Southeast Ohio houses the paranormal
ETHAN HERX| FOR THE POST
The Appalachian region is no stranger to the paranormal.
The hills and mountains making up the area once stood taller than the Rockies and were created almost a billion years ago. For reference, trees first evolved around 400 million years ago.
Due to this immense age, much of the region is said to be a hotbed for the supernatural. Southeast Ohio is no exception, with Athens being called one of the most haunted college towns in America, according to College Consensus.
Many know the stories of the Ridges, but Athens County and nearby areas are home to some lesser-known tales. Brian Collins, the Ram and Sushila Chair in Indian Religion and Philosophy in the department of classics and religious studies, said he noticed local interest in the paranormal and now teaches the class “The Global Occult: Ghosts, Demonology, and the Paranormal in World Religions.”
“I started a class on ghosts, magic and demons, and it was a popular class,” Collins said. “I began to teach it during the regular semesters. And now I teach it pretty much online, and have for a couple years to about 150 students per semester.”
About five and a half miles north of town is Mt. Nebo. At 1,017 feet, it is the highest point in Athens County and holds spiritual importance to the Indigenous peoples of the area. In the mid-1800s, a man named Johnathan Koons and his family built a log cabin atop the hill, where he performed séances to commu-
SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY
nicate with spirits, a popular act at the time.
Over several years, the room where these séances were held drew in hundreds to try and communicate with the dead. In his book, “Guide to Ohio University Ghosts & Legends,” author Craig Tremblay claims these rituals opened a portal that has caused Athens County to become a paranormal hotbed.
Although not technically in Athens County, the nearby Moonville Tunnel in Zaleski State Forest has become a focus of local legend. Moonville was once a coal town on the Marietta and Cincinnati rail-
road. It is said that the ghosts of railroad workers inhabit the tunnel and can be seen waving their lanterns at night.
Back in Athens, people have reported an iconic building on campus is haunted. Bekah Davenport, a sophomore studying organ performance, said Galbreath Chapel on College Green is a hub for the unexplainable.
“There’s the basement part, which is super creepy,” he said. “If I'm down there, I'll hear people talking and a bunch of commotion up in the top part. I go up, no one's there. I've taken people with me, and the same stuff happens, or a feeling
that you're being watched … It's just a very creepy place.”
About 45 minutes south of Athens along the Ohio River sits the town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, home of the Mothman. In 1966, two couples first reported seeing the beast outside of town. The next year, the Silver Bridge collapsed, which many blamed on the Mothman.
Point Pleasant now holds an annual Mothman festival every September, celebrating the creature. Maddie James, a graduate student studying education for social studies, said the local aspect of the Mothman legend is the main reason she likes the story.
“Obviously, Mothman is in the area, and I think that might have been part of the appeal,” James said. “People are very proud of it.”
Recorded in Salt Fork and Hocking Hills State Parks, the Ohio Grassman is the Buckeye state’s claim to the Bigfoot fame. The creature is similar in stature to the Bigfoot mythos, except it is said to be covered in long, shaggy grasses and builds makeshift shelters out of grass and sticks.
James said the idea these occurrences could be real is part of the fun of paranormal legends.
“My thought is that even though I personally haven't seen something, there's so many stories that even if the majority of them are lies, there's still so many that some of them have to be true,” she said.
Students find safety in numbers on nights out
HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER
Despite the many exciting and wonderful aspects of university life, college campuses have long been breeding grounds for assault, muggings and other similar crimes. An ADT and Clery Center survey reported more than 82% of college students are concerned for their personal safety on campus, whether it’s “being in an unfamiliar area, interacting with strangers, walking home in the dark or leaving a bar/party alone.”
Many students take preventative measures to help with feelings of safety. Addison Kearns, a freshman studying journalism, said although she generally feels safe on campus, it is mostly because of her own planning ahead.
“If I am out at night, I’m usually with a couple of other people which, definitely helps,” she said.
The majority of college students take the phrase “safety in numbers” seriously. Many students, particularly women, feel safer when friends or escorts accompany them, and there are a number of campus organizations that exist to encourage this
practice.
Two of these services are Phone a Friend and Pink Cab. According to the former’s BobcatConnect page, “All one must do is text the number and two people will come to walk the individual home.”
Phone a Friend was founded by Jess Mitchell, a senior studying biological sciences.
“I heard (a story) about a friend of mine that occurred on her walk home, and I realized that certain people have to alter what their college experience looks like in order to feel secure, and I didn’t think that was okay,” Mitchell said.
Kaycie Tillis, a senior studying psychology and the founder of Pink Cab, got the idea for the organization after hearing about a service at another university that allowed students to serve as imitation Lyft or Uber drivers for other students. Upon hearing this idea, Tillis thought a similar service would be useful to help promote campus safety for women at night.
“I think it’s just better to have women driving other women because even if
a man is harmless nine times out of 10, you’re still going to feel unsafe around a man just because you don’t know him,” she said. “I just think it’s a little bit more calming to have women driving each other.”
No matter how safe a small city like Athens may seem, unfortunate incidents surrounding campus safety are never a impossibility.
“I don’t think any woman loves the idea of walking home alone at night no matter where they are,” Tillis said. “I generally don’t feel particularly threatened, but I still feel like there was a need for (Pink Cab).”
Although Phone a Friend does not put an end to campus safety concerns, Mitchell believed the service does a fair share of good in combating the problem.
“People have expressed feeling more secure knowing that there’s a program out there, I feel like the idea of something like this is really comforting to people,” she said. “I feel like it gives people peace of mind before they go out or hang out with their friends.”
One of the primary safety concerns
in Athens, expressed by both Tillis and Mitchell, is the lack of streetlights.
“My street is completely dark at night, and I feel most uneasy whenever I turn down my street after a night out, even when I’m with friends,” Tillis said.
Mitchell said to feel safe people need to feel seen something which could be achieved if Ohio University and the city of Athens increase lighting in areas on and off campus.
During Halloween weekend, one of OU’s most major “red weekends” in which campus experiences more criminal incidents, Pink Cab is planning to accommodate non-OU students who are accompanied by someone with a valid student ID and will allow people to schedule rides in advance. Kearns anticipates the impending weekend and plans to be aware of safety concerns.
“I think my friends and I just (need to) have a conversation that we need to be more aware of our surroundings,” she said.
The abandoned Moonville Tunnel in Zaleski State Forest, Ohio, Oct. 19, 2024. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)
Baileys Trail System works to expand trails
ANDERSEN BECK | FOR THE POST
The Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia announced a plan last year to build 88 new miles of trails in Bailey’s Trail System. As of Friday, 58 of the 88 miles have been completed.
“We have the funding through the Appalachian community grant program through the State of Ohio and ARPA funds to build out the remaining miles,” Delia Palmisano, ORCA’s communications and philanthropy director, said.
Palmisano explained the existing trails have direct connections to the Village of Chauncey, York Township and Doanville.
“The new trails will be north of 685, which is kind of further out into the county, and will have direct community connections to the Village of Buchtel, which will also connect to Snow Fork Event Center, which is where Nelsonville Music Festival takes place,” Palmisano said.
Because of the size and geographic features of Wayne National Forest, where Baileys is located, it’s difficult to quantify a consistent cost per mile of trail construction.
“It varies depending on what sort of features are there, what sort of things need to be removed,” Palmisano said. “A mile of trail can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $45,000 to construct."
Palmisano said they always engage with multiple stakeholder groups, such as landowners, representatives from the Wayne National Forest and property owners.
“I wouldn’t say that it’s been the shortest process ever, but all in all, it’s been pretty well received, and we just want to
make sure that we’re doing everything, dotting our I’s and crossing our T’s,” Palmisano said.
Palmisano said ORCA hopes to build around another 20 miles in 2025 and is close to completion.
Cycling is a popular hobby in Athens, making Baileys a great asset for South-
eastern Ohio. Hudson Parker, an Athens resident and employee at Cycle Paths Bicycles, located at 104 W. Union St., shared his thoughts on the subject.
“We got a lot of commuters,” Hudson said. “With the intro of the Baileys, we’re also getting a lot more mountain bikers, a lot of road cyclists just because of the
scenery, and our roads are pretty great for road cycling. Also, parking sucks in Athens, so we get a lot of commuter traffic because of that.”
Student bikers are eager to see what challenges the expansion of Baileys will bring. Nathan Kallet, a freshman studying international business, is an experienced mountain biker and expressed his concerns about the new trails.
“My main gripe with it is the fact that a lot of the trails that they’re building, they’re expanding a lot, but they’re not expanding the selection of trails,” Kallet said.
Despite this, Kallet still said he thinks the trails are great for Athens.
“Athens trails are just fast and flowy, which is great for beginners, but not really that challenging for people with a little more skill,” Kallet said. “There’s three trails all the way in the back that are double black trails. They’re fun, but it’s only three, and from campus it’s a 15mile drive.”
Although Kallet said he doesn’t know exactly what trails they plan to build, he said he is all game if they are adding more advanced trails.
With the completion of the trail expansion project on the horizon, more outdoor adventures in the Wayne National Forest and Southeastern Ohio can be expected.
AB773723@OHIO.EDU
Well-Being Center debuts massage chairs to combat stress
BIANCA GRIM | FOR THE POST
Following COVID-19, OU has prioritized mental health and physical well-being, determined to ensure students' voices are heard with the grand opening of the Well-Being Wing at Ping Recreation Center.
The development of the Well-Being Wing was a collaborative effort from members of the Department of Well-Being and Recreation, Counseling and Psychological Services and the Chaddock and Morrow College of Fine Arts.
Combined efforts helped shape a space that not only addressed mental health and well-being but also fosters a sense of connection among students.
Assistant Director of Ping Recreation Center Hanna Vorisek said the inspiration for the project came from what she believed was a need not being met on campus.
“This is a physical space that we can support student health (and) mental well-being within a space that's accessible by nearly every student on campus,” Vorisek said.
Located on the second floor of Ping, the Well-Being Wing offers various innovative features specifically designed to promote relaxation and recovery. There are massage chairs with different features and settings that offer personalized wellness and muscle recovery as well as Relaxation Pods that include screens to guide users through meditations and
stress-reduction exercises. There are also therapeutic tools with light therapy to help with overall stress management.
“The two hydro massage, one cryo, which is hot and cold therapy, and then a relaxed space, they’re all programmable for the person who’s sitting in the chair,” Vorisek said. “The sessions last between 10 and 15 minutes.”
The total budget for the Well-Being Wing exceeds $100,000. The university allocated funding for mental health initiatives through department reserves and state support.
This is a physical space that we can support student health (and) mental wellbeing within a space that’s accessible by nearly every student on campus.”
– Hanna Vorisek, Assistant Director of Ping Recreation Center
Vorisek said the hydro massage can be customized to be either full body, half body, lower, top or bottom and speed and pressure. She said each chair is customizable to whoever’s sitting on the bed.
“Same with cryo, there’s eight zones, four of them are hot, and four of them are cold,“ Vorisek said. "You can program which areas are hot, which areas are cold, and it's all through the Android pad . . . that's attached to the machine.”
Vorisek said in the relax space pods, students can choose from one of 30 different programs, allowing customization to suit their needs.
Wes Bonadio, director of Well-Being and Recreation, said the project is part of the larger Ping Refresh Project. New furniture seen in the Ping lobby is also included in the initiative, turning the building’s stationary spaces into more usable spaces.
“We worked with our vendor that is contracted with the university, Loft, for the furniture and the design and outline of that, in addition to the graphics that went in with UCM,” Bonadio said.
The department plans to utilize an additional $48,000 in state funding to establish a second well-being space on campus. The expansion aims to increase accessibility and ensure wellness resources reach a broader student audience.
The Well-Being Wing's grand open-
ing event occured from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 9. It allowed students, faculty and staff to explore the new space, learn more about its offerings and engage with wellness coaches and staff.
Attendees had the opportunity to experience the massage chairs and relaxation pods firsthand, which provided insight into the facility's benefits.
“My hope is that we are starting to see people that are coming into Ping that are potentially not here for treadmills or weights but are coming in specifically for the relaxing area," Vorisek said.
Hailey Barnhill, a sophomore studying biology pre-med said she thinks the Well-Being Wing will improve both mental and physical well-being among students, making Ping more welcoming. After discovering the massage chairs during a demo last semester, she also encourages others to experienced the Well-Being wing.
“I definitely think that it helps with relieving some of that mental stress from academics,” Barnhill said. “Being pre-med, I have a very tightly packed schedule with a lot of tough classes that do stress me out all the time.”
Barnhill said having the Well-Being Wing available after a workout or just to allow students to take time to clear their heads is very worthwhile.
The Chauncey Depot Trail in Chauncey, Ohio, Sept. 20, 2024. The trail is part of the Baileys Trail System, which is managed by the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)
Campus-wide donation drive held for those affected by Hurricane Helene
MARY KATE MCNAMEE | FOR THE POST
Ohio University organized a campus-wide donation drive for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. The drive took donations from Oct. 4-11 and specifically aimed to help those in Tennessee and North Carolina.
Donations were accepted on the third and fourth floors of Baker University Center, the first floor of Grover Center, Cutler Hall, the Ridges and Grosvenor West.
The university collaborated with Operation Airdrop, a Texas-based group of volunteer pilots who deliver essential needs after natural disasters to areas that cannot be reached via vehicle transportation.
Jay Wilhelm, director of the Avionics Engineering Center and associate professor of mechanical engineering, spearheaded the drive’s organization.
“There was a call for pilots and airplanes, along with the university wanting to collect donations,” Wilhelm said. “So there was a clear connection that I made there, and just got everybody together, and they got support from the university to do it.”
Wilhelm said although roads may be closed off or flooded, airports are more accessible at a time like this.
“The whole call was to use airplanes because those areas are not accessible by large trucks, let’s say, and so they’re kind of cut off right now, but there are airports sprinkled throughout that region,” he said.
Wilhelm discussed the university’s value of giving back to communities, especially those that need help.
“This is a great example of community engagement because we get everybody together, they do good things together and can help other people,” Wilhelm said. “Imagine if this happened in Athens, would the communities around us support us? I don’t know, but we do what we can to help other people out.”
The university has made an effort to be proactive in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, despite the geographic distance between Athens and the states affected.
“OU is committed to providing resources and support for all students in need,” university spokesperson Samantha Pelham wrote in an email.
The various offices have strived to help students in Athens who could be affected in multiple ways, Pelham said.
“In addition to the university-wide hurricane response efforts, the Division of Student Affairs reached out to OHIO students who are from, and or/reside in any of the areas that were affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton,” Pelham wrote in an email.
The donation drive accepted non-perishable dry foods and other essentials such as powdered sports drinks, hand sanitizer, baby formula, plastic sheeting and tarps, and hygiene and sanitation products.
Wilhelm said one of his main concerns was the university would collect an abundance of supplies and not be able to deliver them all. One flight to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, carried roughly 1,200 lbs. of supplies.
Greg Pfeil, a pilot at the avionics engineering center, discussed his involvement and experience with the drive. Pfeil flew the donations to Banner Elk, North Carolina, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
“Trying to help these people out that need help, it’s fulfilling, just doing what we can,” Pfeil said.
Pfeil could not see any damages to the area in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as the airport was thirty minutes away from most damages.
However, Pfeil and a colleague were able to see some wreckage in Banner Elk, North Carolina.
Pfeil’s main goal was to help the people in these areas get the necessities and essentials they needed.
“Just to get needed supplies to these people that had nothing left, it’s just unbelievable what happened down there,” Pfeil said. “So we’re just trying to do our little part that we could to get stuff down to them.”
Police Blotter: neighbor disputes
MAGGIE AMACHER | ASST. NEWS EDITOR
11 Fri____________________
Haunted house hoax
The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded Oct. 11 to Murphy Field of Screams. The sound of chainsaws and screaming were heard on the call, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies patrolled the area but did not find a person needing assistance. The call was determined to be accidental, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
11 Fri____________________
Crossy Road
Deputies were advised of a dog on the road Oct. 11 in Alexander Township, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies patrolled the area but did not locate any dogs at the time, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
12 Sat____________________
Peek-a-boo
According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a report Oct. 12. from New Marshfield of a man looking inside people’s windows.
Deputies contacted the male and informed him he needed to refrain from trespassing on people’s property, and further complaints could result in criminal charges, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
12 Sat____________________
Name Calling
Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a report Oct. 12 from Republic Avenue of someone yelling another person’s name outside.
Deputies patrolled the area and did not hear anyone yelling, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
12 Sat____________________
… and you landed on McLovin?
Deputies responded to Lexington Avenue in Chauncey Sept. 27 in reference to two small dogs possibly attacking a woman, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Deputies spoke to neighbors but could not locate the female or the canines, according to the Sheriff's Office.
13 Sun____________________
Not side-by-side
Deputies responded to a report of an abandoned side-byside on Sand Hill Road in Guysville Oct. 13, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies located the vehicle and confirmed it was stolen from Coolville. The owner was notified and recovered his vehicle.
14 Mon____________________
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth
Deputies responded Oct. 14 to Brimstone Road in Coolville regarding a neighbor dispute, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The complainant’s neighbor kept mowing her yard and placing decorations in it. Upon the deputies’ arrival, the landlord arrived and resolved the issue, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
15 Tues____________________
Porch rockers
Deputies responded to North Plains Road regarding a trespassing complaint Oct. 15, according to Athen’s County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were informed two men had been sitting on the property for several hours. After speaking to the deputies, the men agreed to leave.
15 Tues____________________
False alarm
Deputies responded to a trespassing complaint Oct. 15 on West Bailey Road, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were informed the man had permission to be on the property. No report was taken, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
16 Wed____________________
Gotcha
Deputies responded to The Plains Plaza on a Wednesday report of a suspicious man and woman, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies contacted the individual and found the woman had a warrant for her arrest. She was transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail without incident.
16 Wed____________________
Good riddance
Officers responded Wednesday to Pickering Hall in response to the theft of an electric scooter, according to OUPD. A report was taken for theft without consent, according to OUPD.
Bruce paid for this ad, which is not authorized by any candidate
- Donald J. Trump, Las Vegas, 9 June 2024
- Donald J. Trump, Newsmax, 16 May 2023
Baker University Center located on Oxbow Trail. (ANDREW UHRIG | FOR THE POST)
Ohio’s loss to Miami should be a wakeup call
CHARLIE FADEL SPORTS STAFF WRITER
The energy in the press conference room was at a staggering low. Ohio quarterback Kurtis Rourke and Ohio linebacker Bryce Houston sat dejected, visibly down and exhausted after a crushing loss at home to Miami last season.
Those players knew the season was in trouble. Their biggest rival just snatched away an opportunity for Ohio to put itself in the driver's seat on the way to Detroit for the Mid-American Conference title game.
The Miami game in 2023 was a brutal turning point in the season. Ohio had expectations and beliefs that it would make the MAC title game, but after the loss on a cold, rainy day in Athens, those hopes were on the brink of being fully dashed.
Miami would go on to win the MAC title after knocking off Toledo, while Ohio missed the game altogether. The Bobcats finished their season with a Myrtle Beach Bowl victory over Georgia Southern.
Entering the 2024 season, it was Miami’s turn as the preseason conference favorites, but six weeks into the season, the Redhawks found themselves at 2-4 on the year while their rivals in Athens sat at 4-2.
Ohio had the chance to pull off a season-changing upset on the road this time, but the Bobcats fell flat from the start.
This season, Ohio’s matchup with Miami felt like another gut punch for the team. A defeat with a final score of 30-20 makes the loss feel better than it actually was. Miami had a 30-6 lead when Nick Poulos was subbed in as quarterback for Parker Navarro, and although the JUCO transfer did show signs of life for Ohio’s offense, the points would not help. The game had already been decided.
Navarro was pulled after his second interception of the game led to a oneplay Miami drive that saw Cade McDonald haul in a 28-yard touchdown from Brett Gabbert, Miami’s second one-play touchdown drive of the game.
Although the ultimate decision to pull Navarro happened with less than a minute left in the third quarter, the Ohio offense needed a spark all game long.
The Bobcats did not get a first down on offense until the 7:38 mark in the second quarter. Up until that point, every drive was a three-and-out.
Even Ohio’s drive that saw them earn that first down ended with a Navarro interception by Miami’s Raion Strader. The ensuing Miami drive ended with a Brett Gabbert touchdown and a 16-0 lead for the Redhawks.
The usually reliable and steady run game led by Anthony Tyus and the legs of Navarro was shut down as well, as Tyus finished with 15 yards, Rickey Hunt finished with 27 yards and Navarro led the team with 38 yards on the ground.
While the offense sputtered, the usually reliable and stout Ohio defense had a less-than-stellar day. Gabbert finished the game going 14/21 through the air for 178 yards and three touchdowns on a day where it never seemed like the veteran passer had to work that hard for his production.
Running back Keyon Mozee had an excellent game, pounding the Ohio defense and eventually breaking off a back-breaking 58-yard touchdown run to really put Miami ahead.
This season’s Battle of the Bricks came a little earlier in the schedule than in 2023, allowing the Bobcats more chances for wins later in the season. Ohio also has a winning record after seven games and a winning record in MAC play.
Despite all those positives, the Miami game was a bad performance for a team that has now played bad football for its last six quarters, going back to the second half against Central Michigan.
Ohio still has time to improve and win games, but after a Saturday afternoon in Oxford, Ohio, when the Bobcats were outclassed on both sides of the ball all game against their rivals, there should be a loud wake-up call for Tim Albin and his Ohio team.
@CHARLIEFADEL CF11322@OHIO.EDU
Chase Hendricks (7) makes a catch within the five-yard line in the game against Miami University at Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio, Oct 19, 2024. (JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST)
Duncan Brune’s bold leap into football
ROBERT KEEGAN III | SPORTS EDITOR
There aren’t many football players in Wuppertal, Germany, at least not the American kind. In fact, there may just be one: Ohio running back Duncan Brune. Brune's hometown of Wuppertal has around 400,000 residents, most of whom play soccer, hockey and even bobsled. Brune, however, is different from most students in Germany.
“I think we have five schools in this one city where I live,” Brune said. “I think I was the only one playing football.”
When Brune was about 12 years old, a friend invited him to hang out at foot ball practice — not German football, but American football. As soon as practice ended, Brune raced home to tell his mom he wanted to be a football player. He had found his new passion.
There weren’t many options for orga nized football leagues around Wuppertal. The nearest place Brune could play com petitions up to his level was a 40-minute drive to the city of Cologne.
The distance or commitment wasn’t a problem for Brune and his family, who have always been invested in sports. Brune grew up in a household filled to the ceiling with sports; his mom, Simone Osygus, is a four-time Olympic swimmer for Germany.
I remember when we had Christmas my
“(Sports) were a daily thing,” Brune said. “I remember when we had Christmas my mother used to say you have to do pushups before you can open gifts. I grew up in the swimming facility in Germany because my mother would take me there. I had to practice there because I was there every day.”
Growing up, Brune participated in
at a young age that he had potential and should consider a career playing in America. From that conversation on, Brune’s goal was to find his way onto a Division I football team.
After several strong years with the Cologne Crocodiles, Brune quickly became one of the top prospects in Germany.
During his recruiting process, Brune received offers from several schools, including Toledo,
Middle Tennessee State and Yale.
A conversation with now-teammate Sam Ehret is what got Brune interested in Ohio.
“Almost two years ago, I met him and his dad,” Brune said. “He said (Ohio) was the best visit he did so far. He said, ‘You have to come here, take your official visit and just look at it, it’s awesome.’”
Ehret went to high school in America but has family in Germany, which is how he and Brune became acquainted. The two have been in contact ever since, and are now roommates in Athens.
Ehret was right about Athens; Brune has loved it since he stepped on campus.
“I really enjoy walking around, just
CAMPUS EVENTS October
Social Engagement & Student Org Events
Wednesday, October 23
Midweek Bible Study hosted by Encompass Campus Ministry
7:00 -9:00 pm Baker 366
Wednesday, October 23 (con’t) OHIO Greeks 101
3:00 am - 5:00pm Baker 333
Absentee Ballott Party
3:00-6:00 pm Baker 3rd Floor Atrium
Thursday, October 24
Regular Discussion hosted by Bridge USA OU Chapter
6:00 -7:00 pm Gordy 302
180: Weekly Gathering of Cru 7:30 - 8:30 pm Morton 201
Friday, October 25
Guest Lecture-Alex Burtzos hosted by: OU Composers Assoc. 4:10 pm -5:05 pm Glidden Hall 472
Wednesday, October 30
Careers in Student Affairs Mixer
11:30 am - 1:30 pm 1804 Lounge Baker Center Light refreshments & Networking
Entrepreneurs with a Bite Guest Speaker hosted by CEO OU Chapter
6:30-8:00 pm CoLab 3rd floor Alden
Thursday, October 31
Lavender Menace Halloween Party
6:30 - 9:00 pm Check Bobcat Connect for Location and details
Friday, November 1
ASTA Invitational with Fry Street Quartet
7:00 - 9:00 pm Glidden Hall
Monday, November 4
Polaroid Patchwork: A Collage Night 12:00 - 8:00 pm Seigfred Hall Check Bobcat Connect for Location & details
Thursday, November 7
Pancakes to Rations hosted by: Student Veterans of America 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Baker 3rd floor Atrium
Regular Discussion hosted by Bridge USA OU Chapter 6:00 -7:00 pm Alden 322
Friday, November 8
Friday’s LIVE Season 53 E04 hosted by Ben Christiansen 8:00 pm Studio C (RTV 515)
Humans vs. Zombies NERF Tag hosted by: Bobcat Blasters 8:00 pm - 11:45pm Walter Hall
looking at things,” Brune said. “At least once a week, I just walk around campus looking at nature and enjoying everything.”
Ehret isn’t Brune’s only European connection in the NCAA. Several of Brune’s teammates from Cologne have found themselves on DI rosters nationwide. There may not be many right now, but Brune is a firm believer that more Germans will soon get into American football and will, in turn, begin to flood collegiate and professional rosters.
@ROBERTKEEGAN_ BK272121@OHIO.EDU
22nd - November 12th
Friday, November 1 &2
Family Weekend Campfire TBA Meet in Ping
Tuesday, November 12
Sorority & Fraternity Life PAWS for a Cause 7:00 - 8:00 pm Baker Ballroom SCAN for more events
October 25
Adrian @ OHIO
7:00
November
November
December
Ohio University Running Back, Duncan Brune, stands for a portrait and interview in Peden Stadium Oct.16, 2024. (AUDI REED | FOR THE POST)
Bobcat
Blake Leake talks golf, flying, zombie apocalypses and more
CHARLIE FADEL | SPORTS STAFF WRITER
Blake Leake has been a standout on Ohio’s defense this year. The grad transfer from Bucknell has been a key member of Ohio’s defensive unit and filled a huge hole at the linebacker position following the departures of Bryce Houston, Keye Thompson and others from last year’s team.
Leake has only played seven games in an Ohio uniform, but the veteran linebacker looks right at home in Peden Stadium. His production has impressed as well, leading the team in tackles through the first seven weeks with 45 and tacking 2.5 tackles for loss.
The Post sat down with Leake to discuss his transfer to Ohio and more.
TP: You spent a lot of time at Bucknell and you graduated from there. What brought you to Ohio?
Leake: Really, (the) COVID year, as miserable as it was, as rough as it was at the time, it was able to grant me the opportunity to have an extra year to play college football … I knew my whole time in college I was going to get a chance to transfer out and play somewhere else, so really, COVID, it was a blessing in disguise.
TP: You graduated from Bucknell, but what is your major right now?
Leake: I’m in the masters of science and management program.
TP: What job do you want to get into outside of football?
Leake: I've always had my eyes set on flying, actually. So really, I'm thinking of going and doing what I got to do to be a commercial airline pilot.
TP: If you could have two teammates with you to survive a zombie apocalypse, who would they be and why?
Leake: I'm going to go with Creed Hill. He’s a country boy, spent some time in the woods. He could probably find us a few meals out in the woods, and then I’ll probably go with Coleman Owen. Coleman’s a resourceful guy and it never hurts to have Coleman with you.
TP: Speaking of Coleman, I heard about a golf foursome with him, you, Parker Navarro and Ben McNaboe. What can you tell me about those days on the course?
Leake: Ever since we got back in the summer I think we were out there almost every day, and we had some fun times, some meltdowns out there, some clubs in the river and some water. But those are some good times. I know when I look back at my time in Ohio, hopefully, I'll be looking back at a (Mid-American Conference) Championship, but a lot of my memories will be on that golf course.
TP: Another golf-related question, but when we talked to Parker he said Coleman was the best golfer on the team. Anything you have to say about that?
Leake: I do not dispute it, Coleman is the best golfer I've seen on our team.
TP: I was doing some research and saw that your older brother played football at Navy. What was that dynamic like growing up, did you look up to him at all?
Leake: Oh yeah, definitely. Ever since I was little, I always had my eyes set on playing college football, professional football. I always thought I was just going to be a football player my whole life. And me and my brother used to argue about it. 'Oh, I'm gonna go here. I'm gonna go here.' And once he got into high school, and he started getting a few offers, that's when it really became real to me that this is a legit thing. He just had all the advice and the mentorship for me as I went through my time. So I mean, he's definitely my hero, and I'm glad he got to go through it first and not me, so he’s kind of the guinea pig.
TP: Do you have any favorite spots in Athens or on campus since you have gotten here?
Leake: We've been to the Fun Barn. Me, Ben, Coleman and Parker have been to the Fun Barn a few times. Coleman can tell you all about it right here, the Fun Barn, man. He knows what it’s all about. That’s kind of a hidden gem down here in Southeast Ohio, so I’d say that.
@CHARLIEFADEL cf111322@ohio.edu
Week 9 Student Media Poll picks from The Post
LOGAN ADAMS | SPORTS EDITOR
ROBERT KEEGAN III | SPORTS EDITOR
CHARLIE FADEL | SPORTS STAFF WRITER
Each week, the Sports' editorial team selects its Top 25 FBS college football teams for the Student Media Poll.
The SMP is a nationwide poll featuring 97 student journalists from schools nationwide.
The Post Sports will break down its ballots each week. Here are the top five, those dropped from the top 25 and those added.
LOGAN ADAMS, SPORTS EDITOR
TOP FIVE
Oregon
Penn State
Ohio State
Georgia
LSU
DROPPED: MICHIGAN, VANDERBILT
At this point, I’m done including Michigan in my top 25, as it has been a weekly in and out in my section of the poll. That inconsistency is undeserving of a top-25 spot, most recently losing to Illinois. Vanderbilt, after two strong wins, including dethroning No. 1 Alabama, has started to look a bit fraudulent with the fall of the Tide. Vandy struggled to secure a win, just 24-14 against 2-5 Ball State.
ADDED: ILLINOIS, NAVY
Illinois has had a great season, aside from a single loss to No. 2 Penn State. Most recently, the Illini dismantled the Wolverines, establishing itself as one of the best and most consistent teams in the Big Ten, outside of what has become the obvious top four: Oregon, Penn State, Ohio State and Indiana.
Navy and Army both find themselves in the top 25, preparing the college football world for what could be the most anticipated matchup between the two teams in a while. Army coach Jeff Monken took to “The Pat McAfee Show” to talk down to his opponent, setting a fire under the ranked rivalry.
ROBERT KEEGAN III, SPORTS EDITOR
TOP FIVE
Oregon
Penn State
Georgia
LSU
Indiana
DROPPED: MICHIGAN, VANDERBILT
Vanderbilt had a fun run, but that run is now over. Diego Pavia and the Vanderbilt offense did just enough to get the win against a terrible Ball State team. A poor performance from the Commodores against the Cardinals is enough to fall from
the list of top 25 teams.
Michigan has been up and down all year. A loss to Illinois marks the end of any potential national championship repeat for the Wolverines. Now, with three losses, it will take a lot for Michigan to return to the top 25.
ADDED: ILLINOIS, NAVY
I was skeptical about Illinois for too long. The 6-1 fighting Illini are undoubtedly a contender in the Big 10, and its most recent win over Michigan proves that.
Navy has been one of the most fun mid-major teams in the nation so far this season. Now sitting at 6-0, Navy slides into the No. 25 spot after a week full of ranked losses.
CHARLIE FADEL, STAFF WRITER
TOP FIVE
Oregon
Penn State
Georgia
Ohio State
Texas
DROPPED: MICHIGAN
The 2024 Michigan Wolverines are continuing on one of the worst title defenses ever. This team has no sense of offense whatsoever. Jack Tuttle is their best quar-
terback yet played awful against Illinois, leading the offense to a whopping 7 points.
I’m ready to say that Michigan is a genuinely bad football team. Its best win is a 27-24 victory at home against an unranked USC team. If a couple of bounces went the wrong way against Minnesota and USC, this team could be 2-5 at this point in the season.
ADDED: NAVY
What a year for the military academy schools. Both Army and Navy are currently ranked in my top 25, making for what should be an incredible matchup in the Army-Navy game this year.
The 6-0 Midshipmen could see their first loss of the season against Notre Dame this week, but if they can pull off that upset, they could be aiming for the group of five playoff bids come selection season.
@LOGANPADAMS LA486821@OHIO.EDU @ROBERTKEEGAN_ BK272121@OHIO.EDU @CHARLIEFADEL
Blake Leake (9) waits for the next play against Miami University at Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio, Oct 19, 2024. (JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST)
donaldjtrump.com
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See guides.vote for online guides with links & source
Ban. “After 50 years of failure, I was able to kill Roe v. Wade.” Did so by appointing three anti-abortion Supreme Court Justices. It was “a miracle.” States should decide for themselves, potentially monitoring women’s pregnancies and prosecuting women for getting abortions. Abortion is “really not that big of an issue.”
Legal. “Every woman should have the right to make decisions about her own body.”
“This fight is about freedom.” With Biden, strengthened abortion pill access and abortion patient protections, overturned Trump Planned Parenthood federal funding ban. Would sign national abortion rights bill if Congress passed.
No. Climate change is a “hoax.” The world will “start getting cooler.” Withdrew from the Paris climate pact. Will expand coal and oil production. “I want to drill, baby, drill.”
Yes. We’re seeing the climate crisis “every day…in real time.“ “We must do more.”
Asked oil and gas executives to donate $1 billion so he could reverse Biden’s climate initiatives.
Cast the deciding vote to commit $369 billion to climate and clean energy, the biggest investment in US history. Supported $1.2 trillion in infrastructure; includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions. No longer would ban hydraulic fracking.
Police are “under siege.” Cut back active federal oversight of excess force, though supported a database to track it. Admires Chinese approach of quick trials and a death penalty for drug dealers so there will be a “zero drug problem.”
Police are dedicated public servants. As a prosecutor increased felony convictions by one third. But “public safety requires community trust.” Has supported better training, banning choke holds, and prosecuting police misconduct.
Increase taxes (tariffs) on imported goods. Cut housing demand with mass deportations. To lower prices, would deregulate businesses, rein in “wasteful federal spending” and unleash American energy. Opposed infrastructure bill.
Expand child tax credit. Give tax credits for affordable housing builders and subsidize first-time home buyers. Restrict price gouging on groceries and lower drug costs by negotiating prices. Supported bipartisan infrastructure bill.
Yes. Certify teachers who “embrace patriotic values.” Would “cut federal funding” for any school “pushing critical race theory, gender ideology.” Restricted diversity training for federal employees and contractors.
No. In Florida “extremists… passed a law, ‘Don’t Say Gay,’ trying to instill fear in our teachers.” Now, “they want to replace history with lies,” teaching “that enslaved people benefited from slavery.” Children should be “taught the truth.”
No. Called the election a “Big Lie” and a “Massive Fraud” that would justify “termination” of parts of Constitution. Called those who stormed U.S. Capitol “unbelievable patriots.” Would pardon them fully.
Yes. “The [election] results were certified by state after state and reaffirmed by court after court.” “On January 6, we all saw what our nation would look like if the forces who seek to dismantle our democracy are successful.”
Loosen. To NRA, “no one will lay a finger on your firearms.” Plans to roll back Biden gun restrictions. Reversed Obama-era background checks for those with mental illnesses.
Tighten. “Every person deserves the freedom to live safe from gun violence.” Supported the bipartisan gun safety bill and required background checks for gun show & online sales.
Repeal. “Terminate.” “Obamacare is a catastrophe.” As President, promised to replace it with “something terrific,” but repeal failed in the Senate by one vote. Supported an unsuccessful lawsuit to overturn it.
Expand. “Health care is a right, not a privilege.” Cast a tie-breaking Senate vote to expand ACA & lower Medicare drug prices, including a $35 monthly insulin cost. Would link drug costs to costs that comparable wealthy nations pay.
ABORTION
Ban or legal?
CLIMATE CHANGE
Should climate change be a top priority?
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
How to ensure effectiveness and fairness in law enforcement?
ECONOMY
How to improve the economy and make daily life more affordable.
EDUCATION
Limit teaching about racism and gender identity?
ELECTIONS
Did Joe Biden win the 2020 Presidential election?
GUN LAWS Loosen or tighten gun regulations?
HEALTHCARE Repeal or expand the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare?
DONALD TRUMP REPUBLICAN
KAMALA HARRIS DEMOCRAT
Illegal immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country.” Will use the National Guard and local police, with possible detention camps, to deport 15 to 20 million illegal immigrants. Opposed the bipartisan Senate immigration bill. Tried to end DACA; Supreme Court overruled. Would renew his Muslim ban and end automatic citizenship for everyone born in US
Has supported Israeli action, “get the job done.” Says Israel releasing images of bombed Gaza buildings loses “the PR war.” Gaza protesters are “raging lunatics and Hamas sympathizers.” Would deport student protesters.
Harder. Made it harder for unions to organize. Restricted federal employee collective bargaining. Praised employers who fire striking workers: “They go on strike…and you say… ‘You’re all gone.’” Striking Auto Workers were “sold down the river by their leadership.”
Limit. Weakened an Obama order protecting LGBTQ federal contractors from discrimination. Banned transgender military servicemembers and ended antidiscrimination protections for transgender patients.
Unclear. It does “significant damage.” Reversed Obama rule to not prosecute in states where legal, but ultimately didn’t prosecute.
No. A $15 minimum wage would “eliminate jobs.” Threatened to veto. Questioned need for a federal minimum wage: let the states decide.
Mostly yes. There’s “a lot you can do in… cutting.” Also flags bad management. Proposed $35 billion cuts in Social Security disability programs. But “will never do anything” to “hurt Social Security.”
No. Called student loan forgiveness “unfair” to those not attending college. Vetoed forgiving loans of defrauded students. Proposed cutting support programs for student borrowers.
Lower. His 2017 tax cut included the largest corporate cuts in US history and major tax cuts for the wealthy. Would extend and expand when they expire in 2025. Raising business taxes “will lead to the destruction of your jobs.”
Mostly no. To end the war, will push Ukraine to give up territory to Russia. Russia should “do whatever the hell they want” to NATO countries that don’t pay enough.
Harder. Has long supported stronger voter ID requirements. Sued to bar ballot drop boxes. Encouraged Republicans to vote early but said early ballots “get lost” or are “phony.”
How to handle immigration? Support a path to citizenship for “DACA” participants brought to the US as children? Supports “comprehensive immigration reform.” Backed the bipartisan Senate border security bill. Rejects mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. “We are a nation of immigrants…. let us all address [the issue] with the urgency and seriousness it requires.” Supports pathways to citizenship for DACA participants and undocumented spouses of citizens.
“We need” a cease-fire & a two-state solution. “Israel has a right to defend itself.” But “too many innocent Palestinians have been killed… Civilian suffering… [is] devastating.” Palestinians and Israelis both “are entitled to security.”
Easier. “Unions built” the American middle class. “We are fighting to protect the sacred right to organize.” Backs pro-union laws. Walked UAW picket line. Build “an economy where every person, not just the wealthy,” can thrive.
Expand. In 2004, officiated some of the nation’s first same-sex marriages. Helped repeal California’s anti-gay marriage initiative. Biden administration protected LGBTQ medical patients from discrimination.
Legal. “Nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed.” Legalize and regulate. Supports Biden’s easing federal prohibition.
Yes. Supports Congress raising the national minimum wage to $15. Biden administration raised to $15 for federal contractors.
No. Would protect and stabilize Social Security by making wealthier Americans pay into Social Security at the same rate as everyone else; they’d keep paying in above their current $168,600/year income cap.
Yes. Supported Biden forgiving $144 billion for over 4 million borrowers, after the Supreme Court blocked the Biden-Harris $430 billion forgiveness plan.
Raise. Voted against Trump tax cuts, which included the largest corporate cut in US history. Supported increasing corporate tax rates. To boost teacher salaries, proposed raising estate taxes on the very wealthy.
Yes. “Regarding Putin’s unprovoked, unjustified war against Ukraine… we are committed to… defend democratic values and stand up to dictators.”
Easier. Pass bills to protect voting rights and make voting and registration easier. Biden administration directed federal agencies to help people register.
IMMIGRATION
ISRAEL/GAZA
Response to Israel’s invasion of Gaza following October Hamas attack?
LABOR Make it easier or harder for unions to organize?
LGBTQ RIGHTS Limit or expand LGBTQ rights?
MARIJUANA Ban or legal?
MINIMUM WAGE
Raise federal minimum from $7.25 an hour?
SOCIAL SECURITY
Cut Social Security or raise retirement age to stabilize program?
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
Support lowering interest on student loans and/or forgiving them?
TAXES
Raise or lower taxes on the wealthy and corporations?
UKRAINE/RUSSIA
Support defending Ukraine against Russian invasion?
VOTING RULES
Make voting harder or easier?
guides.vote is a nonpartisan effort to show where candidates stand. We do not support or oppose any political party or candidate. We include candidates polling 15% or more; use the QR code on the right for online versions, including links to credible sources and other candidates.
Vote411.org offers guides to local races and how to vote. For campuses, see Campus Vote Project’s state-specific guides to student voting rules.
Rocky Horror returns for more ‘terrible thrills’
DISHA HOQUE ASST. HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR
In the velvet darkness of the blackest night, Athens locals and students strutted to West Union Street in corsets, leather, red lipstick and fishnet stockings to experience Lost Flamingo Company’s “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
The production ran Wednesday-Friday at The Union, located at 18 W. Union St., a long-standing partnership between LFC and The Union. Tickets were purchased at the door, $10 for underage viewers and $8 for 21 and above.
Produced by LFC, an Ohio University student-run theater company, the shadow cast production returns to the bar for its 21st show, reviving the long ticket lines and outrageous outfits from previous years.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” a film released in 1975, is a fractured retelling of the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Adding a comedic spin and risque outfits to deviate from the novel, along with featuring queer characters and same-sex couples on screen, the film centers on themes of liberation and originality.
The movie and production follow Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, a newly engaged couple seeking shelter amid a storm in Dr. Frank N. Furter’s castle, a mad scientist creating Rocky, a living muscle man.
In Athens, the movie’s legacy lives on with LFC’s annual show.
“So many people that have been in Rocky have said it has helped them realize their identity and who they are,” Alexis Butt, a junior majoring in marketing and business analytics and the assistant director for the show, said.
Butt said LFC and her involvement in “Rocky” connected her with queer-identifying people on campus.
LFC’s rendition of the movie is a shadow cast show, meaning the cast acts while the original film plays behind them.
The 20-person cast has rehearsed since September to perfectly align its movement and dialogue with the horror-comedy.
Along with memorizing the characters’ movements and mannerisms, actors also learned choreography original to LFC, referred to as “whoreography.”
Sarah Cooper, a senior majoring in management information systems and business analytics, is this year’s “whoreographer.” She has reclaimed her role for a second year, and made adjustments to the chorus, or "whorus,” routines from previous years, including reworking the performance of the song “Sword of Damocles.”
“Rocky” is Cooper’s favorite show to choreograph because of the bold and accepting atmosphere it brings.
“It’s just so much because (Rocky) is such a confidence booster,” Cooper said. “I always tried to make sure the environment was fun and safe, and (the cast) felt
they could create (their own) poses and feel sexy and feel like they were having fun, and feel ready for the show.”
According to Cooper, the “whorus” choreography is part of what makes Athens’ “Rocky” production so unique.
“A lot of other places do Rocky Horror (and) they do shadow casts and whatnot,” Cooper said. “We have our own twist of having this dance chorus, and it also gives 10 or so more people the opportunity to get to dress up and dance.”
Paired with audience competitions, chants and responses, the show is a unique production for both returners and first-timers attending this "late night, double feature picture show."
Along with watching the show, “Rocky” fashion and style is a pivotal part of the experience, with dressing up being one of LFC’s “Do’s,” for the production, according to an Instagram post.
“I know people have (had) their outfits picked out since last year,” Anna Martin,
a sophomore studying hearing, speech and language sciences and the “Rocky” director, said. “Everybody comes in whatever they’re comfortable in. Everybody’s complimenting each other and hyping each other up in their own sexualities in the crowd, as well as on stage.”
For Charlie Lakus, a freshman studying English literature playing Brad Majors, this form of acting was a step out of his comfort zone and helped grow his acting skills.
“This has been a tradition for years and years and years,” Lakus said. “There’s a lot of pressure, but it’s guaranteed we have a full house every night.”
Lakus said the guaranteed audience and friends coming to the show have motivated him to perform his best and learn his lines quickly.
New faces in the show, including Lakus, allow returning audience members to witness a new “Rocky” experience, despite the storyline remaining the same.
“(There) is a fresh perspective to seven different roles, which is eye-opening,” Martin said. “(Returners are) able to see how (new cast members) take their turn on this new act and position they're part of.”
With the outrageous, electric and fiery nature of LFC’s “Rocky,” stage and audience members gathered to celebrate themselves in their most authentic and wild forms.
For Cooper, who performed in “Rocky” for the last time Saturday, the show’s impact on her is unmatchable.
“Seeing what (‘Rocky’) means to other people and to see this is something so important to a lot of people and to Athens, I just became so attached to it,” Cooper said. “That’s not even to mention getting to work with the cast and crew … getting the opportunity to feel a part of something that is so much bigger than yourself.”
Section 8 brings harmony, brotherhood to OU
ASHLEY POMPLAS | FOR THE POST
The acapella group Section 8, harmonizes through creative dynamics and interactive performances to produce music for all music lovers. More than just a musical collective, the group also fosters a strong sense of brotherhood among its members, making every rehearsal and performance a celebration of friendship and creativity.
Section 8 is an a cappella group in Ohio University’s School of Music that runs out of the Singing Men of Ohio choir. The group is connected to the tenor and bass choir in SMO.
Section 8’s Music Director Nate Nylander, a senior communication studies major, said SMO wanted a smaller ensemble to perform at venues when the organization originally formed, which is how Section 8 was born.
For members to join, there is an audition process. Nylander said auditions have become more formal over the years due to changes made after the pandemic.
“(When) I came in as the music director, we started taking as many as we could,” Nylander said. “We quickly realized that wasn’t the way to go about it … This year we made it a lot more formal where you had to learn a piece outside of the audition to see if you could sing
your part correctly and be in time with everyone else.”
President of Section 8 and SMO Ben Christiansen, a junior majoring in communication studies, helps make the decisions with Nylander to select the final roster. This year, around 15 people auditioned and 12 members were selected. When selecting the final roster, Nylander and Christiansen consider factors like scheduling, musical ability and solo voices
Once the group is selected, the men typically meet to rehearse three times a week. Previously, the group only met twice a week, but an additional day was added to provide flexibility in members’ schedules. Christiansen and Nylander are at all three rehearsals, and they said meeting three times a week also allows the group to achieve more throughout the week.
The major difference between SMO and Section 8 is how interactive the group is. Section 8 likes to sing popular songs like “I Want You Back” and “Bye, Bye, Bye” by NSYNC. Nylander even arranges some of the songs the group sings. Depending on the song choice, the group interacts with the crowd by pointing at people while singing or dancing with someone in the audience.
Jacob Gertsburg, a freshman studying film, learned of the organization through
Christensen, who is his “big” in SMO. After attending rehearsals and auditioning, he fell in love with the group because of its energy.
“I don't think I've seen this kind of energy from any other group,” Gertsburg said. “I've sat in on a couple of other group rehearsals, but just the energy and the vibes of this group are immaculate.”
Aiden Wickham, a sophomore studying environmental science and sustainability, said Section 8 performances are stylistically different from SMO. SMO is more classical with choral arrangements on risers whereas, Section 8 does more pop songs to get more reactions from the crowd.
“A Section 8 performance can be anything you want it to be,” Wickham said. “A lot of the time, we are just going to go out there and just go absolutely crazy. We're going to commit to the bit … We may not be the greatest a cappella group you've ever heard. But we're going to be the most fun one that you're going to see.”
Outside of performances and rehearsals, there is one thing that sticks out in the organization: the sense of brotherhood. Section 8 members have a distinctive connection with each other that makes the music they sing come alive. Gertsburg said when he was in high school, being in the choir was nothing like what he had experienced in SMO or
Section 8. He said the members of SMO were funny and welcoming, making it more enjoyable to be a part of. However, he described Section 8 as an enhanced version of that.
“We’re all so tight,” Gertsburg said. “We hang out outside of singing and stuff. We're all actual friends, which I think shows in the singing and the performance aspect of it as well.”
Section 8 embodies the spirit of creativity, camaraderie and lively musical expression within the OU School of Music. As the group continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to bringing joy to audiences while fostering lasting connections among its members.
Whether it's engaging with the crowd or simply enjoying time together outside of practice, Section 8 proves the heart of music lies in the bonds people create together.
"I think having that kind of connection with people, makes the music come alive a bit more than if it was just a bunch of musicians who did not meet outside of rehearsal at all,” Nylander said. “I think because of those kinds of factors, that's why we're doing so well this year.”
The Lost Flamingo Theater Company performs the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Union, Oct. 17, 2024, in Athens, on Union Street. (MEGAN VANVLACK | PHOTO EDITOR)
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One Direction member Liam Payne’s death shocks world
CLARA LEDER | FOR THE POST
Former One Direction member Liam Payne tragically died Wednesday in Buenos Aires after a fall from his hotel room. The star was 31 years old. Since the news of his death, fans and his former bandmates have come to social media to share their feelings on the tragedy.
Payne was a member of the popular boy band One Direction, along with Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Zayn Malik. The five were the center stage of the 2010s, with their faces and music plastered worldwide during the height of their popularity. Since the end of the band, fans remained loyal as they hoped for a reunion one day.
However, with the news of Payne’s death, the discussion from fans is much different. Associated Press news reports about his death stated, “Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighborhood of Argentina’s capital, resulting in ‘extremely serious injuries.’”
Payne died of multiple traumas, although no reports have stated if the fall was intentional or accidental. Reports from The New York Times stated there were no defensive wounds and no one else was involved in his death.
Payne was in Argentina with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy where they arrived in Argentina Oct. 2. Payne visited the country to support former band member Horan's performance.
Since his passing, fans all over the world have outpoured their love for Payne. In Buenos Aires, many fans gathered outside the hotel he was staying in to sing and mourn. One Direction was a quintessential part of their childhood and with the loss of one of the members, many “Directioners” are left heartbroken and grief-stricken.
For Generation Z, Payne and One Direction were prevalent during the pre-teen years, as the band made up a significant part of many people’s childhoods. The devastation of Payne’s death has united fans together through the grieving process.
shared similar sentiments. Malik wrote, “Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me. I can’t help but think selfishly that there were so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.” Since the devastating news, Malik has also postponed the U.S. leg of his upcoming Stairway to the Sky Tour.
Styles wrote about Payne’s character and said, “Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.”
Horan, the last band member to see him before his passing, also shared an Instagram statement. The star wrote, “I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever.”
Ambria Herring, a junior studying language arts education and English, said the former band members posting about it hit home for her.
“You look at the other four men in One Direction, posting with him, it's really hard to grasp, especially considering it's a lot of our generation's childhood, so it's our first big celebrity death,” Herring said.
Many prayers and thoughts have been sent to his family members, his parents Karen and Geoff and sister Nicola. Payne’s son, Bear, has also been discussed. Tomlinson wrote, “I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.”
However, there has also been a breach of privacy with reports about Payne’s death. Due to the star’s vast impact on people’s lives, they are eager to get answers as to what happened.
TMZ, a popular gossip site, posted cropped pictures of Payne’s lifeless body on social media and received backlash. Other news sites, such as ABC and the Washington Post, have shared images of the star's trashed hotel room before his passing. The images have now circulated through social media.
Herring shared her thoughts on how the media is reporting the issue.
“If it wasn't a celebrity, people wouldn't be posting pictures of the hotel room and sharing those intimate details of his life.”
Herring said. “I think it's a disrespect to him and what happened. A lot of people are jumping to conclusions as to what happened, which is also really just dev-
Although fans are taken aback by the news of Payne’s death, it is important to remain respectful to his family and friends. He had a huge impact on the lives of fans across the globe, but also his parents, partner
Mourning the loss of someone so beloved by fans is difficult and the force of the tragedy is felt across the world during this time. Payne will be loved and remembered for a long time to come and will survive in the hearts and lives of all who adored him. @CLARA_LEDER
Select Spirit Halloween stores to become Spirit Christmas
ELIZABETH TALAGA | SLOT EDITOR
Nothing says Halloween quite like the iconic bright orange and yellow Spirit Halloween banners. The fun will extend further into the holiday season as Spirit Halloween turns into Spirit Christmas.
Vacated shops and buildings across the country turn into thousands of Spirit Halloween stores each year. The stores have symbolized the beginning of the Halloween season since the first location opened its doors in 1983.
In addition to being an iconic Halloween symbol, Spirit Halloween also runs Spirit of Children, a charity bringing Halloween magic to children’s hospitals by providing funding supporting Child Life Departments in hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. Each donation to Spirit of Children goes directly to each store’s local partner hospital’s Child Life Department, raising over $127 million.
Now, Spirit Halloween is expanding its stay. Instead of disappearing after Hal loween, select locations will turn into Spirit Christmas stores.
Spirit Christmas will sell decorations, stocking stuffers, gifts and apparel, according to its website.
The stores will also have photos and free digital postcards with Santa, a Ginger bread Lane experience with a ginger bread village and a North Pole Post Of-
fice for people to mail their letters to Santa. Staying true to its Halloween roots, Spirit Christmas will sell a selection of spooky Christmas items in a Creepmas
Spirit Christmas will be opening 10 locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts.
The first Spirit Christmas store opened Friday in New Jersey. Like the Spirit Halloween stores, cus-
tomers were greeted with themed animatronics upon entering the store. Nikki Balles, corporate director of public relations at Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween, said customers get the full holiday experience when they walk into the store.
“When you walk in, you’re seeing an incredible story of what the season is,” Balles said in a statement obtained by ABC News. The company said it hopes the new stores will resonate with customers
“Our goal is to create a festive retail experience that captures the spirit of the season, much like we do for Halloween,” the company said.
Although the Athens Spirit Halloween store located on East State Street will not turn into a Spirit Christmas store, locals will be able to enjoy the classic Halloween store in all of its glory.
@ET029322@OHIO.EDU
6 cheap, easy Halloween costume ideas
ASHLEY POMPLAS | FOR THE POST
Halloween weekend is right around the corner in Athens, and you may need more last-minute, budget-friendly costume ideas. Here are some costumes you can find in your closet or buy with supplies at a low cost.
CAT COSTUME
An easy costume anyone can pull off in the eleventh hour on a budget for this
Halloween is a cat. A simple costume, yet it is fitting for the season.
All you need to pull off this costume is an all-black outfit with some cat ears. A way to complete this costume is to use black eyeliner to draw whiskers on your face to top off the look.
KETCHUP AND MUSTARD
If you are looking for a silly couple's costume or a twinning costume with your
friends, then going as ketchup and mustard would be a simple but fun idea. All you need is a red or yellow top, and you can craft the tops of the bottles with paper plates, construction paper and paint.
MARIO AND LUIGI
Mario and Luigi are some other costumes that can be done with a couple or friends. You would need one green shirt, one red shirt, a red hat and a green hat. A way to achieve the mustaches of Mario and Luigi, without buying a costume mustache, is to draw them on with eyeliner. If you choose to buy the actual fake mustache, they retail for around $2 at Walmart
TINKERBELL
Tinkerbell would be an easy last-minute choice this Halloween. A way to achieve this look is wearing a green dress or a top and skirt combination. To complete the look of Tinkerbell, you would have to buy a set of wings. Fairy wings are available at Walmart starting from $13, making this an easy, low-cost costume. If you wanted to go above and beyond, you could buy a blonde wig from Five Below for $5 to make the costume extra magical.
PITBULL
If you want a fun costume for Halloween, consider going as Mr. Worldwide himself. To achieve this look, a person would just need a button-up top, black pants and sunglasses. A way to really make this costume fun is topping it off with a bald cap. You can buy a bald cap from Walmart for around $4, making this an easy last-minute costume for anyone.
If you want to pull off a costume relevant to this year, consider going as Lydia from Beetlejuice. You could take this costume in two ways: her iconic red dress or her all-black outfit with her camera and large sunhat.
A way to pull off her all-black outfit is by wearing anything black in your closet. If you don’t have a sunhat, you can find one at Walmart for $10. A way to top off this look would be to carry a camera, and you can apply black eyeshadow and eyeliner to complete the look.
To pull off her iconic red dress look, you need a red dress to wear with some black shoes. To complete the look, you need a bouquet of red flowers and use black eyeshadow for her makeup. If you want to go above and beyond for her hair, you can use YouTube tutorials on any kind of social media platform to achieve the look. TikTok has a lot of videos on how to recreate Lydia’s unique bangs.
LYDIA DEETZ
MIA PISHOTTI | ASST. ART DIRECTOR
Cleveland chef Michael Lovano competes on ‘Hell’s Kitchen’
CAMI SEYMORE | FOR THE POST
Hudson, Ohio native Michael Lovano is an executive chef and contestant on season 23 of Gordon Ramsay’s “Hell’s Kitchen,” which releases new episodes every Thursday at 9 p.m. on Fox.
Lovano grew up in the kitchen and helped his mom and grandparents cook by the age of five, watching and learning when he could. At 15 years old, Lovano got a job washing dishes to make extra money. He soon realized he loved being in the kitchen and became a line cook.
“I loved the adrenaline you get from working on the line,” Lovano said. “It’s a feeling you can’t get from anywhere else.”
Lovano continued his passion for cooking while attending The University of Akron and worked at multiple restaurants, often working weekends and picking up shifts in between classes.
In his third year at the university, Lovano started working at Michael Symon’s Lola Bistro in Cleveland until it closed in 2020. Since then, Lovano has worked at Terrestrial Brewing Company in Cleveland and Summer Place in Lakewood. He is currently the executive chef at the Medina Country Club.
Jonathan Cimino, a good friend of Lovano, has worked alongside him for years and seen his talents progress as an executive chef.
“I kind of just got to watch him gain the confidence and experience to lead a team, and get the confidence to put out his kind of food and do what he’s good at,” Cimino said.
Because of his skill and extensive resume, Lovano was encouraged to apply by his friend and former
“Hell’s Kitchen” contestant Alejandro Najar, who placed third in season 21. Lovano decided to send an Instagram direct message to a “Hell’s Kitchen” producer after seeing a casting call and got selected to interview the next day.
Although he’s used to the stressful, fast-paced environment as an executive chef, he was not used to the intense nature of the show while constantly being on camera.
“When you get your microphone put on and there are cameras ev-
erywhere, it’s a little nerve-wracking, but you begin to get used to it,” Lovano said. “After a while, it just feels like something that’s normal.”
Gordon Ramsay, the host of the show, is known for his fiery temper and intense kitchen environment.
He eliminates contestants each week until there is a winner who will become a head chef.
“Chef Ramsay is the best mentor you could ever have because he doesn’t sugarcoat anything,” Lovano said. “He’s very vocal when you’re
not doing things properly, but he’s a wonderful mentor and a wonderful person.”
On the show, Lovano showcased his expertise in international cuisine and foreign ingredients, allowing him to be creative in the kitchen, a skill that benefited him and his team.
“I love Mediterranean style cooking, like Spanish, Greek, Middle Eastern influences,” Lovano said. “That was a large part of what I wanted to make on the show. Generally, I try to become well versed in all forms of cooking that I can, because, especially in a setting like that, you never know what’s going to get thrown at you.”
Cimino, who has been intently watching the show every Thursday, is rooting for Lovano and his team.
“It’s been awesome,” Cimino said. “I’ve been watching, actually, I just watched the episode last night. It’s great seeing him on TV. It’s great seeing him crushing it. I’m incredibly proud of him going out there and doing something like that.”
Although Lovano was eliminated in the fourth episode “In a Pickle,” which aired Thursday, he learned a lot from Ramsey and from the other contestants on the show.
“The overall experience was phenomenal,” Lovano said. “I would 100% do it again in a heartbeat. I met a lot of very talented chefs and made some really good friends.”
@CAMISEYMORE CH525822@OHIO.EDU
Cleveland chef Michael Lovano during season 32 of “Hell’s Kitchen.” Photo provided by @hellskitchenfox.
Lately with Layne: Local journalism crucial during disaster
LAYNE REY
| FOR THE POST
As Hurricane Helene destroyed neighborhoods in North Carolina in September, the public gained a much-needed awareness of how crucial local journalists are to their communities. Local journalism, especially in the wake of disaster, is largely valued by the communities it exists in and provides information people otherwise wouldn’t have access to.
As major news outlets are viewed negatively, trust and loyalty have settled in local journalism. According to the Pew Research Center, both Democrats and Republicans agree the journalists in their communities are doing their jobs well, which is in stark contrast with political divides in national media.
The classification for “doing their jobs well” includes four core principles of journalism: reporting accurately, being transparent, covering the most important stories and keeping track of local elected officials. By abiding by journalistic principles crucial to readers, local journalism can thrive in a world where the industry is becoming less trusted.
The same study also concluded, “... the vast majority of U.S. adults (85%) say local news outlets are at least somewhat important to the well-being of their local community. This includes 44% who say local journalism is extremely or very important to their community.”
As media consumption trends change and digital news becomes the best way to reach most audiences, local newspapers have had to adjust low budgets. However, these entities have evidently remained important to the cities and towns they serve, even in times of adjustment and readership decline.
The coverage of Hurricane Helene and its affect on North Carolina neighborhoods will continue to positively impact community opinions about local journalism. Journalists in North Carolina, while experiencing power outages and destruction in their own lives, worked to provide a great service in times of uncertainty: information.
One newspaper in Asheville, North Carolina, the Asheville Citizen-Times, spearheaded a text messaging service that sent questions from the community directly to journalists and provided updates about the storm from the paper.
National media have an abundance of information to share daily. Because newspapers such as the Asheville Citizen-Times can focus on one area, they can better report and provide services their readers need.
And it wasn’t just the Asheville Citizen-Times. Poynter reported that Hurricane Helene survivors are consistently turning to local news for the information they need most.
Poynter reported, “That includes the nonprofit
Asheville Watchdog, which is already asking tough and necessary questions about response time. The Asheville Citizen-Times started offering text message updates. Spanish language nonprofit Enlace Latino NC posts critical information about food, water and FEMA assistance. Multicultural newspaper The Urban News directed people to a Starlink station so they could contact family. And Shannan Bowen, executive director of the North Carolina News Workshop, is organizing pooled resources to help newsrooms in Western North Carolina.”
Local journalists are community members, too. They understand first-hand what their neighbors are experiencing, and they are able to call out slow response times and provide information about FEMA assistance that is useful for them as well.
The local coverage of Hurricane Helene was far more inclusive and applaudable than the national coverage. It employed journalistic principles and reflected the trust residents reportedly value in their local newspapers while providing updates on the storm and informing readers about services they have access to.
Most journalists have worked tirelessly through hearing “journalism is dead.” The coverage of Hurricane Helene is just one example of the crucial role local journalism plays in communities across the U.S.
Daphne’s Dispatch: Gen Z is desensitized
DAPHNE GRAETER | FOR THE POST
Generation Z, the generation born during the 1990s and early 2000s, has become extremely desensitized to tragic events. World-changing events occur seemingly one after another because of social media’s access to quick information.
From notifications every second to trending topics online, this generation has had access to the internet sooner than any generation. Now adults, the desensitization carries into how they absorb major events.
The Triangle describes desensitization as occurring through, “repeated exposure which leads to a decreased emotional response to a negative catalyst.” As catastrophic events are shown online, people can’t help but become desensitized to it as a form of coping.
According to the AAFP, “An average American youth will witness 200,000 violent acts on television before age 18.” This exemplifies how accessible brutality and harmful videos are and have been to younger generations. As someone scrolls on TikTok or Instagram Reels, they can see clips of car crashes or mass weather de-
struction, then simply scroll past it. The accessibility to these videos has made Gen Z desensitized.
Before the convenience of the internet, no one had seen catastrophes unless they were at an event or if their TVs were on. In the mid-1970s, the Federal Communications Commission, an independent agency of the U.S. federal government, strongly urged television networks to adopt a system of self-regulation. The main concern at the time was television violence’s effects, such as inappropriate programs for children.
After seeing photos or videos that disturb or surprise, a way of coping is to make a joke or meme out of it. In 2020 as the pandemic induced waves of anxiety, Gen Z took to meme culture, confined to their homes. Psychology Today explained that sharing and seeking out memes during the pandemic led to deeper information processing and lower levels of pandemic-related stress. Memes during the pandemic may have brought a sense of relatability and comfort, but years later memes would stir anxiety and uncertainty.
In February 2022, as Russia invaded Ukraine, people began to make memes about the U.S. government re-
instating the draft. After the WWIII memes took over social media, Ukraine’s Twitter account tweeted, “This is not a ‘meme,’ but our and your reality right now.”
After the continuous WWIII memes, Gen Z had repeated exposure to the catastrophic current events that were happening in real time and was becoming less and less sensitive. Especially as current as the presidential election, both candidates have been made into memes as a way to cope with how vital this election is. As access to more information expands, Gen Z won’t be the only ones so used to seeing disastrous news each day.
Gen Z having the freedom to take to their phones and cope with real world-changing events by making memes and jokes about terrible events because of the constant stream of information is a large contributor to why ‘Z’ as a generation, is so desensitized.
Daphne Graeter 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 Daphne know by emailing her at dg422421@ohio. edu.
Behind the Lens: Live Nation hurts live music
ETHAN HERX |FOR THE POST
The United States Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit in May against major concert promoter Live Nation and its ticketing service Ticketmaster. The suit came after increasing claims that the ticketing giant is monopolizing the live event industry to raise prices. In August, multiple states’ attorney generals sought to triple the damages toward the companies for hurting fans. The two corporations merged in 2010, and since then have enveloped more and more concert promoters, venues and ticketing services. Now, Live Nation owns some of the largest and most popular venues in the country. Because of this domination of the live music industry, bands are forced to choose what event promoter they work with. This means the cities a band hits on a tour are based on the venues the promoter it works with owns. There have also been claims from artists that Live Nation will threaten to cut them out of bigger-name venues if they work with other promotion companies. Smaller artists are then forced to choose: play bigger venues and be on larger tour tickets, or risk alienation from the potential new fanbase and revenue. Even though Live Nation claims ticket prices are set by the artist, only extremely large artists set their own ticket prices. For the most part, the promoters set the high
prices fronted to the concertgoer.
Although the tickets themselves are increasingly expensive, about a third of the end price for the consumer is in fees alone. If someone were to buy a $100 concert ticket, they could expect upwards of $30 worth of fees added on.
That $30 is not going to the artist, but directly to Live Nation. Only a portion of the original ticket price goes to artists, which they have to distribute among their crew and management. The other portions of the ticket’s price go to the venue, the promoter and other parties involved.
Because of the small percentage that actually goes into the artist’ pocket, they often rely on merchandise sales to make any money, as streaming also pays little to nothing. For artists who choose not to work with Live Nation, their chances of reaching a larger audience and selling more merchandise decrease.
On the other side of the stage, the venues that work with other promotion companies or are completely independent are narrowed down in the bigger names they can bring in.
The National Independent Venue Association was formed to help small venues during the COVID-19
pandemic but also to act as a union of venues in marketing, funding and operations. In December 2020, they received over $16 billion to keep entertainment spaces across the country running.
These smaller, mostly independent venues are essential not just to fight back against the Live Nation monopoly but also as spaces to keep fans engaged in the music scene. Take Athens’ fan-favorite venue, The Union, which is completely independent and brings in both local and touring artists all while having ticket prices many can afford.
If the DOJ’s lawsuit goes through, the disbanding of Live Nation and Ticketmaster could see a diversification in event promoters and a growth in independent venues. Not only would this help fans in likely lowering ticket prices, but also the artists and venues they support.
Ethan Herx is a sophomore studying photojournalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to share your thoughts? Let Ethan know by emailing or tweeting them at eh481422@ohio.edu or @ethanherx.
SUDOKU
Aiden’s Add-On: Hurricane Helene must inspire climate action
AIDEN RYAN | FOR THE POST
As houses fall and streets flood along the U.S. East Coast, the category four Hurricane Helene has left devastation in its wake. Families have watched as water overwhelmed their homes, decimating schools, hospitals and places of work. When extreme weather events such as Helene hit America, each wave and each valley that goes underwater is a reminder that climate change will not wait for action.
A relatively immediate federal response was dispatched to many areas affected by Helene, including cities such as Asheville, North Carolina, and Dekle Beach, Florida. The White House recently deployed 1,000 active U.S. soldiers alongside 4,800 federal personnel to help states in crisis.
As help becomes available for more people, the damage that has been done is a great burden for everyday people to bear. With the storm affecting individuals as far as Appalachia, a federal response is necessary, but there remains action that must be taken in Washington, D.C., as well. Hurricanes are only one weather event out of many that have dealt abnormal amounts of damage to businesses and residences across the U.S. Drought, excessive flooding and intense coastal storms continue to make headlines accompanied by death tolls.
This seemingly endless cycle of damage continues to intensify. Research from NASA indicates that warmer air temperatures are able to hold more water vapor which leads to intense rainfall as a result of increased moisture in the air. This shows that storms will become less frequent, but more intense when they occur. Thus, hurricanes like Helene will continue to appear, increasing the damage that they incur in both small towns and cities.
What storms like this also show is resilience and dedication to helping others. When a photograph shows a Floridian clearing a downed tree blocking the road to his community, there is a renewed hope in people’s understanding of the climate. It is important to recognize that those who are most affected by extreme weather events amplified by climate change are those who have built strong communities with deep histories. According to CNN, “Helene turned the beloved city [of Asheville] into a mess of sludge, floating debris and toppled vehicles.”
Not only does climate change put lives at risk, but it also endangers neighborhoods that many have worked for years to build. Individuals’ livelihoods have been disrupted as a result
of inaction in combating the world’s climate crisis.
It is no coincidence that hurricanes continue to grow in size. It is no coincidence that the rivers of water, gas, topsoil and blood break down the strongest of bridges as they snake farther inland. There is no greater opportunity than this moment to begin enacting a climate policy that cuts carbon emissions and cools a climate that threatens to encroach upon the most stable land. As a country, the U.S. has a unique opportunity. It is certain that this general election presents citizens with the choice to uplift democracy or let it fall. Another aspect fewer consider is that voting for a candidate is also voting for all of their policies, including climate action. Americans cannot solve this national wound with denialism; it is by understanding how emissions will continue to impact future generations. Not only are millions of individuals casting a ballot for themselves, they are casting ballots for their children. It is imperative that each individual vote this November as if their safety is in danger because, in many ways, it certainly is.
Aiden is a freshman studying journalism. Please note that the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Aiden? Reach him on Instagram at @aiden_with_an_i_ or email him at ar260223@ohio.edu.
JACKSON PENNINGTON | FOR THE POST
BERNIE MORENO supports a NATIONAL ABORTION BAN
