-13 Selling her dishes at the Athens Farmers Market, Chelsea Hindenach serves locally sourced, gluten-free foods. Chelsea’s Real Food opened in July 2013, and Hindenach implements the 30 Mile Meal in all of her dishes, including soups, salads and sandwiches. She also sells baked goods and drinks such as coffee and smoothies.

DR. MAY’S THAI KITCHEN Price range: $5-12 The owner of Dr. May’s Thai Kitchen, May Rath, is from Thailand and has brought authentic Thai dishes like pad thai, fried mussels and mama pad tom yum to Athens. The truck sometimes makes appearances on East Union Street next to College Green, but from 5:45-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Dr. May’s is at 94 Columbus Road, a nine-minute bus ride from Baker Center.

$4.756.75

$3-8

HOLY GUACAMOLE Price range: $3-8 The Holy Guacamole food truck has been a part of the Athens food scene for years, but it just recently started to make a regular presence at East Union Street with the others. It serves all the classics — tamales, tacos, fajitas and quesadillas. In addition to fresh tamales, it serves fresh Mexican drinks like horchata.

HOT POTATO FOOD TRUCK Price range: $4.75-$6.75 Baked potatoes go international with the Hot Potato Food Truck, another truck that makes appearances for both breakfast and lunch on East Union Street. It offers international twists on the baked potato, such as the Turkish Kumpir, a baked potato stuffed with mashed potatoes, Russian salad, mushrooms, black olives and other ingredients. They also have a potato based on the other Athens called the Athens Greek, which includes spinach, gyro chunks, feta, red onions, kalamata olives and other ingredients.

@JESS_HILLYEAH JH240314@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11

TOP 10 ATHENS PLACES TO VISIT TAYLOR JOHNSTON | FOR THE POST ILLUSTRATIONS BY RILEE LOCKHART & ABBEY PHILLIPS

Being a freshman is overwhelming at times. There are so many first experiences to have, and sometimes you might not know where to start. Here are seven places to visit if you’re looking to create new memories or just experience what Athens has to offer during your first month as a Bobcat:

3

@TF_JOHNSTON TJ369915@OHIO.EDU

1

BONG HILL

Grab your roommate or some new friends on your floor and start the trek to Bong Hill. Even though it’s a bit of a hike, you won’t regret the view of Ohio University’s campus and the city of Athens.

2

UNION STREET DINER

Dine in, grab breakfast for dinner or share a basket of cheese fries with some friends at Union Street Diner, 70 W. Union St.

3

BEADS & THINGS

Create a true Athens keepsake at Beads and Things, 8 N. Shafer St., which carries beads from all over the world. Learn how to make jewelry or other beaded items with this hands-on experience. Items can be made into an original gift to give your friends or family back home.

4

THE UNION

Love live music? Then The Union Bar and Grill, 18 W. Union St., is for you. Bring a friend or go alone to meet others who share a love for music. New shows are added every week, so you’re likely to find a new band or artist to enjoy.

5

THE RIDGES

By now, you’ve probably heard that The Ridges, the site of the former Athens Lunatic Asylum, is haunted. Think what you want, but it’s worth checking out. The Kennedy Museum of Art is also located there.

12 / THE ORIENTATION GUIDE 2018

6

8

BAGEL STREET DELI

If you’re down to try some staple Athens cuisine, then Bagel Street Deli, 27 S. Court St., is your place. With a menu of bagelwiches to choose from, you’re sure to find a favorite.

7

ROLLERBOWL LANES

Looking for something to do on a weekday or weekend night? Rollerbowl Lanes, 28 Palmer St., has a bowling special every day of the week. Bring along a new friend or two and bond over who can knock down the most pins.

8

LARRY’S DAWG HOUSE

Venture off campus to Larry’s Dawg House, 410 W. Union St., to grab a quick bite to eat or reward yourself with ice cream after a long stressful week.

9

THE ATHENA CINEMA

Sit back and relax with some popcorn at The Athena Cinema, 20 S. Court St. If you’re looking to see a cult-classic like Pulp Fiction or check out something new, then the cinema is a perfect option.

10

SOUTH BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURTS

If you’re looking to meet some new friends, head over to the volleyball courts on South Green in front of Nelson Court Dining Hall. Bring a volleyball and you’re sure to find a team to join or play against.

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THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13

ENJOYING INVOLVEMENT

Some Ohio University Bobcats pride themselves on the number of student organizations that are present at OU. On OU’s OrgSync page, there are nearly 600 clubs and organizations that students can choose to be a part of. Students are able to create an organization on any topic whenever they choose to do so.

Each organization has its own special characteristics, and some groups incorporate even more creativity into their presentation, recruitment and performance elements to attempt to stand out from the crowd.

James Burns, a junior studying games and animation, is the president of OU Extra Life. He aims to lead an organization where individuals can play games to fundraise money for Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. The group raises money offline and online through Twitch.tv.

“Once a semester, we’ll put together a 24-hour gaming marathon, and we essentially host a live stream and try to raise as much money as possible,” Burns said.

The group’s fundraising goal is around $2,000 each year, but Burns said that since it is a new club, it was only able to raise 14 / THE ORIENTATION GUIDE 2018

$500 during the 2017-18 academic year.

OU Extra Life raised $200 during Spring semester, and it is still aiming for more as more people get involved.

“It’s actually a lot of fun, and we’re going to try to do a lot next semester, besides the 24-hour event,” Burns said. “We generally have a good time.”

Jemeia Hope, a sophomore studying music education, is the president of AcroNauts. She explained that her organization is based on acroyoga, which combines “acrobatics and yoga, with a little influence from gymnastics.” Acro-Nauts meets once a week to work on different kind of poses.

“It’s about community and learning about communicating with others,” Hope said.

Hope started the organization last semester after learning about it from a friend and attending a meeting in Columbus about Acro-yoga. She wants people to try AcroNauts because it’s fun and entertaining.

“It’s more physical than you would think, but not so much to make it inaccessible to a lot of people,” Hope said. “People are afraid to try it, they just give it a shot because it looks really scary in the pictures. But it’s actually not as challenging as you would think, and it’s really fun once you get into it.”

“

Anything to get my mind off of school for a little bit is awesome.

You can make friends through those organizations and everybody needs friends going through college.

- Katie Lehman, a freshman studying nursing

“

HARDIKA SINGH FOR THE POST

Ashley McLean (left) and Nathan Arnold show off some of the handmade goods made by or used by OU’s Medieval Society during the 2017 Involvement fair. (BLAKE NISSEN / FILE)

Lanina Smith, a junior studying biochemistry, is the president of F Word Performers. The feminist group discusses, performs and creates art, and hosts open mic nights at Donkey Coffee and Espresso.

Smith’s organization chooses art form to express their ideas as she considers “the expression of art hard to get across and not be censored.”

“We do more than just poetry,” Smith said. “We encourage anybody to come. We consider ourselves activists and any of the in-betweens. We’re LGBTQ safe, and we just put on a show once a semester, and we encourage all sorts to participate.”

Smith said all the members have their own needs and “critique others’ art” to help get better.

“It’s a very good way to get out any sort of feelings that we are having,” Smith said.

“It’s almost like a form a group therapy.”

Katie Lehman, a freshman studying nursing, likes that OU has such a variety of student organizations.

“I think it is awesome,” Lehman said. “It provides a wide variety of activities for a wide variety of people. There’s a lot of different people who go here from a lot of different places. It gives everybody an option.”

Lehman said student organizations helps students to destress.

“Anything to get my mind off of school for a little bit is awesome,” Lehman said.

“You can make friends through those organizations and everybody needs friends going through college.”

@HARDIKASINGH28 HS152416@OHIO.EDU

Don’t forget it!

REMEMBER TO PACK THESE ESSENTIAL, LIFE-HACKING ITEMS FOR COLLEGE SARAH M. PENIX | NEWS EDITOR ILLUSTRATIONS BY TAYLOR JOHNSTON

DISINFECTING WIPES Stock up. Get your parents to buy you two packs. If you don’t care about germs now, you will once you experience how awful it is when you have to go to class sick. You will soon begin to fear anyone who coughs because sick days are something you will have to leave behind.

RAIN BOOTS Some days there will be downpours, and you will still have to walk up Morton Hill. You will want a sturdy pair of rain-

boots. It’s worth the investment so that you’re not stuck with blisters all day.

FIVE-SUBJECT NOTEBOOK With a little organization, you can keep your backpack from making your spine hurt constantly. As the day goes on, you will be thankful you don’t have to run back and forth from your dorm to get the notebook you need.

BIG PLANNER When I say big, I mean there needs to

be enough room to stay organized. You’ll be surprised how much writing down every assignment and due date helps you best manage your time, which can be a struggle during freshman year. Be sure to get a planner with room to write down weekly activities because your involvement on campus is integral to adjusting to college life. The next four years will be magical and busy, so be sure to make the most of it by planning well.

POST-IT NOTES The planner you buy should surely have enough room for everything, but it’s helpful to write down goals and obligations on a Post-it. It is so satisfying to cross off completed items, and it will help prioritize time.

Set up incentives to make sure you don’t miss a beat in classes or student organizations you’ve carefully selected.

SHOWER SHOES An old pair of flip flops have protected me from whatever germs are on the communal shower floors for the past two years. They don’t need to be fancy or nice, but don’t forget them.

FLASHCARDS These are vital to both organization and the inevitable memorization you’ll have to do in classes. Flashcards are a really helpful and easy way to organize vocab-

ulary terms and presentations. Although websites like Quizlet can be a faster way to practice, the act of writing information down is a learning method that will never go out of style.

FAVORITE SNACKS FROM HOME Dining hall options do not always cut it for cravings. Almond butter is among the food items nearly impossible to find on campus. If you have dietary restrictions, it will take some adjustment to figure out how to eat well in the dining halls, so it’s important to stock up on your favorite snacks to not go hungry or spend an exuberant amount of money Uptown.

SIMPLE CALCULATOR You’ll probably never need that $200 calculator your high school teachers swore by.

Get yourself an algebra calculator. They are about $10 and are required in some classes.

STURDY BACKPACK Your back will thank you. Gone are the days of using cute tote bags for your books — you can’t always run back to your dorm between classes, so invest in a backpack that will carry everything you need it to while also staying in one piece.

@SARAHMPENIX SP936115@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 15

STUDENT ALUMNI BOARD (SAB) The Student Alumni Board (SAB) is a professional organization that strives to connect students to the university and Bobcat alumni through exciting programs and initiatives.

SAB is a group of passionate, creative, and hardworking undergraduates who make a difference on campus. Applications are available this fall. More information can be

BB T O found at OHIOSAB.COM.

BobcaThon is a year-long fundraiser that benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. The tradition culminates in a 12-hour dance marathon each spring, with a mission of raising awareness and funds for children with serious illnesses and their families. More information can be found at BOBCATHON.COM.

delfin bautista, the director of the LGBT Center, sits in their office at Ohio University’s LGBT Center. (HANNAH RUHOFF / FILE)

‘Here to support you’ ALEXIS EICHELBERGER CULTURE EDITOR Transitioning to and managing the stress of college can be difficult. Luckily, there are some designated spaces on Ohio University’s campus that can serve as escapes for students who may need a place to relax and know they are secure and supported.

Places such as the Women’s, Multicultural and LGBT centers, and the recently added meditation room in Alden Library provide students, faculty and staff with secure places to express themselves freely and openly. Here’s a bit about each location and where to find them: MULTICULTURAL CENTER BAKER CENTER 205 Maintained through the OU Office for Diversity and Inclusion, the Multicultural Center serves as a place of cultural teaching and learning. Students, faculty and staff representing a range of cultural identities and backgrounds use the center as a medium for extracurricular involvement and connection with others through additional programming. The Multicultural Center is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.

D’Asia Leathers, a recent graduate who studied journalism, said for many multicultural students, the center serves as a place where they can spend time and be themselves, 16 / THE ORIENTATION GUIDE 2018

whether it just be to socialize or to expressive themselves through student organizations.

“I think the Multicultural Center is a safe space, just given the nature of the center and what all we do here and its purposes,” Leathers said.

WOMEN’S CENTER BAKER CENTER 403 The OU Women’s Center offers a helpful and relaxing atmosphere to all, especially female-identifying people. Decorated with colorful posters with feminist messages hung over comfy couches, the center is a comfortable and cheery spot situated in the back corner of the fourth floor of Baker Center.

According to its website, the Women’s Center offers support for both undergraduate and graduate students, help with research and extracurricular programs. Lactation rooms are accessible for those who need them, and more than 1,000 books on gender-related topics are available for checkout. The center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

LGBT CENTER - BAKER CENTER 354 As the first of its kind in the state of Ohio, the LGBT Center has been a strong voice with a clear message: All are welcome. People of all genders, orientations and identities are welcome in the rainbow-hued center tucked away in the hall of administrative offices in Baker Center. In addition to serving as a place to decompress, the LGBT Center

OHIO

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

CONNECT WITH US: @OhioSAB @BobcaThon @OHIOAlumni

provides a range of events and organizations for students and a wealth of information on LGBT-related topics.

Camry Carey, a recent graduate who studied sociology-criminology and a student employee at the LGBT Center, said the center prioritizes offering a safe environment to people of all identities. She said she considered the center to be a personal place of security for her, even if she is just there to hang out and watch TV. “We’re here to support you in any way you need and want,” Carey said. “If you need that comfort or that kinship, we can be that affirmation for someone.”

MEDITATION ROOM ALDEN LIBRARY FIFTH FLOOR The meditation room in Alden Library, the creation of which was spearheaded by a former student president of the International Student Union, has provided a quiet place for students of all spiritual and religious identities to pray, meditate or simply unwind. Guidelines for the meditation room include silence and mutual respect for others using the room.

The meditation room is meant to highlight inclusivity and show the religious diversity of OU and Athens, according to a previous Post report.

@ADEICHELBERGER AE595714@OHIO.EDU

Chuck Winderl, State Farm Agent 501 Richland Ave Athens, OH 45701 (740) 592-4451 leah.daniels.ig8o@statefarm.com

Oh, the places you can go with OU MADELEINE PECK DIRECTOR OF PODCASTS During spring break of her junior year, Emma Quinn hopped on a plane with six other students from the School of Visual Communication and left for Barcelona and Pamplona, Spain.

She attended a conference on infographics where she met and learned from award-winning professionals in her field.

Upon returning to Athens, she was inspired and driven to do better.

“College is kind of the time to do that,” Quinn said. “Once we graduate, when in your life are you gonna have time?”

While at Ohio University, students can apply for scholarships and have various options to take their studies past the borders of Ohio and even overseas.

Quinn recommends students reach out to their advisors and the Office of Global Opportunities early in their time at OU about their options for going abroad.

Bobcats can head to the Bahamas for winter break to learn about botany or spend an entire academic year as an exchange student in Shanghai.

Although Quinn’s trip was directly through her advisor in VisComm, the Office of Global Opportunities (OGO) offers students a wide range of programs at various locations across the globe.

PROGRAMS DIRECTLY THROUGH OU Study abroad programs directly through OU allow students to travel with an OU faculty member and their fellow classmates from Athens to learn together in a foreign country. OGO offers these programs for entire semesters or for periods during school breaks.

For students who want a new adventure within their own borders, OGO offers domestic programs. Students can spend semesters learning and interning in Los Angeles and Washington D.C., or they can take a week to learn about climate change at Yellowstone National Park.

Students receive direct OU credit for these programs and usually are able to use their financial aid and scholarship packages.

EXCHANGE PROGRAMS If cost is a barrier for students or they seek a truly immersive experience, exchange programs are wallet-friendly and offer students more independence.

Whereas the study abroad programs

through OU and other providers set up specific activities and students take their classes with their American classmates, exchange programs give students the opportunity to be treated like any other student at a foreign university. Students take classes with full-time students at whatever school they’re exchanging to and are responsible for any extra travel they may want to do abroad.

Those programs, which are only offered for full semesters or an academic year, are usually a cheaper option for students worried about the costs of going abroad.

For example, OU students exchanging to the University of Southern Denmark may actually save money exchanging, because they don’t need to pay OU’s tuition and the University of Southern Denmark is tuition-free.

Students receive transfer credits for these programs and are able to use their financial aid and scholarship packages, for the most part.

OHIO INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIUM PROGRAMS For a student who is uninterested in the study abroad programs through OU but has heard about a cool program their friend at Kent State is involved with, they may also be eligible to join in on that Kent State program.

OU is part of the Ohio International Consortium, made up of other four-year public universities in Ohio. The consortium makes it so students at public universities in Ohio can participate in study abroad programs offered at other Ohio schools.

OTHER PROGRAMS For more options, there are various program providers that plan study, volunteer and internship abroad opportunities for students across the country. OGO is affiliated with some of the providers. CISabroad even has a coordinator on campus who can speak specifically about their programs.

Students receive transfer credits for these programs and typically are able to use their financial aid and scholarship package for programs with affiliated providers. If students participate in a program with a non-affiliated provider, it is possible to use their federal financial aid but not OU scholarship packages.

@M_PECKABLE MP172114@OHIO.EDU

PLACES YOU CAN TRAVEL TO Asia

Africa

Cambodia China India Japan Malaysia Thailand

Botswana Ghana South Africa

Australia

Austria Balkans Czech Republic Denmark England France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Northern Ireland Russia Scotland Spain Wales

Europe

Australia New Zealand

North America Bahamas Canada Costa Rica Cuba Grand Cayman Island Jamaica Mexico Navajo Nation United States

South America

Other destinations

Argentina Belize Ecuador Nicaragua Paraguay Panama Peru

Multi-country COST Student Teaching *Information provided by Ohio University Global Affairs and International Studies ILLUSTRATIONS PROVIDED VIA VECTEEZY.COM THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

FOOTBALL

MAC to continue heated division races TREVOR COLGAN FOR THE POST The Mid-American Conference had the same football teams play in its championship game from 2013 to 2015: Bowling Green and Northern Illinois.

The past two seasons have brought four different teams to Ford Field in Detroit to play for the conference’s crown: Ohio, Western Michigan, Akron and Toledo. Three of the past four MAC champions have come from the West Division.

The Bobcats had their chance to repeat as MAC East Division champions in 2017, they just couldn’t take advantage of a late-season matchup against the Zips, who finished 7-7.

Ohio figures to be back in contention for the East Division, with needed stability at quarterback with the return of Nathan Rourke.

Buffalo and Miami will likely be the two teams that give Ohio its toughest challenge. The Bobcats lost to the Bulls in the season finale last year. The matchup on Nov. 14 between the two in Athens this season may determine the MAC East Division champion.

Headed into his fifth year at Buffalo, coach Lance Leipold’s Bulls show promise. If they can win conference road games at Central Michigan, Toledo and Bowling Green, Buffalo will be a threat.

Over the past few seasons, Miami hasn’t been successful. A 5-7 campaign followed a 6-7 season where the RedHawks lost their first six games and won the last six regular season games.

The RedHawks are 5-17 in one possession games under coach Chuck Martin, who is in his fifth year. They were 0-5 last year in said games. A few different bounces and the RedHawks might have been in Detroit. They were 4-1 in the MAC in the non-one possession games.

If Miami is able to change its fortunes in close games, will it be able to return to Detroit for the first time since 2010?

Bowling Green and Akron have chances to compete in the East Division but will need some help. The Falcons have struggled after winning the East Division for three straight years. When Dino Babers departed for Syracuse after the 2015 season the Falcons hired first-time coach Mike Jinks.

Since then, Jinks has proved to be a solid recruiter, with two top-three classes.

The results, however, haven’t been there.

With sophomores quarterback Jarret Doege and running back Andrew Clair in 18 / THE ORIENTATION GUIDE 2018

MAC 2017 STANDINGS

Ohio quarterback Nathan Rourke tries to escape Central Michigan defense during the homecoming game Oct. 7, 2017. (MIJANA MAZUR / FOR THE POST)

the backfield, there’s hope for the Falcons.

Despite winning the division, Akron was not a great team. The Zips had a 35 percent offensive efficiency rating and a 47 percent rating on the defensive side.

Both of those numbers are near the bottom of the Football Bowl Subdivision.

To round out the East, Kent State will begin a rebuild. The Golden Flashes will be in the first year of coach Sean Lewis’ tenure.

On the other side of the conference, Toledo should be the favorite to win the division. Jason Candle is headed into his fourth season as the Rockets coach, fresh off of a MAC title. Candle has only lost seven games with the Rockets.

Toledo will lose star quarterback Logan Woodside and running back Terry Swanson. Toledo will have to answer the quarterback question in fall camp. Junior Mitch Guadagni is the most experienced quarterback on the current roster, but he’s just 1-6 in his passing career with an interception.

Whoever starts for the Rockets will have a good receiving core to throw to with Cody Thompson and Diontae Johnson returning.

Northern Illinois teams of old dominated, winning the West Division for six straight years from 2010 to 2015. The past two seasons have not been successful for the Huskies. After a few years of stability at quarterback after the graduation of

Jordan Lynch, rising sophomore Marcus Childers will look to give the Huskies stability at the position.

Led by national tackle for losses leader Sutton Smith, the Huskies will hope to get to Detroit by way of a strong defense.

Behind those two teams in the West Division are Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan. After an undefeated 2016 regular season, the Broncos finished .500 last year. Slight improvement may be expected, but in Tim Lester’s second season at the helm, a rebuild will probably continue.

After making its first bowl appearance since 1987 two seasons ago, Eastern Michigan finished last season with a disappointing 5-7 record. The Eagles lost six games by one score.

Take away a few late turnovers, and the Eagles could have made back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time ever.

The MAC is known for its parity and it has shown the past two seasons. Will this year continue that trend? Will Ohio make it to Detroit for the second time in three years? Will Toledo continue to be the best team in the West?

Only time and mid-week night games will tell.

@TREVOR_COLGAN TC648714@OHIO.EDU

East Division

Conf

Overall

Akron

6-2 7-7

Ohio

5-3

9-4

Buffalo

4-4

6-6

Miami

4-4

5-7

Bowling Green

2-6 2-10

Kent State

1-7

2-10

West Division

Conf

Overall

Toledo

7-1

11-3

Central Michigan

6-2

8-5

Northern Illinois

6-2

8-5

Western Michigan

4-4

6-6

Eastern Michigan

3-5

5-7

Ball State

0-8 2-10

FOOTBALL

Helping the cause PETE NAKOS ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

After the first rounds of Ohio football spring practice, five players appeared capable of making a significant leap and contributing next season for the Bobcats. Take a look at who they are:

1. MALEEK IRONS, RISING REDSHIRT SENIOR RUNNING BACK: AJ Ouellette, the Bobcats’ leading rusher who reached the 1,000 yard mark a season ago, is back. With the graduation of No. 2 back Dorian Brown, however, Irons could take on a role similar to two years ago.

Irons sat out last season because of offthe-field disciplinary issues. The season before, he and Brown shared the bulk of the carries due to Ouellette’s season-ending injury in the opening game of the season.

In 2017, Irons finished the season with 439 yards on 95 carries, including five touchdowns. He has the capability of being a faster threat than Ouellette, and with a season away from playing the game, there shouldn’t be anything to hold back.

This spring, Irons was one of the few Bobcat running backs able to see live contact time during drills, due to Ouellette and Julian Ross still recovering from injuries from the season.

2. AMOS OGUN-SEMORE, RISING REDSHIRT FRESHMAN DEFENSIVE END: The Bobcats will enter the 2018 season with just one returner from their front seven and a spot to fill at every defensive line position.

Ogun-Semore, a 6-foot-5 defensive

end, caught attention during the spring, but particularly during Ohio’s abridged version of a spring game. In just 60 live scrimmage plays, Ogun-Semore delivered two sacks, two quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.

“We’re looking for a lot of those younger guys to rise up and start proving themselves,” Ohio head coach Frank Solich said.

Ogun-Semore showed his worth last year, and if a successful summer follows, his name could be called often in the fall.

3. ISIAH COX, RISING REDSHIRT FRESHMAN WIDE RECEIVER: Papi White has shined for the Bobcats the past three years, coming out of the backfield and in the slot position. But as the redshirt senior prepares for his last season, Ohio will have to face life post-White.

In spring camp, Cox showed glimpses of the plays he can make, such as a 26-yard reception in one of the Bobcats’ scrimmages.

Cox seems to be the apparent heir to White’s role along with incoming freshman Jerome Buckner. Cox has the potential to make a name for himself this year, a taller version of White, he can still match the latter’s speed. For Ohio, the key this year with Cox is to make sure he gets his share of reps and hopefully makes them count.

4. RYAN LUEHRMAN, RISING REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE TIGHT END: One of the only holes in the Bobcats’ offense is at the tight end position. Ohio lost four-year starter Troy Mangen, who signed a free-agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons, and Mason Morgan to graduation. The Bobcats showed multiple packages with two tight ends last season, used to optimize the running attack.

Ohio’s ideal tight end can block well and catch the football on passing downs.

Luehrman seems capable of filling one of those roles. He saw minimal playing time last season, but he was on the travel roster for special teams. An Athens native, he caught passes in high school from Joe Burrow.

He didn’t officially join the roster until January of his freshman year, too. It’s a process referred to as ‘Gray-shirting’ in college football. He worked out on his own, went to classes and, in general, was a full-time college student, but he was not recognized as part of the roster until January. Ohio didn’t hesitate to do so because he could learn behind veterans Morgan and Mangen.

This spring, the redshirt sophomore saw time with the first-team offense. The Bobcats aren’t worried about putting points on the board in the fall; they know they have the skills to do so. They just want to be sure they

Ryan Luehrman runs out of the tunnel before Ohio’s game against Kent State University on Oct. 21, 2017. The Bobcats won 48-3.

(BLAKE NISSEN / PHOTO EDITOR)

have the right guys to block for their stable of running backs, and Luehrman will be a large cog in the engine.

5. COLE BAKER, RISING JUNIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: With the loss of the starters in the front seven, Ohio knew it was going to need to add depth, too. Instead of trying to bring in more freshmen to replace the holes, the Bobcats opted to go the junior college route.

So far, it’s worked.

Defensive lineman Baker, a product of East Mississippi Community College, joined the Bobcats as an early enrollee in January and shined during spring camp.

At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, Baker’s navigating through the depth chart and with a solid fall camp, could find himself as a starter in the fall.

If Baker can help the Bobcats stop the run, something the program has taken pride in during recent years, and put pressure on the quarterback, it could answer some questions for Ohio.

“They both, I believe, have the ability to help us right away,” Solich said.

@PETE_NAKOS96 PN997515@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 19

SPORTS

THE DEFINING OHIO SPORTS MOMENTS FROM PAST SEASON CAMERON FIELDS SENIOR WRITER With the 2017-18 academic year over, a new season for Ohio’s sports teams is on the way. As that approaches, here’s a recap of some of the most significant moments from last year’s seasons: FOOTBALL — OHIO DEFEATS TOLEDO AT HOME ON NOV. 8, 2017 The Bobcats were on a three-game win streak before they played the Rockets. The matchup was billed as a potential Mid-American Conference Championship preview. Ohio was the best team in the MAC East Division, and Toledo was the best in the West Division.

The game was supposed to be one of the best regular-season games in the MAC. The Bobcats showed their worth and more. They defeated the Rockets 3810 and were the only team in the conference to hold them below 20 points.

The Bobcats had momentum after the win, and they had a chance to clinch a spot in the MAC Championship with a win against the Zips. Ohio lost against Akron, though, and it lost control on the MAC East.

They didn’t go to the MAC Championship, but they defeated University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Bahamas Bowl.

VOLLEYBALL – OHIO DEFEATS BUFFALO AT HOME ON OCT. 28, 2017 The Bobcats lost 3-1 on the road against the Bulls on Sept. 22, but in late October, the Bobcats showed why they deserved to be among the top teams in the MAC East Division.

Ohio defeated Buffalo 3-0 at home in October, winning 25-21, 25-18, 25-22. Lizzie Stephens led the Bobcats with 19 kills. The Bobcats went on to win four of their last six games, and they finished the regular season ranked third in the MAC East Division and fourth in the conference overall.

The Bobcats lost in the semifinal of the MAC Championship against Miami, which won the 2017 MAC Championship.

MEN’S BASKETBALL – OHIO DEFEATS MIAMI 75-66 ON THE ROAD IN FINAL GAME OF REGULAR SEASON For a season filled with injuries, the Bobcats still had moments where they showed their ability to cope.

In the last game of the regular season, Ohio defeated Miami 75-66 on the road.

20 / THE ORIENTATION GUIDE 2018

Mike Laster, a senior last year, led the Bobcats with 22 points in his final regular season “Battle of the Bricks” game.

The Bobcats didn’t have forward Jason Carter for most of the season because he was out with a leg injury. Kevin Mickle struggled with a right knee injury throughout the season, and Jordan Dartis was battling a hip injury during the season.

After beating Miami at the end of the regular season, Ohio lost to the Redhawks in the first round of the MAC Tournament.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL – OHIO DEFEATS NORTHERN ILLINOIS 77-75 AT HOME ON JAN. 24 The Bobcats had one of the best defenses in the MAC last season, and their 77-75 win against the Huskies showed their potential for success.

Cierra Hooks, a freshman last season, stole the ball near half court and raced to the other end for the go-ahead layup.

The win was significant because it was the first time Ohio had won two games in a row since the end of December. Katie Barker scored a career-high 24 points and made eight 3-pointers.

The Bobcats had played seven MAC games before playing Northern Illinois, and they were already as battle-tested as any team in the conference. Ohio lost a tight game against Buffalo during January, and they defeated Akron in overtime.

While the team was young – Taylor Agler was the lone senior on the team – it exceeded expectations. The Bobcats went to the quarterfinals of the MAC Tournament, but they lost against the Redhawks.

Gabe Lampron pursues a Lindenwood player with the puck during Ohio’s game against Lindenwood University on Nov. 17, 2017. The Bobcats won 1-0 with a last second goal.

(EMILEE CHINN / FILE)

HOCKEY – OHIO SWEEPS LINDENWOOD IN NOVEMBER 2017 The Bobcats played then-No. 3 Lindenwood on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18, and they defeated the Lions in both games.

Tyler Harkins scored the game-winning goal at the last second, as the puck went off the back of Lindenwood goalie Michael Hails. The Bobcats won 1-0 in that game, and they won 4-1 on Nov. 18.

The two teams split the season series at 2-2, but the wins were important because the Bobcats won with multiple players injured.

Ohio went to the ACHA National Tournament, and they lost in overtime during the quarterfinals against Illinois.

@CAMERONFIELDS_ CF710614@OHIO.EDU

Ohio University’s Amani Burke makes her way to the basket during Ohio’s game against Northern Illinois on Jan. 24, 2018. The Bobcats defeated the Huskies 77-75.

(EMILEE CHINN / FILE)

INTRAMURAL SPORTS

DON’T PLAY YOURSELF

Martyna Faith, Deanna Ceccardi, Jimmy DiFrancesco and Travis Picquet play volleyball on South Green.

(PROVIDED via Garrett McCafferty)

ANTHONY POISAL FOR THE POST “We’re doomed.”

The two-word sentence will never be strong enough to encapsulate my first experience playing an intramural sport, four vs. four sand volleyball, at Ohio University.

I had no hope when I dug my feet into the sand and awaited the first of many, many lost serves from the older, taller and stronger players on the other side of the net.

My team didn’t win either of the two games we played in, but we didn’t go winless — our final game of the dreadful threegame season was postponed because the other team didn’t show up. The forfeit gave us our only “win” of the season.

I was a freshman just three weeks into my new life at Ohio. I was fresh off a summer that included several high school graduation parties with some friends back in Maryland, my home state. There was a volleyball net in the yard for most of the parties, and we played endless rounds of volleyball at each.

Naturally, I wanted to sign up for sand volleyball as my first intramural sport in

college. The problem was I didn’t yet know anyone well enough to ask them to be on a team, so I went to an intramural meeting, which placed me with other random guys looking to make a group.

Our relationship went well until we quickly realized that we were not going to win one game together on the sand. Each of the two teams we played dominated us into an embarrassment I never experienced in my previous 13 years playing sports.

The intramural volleyball here at Ohio was much different than what I had hoped from playing at the graduation parties back home.

The small, fun-sized net we stuck into the grass at the parties suddenly felt like a monstrous (I’m 5-foot-6) wall lodged in the sand, which I had to hastily wiped off my legs several times after unsuccessfully diving to keep the ball in the air.

The boundaries of the court were no longer sized to everyone’s liking using a shoe or flip-flop. The truer, but terrifyingly wider dimensions on the South Beach sand volleyball courts meant the other team could just strategically place the ball in any space unoccupied by us to win point after point.

There were no prolonged, captivating rallies that made the winning side erupt in cheers after outlasting the other. We didn’t have any miraculous diving plays that injected a team the energy needed to pull off a comeback.

Instead, we were dealt two painful losses, one relieving win (only because we didn’t have to play) and an occasional face full of sand that felt more like a bag of salt poured onto one gaping wound.

I haven’t played in an intramural sport since those painful 30-minute sessions of suffering, but I’m not trying to suggest that you should never play intramurals.

Please, just don’t do it like me.

BE ON A TEAM WITH PEOPLE YOU KNOW WELL Because then it won’t feel as bad if you all just embarrass yourselves. If you’re with people whom you’re meeting for the first time or two, there’s no way to shake off the misery. It’s very likely that those dreadful games will be the only “memories” you share with your team.

DO NOT PICK COMPETITIVE SPORTS UNLESS YOU’RE A BORDERLINE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE Before going to Ohio, I was advised by a friend to not pick competitive flag football as an intramural because I heard that people who were cut from the football team tend to join those leagues. He then advised me to stick with the other option — recreational — for a more suitable and fun experience.

Still going off the high from playing yard volleyball at home, I stupidly picked competitive volleyball and severely paid the price.

PICK A SPORT YOU ARE ACTUALLY GOOD AT PLAYING I may be OK at hitting a volleyball over a small net with way more than four people on either side, but I am not a good volleyball player.

HAVE FUN But only if you correctly followed the previous three guidelines.

@ANTHONYP_2 AP012215@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21

DORM ROOM DELICACIES WHEN DINING HALL FOOD DOESN’T HIT THE SPOT, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN YOUR DORM ROOM MICROWAVE FOR YOUR NEXT SNACK. BAYLEE DEMUTH | FOR THE POST

O

hio University students are given meal swipes to use primarily for the dining halls, but sometimes getting out of bed and walking a good distance just for a meal is too much work. Nevertheless, everyone needs to eat, so whether you’re too lazy to walk outside or the weather is bad and you’re stuck in your dorm room, here are seven quick and easy foods you can make:

MAC AND CHEESE Microwaveable mac and cheese is about as common as ramen noodle packets in a dorm room nowadays. In less than five minutes, you’re enjoying a delicious and cheesy bowl of mac and cheese. It’s a simple food that doesn’t take a lot of time and energy to prepare, so it’s perfect for when you’re feeling extra lazy.

OMELET IN A MUG For all the omelet-lovers out there, it’s possible to even make that in a dorm room. An omelet in a mug can be as plain or as fancy as you want by adding different ingredients like diced vegetables or small pieces of meat. Eggs are a healthy food, so making an omelet in a mug is a wise choice when you’re looking for a good source of protein.

PIZZA QUESADILLA A pizza quesadilla takes a little more preparation than simpler dorm foods, but you won’t regret it. For those who want to spend more time preparing their food, this dish is a good place to start. Layering tortillas, sauce, cheese and whatever other toppings you would like and a pizza quesadilla is made. This dish requires a bit more ingredients, but being able to make your own pizza in a dorm room is pretty cool.

BAKED SWEET POTATO There are many microwaveable sweet potatoes sold at grocery stores, so it only makes sense that they’re made into a meal.

You can eat the sweet potato by itself or add a few toppings to enhance its taste.

Melted butter is a common topping, but

you can customize it to your taste buds.

RAMEN NOODLES Ramen noodles as a dorm food sounds like a no-brainer, but it doesn’t just have to be noodles and the flavoring packet. The taste of ramen noodles can become dull real quick, so don’t be afraid to add a few other ingredients to mix things up. You can add all sorts of things to instant ramen like frozen vegetables, spam, sriracha sauce and a variety of spices if you’re up to it. It’s time to reinvent ramen, and it starts in the dorm room.

PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH You can’t get more simple than a peanut butter sandwich. To add a little more flavor, there are ingredients like honey, bananas, avocados or even pickles that add

something else to a plain peanut butter sandwich. The options are endless. Unlike many dorm foods, this one does not require a microwave, making it a very quick and easy choice for a meal.

MUG CAKE Sometimes something sweet could really hit the spot late at night, and a mug cake does just that. Not every dorm food has to be a meal or a healthy meal at that.

Dessert food is still food, and after a long day of classes, being able to enjoy a sweet treat is a great way to end the day.

@BAYLEEDEMUTH BD575016@OHIO.EDU ILLUSTRATIONS BY NATHAN SZOCH

22 / THE ORIENTATION GUIDE 2018

ILLUSTRATION BY RILEY SCOTT

Trek to first classes with these tracks MOLLY SCHRAMM ASST. BLOGS EDITOR With long walks to class and tons of studying in the future, having good music to listen to is an essential. Whether you’re lounging on College Green or waiting for class to start, it’s always good to have some tunes playing in the background.

Here’s seven songs to help you through your first year of college: “WE’RE GOING TO BE FRIENDS” — THE WHITE STRIPES Coming to college can be intimidating. It’s a new place, and the possibility of not knowing anyone can make it all the more overwhelming. With this song, The White Stripes’ Jack White lets everyone know that making friends isn’t as hard as it seems.

“(YOU GOTTA) FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT (TO PARTY!)” – BEASTIE BOYS It’s obvious that grades and academics are important when going to college, but it’s also important to have fun. Featured on the Beastie Boys’ 1986 album “Licensed To Ill,” the song “Fight For Your Right” lets everyone know you can take a break from school. Whether it’s hitting up the many restaurants in Athens or just hanging in the residence halls with friends, go have fun.

“ON TOP OF THE WORLD” – IMAGINE DRAGONS College equals freedom. For most students, it’s the first time they’re away from home — and it can be liberating. Relish in the newfound sense of independence and enjoy yourself. Make new friends, try new things and become your best self.

“STRONGER” – KANYE WEST Kanye West is actually a college dropout, but with his recent philosophical tweeting, there’s no doubt that he’s an inspiration for the first day of classes or just life in general.

“Stronger” not only makes you want to sing along, but it instantly pumps you up and makes you think you can tackle the world. When the going gets tough during the school year, just remember it can only make you stronger.

“BODAK YELLOW” – CARDI B Let’s face it: No college student is rolling in money. Though they can’t necessarily spend money on the luxurious things in life, they can live vicariously through Cardi B. Cardi B rose from her days of stripping to stardom. Now, as she so eloquently puts it in “Bodak Yellow,” she doesn’t dance, she makes money moves. Let’s all aspire to be as financially stable as Cardi B one day.

“I WILL SURVIVE” – GLORIA GAYNOR It’s inevitable that at some point in a college student’s career, they say they can’t do it. The urge to give up is right there, and it may seem appealing, but Gloria Gaynor is here to save the day. At first you may be afraid, or you may even be petrified, but don’t worry. You will survive.

“HOMEGROWN” – ZAC BROWN BAND Though you freshmen are just beginning to live in Athens, both OU and the town will quickly grow on you. It’s a home away from home. Between the people, the food and the atmosphere, you’ll learn to appreciate the small city and the time you get to spend here. Soak it all in, because before you know it, you’ll be celebrating your graduation.

@_MOLLY_731 MS660416@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 23

How can the Alumni Association

help you NOW? THE OHIO UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION helps students make the most of their college experience and stay connected with OHIO after they graduate.

STUDENT ALUMNI BOARD (SAB) The Student Alumni Board (SAB) is a professional organization that strives to connect students to the university and Bobcat alumni through exciting programs and initiatives. SAB is a group of passionate, creative, and hardworking undergraduates who make a difference on campus.

Applications are available this fall. More information can be found at OHIOSAB.COM.

BB T O

BobcaThon is a year-long fundraiser that benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. The tradition culminates in a 12-hour dance marathon each spring, with a mission of raising awareness and funds for children with serious illnesses and their families. More information can be found at BOBCATHON.COM.

CONNECT WITH US: @OhioSAB @BobcaThon @OHIOAlumni

OHIO

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

24 / THE ORIENTATION GUIDE 2018

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