The Osteopathic Heritage Foundation announced Jan. 16 it was giving Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine a $70 million gift to expand scholarships and fund future research.
The gift includes $45 million for research and $25 million for scholarships upon raising $25 million in matching funds, making the Foundation one of the largest donors to an osteopathic medical school in the nation, according to an OHIO news release.
HCOM has had a relationship with the Foundation for decades. Terri Donlin Huesman, president and CEO of the Foundation, said both have committed to improving health in Ohio by producing high-quality, compassionate osteopathic physicians.
“This latest commitment has two primary goals: to substantially increase scholarships for medical students and to strengthen the Heritage College’s research enterprise with a focus on discovery that leads to life-changing impact,” Donlin wrote in a press release.
According to the Appalachian Research
Commission, the supply of primary care physicians per 100,000 people in Appalachian Ohio is 25% lower than the national average and 30% lower than the average for the rest of Ohio.
“Health disparities in Southeastern Ohio are significant, which is why it is important to cultivate the next generation of scientists at Ohio University and the Heritage College that are focused on pressing health issues impacting the region,” Donlin wrote in an email.
Ken Johnson, the executive dean of the Heritage College and OU’s chief medical affairs officer, said the recent gift builds on the Foundation’s first gift of $105 million in 2011.
Johnson said the 2011 gift transformed HCOM and primary care in Ohio as the college doubled its enrollment, opened two new medical campuses and trained thousands of primary care physicians.
The 2011 gift also inspired HCOM’s “Vision 2020” plan, including strategies to increase the number and quality of primary care physicians in Ohio and to advance clinical research, care, access and training.
Now, the $70 million gift is launching HCOM’s “Vision 2035,” a new 10-year plan where the college will focus on minimizing debt for medical students and expanding translational research.
The gift will also be used to establish a new research institute focused on aging, additional endowed faculty positions and the implementation of a Data Science Core.
Johnson said the new institutes will bring more nationally-recognized researchers and major grant funding.
Ila Lahooti, a third-year student studying osteopathic medicine at the OU Dublin campus, received an Osteopathic Heritage Foundation scholarship called the Abigail and George Faerber Scholarship for about $7,000.
“Sometimes you have a lot of hard days with school, and you get discouraged, and you start to question yourself if you’re good enough to be where you are,” Lahooti said. “To just know that somebody else is willing to invest in you and believes in you, it was a really good confidence boost in that moment.”
Lahooti was one of the 100 more
New student-ran publication brings fresh news to AHS
DREW HOFFMASTER | NEWS STAFF WRITER
Anew independent student-run publication called the Atomic Cougar Press Association has started up at Athens High School and is aiming to create articles ranging from school events to international news.
The publication was started by four freshmen at Athens High School: Syles Rosser, Marek Ausseresses, Ryan Murphy and Lucas Dowdy. Rosser, the head journalist, said the association offers students another option to pursue journalism.
The publication was created to provide students with a platform for discussion and to report on issues affecting their school and community, Rosser wrote in an email.
“We don’t really want to be directly associated with the school,” Rosser said. “We want our association to be independently based from the school district.”
The Atomic Cougar Press Association hopes to publish weekly once membership increases, which is currently at seven members.
“We have The Matrix at Athens High School, and to be honest, they only publish once every quarter,” Rosser said. “I guess we just started it to publish more than them … and to just have a better publication that publishes more.”
The name came from a previous domain name, Atomic Cougar, that Rosser owned. Rosser said the publication did not want to spend the money to change the name.
“The name is definitely unique, and I hope that our name does draw some
more attention too,” Rosser said.
Rosser said the publication’s first article was published Monday about a local sandstorm that has blown up from Texas.
Rosser said the publication’s physical release schedule is still being decided.
The Cougar is currently identifying additional locations outside the high school to distribute the publication.
Ausseresses, the Association’s financial advisor, said they are currently trying to place advertisements on the website through Google to raise money. Rosser said the group will be paying for the first print out of their own pockets.
Setting up distribution within the high school originally had some issues. The discussion for distribution stands with administration had been ignored or met with resistance, Rosser wrote in an email.
“Our administration has attempted to restrict our ability to distribute our publication, despite Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) affirming that students do not lose their First Amendment rights in school and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988) not applying to independent student publications,” Rosser wrote in an email.
Chad Springer, associate superintendent of Athens City School District, said the school was not trying to violate the students’ rights but wanted to ensure its policy covered it. Previously, Associations have tried to distribute flyers and informative letters in the school, which is not allowed.
“It was kind of different to have an outside student publication asking to
students who received a scholarship from the doubled Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Primary Care Scholarship Endowment. The scholarships are given to students studying primary care with high financial need.
“It has just allowed me to focus on why I am in school, which is for my education and training, without that constant worry of finances in the background,” Lahooti said. “Just because we’re in school doesn’t take away the fact that we’re human and we still have bills to pay and lives to live.”
According to an OHIO news release, 90% of the HCOM’s students are from Ohio, and many return to Ohio communities to serve in healthcare.
“In the near term, in both areas of support research and student scholarship, the Foundation looks forward to learning about the discoveries to be realized in the labs and engaging with the students benefiting from scholarship,” Donlin wrote in an email. “Over time, the ultimate objective is to improve the health of Ohioans.”
be distributed in school,” Springer said. “Generally, we usually get summer camps and these opportunities at OU for kids. I had to dig deep into our policy … Since we’ve allowed the Athens NEWS to be distributed at school, we would treat this no different than that one.”
For the Atomic Cougar to be allowed to distribute in the school, the publication must still follow the school’s guidelines, and the school is not allowed to endorse it as it is a separate entity. However, Springer said he is excited to see young, motivated individuals.
“I applaud students for going out and for creating something on their own,”
Springer said. “I’m pretty excited that we have a group of students who are motivated to do things like this.”
Rosser said he is looking forward to presenting students with a new, unique option for news that is led by young individuals with different views on the topics they cover.
“This is a new topic and a new adventure for us,” Rosser said. “We offer a different perspective that’s different than some of our older and traditional news sources.”
Police Blotter: Fire in Chauncey, rocky situation
DREW HOFFMASTER | NEWS STAFF WRITER
28 Fri _________________________
Failed location attempt Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to locate a vehicle at Chauncey Park.
A man in need of a well-being check drove the vehicle. The caller said the man’s phone was pinged at the park, and they were in communication with him. The man and his vehicle could not be located.
2 Sun __________________________
Wrong house
While the Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were patrolling West Union Street, an individual advised units an intoxicated man was attempting to break into a business.
Deputies arrived at the business and surveyed the suspect. Once deputies from the Athens City Police Department arrived on the scene, they took the man into custody.
3 Mon_________________________
Another person’s trash is trash
According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, a report was filed for an abandoned RV located at a property at Long Run Road near Strouds Run State Park. The caller said a previously evicted resident left the RV at the property.
The Athens County Sheriff’s Office advised the caller to see what action could be taken through court or their attorney with the matter already going through the court system.
4 Tue _________________________
Verbal dispute
A report for a domestic dispute was filed by a caller who said she could hear her neighbors in a dispute at Union Lane in The Plains, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman involved said the dispute was only verbal, and nothing was physical. Deputies took no further action and returned to patrol.
5 Wed __________________________
Can I live here now, friend?
The Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a call that a woman at West First Street in The Plains had locked herself out of her residence.
Once on the scene, deputies tried unsuccessfully to help the woman unlock her residence. The woman then received a ride to a friend’s house until she could get a spare key.
6 Thur _________________________
Making a splash
Around midnight, a report was received by the Ohio University Police Department for the destruction of a water fountain at Treudley Hall.
The incident was cited as criminal mischief.
7 Fri __________________________
That’s fire!
According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to assist with a fire in Chauncey near state Route 682 and Upper River Road.
At the scene, a report was taken, and it
was determined to be an illegal burning complaint. An investigation is pending, according to a press release.
9 Sun __________________________
Gotta quiet down, womp, womp
At Levering Road in Nelsonville, a report was received by the Athens County Sheriff’s Office for a loud party on a porch.
Contact was made with several people on the porch who all agreed to take the activities inside for the night.
Rocky situation
According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, an individual was reported for suspicious activity at South Rodehaver Road.
Deputies located the individual and discovered the individual carrying two bags full of rocks. The individual then was given a courtesy ride to a Marathon gas station in Guysville.
10 Mon __________________________
Someone wanted to go on a joyride
Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to state Route 13 in Glouster
CAMPUS EVENTS
for a theft report. The caller said her four-wheeler and dirt bike were stolen over the weekend.
Currently, the case is under investigation.
11 Tue __________________________
False alarm
An alarm was going off at a residence in Glouster, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
Once deputies arrived on the scene, deputies spoke with the property owner, who said it was a faulty alarm. Deputies continued on patrol.
13 Thur __________________________
‘Ruff’ day
A report of a neighbor dispute over dogs running off of their owners property at Dowler Ridge Road in New Marshfield, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
Once deputies were on the scene, they advised both parties to keep the dogs on leashes and on their properties.
@DREWHJOURNALIST
DH384223@OHIO.EDU
March 17th - March 29th
Social Engagement & Student Org Events
Tuesday, March 18
Free Battle for Baulder's Gate
Commader Draft
hosted by: OU MTG
6:30- 10:30 pm Ellis 115
*Sign up on Bobcat Connect
Wednesday, March 19
Nintendo Game Day hosted by: OU Collegiate Recovery Community
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Baker 313
Amnesty International Meeting
5:00 - 6:00 pm Porter 108
Midweek Bible Study
hosted by: Encompass Campus Min.
7:00 - 9:00 pm Baker 503
Thursday, March 20
Cheese Please!
Cheese Tasting Event
6:00 pm Baker 3rd floor Atrium
Friday, March 21
Fridays Live Season 54 E03 hosted by Jordan Walker & Eliana D'Astici 8:00 pm Studio C (RTV 515)
Saturday, March 22
OU Meterology Symposium 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Walter 245
Family Science Saturday hosted by: Alpha Chis Sigma 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Chemistry bldg. 133 University Terrace
Wednesday, March 26
Amnesty International Meeting
5:00 - 6:00 pm Porter 108
DJ Premier Event - Music Industry Summit hosted by: Brick City Records
8:00 - 10:00 pm Baker Ballroom
Thursday, March 27
Mindfulness Through Eating 6:00 - 7:00 pm Morton 126
Saturday, March 29
Tabletop Gaming- ALL DAY hosted by: Bobcat Tabletop 10:00 am - 10:00 pm Living Learning Ctr.
BASEBALL- Morgan's Message Game hosted by: Bobcat Tabletop 2:00 - 4:00 pm Bob Wren Stadium
SCAN for more events
* To have your event included on this calendar make sure it is registered on Bobcat Connect!
how to enter: deadline:
No Buy-In required
Just fill your brackets
Stop by Baker Center, Room 330 Fill out your Men's & Women's brackets win Amazon gift cards!
Noon on Thursday, March 20th
Follow @ohio_involvement on Instagram for updated leaderboards!
March 20 - April 7
-
CONNOR EGLOFF| FOR THE POST
Luck of the Irish: Athens celebrates St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day parties swept through Athens
over the weekend, bringing together friends and families over Irish meals and green drinks.
Luck was in the air as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations took the weekend by storm in Athens.
St. Patrick’s Day has a long history, with over 1,000 years of celebrations and recognition worldwide, according to History. Irish people have long observed the holiday through a religious lens, as it lands amid the Catholic season of Lent.
Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, escaped slavery after being kidnapped and brought to Ireland at age 16. After his escape, he was recognized for bringing Christianity to the nation, explaining the Holy Trinity by using the three leaves of the shamrock.
It wasn’t until centuries after his death that the Irish ingrained Patrick’s life into their culture. However, it is believed the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in America on March 17, 1601, in St. Augustine, Florida. The Irish followed these traditions years later, as “homesick Irish soldiers” entered New York City in 1762 in honor of Saint Patrick.
Despite a plethora of residents and students having already participated in the annual Green Beer Day festivities March 6, local restaurants did not shy away from throwing an exciting party for St. Paddy’s Day.
Little Fish Brewing Co. opened in 2015 and is one of Athens’ beloved breweries, serving various locally sourced plates and crafted beers. With options to carry out, cater or dine in, Little Fish brews with a “farmhouse mentality” and offers a family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Jimmy Stockwell, co-owner and founder of Little Fish, said the restaurant and brewery’s annual St. Patrick’s Day party Sunday welcomed families from around the neighborhood.
“It is a different kind of activity for St. Patrick’s Day,” Stockwell said. “We do food specials and drink specials and just have a really good time.”
The seafood chowder, house-corned beef reuben, Irish coffee and Nitro Lil Harvey’s milk stout were just a few of the fun dishes and drinks on the menu.
Attendees also enjoyed a live performance from the Ohio Valley School of Celtic Dance and Culture. The non-profit organization on 70 N. Plains Road strives to build confidence and self-esteem in Irish dancers. Dance Us states Irish dancing is rooted in Gaelic or Celtic dance forms and is performed in both solo and large groups with upward of 20 dancers.
The dance form includes “intricate footwork” and is performed with a “stiff upper body” and a lack of arm and hand movement. Megan Starkey, the creative director at OVSCDC, is an Irish dancer and recapped the team’s performance plan before the show.
“We have some of the traditional Ceilí dances, which are group dances,” Starkey said. “We also have our beginner dancers dancing some, so it will be a lot of their first performances.”
Audience members were also invited to the stage and taught original choreography, creating an energetic and lively experience for the kids.
“My favorite thing about watching
performances is seeing how the dancers step into their own and really take so much pride over the work they have done,” Starkey said.
From the famous Leprechaun to green accessories and clothing, St. Patrick’s Day has several traditions for people to participate in. While Little Fish served smiles, others commemorated the holiday with a delicious meal and quality family time.
Dot Daus, a sophomore studying exercise physiology, comes from a family of St. Patrick’s Day fanatics, all of whom enjoy a thrilling party. With family members required to follow a strict “all green” dress code, Daus said the table was set with a traditional Irish meal, including green beer, water and milk.
“It is corned beef and potatoes, carrots and cabbage and some salad,” Daus said. “It’s lettuce, feta and oranges, so it is green, white and orange, the colors of the Irish flag, and we also have these jello jigglers which are cut into the shape of shamrocks.”
Daus said the celebration typically falls on St. Patrick’s Day, but this year’s party
was hosted before the end of spring break so she could attend.
“It is just kind of a silly tradition but we are Irish,” Daus said. “I do not know exactly how much, but my grandma would always celebrate it … and it is just a time to get everyone together and celebrate our roots and kind of make a fool of ourselves.”
As students left spring break behind and traveled back to campus, a cozy St. Patrick’s Day dinner was ready to eat in Nelson Court on South Green for those with a traditional or flex meal plan.
The tables, walls and food stands were decorated with green accessories and signage, providing a fun dining experience. Some of the “festive” menu items included shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread, velvet cupcakes and shamrock cookies.
“These celebrations offer students a break from their routine and a chance to experience something fun and culturally enriching,” Autumn Ryder, director of culinary services, wrote in an email. “It can be especially meaningful for students who are far from home and might be missing those familiar traditions.”
Stockwell said St. Patrick’s Day is not only a vibrant holiday but an opportunity for people to observe Irish heritage.
“It is important to have activities in general in Athens because it is a smaller community … and with small kids, there are not always a lot of things to do,” Stockwell said. “It is one of the reasons we started Little Fish, to kind of fill that void.”
GINA NAPOLI | HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER
People wait in line for Green Beer Day outside of Stephen's, Court Street, Athens, March 5, 2025.
A cup of green beer sits outside Lucky’s Sports Tavern, Court Street, Athens, March 5, 2025.
Photos - TALIHA MALOY | FOR THE POST
Gay Church raises funds, cranks tunes
ABBY JENKINS HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR
Hidden behind a door blanketed in purple light at 15 ½ Morris Ave was a room of retro televisions stacked together with various experimental films playing to the sound of a church organ. The lights dimmed as DJ Voidblūm put on his witch hat and started his set for Gay Church.
Saturday night was the first installment of the audio, visual and psychosexual rave experience Constanze Brodbeck planned to raise funds for Trans PSA. Trans PSA, a support group for transgender people in Athens, also recently hosted events such as Trans Takeover at The Union, which raised $1,300. Trans PSA’s goal is to bring trans events and trans unity to Athens separate from Ohio University.
The 18+ event began at around 8:30 p.m. A $4 recommended donation was
collected at the door, but everyone was encouraged to come in and enjoy the music. Gay Church raised $100 for Trans PSA.
Brodbeck, a senior studying film, worked with Trans PSA to make The Union show last month possible. Brodbeck happened to come into possession of several old monitors and vintage televisions, so she set them up and turned her friend’s home into a display of art and film for the event.
“It’s gonna be part art installation, part DJ set,” Brodbeck said. “It’s going to run until about midnight. It’s a dance night, people are going to dance. There’s going to be an experimental film happening live on the screen and it’s gonna be wild.”
The excitement brewed even more as people began to file in for DJ Voidblūm, also known as Ross Jeffers, a senior studying film. The evening ahead entailed a night of nostalgia through art and sound, with a mix of 2000s hits and ‘90s music.
Jeffers and Brodbeck are in the same cohort and have known each other since college began. Now, with only a few months left of their senior year, Brodbeck hopes Gay Church is the start of a
series of events like it.
“I’m not going to be here for much longer, so it’s the first of many (events) that might happen somewhere else,” she said. “But I think I’ll also bring it back on occasion. It’s called Gay Church because it’s for gay people and it’s also church.”
Rhea Seese, an Athens resident, heard about the event on Instagram and was in attendance Saturday.
“I made so many new friends,” Seese wrote in an email. “The atmosphere was chill, but welcoming. The music was fantastic and the energy was high. Everyone was so friendly.”
Despite only DJing for eight months, Jeffers took Saturday as an opportunity to put together music and video that would resonate not only with those in attendance but with his own identity as well. Jeffers explained the inspiration behind his art and the set he put together for the evening.
“I’ve been just diving into my own sexuality and identity and being able to finally express that, and also expand more into it how I live life,” Jeffers said. “Oftentimes, it’s very similar to other people, and if I have the same interests, these visions and craft a story that people can feel on not only a sensory level, it just sounds the most cool.”
In response to recent changes in legislation and changes in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives by the university, Brodbeck believed Gay Church could be the place for the LGBTQIA+ community in Athens to seek out a good time.
“The school’s been shutting down
events that don’t align with this administration’s goals,” she said. “If you want trans community, it can’t be run through some publicly funded organization because those will always give in to the people who have the funding. So the goal is largely to have events that aren’t run by a school that can shut them down because they decide they’re too risky.”
Seese additionally believes these events bring Athens closer and gather people who maybe wouldn’t otherwise meet.
“I feel at home here because of events like these,” Seese wrote in an email. “Having community and comfort in it has allowed me to really flourish and become more social and content with my life.”
There are currently no plans for another installment of Gay Church in the near future, however, those who wish to follow Trans PSA’s events can follow the group’s Instagram. Additionally, Athens has been recently deemed a “safe haven” for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.
“When we know who we are, when we know how many allies we have, how strong we are really in our communities, we can really advocate for ourselves on a much higher level,” Brodbeck said. “That’s how they’ve sort of kept queer people down since the beginning of queerness … There are so many of us and the more that we gather together, the more that we realize that, the more that we can actually advocate for ourselves and make change.”
Looking to fill the empty pantries and pockets at the end of the semester, Cat’s Cupboard at Ohio University is holding a food drive from Monday-Sunday. The drive is hosted by Housing and Residence Life and THRiVE, OU’s student-led wellbeing initiative. The drive collects non-perishables for students.
During the fundraiser, students, staff and Athens residents can drop off food donations to the different dining spots on campus, including Cat’s Cupboard in Baker 354, on-campus markets, West 82 and Ping Recreation Center.
Cat’s Cupboard collects donations to feed students and hopes to stock up on food and essentials before finals season. Many types of donations are accepted, but there are a few key items needed including grains, cooking oil, sugar and canned protein.
Ally Schatzer, assistant director for engagement within Housing and Residence Life, said the drive came to life as a way to implement students helping other students.
“The THRiVE initiative is just a piece under our well-being efforts that we make as a division, so it’s just one facet of us trying to help students find what well-being means for them and making sure that they’re connected to the right resources specifically for THRiVE,” Schatzer said.
One of the factors that went into the fundraiser occurring in the spring is the close proximity to finals week.
“Our thought is that once we enter close to finals season, students really
have an increased amount of responsibility and time commitment to their academics that’s higher than the rest of the semester most of the time,” Schatzer said. “Food insecurity is a real struggle and challenge that our students have, and our hope is to help reduce that or curve it completely by making sure Cat’s Cupboard is completely stocked.”
Although this is one of the first THRiVE drives, there are plans to make it a recurring event.
“We’ve been working really closely as a divisional team with the basic needs office to really determine what are the weeks during the fall semester or spring semester, where either donations are lower or just that’s a high peak time in which they have a lot of people using Cat’s Cupboard,” Schatzer said.
The drive has a goal of reaching 1,804 pounds of donations, in typical Bobcat fashion. However, the main goal is to ensure students have enough food. Basic needs coordinator Catherine Lachman said there are plenty of ways to make a difference besides donating physical items.
“We’re always looking for creative ways to connect with our campus community and to raise awareness,” Lachman said. “So any efforts at helping us stock food for the Cat’s Cupboard or reduce stigma in accessing resources and empowering our community are welcomed.”
For those who aren’t able to or prefer online donations, there is also an option to purchase items at Amazon. Students who donate in person at one of the dropoff locations also have the opportunity to earn rewards, such as Beats headphones, a Kindle and hockey game tickets.
However, Wes Bonadio, director of well-being and recreation, said helping others can be beneficial without receiving anything in return.
“For the campus community or the broader student population to be able to care or support those that are in need outside of themselves, obviously lifts up the community as a whole,” Bonadio said.
“But then also, there is an intrinsic value where giving and donating and supporting the well-being of someone else helps your own personal well-being.”
Along with helping the community, Bonadio suggests that the drive is aiming to promote the overall benefit of helping yourself as well.
“That’s something I think we want to try and promote, is that it’s not just trying to do things for yourself that’s good for you, but also supporting well being for others can help you in your own well-being as well,” Bonadio said.
DJ Voidblūm performs surrounded by TVs and art pieces at the Gay Church event. (ABBY JENKINS | HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR)
Cat’s Cupboard food pantry on the fifth floor of Baker University Center in Athens, March 17, 2025. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)
Baseball: Defense gives up 30 runs in 1-2 weekend
LOGAN ADAMS | SPORTS EDITOR
It was a tale of two sides for Ohio (5-13, 1-5 Mid-American Conference) in its 1-2 weekend against Central Michigan (6-13, 3-0 MAC) at Bob Wren. Ohio’s singular win came Saturday after two losses Friday, leading to a weekend where Ohio was outscored 30-23.
The first game featured the most explosive inning of all three matchups. Senior Blake Gaskey was on the mound for Ohio, starting with two scoreless innings as Ohio jumped to a 2-0 lead. The third inning shifted pace, as Gaskey’s lead-off strikeout would be followed by a home run. Ohio got a second out before Central Michigan’s next score, but couldn’t keep runners off bases from that point on. With two base runners, Chippewa junior infielder Aaron Piasecki doubled, scoring both players on base before stealing third. The next batter walked, and the next hit a triple, scoring Central Michigan 2 more runs.
After another score with bases loaded, redshirt senior Tyler Peck replaced Gaskey. Peck couldn’t get the needed out, seeing 6 more runs get home before the final out. The 11-run explosion for the Chippewas ended up being too much. Despite only scoring in the third and the eighth, Ohio’s offense couldn’t do enough to overcome the deficit, falling 14-7.
In game two, just an hour after game one, Ohio would experience its second loss, albeit a much lower-scoring one. Senior Hudson Boncal got his second start of the season in a game that featured just 5 total runs.
Ohio struck first blood as sophomore outfielder Ben Slanker doubled, advancing to third on a ground out, before scoring on the next at-bat. Central Michigan struck back in the top of the third, evening the score 1-1 on a Nathan Ball RBI double.
The next three innings went scoreless on both sides. Boncal conceded three hits in six innings, but let in just as many runs. In the seventh inning, Boncal allowed the first two batters on base with a walk and a single before being relieved by sophomore Jack Geiser.
After a ground out, Central Michigan’s Cole Prout would send a home run over the right field gate, scoring three and taking the winning lead of 4-1 for Central Michigan.
Ohio got its only MAC win thus far in game three, winning 15-12 Saturday night. After the Chippewas got the first run of the game, the Bobcats fired right back with a 2-run homer from JR Nelson.
However, in the second and third
innings, Ohio conceded 9 more runs, falling behind 10-2 early on. Senior Dillon Masters got the start being credited with 8 runs before sophomore Trey Barkman retired him early, giving up the final 2.
From then on, the game was almost all Ohio. In the third and fourth, Ohio cut the lead to 3 runs with home runs from senior catchers Jackson Cauthron and Wes Lug. The Chippewas netted their 2 final runs in the fifth and sixth, giving them a 5-run cushion over the Bobcats entering the game’s final third, but the home team wouldn’t relent.
Slanker would net Ohio’s single run in the sixth, scoring sophomore catcher Trae Cassidy on an RBI double before Cauthron scored himself once again on a
home run in the seventh. Ohio would turn the seventh into an onslaught, netting 7 runs in the inning.
Redshirt junior Dylan Eggl and redshirt sophomore Kolby Pascarelli pitched three scoreless innings on the other end, leaving it up to Ohio’s offense to continue scoring.
Ohio will look to build off its win with a game against Dayton on Tuesday before returning to MAC play against Toledo for its first weekend on the road in conference play.
Senior pitcher Dillon Masters throws the ball in Bob Wren Stadium, March 2, 2025. (JACKSON MCCOY | COPY CHEIF)
Women’s Basketball: The future after disappointing year
CHARLIE FADEL | SPORTS STAFF WRITER
This time a year ago, Ohio’s women’s basketball program seemed to have a clear direction and future. A young team featuring four key underclassmen — sophomore Jaya McClure and freshmen Bailey Tabeling, Laylay Fantroy, and Monica Williams — producing ahead of schedule led the Bobcats to a surprise Mid-American Conference Tournament appearance.
Despite losing to No. 2 seed Ball State in the first round last year, Ohio’s young core was a clear positive and something to build on in the future.
Expectations for the 2024-25 season were fairly high despite losing Fantroy to the transfer portal and seeing key bench pieces Peyton Guice and Madi Mace graduate. In the preseason coaches poll, Ohio was selected to finish tied for sixth.
After adding transfers in seniors Anyssa Jones and Aliah McWhorter, the roster appeared to be coming together nicely for Ohio coach Bob Boldon and his staff. By the start of MAC play expectations for the season were heavily dampened. Ohio sat at 2-8 before starting conference play. By that time Jaya McClure had missed the start of the season with injury and Monica Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury.
The MAC wasn’t much kinder to the Bobcats. With McClure ruled out for the remainder of the year, Ohio went 4-14 in the conference, finishing eleventh out of
12 teams.
Injuries forced freshmen like Gigi Bower and Dani Scully to step up and provide big minutes as raw prospects. Although the two freshmen showed various flashes throughout the season, the plan was for McClure and Williams to receive those minutes instead.
As another result of injuries, Tabeling was forced to transition into more of a point guard role, running the offense and bringing the ball up the court, whereas in her freshman year, it was clear she was more of a catch-and-shoot type of player from the outside.
A season full of everything you wish to avoid as a basketball team eventually culminated in a 6-23 record, the second time in the last three seasons Ohio has won just six total games.
With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, the future and direction of the program have become murky. After a disappointing season and in an era where players are on metaphorical oneyear contracts with the transfer portal looming, Ohio’s biggest goal needs to be retaining and developing the talent on its roster.
If Ohio can retain its major pieces, what will they look like next season? Jaya McClure and Monica Williams are both natural point guards. How will Tabeling adjust if Williams and McClure come back? With Ohio’s only All-MAC honoree,
Kennedi Watkins, graduating, who will be able to fill her scoring role, especially in the paint?
There are many more questions than answers entering next season, and the offseason and transfer portal could add even more questions about the future of the team and the overall roster as well.
Even with all of the uncertainties for next season, Ohio still has a veteran head
coach in Boldon, who is back on a new contract, and players who should make returns from injury next season. However, the outlook for the program is murky. Ohio appears to be stuck in no-man’sland, a place that no team ever wants to be in.
@CHARLIEFADEL CF111322@OHIO.EDU
Men’s Basketball: Injury-riddled season ends in disappointment
ROBERT KEEGAN III | SPORTS EDITOR
Ohio’s 2024-25 season was one full of disappointment and hardship. The Bobcats, who were selected to win the Mid-American Conference in the preseason coaches poll, were eliminated in round one of the MAC Tournament.
After finishing third in the 2023-24 season, Ohio entered 2024 with a promising roster full of returning players and exciting transfers. When the Bobcats entered games with their full team, they looked like a team that could win the conference. The problem for Ohio was staying healthy.
Going into a crucial road game at Akron
in mid-January, Ohio had a perfect 4-0 MAC record and looked to be the team to beat in the conference. During the game, Ohio junior forward Aidan Hadaway suffered an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the regular season. The Akron game was the first of a brief stint without sixth man Elmore James.
Ohio lost against Akron, starting a stretch of four losses in its next five games. In the stretch, Ohio lost forward AJ Clayton for an extended period and suffered one of its worst droughts in recent memory. Going into February, the Bobcats were in a hole they struggled to get out of.
As Ohio rapidly fell down the rankings, Akron surged as one of the best teams at the mid-major level. The Zips started an impressive 13-0 in the MAC, essentially locking up the regular season conference title before March.
Ohio had a chance to turn its season around on the road against Miami, a team that sat No. 2 in the conference going into the matchup. Amid a road rivalry game, Ohio fought for momentum and position but couldn’t do enough to get a win.
Ohio avenged its road losses against Akron and Miami later in the season in The Convo, but it wasn’t enough to overcome an early season deficit in the MAC standings.
The Bobcats effectively used their home-court advantage late in the season to stay among the top of the conference. To end 2024-25, Ohio had an impressive 12-3 home record.
After beating Miami in The Convo, Ohio didn’t win another game the rest of the season. The Bobcats had an opportunity to control their destiny and get into the MAC Tournament as the No. 3 seed. Instead, it lost games to Eastern Michigan and a second game to Toledo before heading to Cleveland for the final stretch.
Although the win against Miami signified the final high of the Ohio season, it was also the last game Ohio played with star guard AJ Brown, who went down with an injury in the first half.
It wasn’t apparent at the time, but the season-ending injury to Brown was the final straw in an underwhelming Ohio season.
By losing the final two games of the
season, Ohio fell in seeding and ended up matching up with Toledo in the first round of the MAC Tournament. The Bobcats entered the matchup on a seven-game losing streak to the Rockets, making it just about the worst possible first-round matchup.
Following the 90-85 loss to Toledo in the MAC Tournament, Ohio coach Jeff Boals shared that seniors AJ Clayton and Shereef Mitchell weren’t playing at 100% and were pushing through injuries in their final seasons.
Despite Ohio’s season not meeting expectations, there was plenty for fans to cheer about throughout the season.
Transfer guard Jackson Paveletzke broke out in his first season wearing the green and white, averaging 13.8 points per game and ranking third in the MAC in assists.
Freshman guard Elijah Elliott quickly found a spot in the starting lineup and proved to be a valuable asset for the Bobcats for years to come.
Seniors AJ Clayton, Shereef Mitchell and Vic Searls all dealt with injuries at different points in the season but had overall successful final college seasons. Boals claimed all three have the potential to play pro basketball if they choose down the road.
Expectations for the 2025-26 season should remain high despite an uninspiring finish. The Bobcats are set to return four of their top six scorers next season and will be an attractive location for potential transfers.
Freshman forward Danni Scully gets ready to shoot a free throw in The Convo, March 5, 2025. (JACKSON MCCOY | COPY CHEIF)
Guards, Elmore James (1) and Shereef Mitchell (4) during The Bobcats game against Toledo, March 13, 2025. The Bobcats lost to Toledo 90-85, in Rocket Arena, Cleveland. (JOHN FOUSS | FOR THE POST)
Softball: Home opener results in 1-1 finish against Stonehill College
JUDE HANNAHS | FOR THE POST
Ohio (17-7) completed a home opening series of two games against Stonehill College (6-9) with both having a different outcome. The first resulted in an impressive 9-1 Ohio victory before falling in a close 4-3 contest in the second.
In game one, Ohio scored 9 runs on seven hits while committing one error. Stonehill only scored 1 run on two hits and committed four errors. Senior infielder Lauren Yuhas had two hits, one double and two RBIs while sophomore infielder Brenna Farmer added a hit and scored two runs to lead Ohio.
Sophomore outfielder Izzie Wilson contributed her fair share with two scored runs and one RBI. Senior outfielder CiCi Keidel had one hit and a run scored, while senior catcher Emma Hoffner had a double and one run scored. Lastly, senior outfielder Maddie Wilcox recorded a double, scored a run and had two RBI, while junior outfielder Belle Hummel had a hit.
Sophomore pitcher Mikie Lieving was in the circle for the Bobcats and pitched five innings, allowing only 1 run on two hits. She struck out two Skyhawks and picked up her sixth win of the season as a result.
Ohio got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning, scoring on back-to-back doubles from the likeness of Hoffner and Wilcox. In the bottom of the third inning, the Bobcats capitalized on two errors made by the Skyhawks by scoring 6 more runs on only four hits.
Going into the fourth inning with an 8-0 lead in favor of Ohio, Stonehill did manage to get a run on an RBI single. Ohio’s 9th and final run of the day would be scored by Wilson, cementing the win for the Bobcats.
Game two versus Stonehill College was a bit different. Overall, Ohio had 3 runs on 10 hits and did not commit any errors, while the Skyhawks scored 4 runs on five hits.
Individually, for Ohio, junior infielder Shelby Westler had three hits and one RBI. Yuhas added two hits, one
triple, one scored run and one RBI. Hummel had two hits plus a triple with a run scored. The final run scored was from Wilcox, who also registered a double.
Two Bobcats were in the circle, and those were redshirt junior pitcher Skipp Miller and freshman pitcher Anna Wise. Miller started first and pitched 4.1 innings, allowing 4 runs on four hits, walked two and struck out three. Wise only pitched two-and-two-thirds innings and did not allow a run on one hit, while also striking out a Skyhawk.
Stonehill got on the scoreboard early in the top of the first inning. Ohio responded by tying in the bottom of the inning on a RBI single from Farmer. The second inning was scoreless from both teams. The Skyhawks finally retook the lead on a two-RBI double, putting them up 3-1 after the third inning.
In the bottom of the fourth, Ohio was able to get a run back. After having reached on a one-out double, Wilcox later scored on an RBI single from Westler.
Stonehill stood at 3-2 heading into the fifth, and it added 1 more run on a RBI double to go up 4-2. Ohio had opportunities to score in the bottom of the sixth, but the Skyhawks’ defense didn’t allow any wiggle room for the Bobcats.
Ohio responded by using its defense to ward off any more scoring from Stonehill in the top of the seventh, as it looked to rally come the bottom of the frame. However, the Bobcats couldn’t find an answer to tie or even win the game after a scored run from Hummel. The final score was 4-3 in favor of Stonehill.
Ohio infielder, Lauren Yuhas (1), throws the ball during a game against Western Michigan at Ohio Softball Field, April 21, 2024, in Athens. (ABBIE KINNEY | FOR THE POST)
JUDE HANNAHS | FOR THE POST
With social media playing a larger role in people’s day-to-day lives, brands are capitalizing on getting clicks and impressions through viral posts and publicity stunts.
Duolingo, the free language-learning platform, publicly announced the death of its mascot, Duo the Owl, in an X post Feb. 11. As one would think, many people on the internet had different reactions to this shocking news.
In response to Duo’s demise, famous singer and songwriter Dua Lipa posted on X that read, “Til’ death duo part” with a breaking heart emoji in response to Duolingo’s official statement of the mascot’s death.
The statement reads, “It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formerly known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead. Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death and we are cooperating fully. Tbh, he probably died waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know.”
On Feb. 24, Duo the Owl was officially resurrected and became the face once again of Duolingo. Duolingo posted a montage video on X of the platform’s users completing their lessons, indicating that those who caught up on whatever language they were learning was what brought Duo the Owl back to life.
In the video, the caption read, “Faking my death was the test and you all passed.”
as they are often associated with people who have an unhealthy dependence on being online.
“Chronically online” is more popular among Generation Z, and it is associated with someone being so deeply immersed into the culture of the internet, that their perception of reality can be affected.
Since many young people rely on using social media to navigate the world and see what others are doing, the platform is a perfect way for companies to get creative with brand identities.
Most of the chronically online brands appear on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X, some of the most used social media platforms worldwide. With the usage of these platforms, so many companies possess access to an audience who are not aware of their product.
The reason why companies are doing this is plain and simple: being more in-touch with the online world provides them more options to interact with buying customers. By doing this, these companies can further implement products in ways that align with how people currently browse social media.
The companies can also keep up with current events and trends. The possibilities are endless for companies such as Duolingo or even PacSun when operating online.
However, there is one thing to consider when discussing this matter and that is whether or not this pattern of companies being chronically online will or will not eventually lose its audience.
Students scavenge for chicken options
LEANNE ABEL | FOR THE POST
With the amount of people who live in Athens, there have to be a lot of restaurants to accommodate. Although there are many options, chicken-centric eateries are abundant, making eating out difficult to choose when hungry. Students discuss the best chicken-related ones in town.
There are four that fall into this category in town: KFC, Miller’s Chicken, Hot Box Chicken Fingers & Tots and Wings Over Athens. The university has one on-campus dining option with a focus on chicken called Earl’s Coop, located on South Green.
While there are plenty of other options, most students have been to Earl’s Coop, as it is on the campus. This eatery is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. It is located near the Shively Residence Hall on East Green.
Makenna Jones, a senior studying information telecommunication systems, said the convenience was one of the best parts of Earl’s Coop eatery. The price of a meal at the restaurant is $15 and is equivalent to one meal swipe for students with a meal plan. Students with a traditional or flex meal plan can use a swip to purchase an entree; students without a meal plan can use Bobcat Cash or credit card.
Sam Mazza, a sophomore studying history pre-law, shared a similar sentiment but emphasized the wide variety the restaurant has throughout the week.
“I like going to Earl’s because they have different stuff every day,” Mazza said. “Also, it’s an opportunity to hang out with my friends.”
Thomas Beelman, a freshman studying sociology pre-law, said he likes Earl’s Coop’s closeness to his dorm, sauces and the different sides available each day.
“It’s very convenient, just with the meal swipe system they have,” Beelman said.
Caden Potter, a senior majoring in piano performance, works at Earl’s Coop and shared his point of view on the place.
“When I started working there last year and I get to see what happens behind the scenes, I realized that it’s actually not as bad as people think,” Potter said. “Overall, I think it’s a really good place.”
Potter said he has never tried any of the other restaurants in the area but felt that it would still be better.
While some students enjoy the convenience of Earl’s Coop, Kaitlyn Schwab, a sophomore studying music education, felt strongly against it.
“If I’m comparing Earl’s Coop to Hot Box, I simply can’t,” Schwab said strongly. “Earl’s Coop does not compare to Hot Box.”
Mazza also compared Hot Box, which is located on 74 N. Court St., to another popular chicken restaurant: Raising Cane’s, which is planned to come to the area soon. Hot Box is open 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
“I feel like I’ve never had Cane’s before, but people say it’s very Cane’s reminiscent,” Mazza said. “ I like that because I’ve never been able to experience that.”
A sandwich or “sammie” at Hot Box is priced at $7. Their Hot Boxes range from $8.50-$13.50. The restaurant also offers sides and sauces ranging from 50 cents-$2.49.
Another restaurant that a student
found good for the experience was Miller’s Chicken. Beelman said he liked the quality of the food.
“It just kind of felt really homey, like it felt really comfortable in there,” Beelman said. “And then overall, the food, even the stuff that I didn’t have, it all looked and smelled really good.”
Beelman said the diverse menu at Miller’s beats both Hot Box’s and Earl’s Coop’s menus.
“I don’t know if there’s really any other chicken places that I’ve had in my life that were too much better,” Beelman said.
Miller’s Chicken is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The fried chicken itself costs from $1.50-$39, but they offer seafood, sandwiches and breakfast priced in the middle of that range. Miller’s breakfast is served from 7-10 a.m. They are located at 235 W. State St. in Athens.
Jones later spoke about her experience with Wings Over Athens. It opens at 11 a.m. every day but closes at 1 a.m. Sunday through Tuesday, 2 a.m. on Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Wings Over is located at 33 N. Court St. in Athens.
“I’ve had them a few times,” she said. “I think that they are really good and I always have extras.”
Despite liking the food, Jones commented on why she would choose other fast food options before Wings Over.
“I really only go to Wings Over if I have coupons,” Jones said. “It’s expensive.”
Although there is a KFC in Athens, none of the interviewees brought it up unless prompted. Beelman commented on this.
“There was a KFC back where I am from,” Beelman said. “I used to have it, not frequently, but definitely not just occa-
sionally. The food there isn’t really good enough for me to want to go out of my way to get it.”
Beelman also brought up the transportation issue to KFC, as it is a farther distance than any of the other restaurants on campus or on Court Street. The address of this business is 60-62 Stimson Ave. in Athens.
The Athens KFC opens at 10:30 a.m. every day. Sunday through Tuesday and closes at 8 p.m., Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday at 7 pm. The combo meals range from $7.99-$21.99 and the family meals from $5.19-$43.79.
“It's not really in the way for me,” Beelman said. “I don't have a car on campus, and, I guess, it's not really a restaurant that's at the top of my list that I have cravings for, or anything. The food there isn't really good enough for me to want to go out of my way to get it.”
While some are better than others, many students also stated that they were not satisfied with the fast-food chicken options in Athens but did not mention the KFC that we do have.
“Please add more,” Jones stated. “Please bring Chick-fil-A to Athens … I would rather have Chick-fil-A than the other foods around here.”
The students collectively believe that Hot Box and Miller's Chicken were the best, followed closely by Wings Over. Earls Coop has its place on the list but is hard to compare with because it is a dining option and not nearly as good as off-campus options.
The outside of Wings Over located on Court Street in Athens, March 2, 2025. (ALAINA DACKERMANN | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)
‘I’m Still Here’ invites reflection on world politics, history
BEN SCHNEIDER | FOR THE POST
Fresh off a Best International Feature Film win at the 97th Oscars, “I’m Still Here” offers an introspective look back into the military dictatorship of Brazil in 1971.
The film begins with tremendous color; the sights and sounds of Rio De Janeiro are nothing short of breathtaking. The beaches are filled with life, the streets brimming with music. Director Walter Salles understands momentum and that is shown no better than with the Paivas, a happy family living an idyllic life in Brazil. Rubens (Selton Mello) and Eunice Paiva (Fernanda Torres) are great parents to their children and similarly have great chemistry. The film exceeds in selling the idea that this family has a perfect life. They have large gatherings at their house with lots of food and dancing and take in a cute dog they found alone on the beach. It is easy to tell these characters have a lot of love for eachother.
However, all this momentum comes to a screeching halt when the father of this family, Rebuens, is forcibly taken from his house and family at gunpoint by the Brazilian government.
Despite the fact that this movie is based on a true story, there is a strong sense of surreality throughout its 138 minute runtime. The question of “How could this be happening to me?” is written on Eunice’s face during all of this. A similar feeling occurred while watch-
ing the 2021 film “The Mauritanian.” It is the true story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a man who was falsely imprisoned for 14 years in Guantanamo Bay. It displays this Kafkaesque reality in which one can be imprisoned based simply on suspicion and nothing else.
Although “The Mauritanian” is darker in content than “I’m Still Here,” it balances this by having a joyous ending.
For “I’m Still Here,” viewers do not walk away with the same feeling. It begins with excitement and energy but ends feeling empty and reflective. It is a movie about
memory and the ability to keep the ones we’ve lost alive in our psyches.
It highlights the strength of adapting a true story into a great film. It is one thing to read about the military dictatorship in Brazil from 1964-1985, but it is another to witness a dramatic retelling with talented actors right in front of your eyes.
Film has the incredible power to transport the viewer into a different world. But sometimes, the most difficult task of a film is transporting the viewer into our own world, one in which the truth hurts.
There is pain that comes with watching a movie like “I’m Still Here” because it is so sad, but it is this very sadness that makes it so important.
Throughout the film’s two hours and 15 minute runtime, Eunice’s journey transforms from one in which she is trying to find her husband to one in which she is trying to keep her husband’s memory alive.
It is a special message because the movie itself keeps this memory alive. It educates us while also getting us emotionally involved and fired up about the very injustice present in the world around us.
BS344923@OHIO.EDU
Tradwife movement sparks controversy
If you search tradwife on TikTok, you’ll find videos of women in floral sundresses and aprons sharing their experiences as stay-at-home wives and emphasizing homemaking.
Although not inherently controversial, the trend has sparked debate online. Some users argue that, without context, the trend could be a red herring for normalizing restrictive views on women amid recent legislative changes.
Tradwife is short for traditional wife, which refers to a married woman who adheres to traditional gender roles. These include focusing on child-rearing, homemaking, supporting her husband, cooking and cleaning while her husband is the household’s breadwinner.
Many excerpts from “How to Be a Good Wife” guides from the 1950s have made it to the search results of many platforms in connection with the tradwife movement. The centering of the 1950s and ‘60s in the tradwife movement has led many women to criticize it because of the lack of historical and social context.
In an article for Time, Jacqueline Beatty discusses the ideas of coverture laws and parallels the ideals of many “Tradwife” influencers.
Coverture was the legal doctrine of the expectations and rights of married women in America. Sir William Blackstone, a legal commentator during the late 1700s, wrote four volumes of “Commentaries of the Laws of England.” The book discusses the ideals of coverture and its “protection” of women, calling them “favorites under the law.”
“By marriage, the husband and wife are one person in law: that is, the very being or legal existence of the woman is suspended during the marriage … under the protection and influence of her husband, her baron, or lord; and her condition during her marriage is called her coverture,” Blackstone wrote in his commentary.
Coverture prevented women from acquiring property, stock or other investment forms from their husbands.
Married women could not have personal wealth including bank accounts and bonds, meaning they could not buy items without permission from their husband. By law, husbands were only required to provide “necessaries” to their wives, which were defined as “items necessary for sustenance.”
Any property or wealth in the wife’s name before marriage is automatically transferred to her husband. Coverture also gave husbands the legal right to give their wives “moderate correction” which allowed husbands to physically punish their wives.
As highlighted by Beatty, coverture prevented women from having parental rights, the legitimacy of crimes like marital rape and domestic violence and the autonomy of their bodies.
There has been talk amongst federal legislators about the removal of “No Fault” divorce laws. This would overhaul legislation that has helped domestic abuse victims and divorced couples for the past 50 years to avoid drawn-out, in some cases dangerous,
divorce proceedings.
In a CNN article, Catherine Rottenberg, an associate professor at the University of Nottingham specializing in neoliberal feminism, explained how the state of the nation has led to the tradwife movement.
“If there is no reliable health care, if women are making less money than their partners due to the gender wage gap, and if there is no decent child care, then women ramping off the career path and serving their husbands and children provides a Band-Aid to these larger crises –and provides this Band-Aid with ideological cover,” Rottenberg said. “Rather than recognizing crises of child care and overwork as structural problems, tradwives typically point the finger at feminism.”
Virginia tradwife Estee Williams has become a face of the current tradwife movement. She has expressed that the lifestyle should be a choice and supports women who want to work. However, she stated in a TikTok video that a woman’s top priority should be being a wife and motherhood.
The tradwife lifestyle is not inherently harmful or destructive. However, many people argue that the lack of context makes it irresponsible. Traditional gender roles require a one-source-of-income household, which, in a modern global cost-of-living crisis, doesn’t make this a viable lifestyle for many people.
With the overturning of legislation like Roe v. Wade and the closures of Planned Parenthood locations and women's studies programs, many people take this newest wave of traditional gender role
values as a smoke signal to the ideals and power shifts of the nation. Some even ponder if women’s empowerment has lost its meaning.
@SIIMPLY_NYNY NG972522@OHIO.EDU
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Friendly Paws connects pets to loving homes
Every year, thousands of cats are left in shelters or on the streets with uncertain futures, but Friendly Paws Pet Supplies & Grooming is stepping up to give these cats a second chance at a home.
“We don’t have a place like a cat shelter, so we’re just foster-based,” Kate Trot, a foster volunteer, said.
Located on East State Street, Friendly Paws holds a cat adoption event every first and third Sunday of each month. The event allows visitors to play with the cats to find their best match.
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Friendly Paws partners with the Athens County Humane Society to hold events like these. Local fosters bring in their adoptable pets for customers while they browse, but many leave with a new companion.
One family attending a recent adoption event decided to bring their cat from home to bond with the cats at Friendly Paws. The family knew they wanted a new cuddly companion, but they wanted to make sure their current cat would get along with the next animal they were bringing into their family.
In the end, they adopted Aspen, one of Trot’s foster cats. The pair thought the orange and white cat would be a perfect fit in their family dynamic.
“I actually have Denver and Aspen,” Trot said. “They’re crazy, orange boys (who) are super sweet. They just have so much love to give. They were actually found abandoned in a house somewhere in Athens County and … we just really want to give them a home.”
Salome Brajot, an Athens Humane Society volunteer, said the adoption event is a good way to meet the cat and find out their personality. Brajot said many factors go into getting a cat that first-time pet owners may not be aware of. However, the events are an easy way to talk with other cat owners and volunteers to ask questions, Brajot said.
“These adoption events have definitely taught me that it’s really important to find the right adopter,” Waltz said. “I never realized how important it was to
make sure that someone was qualified for the cat. I used to just think, there are an abundance of cats (and) we just need to get them a home, so they’re not homeless. It’s actually really important to make sure that the person taking them in knows how to take care of them and can care for them.”
Athens Humane Society Board Member Carol Waltz said the human society is funded completely by donations. Waltz encouraged people to donate to help the humane society pay for surgeries, vaccines and neuters.
“We’re there in the trenches when the days are rough and tough and horrible, and we are there on the days when we adopt a kitten to the best home ever,” Waltz said.
For those interested in adopting or fostering, Friendly Paws and the Athens County Humane Society invite everyone to stop by and join their mission of finding every cat a forever home. The Athens County Humane Society is also looking for more volunteers to foster animals; an application form is available on their website.
ABBY HIDAY | FOR THE POST
Watch the video here:
Images from the Friendly Paws Pet Supplies & Grooming cat adoption event. (ABBY HIDAY | FOR THE POST)
Letter to the Editor: Event Cancellations, alumni concerns
Nearly 300 Ohio University alumni signed a letter to OU President Lori Stewart Gonzalez in regard to the cancellation of the Black Alumni Reunion and Women’s History Month event. The signatories come from multiple countries, 27 states and Washington, D.C., and span seven decades of students. Read the letter below.
Dear President Gonzalez,
Many of us, the undersigned, have never been good at quietly standing by when we see someone being bullied. And we couldn’t stay quiet now that Ohio University has canceled the Black Alumni Reunion and a Women’s History Month event. It’s deeply disappointing — and frankly alarming — that our alma mater would call off these gatherings based on the attendees’ race or gender.
We understand that universities are navigating financial pressures in the face of political threats. President Trump’s decision to revoke $400 million in funding from Columbia University over campus protests is a clear warning shot, and we recognize the fear these actions create. But no laws currently require universities to cancel diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Preemptively complying with anti-diversity rhetoric is a dangerous precedent. History is filled with examples — from Germany to the Philippines, Russia to South Africa — where such actions have emboldened authoritarian regimes.
Actually, we learned many of these historical lessons in our classes at OU. We chose the university for its renowned programs. And some of us have gone on to build partnerships with current OU programs, to expose students to careers across the professions they’re hoping to pursue. However, these cancellations give us all pause; they make us question whether the values we hold still align with the university we once chose with pride.
Your March 3 statement in response to student and faculty organizers on Ohio Senate Bill 1 is appreciated. We’re also grateful that, unlike Ohio State University, OU has not yet halted DEI programs. But we urge you: Do not comply with anti-diversity directives from the state or federal government unless they are legally mandated. Please also help us understand why the Black Alumni Reunion and Women’s History Month events were canceled. Because right now, it looks as though our alma mater is yielding to intimidation and falling in line with bullies. That leaves us with a mix of anger, sadness, and deep concern about what this means for our shared future.
Sincerely,
Eva (Conrath) Abreu, Psychology ’17, Athens, Ohio
Lavonne Adams, BSC ’84, Greenfield, Ohio
Stacie Saunders Ansel, BA Sociology ’92, Charlotte, North Carolina
Devon Antonetti, BSJ ’11, New York, New York
Kyle Arnott, BSC ’17, Chicago, Illinois
Paul Aukerman, BS Zoology ’76, AB Psych ’76, BA Edu ’82, Loveland, Ohio
Carol Brown Hough Ault, BSRS ’81, BSPE ’84, Athens, Ohio
Cheryl Bair, BA ’80, Athens, Ohio
Stephanie Barker, BFA ’12, Cincinnati, Ohio
Jennifer Hillman Barton, BA Social Work ’81, Waynesville, Ohio
Tracy Luecke Bateman, BFA ’89, Haddonfield, New Jersey
Ed Battes, FoS History ’09, Cleveland, Ohio
Sheri Russell Benson, BA ’95, Columbus, Ohio
Thomas Bentivegna, BA ’82, Akron, Ohio
Jonathan Bernard, BSS ’96, MA ’00, Athens, Ohio
Diane Bickett, BSJ ’84, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Marc A. Bittner, BS Education, Painesville, Ohio
Bethany Black, BSJ ’04, Columbus, Ohio
Baylee Blair, BS Music Ed ’18, Cincinnati, Ohio
Don Blesse, BSC ’76
Michelle Bloom, BSJ ’06, Westerville, Ohio
Dean Bonham, BSC ’07, Hudson, Ohio
Peter Borchard, Athens, Ohio
Shawna Bouha-Mayer, BBA ’98, Los Angeles, California
Graham Bowman, BS Philosophy ’10, Columbus, Ohio
Quinn Bowman, BSJ ’06, Washington, DC
Katie Scarlett Brandt, BSJ ’06, Chicago, Illinois
Brian Breittholz, BSJ ’86, MEd ’88
Laure Leonard Bretzinger, BBA ‘91, Lewis Center, OH
Madi Williams, BS Choral Music Ed ’27, Washington Court House, Ohio
Doug Wilson, BA ’87, Bloomington, Indiana
Trina Wilson, BS Communication ’94, Marysville, Ohio
Evan Witte, BBA Accounting ’06, Lakewood, Ohio
Laura Woolf, BSVC ’10, Brooklyn, New York
Allison Wright, BS ’06, Cleveland, Ohio
Brandi Young,
BS Ed ’08, Westerville, Ohio
Sarah (Stewart) Young, BBA ’04, Powell, Ohio
Xiaoqin Yu, MS Math/CS ’90, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Richard Zippert, BS ’87, Athens, Ohio
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Blabby Abby: MLB enters new golden age
As baseball season is on the horizon, the MLB is experiencing its first peak in about 10 years as the current league holds a number of notable players and potential for 2025.
ABBY JENKINS | HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR
As a Cleveland Guardians fan since I could walk, I am eagerly anticipating the 2025 season’s start. However, this year is far from just excitement about my favorite team, as the current league holds a number of notable players and talented programs.
With some of the best seasons in baseball dating before 2010, it has been over a decade since the league has seen this many well-oiled teams and strong individual players at the same time. There isn’t just one team that looks good enough to win the 2025 World Series.
Arguably the best player in the league, Shohei Ohtani earned himself a ring last year in the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees. Along with this feat, Ohtani recorded the first ever 50-50 season in MLB history.
It is quite possible he could return with the Dodgers for back-to-back championships as he continues to prove his talent. Just yesterday, Ohtani returned home to Japan and crushed a two-run homer in the Tokyo Dome, a clear sign he isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Additionally, one of the league’s best hitters, Juan Soto, recently agreed to the largest contract in MLB history, signing with the Mets for 15 years and a whopping $765 million. The move itself shocked the industry as the then-Yankees player made the switch.
With Aaron Judge still leading the way for the Yankees, it’s no doubt the franchise will appear again during the playoff season, especially after losing grip on the World Series this past year. The team still leads the league in home run leaders, batting average and stat leaders, and there’s no doubt manager Aaron Boone will remain in baseball headlines.
Although Cleveland is coming off an
incredible first season for head coach Stepehn Vogt, a road to the AL Central title won’t be easy. Even with José Ramírez and Steven Kwan putting up numbers, teams like the Minnesota Twins and rival Detroit Tigers look just as promising. The return of Carlos Santana in exchange for now Diamondback Josh Naylor was a risk worth taking, but the bullpen will need to clean up to keep the Guards in the running.
Shortstop Gunnar Henderson will continue with the Baltimore Orioles as a favored for the AL East MVP this year. With 2025 as only his third year in the league, his awards as Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger in 2023 and named an All-Star in 2024 have drawn all eyes to Baltimore. The notoriously unlucky team has another good season ahead of them.
The MLB season officially kicks off in Tokyo March 27-28 with high expectations and one of the most talented leagues in a long time. This season is sure to break records and die-hard fans’ hearts as baseball makes its way into another exciting golden age.
Abby Jenkins is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Abby know by tweeting her @abbyjenks18 or emailing her at aj205621@ohio.edu.
Rooks Reflects: South by Southwest as life-changing as promised
SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY | ASST. HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR
Over spring break, myself and 29 other Ohio University students joined approximately 300,000 attendees at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. Every year, the School of Media Arts and Studies sends a group of students studying film, journalism, music production and media arts to the creative festival as representatives of the school and young professionals looking to make connections and find inspiration within their fields.
According to the program’s website, “The Ohio University SXSW industry immersion course provides students access to the largest creative media industry gathering of the year, offering an unparalleled convergence of the music, interactive, and film industries and fostering an engaging atmosphere for professional and educational growth.”
The program fee (estimated to be around $4,200) includes a platinum badge for full access to all SXSW events. The badge comes with many perks if students are taught how to use it, a job which falls to the program director, Josh Antonuccio.
Antonuccio is an associate professor and the director of the School of Media Arts and Studies. After years of attending this event alongside the revolving cohort of students, the professor has nearly mastered all the tips and tricks to get the most out of the SXSW experience, including using express passes, when to get in line and how to network with festival volunteers.
Partly because of Antonuccio’s guidance, I was able to attend multiple film premieres, including A24’s “Friendship” and “Death of a Unicorn,” Flying Lotus’ “Ash” and multiple independent documentaries. All of these screenings brought me face to face with cast members and creatives who worked on the films, including Aaron Paul, Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter and others. Utilizing more of Antonuccio’s years of savvy, I was able to attend music showcases from up and coming artists such as Man/Woman/Chainsaw and Sir Woman
to artists in the throes of rising success such as Maruja and Freak Slug to established performers such as Band of Horses and John Summit.
The event also offered more than purely fun experiences and proximity to celebrities; it connected me with people working in creative industries. Whether in the form of mentoring sessions or roundtable discussions, SXSW offered multiple chances for young professionals to network with people in their industry, whether to build bridges to future career opportunities or simply to pick the brain of someone working in a position they can see themselves in.
Additionally, the conference tracks offered panel discussions with topics in media and entertainment, and included keynote and session speakers such as Issa Rae, John Fogerty, Michelle Obama, Ben Stiller, Conan O’Brien and countless others. Not only did these titans of culture offer entertaining discussions, but they were each provocative and thought-provoking in their own ways.
The energy in Austin during the nine days of the festival is communal, creative and jubilant, which is part of the reason SXSW is considered a “premier destination for creatives across the globe.” Industry professionals were always eager to help students, and the connection between the group of OU students grew palpably over the course of the week. Not only is SXSW a perfect way to spend a collegiate spring break, complete with parties, live music and good tanning weather, but it is also a remarkable use of experiential learning and will long stand out as one of the most life-changing immersions of my college career.
Sophia Rooksberry is a junior studying journalism. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Sophia know by tweeting her @ sophiarooks_.
BedPost: Open relationships allow self-discovery, closer connections
BEDPOST STAFF WRITER
In a dating environment fueled by hookup culture and surface level Hinge meetups, many college students spend time fruitlessly seeking commitment and monogamy. For those people, the concept of a sexually open relationship may sound counterintuitive and senseless. However, an open relationship can be a healthy way to explore sexuality and romanticism in a phase of life where self-discovery is most important.
PsychCentral defines an open relationship as “one where you and your partner agree to allow sexual encounters with other people.” Open relationships fall under the umbrella of ethical non-monogamy, sometimes referred to as consensual non-monogamy. Honesty about these encounters sets an open relationship apart from cheating, where a person in a monogamous relationship has sex with others in secret.
Many people confuse open relationships with polyamory, another category of ENM in which partners are allowed to seek romantic as well as sexual connec-
tions with others. An open relationship only allows for sexual encounters outside of the primary relationship, often to meet sexual needs or explore sexual variation while still maintaining a close romantic connection with their partner.
Although each open relationship is different and comes with unique boundaries that meet the needs of each individual, the healthiest open relationships meet two main requirements: that both partners have equal interest in the openness of the relationship and that both partners have complete trust in each other.
If one person is psyched about the idea of sleeping with other people while the other has no interest at all, this can lead to an unhealthy power imbalance. This doesn’t mean that one participant in an open relationship having a higher sex drive than the other will destroy the partnership, but an equal understanding and interest in the state of the relationship is crucial to its success.
This leads to the next and most important factor of an open relationship: trust. Not only trust that someone’s partner
will be honest about when they sexually engage with others, but trust that they are using proper protection, aren’t developing a romantic connection, aren’t violating any boundaries and countless other things that require full, unbridled honesty. Trust like this is hard to find, but it can allow two partners to grow closer together when it is utilized in the context of ENM.
If two partners have total trust in each other, sleeping with other people while still maintaining a romantic connection can act as a testament to the relationship’s strength and make a partnership even stronger. An open relationship can act as a form of exposure therapy against emotions of envy and possessiveness, which will turn out to be a strength in many aspects of life.
Many people are simply uninterested in finding sexual freedom and variety while in a committed relationship. Others are drawn to the world of self-discovery that is granted by sexual freedom, but are afraid of the stigma surrounding open relationships.
According to PsychCentral, one in five single adults have participated in an ENM relationship; PR Newswire reports the same amount of people have cheated while in a relationship. Open relationships grant people sexual freedom without betraying the trust of their partner, but they must first move past the stigma surrounding being ethical with their non-monogamy.
For people interested in opening up a relationship, the first step is introspection. Self Magazine recommends asking a series of internal questions before opening up a relationship, such as what a person is looking to gain out of ENM and how jealousy factors into their self-worth. Open relationships require a firm, honest grasp on one’s psyche and their partnership, proving that an open relationship can not only be a healthy way to grow closer to a partner, but also a way to better understand oneself.
BedPost is a sex and relationship column that does not reflect the views of The Post.
Editorial: Future of immigration under Trump indiscernible
As of Friday, President Donald Trump signed 89 executive orders throughout his second term to seal his policy agenda into practice. During week one in office, a dozen orders were issued to advance the deportation and detention of migrants. The president retains the right to issue executive orders as he sees fit. However, the Trump administration’s movements have been uninhibited to a degree uncharacteristic of U.S. presidents, breaking precedent and threatening immigrants throughout the country, even those who came here legally.
In January, Trump rescinded an Obamaera policy that largely blocked ICE from entering schools, places of worship and hospitals, claiming no damage had been done as no arrests had been made by ICE in schools. However, when the possibility of ICE entering a school exists in tandem with raids occurring locally, there is no denying the impact on students. At a
Denver school, for example, attendance dropped from 95% to 85% following nearby raids.
Even then, not every child who has reason to fear ICE is out of school. Many children of immigrants live in fear they will return from school to an empty home and their parents arrested. The emotional toll mass deportations take on children led 300 of the 900 students at the school in Denver to seek counseling, largely due to fears about deportations, creating a less-than-conducive learning environment.
Although the administration’s direction is clear, it’s gaining momentum. The Alien Enemies Act of 1789 accelerates the detention and removal of immigrants when “a declared war between the United States and any foreign nation or government” exists. It also has the potential to affect their children.
Invoking the act is pivotal; it has only been utilized three times since its passing: the War of 1812, World War I and World War II. Trump claimed baselessly Latin American cartels have taken over a Denver suburb and labeled illegal immigration as an invasion. Most of the U.S. population has not lived when this law was enforced and will soon watch a history lesson play out right in front of them. Although presently blocked by a judge, the issue will now move through the legal system and could potentially reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
Alongside executive orders pertaining to immigration, Trump also pierces freedom of speech, specifically demonstrations at colleges and universities that do not align with his agenda. This puts students who partake in political organizing in a particularly vulnerable situation.
One example is Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia and vocal pro-Palestine activist, who ICE arrested and accused of having pro-Hamas sympathies. Khalil is a permanent resident of the U.S. with a green card. This arrest of a prominent activist born outside of the U.S. but living in the U.S. permanently and legally signals an escalation in both Trump’s attack on freedom of expression and immigrants.
Diversity and freedom of speech are supposed to be the two defining characteristics of the U.S., and although the country has not always upheld these attributes, this is different. There are no smoke screens, no façades and absolutely no reservations with Trump. Although the gravity of the situation is clear, what comes next is still indiscernible.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors: Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Cruz, Managing Editor Madalyn Blair and Equity Director McKenna Christy. Post editorials are independent of the publication’s news coverage. The Post can be reached via editor@ thepostathens.com.
The Revada Foundation presents
THE TYLER WEYMOUTH FIRST AMENDMENT SPEAKER SERIES
By E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University
