A new student space is now available
Lavandula enters the Athens music scene
Ohio wins home opener against UNC Asheville
: Ohio comes away with close win against UNC Asheville
Ohio (1-1 overall, 0-0 Mid-American Conference) secured a close win against a scrappy UNC Asheville (0-2 overall, 0-0 Big South) team in its first game of the season at The Convo. A final score of 8276 was enough to get the job done.
The Ohio faithful and Athens locals were clearly excited for the return of Ohio basketball to The Convo. The crowd was loud and engaged all night long, as was the team.
“I thought our crowd was awesome,” Ohio head coach Jeff Boals said. “We got into it, and it gave us a little boost.”
The crowd went wild for the first points of the 2024-25 season at The Convo – a three-pointer by Shereef Mitchell setting the tone for the night. Aiden Hadaway and AJ Clayton scored next, with Clayton’s first 3-pointer giving Ohio an early lead.
That lead wouldn’t last very long, as Ohio regressed to a slightly sluggish time shooting the ball, similar to the tough loss in its first game against James Madison.
“Coming off a loss, you always want to respond the right way,” Boals said. “I thought first half, we got off to a slow start.”
The early proceedings of the first half would seem to mirror the full game for both teams. Ohio would generate good offense with point guard Jackson Paveletzke running the floor, just for UNC Asheville to come down on offense and answer solid Ohio possession with a good possession of its own.
The debuts of freshmen Elijah Elliott and Ayden Evans were big moments in the first half. Evans was able to get his first career points off a big dunk coming from some great pick-and-roll play with Paveletzke.
“Our two freshmen came in, and they were prepared for this moment,” Boals said. “They didn’t play Monday, but they came back to work they watched film, did some extra work, and both of them were prepared for the opportunity.”
Ohio went on a big run at the end of the first half, entering the break with a
solid 8-point lead. AJ Clayton led the way with 10 of his 19 total points coming in the first half.
Clayton’s performance was uplifting to witness after a tough game in Monday’s loss to James Madison.
“I mean, shots just didn’t fall Monday, today shots fell– I could say that goes around for everybody,” Clayton said. “They left me open and (I had) more confidence playing at home.
You want to get that one, especially after that loss on the road to start the season.”
Clayton was also incredible on defense against the Bulldogs, coming up with three blocks, including a monster block he pinned against the backboard that led to a wide-open Elmore James layup.
James was one of many players who came off the bench and added a ton of impact for the Bobcats, finishing with 12 points and three rebounds.
“Everybody knew we had to have better energy, especially after the loss at JMU,” James said. “We all feel like we could have
provided more of a push off the bench. I feel like we all just keep that in mind. We just come out with as much energy as we can and just stay together.”
Things got dicey in the final 10 minutes of the second half for Ohio, with UNC Asheville even taking the lead with around five minutes left to play.
Once the Bulldogs took the lead, however, the Ohio defense dialed in, allowing just two field goals over the final five minutes, completely shutting the offensive attack for UNC Asheville while Ohio gained the lead back on a clutch three from Clayton.
“We got some deflections late, some plays that they tried to run, but they were successfully covered up by our ball pressure,” Boals said. “Give our guys credit, that last three, four minutes we made some plays defensively.”
The stellar defense late allowed Ohio to maintain its lead, with free throws from Paveletzke and Hadaway sealing the deal for Ohio’s first win of its young season.
@CHARLIEFADEL
Men’s Basketball
CHARLIE FADEL| SPORTS STAFF WRITER
AJ Clayton (23) dunks on a UNC Asheville defender at The Convo in Athens, Ohio, Nov. 9, 2024. (JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST)
Police Blotter: Possible gunshots? And more gunshots?
DREW HOFFMASTER | FOR THE POST
2 Sat____________________
Missing Signage
The Ohio University Police Department received a call from Wilson Hall Nov. 2 around 3 p.m. for theft of a sign, according to OUPD.
OUPD took a report, and no further action was taken.
Halloween Saftey
Athens County Sheriff’s Office Deputies began patrolling Converse Street Nov. 2 in Chauncey while kids were trick-or-treating after receiving calls of a reckless driver.
Deputies found no one recklessly driving, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
3 Sun____________________
Deputies on patrol
The Athens County Sheriff’s Office observed a suspicious vehicle sitting at Athens High School on patrol Nov. 3, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies contacted the individuals who said they would be leaving the area. Units then resumed patrol, according to a press release.
Harassment complaint
After receiving a harassment complaint, deputies responded to state Route 682 Nov. 3, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Once at the scene, deputies were told the individual just left in an unknown direction.
An unsuccessful attempt was made to try to locate the individual, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
4 Mon____________________
It’s mine!
The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded Nov. 4 to a neighbor dispute on Deer Track Lane in Athens and found that they were arguing about a shared driveway, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The issue ended up being civil in nature and deputies told both parties to stay separate.
Possible gunshtos
Dispatch deployed deputies Nov. 4 to North Coolville Ridge Road in Athens after reports of gunshots, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The deputies proceeded to patrol the area and set up stationery.
No gunshots were heard and deputies returned on patrol, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
5 Tue____________________
Report of potential gunshots
A call reported the sound of gunshots Tuesday in The Plains. Deputies from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded, looked into the matter and patrolled, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The origin of the sound remains unknown, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
No! IT’S MINE!
Athens County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a report of a fight in Glouster Tuesday. Units found that two juveniles were in a fight over a cell phone charger.
The mother said she did not need any further help with the two juveniles, and units returned to patrol, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
6 Wed____________________
Child endangerment
Deputies from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office went Wednesday to The Plains to serve an arrest warrant, according to the Sheriff’s Department. Deputies arrested a person for two charges of endangering children, both felonies in the 2nd degree and the 3rd degree.
The person was taken to Southeast Ohio Regional Jail in Nelsonville with no issue.
Harassment report taken
Around 8 p.m. Wednesday, OUPD took a report of possible telecommunication harassment for harassing messages sent on social media.
The case is considered unfounded, according to OUPD.
7 Thus____________________
Let me in!
The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about an intoxicated person knocking on a family member’s door Thursday, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Once they arrived, it was discovered the person left before law enforcement arrived on the scene.
The family member said no physical assault took place and only verbally, according to a press release. Deputies then returned to patrol.
Communication studies major restructures, renames
Ohio University’s School of Communication Studies is restructuring its communication studies major, adding a required portfolio project, pathways of specificity and required and rearranged classes.
New diplomas for the program will say Bachelor of Science as opposed to a previous Bachelor of Science in Communications. According to School of Communication Studies Director Ann Frymier, the school was required by the state to implement the changes.
“(OU is) out of line with how the other schools in the state award degrees,” Frymier said. “Most degrees are either that in Bachelor of Science (or) a Bachelor of Arts.”
Frymier said the changes are being implemented to help students build skills, connect them with alumni and support them in choosing the pathways students want to pursue.
The communication studies major is highly flexible, which can be beneficial to students ad their professional goals but also a hinderance, Frymier said.
“The problem with (the communication studies major’s academic freedom) is there’s too many options,” Frymier said. “When you’re a student, it’s really hard to say, ‘what do I want to do?’ and so the portfolio is also designed to help students start making connections between the skills they have.”
The major will start requiring students to complete a portfolio which will be available in Canvas, where students will be able to put their information and create projects.
“It’s a little bit like setting up your own website,” Frymier said. “We will give students a template for some of the projects that they have to do that will be required, and then students can also add their own projects.”
At least four projects, in line with the major three learning outcomes and the student’s career goals, will be required.
Frymier said some of the projects will have a template given but students have the option to lay it out themselves.
Frymier said students can go into their profiles and add a separate email, taking the portfolios with them after graduating from OU. The different emails will then be shared as a link where the portfolio can be viewed.
Students will learn about the portfolio in the new required introduction class COMS 1020 Introduction To Undergraduate Communication Studies.
“COMS 1020 introduces (communication students) to the major, and introduces them to how to do the portfolio,” Frymier said. “The idea is that they’re going to do that their first year, or maybe their third semester at the latest.”
The portfolio will then be finished in the class COMS 4020 Professional Development in Communication Studies. The class is considered one of the two capstone experiences students will have to take.
Students also are now to complete a major emphasis by taking three of the four classes for their pathway. They can choose from four options including interpersonal and cross-culture communication, public communication and advocacy, health communication and organization communications.
Currently, the changes will apply to any freshmen or new transfer student. Students under 75 credit hours have the option to continue with the previous requirements or switch over.
Colin Hurell, a sophomore studying communication studies, chose not to switch.
“I did spend a lot of time when I first was applying here figuring out what specific type of communications major I wanted to be a part of,” Hurrell said. “Having to deal with switching my major and I’d already kind of figured out what I wanted to do with it. I ended up just staying in the same.”
Hurell said the portfolio project also did not appeal to him.
“It just wasn’t really something that caught my eye,” Hurrell said. “I’m sure for a lot of people it would be something that would be something that they’re more interested in. Just for me personally, that wasn’t always something that I wanted to focus on.”
Hurrell said he is pretty sure others decided to switch, but his friends and peers in his classes stayed with the original structure.
“Changing your major is kind of a hassle and ... communications is so broad,” Hurrell said. “It’s not always coming down to what the specific branch of comms that you’re in. It’s just the fact that you have a degree in communications for the most part.”
Candice Rios Wenmoth, an assistant professor at the School of Communication Studies, has been in charge of reaching out to students who are eligible to switch to the new structure. She said it is important to inform students about the benefits of switching.
According to Rios Wenmoth, the process to switch is “pretty short and sweet” and making the switch will not impact how long it will take for a student to graduate.
“It’s just filling out a form that says ‘I consent to this major change,’” Rios Wenmoth said. “In that form, it essentially asks that students have either met with a success advisor or a faculty mentor to discuss the change first and then they check a box that says ‘I’ve consented to this major change.’”
Rios Wenmoth said if communication studies students have any questions, they can contact her via her OU email.
“If students are feeling unsure, have follow-up questions or want to talk through if this change is right for them, they can certainly reach out to me and schedule a lot of one meeting so we can talk through it,” Rios Wenmoth said.
DREW HOFFMASTER | FOR THE POST
New engagement space now available to students in Baker
PAIGE FISHER | FOR THE POST
A new game room on Ohio University’s Athens campus is now available in Baker Center to all students as a hub for student and community engagement.
The new student engagement space will be located in Baker 355 and consists of two billiards tables, an electronic dart cabinet, a foosball table and a lounge space.
Tim Epley, the executive director of event services, said his team is happy about the recent progress in the new space.
“We’re also excited to announce that we will be adding a music channel player with jukebox functionality to enhance the experience,” Epley said. “Additionally, a student group is running a naming contest that will influence our branding and graphics for the space.”
Epley said the space will continue to undergo some construction for improvements, so while it is currently accessible to students and staff, there may be short periods when the space will need to be closed for work.
“We’re currently midway through construction with a few remaining tasks, such as installing glass doors and making some refinements,” Epley said. “Once everything is finalized, we plan to host a grand opening event and will have a finalized cost.”
As a result of this continued con-
struction, there is currently no final cost of construction of the space and the items within it.
Other university offices were also involved in making the concept for this space become a reality, such as the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership, which was relocated to provide the space for the new game room.
The Center for Student Engagement and Leadership is now located on the third floor of Baker Center in the engagement suite alongside the Sorority and Fraternity Life office.
“As construction on this center continues, we do not have a final cost yet as it is part of a broader initiative to create a shared space for Sorority and Fraternity Life and the Center for Student Engagement and
Leadership,” Epley said.
Josh Gruenke, the director for student organizations and programs, said the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership also helped form a task force to decide what kind of space students would utilize.
Imants Jaunarajs, assistant vice president for the Division of Student Affairs, said once the task force was established in 2023, the project began to take off.
Jaunarajs said several student organizations, Baker Center student employees, OU event services and outside consultants were involved in the planning of the new space.
OU students will continue to be involved as a name is chosen for the new space. University Communications and Marketing is hosting a
contest where students can choose a name for the new space, Jaunarajs said.
With this contest underway, the new game room currently does not have a name and a grand opening ceremony will be held once construction is completed. Students are still able to access the space at this time.
“We’re finalizing the actual name, and so a student will have named it, and then once we get the last pieces of furniture in there, we will have an official opening,” Jaunarajs said.
Gruenke said there are other common meeting spaces for students located throughout campus, but they are typically only found in residence halls, as opposed to a central space such as Baker Center.
The new game room is meant to foster both student engagement and community throughout campus, Epley said.
“The concept of third place, it’s the place between work and home, and so students have somewhere to go to relax and build community,” Gruenke said. “I think that’s the goal with those spaces to have a relaxation space for (students) to build social well-being.”
@PAIGEMAFISHER
PF585820@OHIO.EDU
CAMPUS EVENTS November 12th - December 5th
Social Engagement & Student Org
Tuesday, November 12
UPC Ultimate Puzzle Competition
6:00-8:00 PM Baker 240-242
$500 in Prizes!!
*sign up required
Sorority & Fraternity Life PAWS for a Cause
7:00 - 8:00 pm Baker Ballroom
Color Calm Nights hosted by Housing & Res Life
7:00 - 8:00 pm Jefferson Hall - East End
Wednesday, November 13
OHIO Greeks
New Member Workshop
2:30 - 4:30 pm Baker 237
Mental Health Trivia Night
hosted by Office of Health Promotion
5:00-6:45 pm Baker 231
Thursday, November 14
Brine TIme: Pickle Extravaganza hosted by CSEL
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Baker 3rd floor Atrium
*sign up on bobcat connect
Martie & Stewie Craft night hosted by: Housing & Res Life
7:30 pm
Baker Center/ West 82 food Court
*all supplies provided - OU ID req
Sunday, November 17
Pickelball Tournament hosted by OU Pickelball Club
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
OU Golf & Tennis Center
*sign up on bobcat connect
Monday, November 18
Masterclass-Hub New Music
Concert Open to the Public
6:00 - 7:00 pm Glidden 476
Events
Tuesday, November 19
Mindful Eating Event hosted by OU Mindful Based Living 6:00 -7:00 pm Morton Hall
Cultural Diversity Fashion Show hosted by Student Alumni Board 6:45-9:00 pm
Seigfred Auditorium
Wednesday, November 20
Movie Screening: Knives Out
Hurricane Helene fundraiser hosted by Phi Alpha Theta / OU History Assoc & History Grad Assoc 7:00 - 9:30 pm
Athena Cinema
Accepting non-perishable food donations
Thursday, November 21
Rock Painting hosted by OU Recovery Community 10:00 am -2:00 pm Baker Center FREE GOODY
Friday, November 22
Friday’s LIVE Season 53 E05 hosted by Olivia Freeland & Bre Reidl
8:00 pm
Studio C (RTV 515)
Thursday, December 5
Design Exhibition hosted by Interior architecture grp
5:00 - 6:00 pm
upper/lower Studio
Regular Discussion hosted by Bridge USA OU Chapter 6:00 -7:00 pm Gordy 302
Weekly Gathering of CRU
7:30 - 8:30 pm
Morton 201
Bobcat Hockey
Katie Carney (left) and Emmy Hollarbush (right) play pool in the new Student Space on the third floor of the Baker Center, in Athens, Nov. 11, 2024 (MEGAN VANVLACK | PHOTO EDITOR)
Veterans Day recognizes, honors local military members
SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY | HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER
Veterans Day was first celebrated in 1919 under the moniker of Armistice Day, named for the final ceasefire of World War I seven months before the Treaty of Versailles was signed. In the middle of the second World War in 1954, the day was renamed to encapsulate all veterans in the U.S. Every Nov. 11 bears this name and its accompanying show of recognition, and it is celebrated in Athens through a range of programming.
Terry St. Peter, the director of the Veterans and Military Student Services Center, has worked with the office for nine years. Peter previously served with the Ohio University Army ROTC from 2011-2015 at the end of his 23 years in the military.
According to St. Peter, the center aims to “ease the transition from military life to academic life” for all military-connected students.
One of these students is Justin Laatz, a second-year graduate student studying sports administration. After his stint serving in the army, Laatz completed a fellowship at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio, finding his passion for the
sports industry along the way. A visit to the Veterans Center was one of the first things on his list when Laatz arrived at OU for his master’s degree.
“(Veterans Affairs) is paying for my education and whenever there's any issue with that the center is there to immediately answer everything … it’s nice to have as many resources as we have here,” he said.
Laatz made his initial decision to enlist in the army while planning for college.
“I was looking at how I was going to pay for college and I was talking to different mentors throughout my life,” Laatz said.
“When I was talking to all these people, I found the one common factor was that all of them had served.”
Laatz went on to join ROTC during his undergraduate years, beginning the path to enlisting after graduation. Lillian Sawyer, a senior studying history, followed a similar trajectory of joining ROTC in anticipation of someday joining the military.
“Every man on my dad's side of the family has served and I’m one of the only people in my family who can keep that going,” she said. “I’ll be the first female and also the first officer in my family to serve, and I just wanted to do something greater than myself and contribute to my country.”
Sawyer serves as the officer in command of the Women’s Officer Leadership Forum for OU ROTC, a group that hosted a female veteran alumni panel after the Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11. The parade began at 10:15 a.m. and then transitioned to the Veterans Ceremony at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.
Although the parade was the primary Veterans Day event, the celebration began the week before at the Pancakes to Rations event Thursday. In Baker University Center, students and faculty were encouraged to attend a pancake breakfast or Meals Ready-to-Eat lunch, both to expose civilians to the food eaten by veterans in the field and to introduce them to some student veterans.
Additionally, the Veterans Center arranged for student and faculty veterans to go to local schools for a Meet a Veteran event, and the center’s fourth annual Suicide Awareness Prevention Campaign is scheduled for the upcoming Thursday.
All of these events aim to accomplish the twofold goals of the programming including provide opportunities for the community to meet, greet and honor veterans’ service and raise awareness
of veterans among us, according to St. Peters.
Veterans Day means different things for each person who has experienced military life, either directly or by proxy. Sawyer uses the holiday as a chance to acknowledge the sacrifice of those she hopes to emulate and hopes local veterans gain a sense of community and know they aren’t alone. Laatz recognizes the holiday as a chance to reflect on his service.
“For me, it’s just a reminder of how great the people that I served with were because I didn’t do anything spectacular in my military career, but I look back and I’m very proud of it more so because of who I got to work with,” he said.
Similarly, St. Peter uses the celebration as a chance to acknowledge the weight of both his own service and that of the people he knows.
“I’m extremely proud of my service,” he said. “Veterans Day for me is an opportunity to reflect on that service, as well as thank my fellow comrades who have raised their right hand and pledged to serve our nation.”
@SOPHIAROOKS_
HTC students brainstorm, explore thesis topics
The season of research, writing and reading is approaching as students in Ohio University’s Honors Tutorial College begin their thesis projects. With seniors conducting interviews, juniors brainstorming ideas and sophomores discovering their interests, the daunting yet rewarding process of research is underway.
HTC offers 35 programs of study and upon acceptance, students are encouraged to “dive in” and “discover new interests through tailored, rigorous individual study” even if their field of choice “falls outside of Ohio’s extensive course offerings,” according to its website.
Meghan Kuczinski, a sophomore studying journalism, chose OU after hearing about HTC from a close friend and said she is grateful she applied.
“I would argue (HTC) gives me a leg up because it is offering me all of these hands-on opportunities and lets me surpass all of the gen-ed requirements,” Kuczinski said. “I get to essentially explore my interests further and without those prerequisites, I can jump right into what I want to minor in.”
During their senior year, HTC students are required to complete a 50 to 80-page thesis on a topic of choice within their field. Some thesis projects can be traditional and include academic research, while others are more creative, especially if a student is involved in an arts program of study.
Dedicating hours to writing, exploring topics and interviewing professionals or other Bobcats is necessary to complete this rewarding, yet extensive project. However, HTC students are known for picking fascinating topics that make the research process fun and engaging.
Hiley Kresse, a senior majoring in communication studies, is brainstorming her thesis and is excited to start writing. Kresse said she first discovered an interest in her thesis topic sophomore year.
“I am doing my thesis on the way Generation Z perceives motherhood,” Kresse said. “It is very narrative based … I have a minor in community and public health and a certificate in women’s gender and sexuality studies, (and) motherhood seemed like the combination of all of those things.”
Kresse said her thesis must get approved by OU’s Institutional Review Board in order to begin researching. The board reviews the students' interview, survey or medical research questions to ensure they protect the subjects confidentiality. However, not all HTC students have to go through this process and it is only necessary for those who are collecting data from human subjects.
Similarly to Kresse, Julianna Rittenberg, a senior studying political science, is passionate about her major and said she believes her topic is relevant and important to discuss in today’s society.
“I am looking at anti-LGBTQ+ disinformation during campaigns across the United States,” Rittenberg said. “I am doing two sets of case studies, one is a set of six campaigns of LGBTQ+ candidates for office and then one is a set of five instances of anti-LGBTQ+ disinformation.”
Rittenberg said she first discovered this topic during a tutorial about conspiracies and disinformation and was compelled to keep exploring the issue.
Although writing a thesis appears to be a daunting process, HTC students are lucky enough to have a strong support system amid tiresome and stressful days. From professors to thesis advisors and other Bobcats, those in the process of completing a thesis do not have to look far for assistance.
“There is definitely a sense of camaraderie … we are all going through this thing together,” Kresse said. “It has been nice to talk to other people about their projects and if I am ever confused about something I know I have people I can talk to for support.”
Despite only being a sophomore and
not yet starting the thesis process, Kuczinski already feels prepared and knows everyone in HTC has her back.
“The professors and people I have worked with, whether it be classmates or teachers or truly anybody in the industry have been incredibly willing to support me and help me grow as a reporter,” Kuczinski said.
In addition to having proper guidance, HTC students are required to take a tutorial class every semester, which can range from one to three credit hours depending on the student’s major and schedule. Tutorial classes encourage students to “take the lead” in their education and work one-on-one with faculty to explore their interests.
Despite tutorials being mandatory, HTC students can still have flexible schedules that encourage them to travel around the world.
“I’ve been able to do a lot of internships and I was able to go to DC for a semester because I could do my tutorial online and then my professor helped me sign up to get internship credit for my other hours,” Rittenberg said.
Tutorials are also utilized for thesis brainstorming and allow students to bounce ideas off of their professors. Maddy Morris, a junior studying social work, said their tutorial classes are different in comparison to other HTC students.
“Our tutorials are assigned to us, so it is me and one other person in my cohort, we have the same tutorial and talk to the same professor,” Morris said.
Morris said they will choose a tutorial
professor next semester, and by doing this, they plan to get a head start on the thesis in order to obtain first-hand experience and helpful feedback before starting research.
“I’ve been having to brainstorm my thesis topic just so I am able to reach out to the appropriate people,” Morris said.
Whether an HTC Bobcat has started working on their thesis or not, it is evident that both creativity and expression is not just encouraged, but implemented. Kresse said in addition to offering thesis guidance, HTC offers a positive and welcoming environment that helps students accomplish their goals.
“I think how individualistic the program is has helped me explore a lot of different options,” Kresse said. “I am planning to go to grad school so having the experience from HTC of doing a lot of research and one-on-one projects with professors makes the idea of grad school a lot less intimidating.”
GINA NAPOLI | FOR THE POST
Honors Tutorial College house, Ohio University, Athens, Nov. 5, 2024. (TALITHA MALOY | FOR THE POST)
Battle of the Bands brings fresh faces to The Union stage
SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY
HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER
The Union’s four walls are plastered with posters and setlists of bands who have come and gone through the Athens music scene. On Thursday, these posters were joined by streamers, balloons and lobster cutouts, indicating the arrival of ACRN’s annual Battle of the Bands. At this highly anticipated event, five groups had the chance to solidify their legacies and earn a place on the walls.
Battle of the Bands is organized primarily by Kate Tocke, a junior studying journalism, and Evan Seurkamp, a junior studying music production and recording industry. As public relations director, Tocke runs the social media for ACRN and was responsible for informing local bands of the opportunity, and Seurkamp handles the planning of live events as promotions director.
Battle of the Bands caters to newer bands in town, “allowing it to be a platform for them to get out there and play maybe their … first show at The Union and get their music to a wider audience,” according to Seurkamp.
“At ACRN events, it’s constant,” Tocke said. “We are always going to hit capacity, and it is packed and it is high energy and it is a lot of fun, and these newer bands are going to get that really fun experience that I think will really show them what it’s like to play in the Athens music scene.”
Tickets for the event were $8 for those over 21 years old, and $10 for anyone under. Attendees began to line up for the event before doors opened at 7 p.m., and the fun began at 8:30 p.m.
Tocke and Seurkamp were the first to grace the stage Thursday night to introduce the first band of the lineup, Anake, a Cleveland-based band on the verge of its first show in Athens. The group kicked off the event with its thrashing sound, warming up the crowd with collaborative energy and hometown chants.
The second group of the evening was Kid Primitive, also hailing from Cleveland and sharing a guitarist with Anake, but with a much more mellow take on their rock sound. With the influence of Radiohead in mind, the crowd headbanged alongside the musicians as they shared an entirely original setlist, going above and beyond the requirement that each band must play two original songs.
“It kind of incentivizes some of the bands to explore creating and performing original material,” Seurkamp said.
The lead singer and guitarist of Kid Primitive is KJ Mueller, a junior studying MPRI and contemporary music and digital instruments. According to Mueller, Kid Primitive’s preparation for Battle of the Bands occurred mostly individually. The band is scattered across Athens, Cincinnati and Cleveland, and the group only gathered to rehearse a few hours before showtime.
“In the past, a lack of rehearsal time is something that really would have bothered me and made me feel unprepared and way more anxious for the show, but I think the guys in the band just have a lot of trust for each other and a lot of chemistry,” Mueller said.
Mueller experienced firsthand the unique energy of playing for an Athens crowd.
“This is probably the most hype our show has ever gotten, it’s the most energy we’ve ever gotten from the crowd,” he said.
Kid Primitive was followed by Zappers in the third slot on the lineup, introducing a broader range of covers to the setlist of the evening. From covers of The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” to its own metal-influenced originals, the group neutralized the mid-lineup dip in energy with a powerhouse vocalist, shredding lead guitarist and good humor overall.
Next on the stage was The Talk Show Hosts, introduced by Snat, the ACRN lobster mascot, as a prog rock-inspired four-piece outfit with a grungy twist. The group’s ethereal mist overcame the crowd at the perfect time in anticipation of the night’s finale.
The lineup ended with Blush, an allfemme band whose recent debut sent waves through the local music scene. Along with its originals, the group dazzled the stage with a seductive cover of Britney Spears’ “Hit Me, Baby, One More Time” and a gossamer rendition of The Cranberries’ “Linger,” all of which contributed to the band’s victory at the end of the night.
In addition to the group’s stellar performance, Blush’s triumph was due in part to an audience of friends who came decked out in red and black attire, including Sarah Goecke, a sophomore studying environmental science and sustainability. Goecke primarily attended the show to support her friend in the band and contribute her vote to Blush’s victory.
“I personally love (Battle of the Bands) because I think it’s very interactive with the audience because they’re able to put their voice in on who they love best … obviously all the bands are wonderful and so talented, but I like being able to have a little vote,” Goecke said.
In addition to a $400 cash prize and the coveted Lobster Cup, Blush earned a spot on the Lobster Fest lineup, set for April 11-13 2025.
The band Anake performs during Battle of the Bands night at The Union, Nov. 7, 2024, in Athens. (MEGAN VANVLACK | PHOTO EDITOR)
Lavandula thrives in Athens music scene
Composed of all Ohio University students with various majors and backgrounds, Lavandula brings a mix of talent to the Athens music scene. The Athens alternative rock and jazz band plans to release its new EP Dec. 6.
Lavandula consists of Joey Negrete, a senior studying musical theater, on vocals and guitar; Landon Elliott, a senior studying contemporary music and digital instruments, on lead guitar; Zach Winkleman, a senior studying in contemporary music and digital instruments, on keys and guitar; Isaac King, a senior studying music production, on bass guitar; and Wyatt Fratianne, a senior studying sports management, on drums.
Similar to the group’s sporadic music style, the members hail from various cities. Negrete is from San Carlo, California, Elliot from Westerville, Ohio, Winkleman from Canal Winchester, Ohio, King from Cincinnati and Fratianne from Columbus.
The band writes its own music as well as plays covers, and stays away from playing just one musical style.
“I don't really know if we found a specific genre that we align with,” Winkleman said. “We kind of go on the lines of alt-rock and definitely some jazz fusion influence, and then we have some vintage, remastered kind of stuff. We have a song that is kind of reminiscent of '60s, '70s, soultype stuff.”
The band has played many shows in the area, specifically at The Union. Athens is known for having a diverse
local music scene for upcoming bands, which includes Lavandula.
According to the band members, playing at The Union was an obvious choice because of its reputation for hosting both local and touring bands. Some of the venue’s qualities include good sound as well as a supportive student community.
“It's really cool we have shows where we get a ton of people to show up and they're (both) friends of ours (and) also people just looking for something to do on the weekend,” Negrete said.
Negrete mentions the positives of performing in a college town.
“Being in a college town really helps with (crowds) because we've had shows out of town and the crowds are not nearly as many,” he said. “We wouldn't have nearly as many streams or people listening to our stuff if we weren't in a town like this.”
Lavandula has already released three singles, all available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music. The group’s upcoming EP will be released Dec. 6, and the band will be hosting a release party Dec. 7 at Sidebar, according to King.
Along with the release party, Lavandula will be performing at Benefest at The Union, an event support-
ing organizations such as Stuart’s Afterschool Music Program and The Gathering Place. According to King, the band has plans to amp up its content production, including filming music videos soon.
“(There’s a) lot in store for November and December for the rest of the semester, but (we hope) for all of that to go smoothly,” he said.
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Photo provided by Lavandula, taken by Sophia DiCuirci.
HADLEY LYNCH | FOR THE POST
Paws of Hope Cat Sanctuary provides spaces for stray cats in Athens
ELIZABETH TALAGA | SLOT EDITOR
Cat overpopulation in Athens County is a problem, mostly due to poverty in the region, according to the Athens County Humane Society.
April Sole, owner of Paws of Hope Cat Sanctuary, said she has found a calling in being a caregiver with a love of animals and wanted to lend her home to rescue cats because of this.
Sole started Paws of Hope Cat Sanctuary in July and has many years of experience rescuing cats.
After an incident last year where a group of college students found a bag of kittens in a dumpster, Sole noticed a lack of places in Athens that take in stray cats and decided to start Paws of Hope Cat Sanctuary.
“Here’s my chance to do good and be good and show my children how to be a good person,” Sole said.
Athens County Humane Society said it cannot keep up with the demand of stray cats across Athens.
“In 2023, we took in and found homes for approximately 250 animals,” Angela Marx, executive director of the Athens County Humane Society, wrote in an email.
Sole currently operates Paws of Hope out of her own home but wants to expand the sanctuary into another building.
“The intention at first was to rent out two retail spaces, one for a thrift store and the other one would be the cat shelter (and) sanctuary,” Sole said. “The thrift store was to help fuel and fund the cat shelter.”
Sole said she wants to create a space where people can come and play with kittens, even if they are unable to adopt one, and to bring in volunteers to help with care.
Paws of Hope Cat Sanctuary has a GoFundMe page where people can donate money that will go toward a down payment on a property. As of
Thursday, there have been 22 donations made totaling $910.
“This is going to happen regardless of how much is raised on the GoFundMe,” Sole said. “Whatever is on the GoFundMe is going to go toward our down payment on the property when we find something that is reasonably priced.”
Sole has run into several complications trying to get people to rent to her and is now looking to buy a place.
“Nobody wants to rent to us because of the cats,” Sole said. “Everyone is like, ‘Oh well aren’t they going to pee everywhere?’ … We decided that our only option is to buy something.”
Since starting the sanctuary in July, Sole estimates she has taken in and rehomed over 40 kittens.
Marx said spaying and neutering is a priority when it comes to addressing the stray cat population in Athens and urges people to take responsibility for stray cats they feed or that show up on their property.
India Dyer, a sophomore studying studio art, has taken in several stray cats with her mother that have shown up at their house.
“They just kind of showed up either in looking through the trash, looking through the compost,” Dyer said. “Our reaction was ‘I have cat food in the house, so here,’ and then they just kind of stay. “
Dyer said it is important to pay attention when taking in a stray cat and take the cat to the veterinarian to make sure it has the vaccinations and medications it needs.
“Cats can’t talk,” Dyer said. “Be really good with reading body language.”
People interested in adopting or fostering a cat through Paws of Hope Cat Sanctuary can reach out to Sole by email or through her website.
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Gizmo (center) and Boris (behind), two cats in the care of the Paws of Hope Cat Sanctuary, sit together on a cat toy in Athens, Nov. 5, 2024..
(MADELINE LYNCH | FOR THE POST)
Owner Timothy Sole holds Pixie, one of the cats in his care at the Paws of Hope Cat Sanctuary in Athens, Nov. 5, 2024. Pixie is what Sole deemed a “tripod,” having only three legs.
(MADELINE LYNCH | FOR THE POST)
What to know for when Ohio faces Eastern Michigan
Here is everything to know before Wednesday night’s matchup:
CHARLIE FADEL| SPORTS STAFF WRITER
Ohio (6-3, 4-1 Mid-American Conference) has found itself right in the thick of the race to earn a spot in the MAC title game, sitting tied for first with three other teams: Miami, Bowling Green and Western Michigan.
Ohio will return home for another Wednesday night MACtion game to play Eastern Michigan (5-4 overall, 3-2 MAC), which will be the latest challenge for Ohio coach Tim Albin and his team. The Eagles are also a contender to make the MAC title if things go well, having a solid record and having beaten teams like UMass and Jacksonville State.
Here is everything to know for Wednesday night.
HEAD COACH
Chris Creighton is one of the longest-tenured head coaches in the MAC and is in his eleventh year at the helm of the Eagles’ football team. Creighton has done a great job in Ypsilanti, becoming the first Eastern Michigan coach to lead the team to multiple bowl appearances. Before landing with Eastern Michigan, Creighton was a head coach for many years at Drake and Wabash College. In those positions, he excelled, earning his job at Eastern Michigan.
QUARTERBACK
Under center for the Eagles this season is Cole Snyder, who is in his third school. Before Eastern Michigan, Snyder was a quarterback for a fellow MAC school in Buffalo where he played in a total of 25 games, throwing for over 5,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. Despite his current success with the Bulls, Rutgers was his first collegiate stop; however, he didn't see much playing time and transferred to Buffalo.
In his time with Eastern Michigan this year, he has thrown for 2,087 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions with
Matchup Predictor Provided via ESPN
the Eagles while running for 274 more yards and four more touchdowns.
RUNNING BACKS
Delbert Mimms is the bell cow back for Creighton’s running game, and he has had a great year so far in his senior season.
“The running back, Mimms, he’s big, I mean he’s 220 (pounds),” Tim Albin said in his weekly press conference. “He reminds me of (Anthony Tyus III) as far as size and running style.”
He has run for 558 yards and seven touchdowns so far this season.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Snyder has done a good job of spreading the love to multiple receivers this year, as Eastern Michigan has four pass catchers with over 200 receiving yards.
First among them is junior receiver Oran Singleton, who leads the team with 557 yards and two touchdowns. Not far behind him is senior Terry Lockett Jr., who has 526 yards and three touchdowns this year. The third option in the offense is junior Markus Allen, who has 377 yards and two touchdowns.
DEFENSE
The Eagles’ defense is relatively middle of the pack this season in the MAC, ranking sixth out of 12 teams in both scoring defense allowing 26.3 points per game, and total defense allowing 380.9 yards per game.
The linebacker duo of Luke Murphy and James Djonkam lead the way for this defense, combining for 109 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and two sacks on the season.
Defensive lineman Peyton Price is the biggest pass-rushing threat as the junior currently has seven tackles for loss and four and a half sacks on the season.
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31.7% 68.3%
An Ohio player during the Bobcats game against Buffalo. The Bobcats beat Buffalo 47-16, Oct. 26, 2024, in Peden Stadium. (JOHN FOUSS | FOR THE POST)
Ohio moves on to MAC Semifinals with shutout victory
LOGAN ADAMS | SPORTS EDITOR
Only six of the Mid-American Conference’s 12 teams get the opportunity each season to compete following the finish of the regular season. Ohio (14-13, 10-6 MAC) has spent the last handful of weeks fighting tooth and nail for one of those six spots.
Entering last Friday and Saturday’s matchups against Buffalo (14-15, 10-6 MAC), it was an uphill climb. Even further back, coming off an Oct. 22 win against Kent State — which had yet to win a MAC game — Ohio was staring down nine more games, eight of which against teams that outranked it.
Ohio has since completed seven of those nine games, holding a 5-2 record over the span, which includes the team’s current three-game winning streak. Most recently, a sweep of Buffalo has put Ohio in the No. 5 spot.
However, the Bobcats’ spot is far from secure. There are two scenarios in which Ohio could find itself out of the MAC Tournament by the end of next weekend.
In a worst-case scenario, Ohio loses out against Bowling Green and finishes the season with a 14-15 record, including a 10-8 in-conference record. Although it would be a disappointing end to the regular season, it would be far from an impossibility for Ohio to still make the postseason.
The only teams that could jump Ohio are Buffalo and Toledo (15-13, 8-8 MAC). If only one of these teams jumps Ohio, the team remains in the tournament. However, there’s a solid chance both could win out.
Buffalo finishes its season with a doubleheader against Eastern Michigan, which ranks No. 8 in the conference. If Ohio loses both against Bowling Green, Buffalo would need just one win against EMU to regain the No. 5 seed.
For Toledo, with a 1-1 record against Ohio and a better overall record, a 2-0 record to finish out the season would push it past Ohio. Toledo’s final two matches will be played against Kent State, the MAC’s worst team with a 2-24 overall record.
For Ohio to drop out of the tournament, it would have to lose out against Bowling Green, Buffalo would have to win just one match of its two against Eastern Michigan, and Toledo would have to win out against Kent State.
If Ohio can secure its 11th conference victory in one of its two matches against Bowling Green, which has just two in-conference losses this season, the team clinches a spot in the postseason.
The set of circumstances is in Ohio’s favor, but its destiny is not fully within its control. If the team loses out, there’s still a chance it makes the tournament, but each remaining game will have the team waiting with anticipation.
No need to panic after disappointing first two games
CHARLIE FADEL| SPORTS STAFF WRITER
After the final buzzer sounded Sunday afternoon in The Convo, Ohio’s women’s basketball team sat at 0-2, just coming from an awful loss against Bellarmine at home.
The Bobcats didn’t just lose; they were blown out, with the final score being 82-50 in favor of Bellarmine.
In the 30-point blowout, Ohio had some jarring stats at the end of the game, shooting just 25% from the floor and 13.5% from the three-point line. No one was able to get it going on offense for Ohio.
“Some days they fall like crazy, and some days they don’t,” player Kate Dennis said. “I think today was just a little bit of a challenge for us.”
The Bobcats’ shooting performance against Bellarmine was truly uncharacteristic. In Ohio’s first game against Georgia Southern, it shot 40% from three and 42% from the floor.
The way Ohio ended last season with a young team left many others optimistic about the improvements and progression the team could make. So far, through just two games of the season, Ohio is winless and still struggling with the turnover issues that plagued it last season.
“I’m not happy with the 22 turnovers; that’s too many,” Ohio coach Bob Boldon said.
This team is still relatively young and dealing with a decent number of injuries as well, forcing players like Bailey Tabeling to transition into a new role.
Jaya McClure has been out for the first two games, and it is uncertain when the preseason MAC second-teamer will return to the court for Ohio.
For McClure, the Bobcats are not only missing her 12.6 points per game from last season, but they are also missing her playmaking and creativity. As the main ballhandler last season, McClure’s arsenal of dribble moves and ways to get past her defender not only set her up with good shots but also her teammates.
Although Ohio’s first two games of the season have not been particularly encouraging, this team is still loaded with talent when healthy. Bailey Tabeling scored 17 points in Sunday’s loss and has been improving with the ball in her hand running the offense.
Kennedi Watkins scored 26 points, a career-high, in the Georgia Southern game, going 4-5 from three.
This team will need some time to gel and play well, but with another home game against George Washington coming up, they should be looking to get their first win of the season very soon.
Olivia Gardner (20) strikes the ball towards the Buffalo players, Nov 9, 2024. (REECE MERKEL | FOR THE POST)
The Ohio University volleyball players react to a big play from their teammates against Buffalo, Nov 9, 2024. (REECE MERKEL | FOR THE POST)
Elizabeth Hoerlein (7) and Makenna Schafer (5) celebrate Senior Day before their match against Buffalo, Nov 9, 2024. (REECE MERKEL | FOR THE POST)
The Post’s Mid-American Conference Power Rankings
The Mid-American Conference is one of the most distinctive conferences in the wide landscape of college football. The MAC is still very regional, housing schools mostly in the Midwest, and every year anyone can beat anyone at any time in any week.
This season, that has never been truer as it seems a big upset is occurring every week. With a four-way tie in the standings for first place and just a few more key games to decide the MAC title game, here are The Post's current power rankings of the MAC.
Miami
Best Win: Ohio
Worst Loss: Toledo
The preseason conference favorite
Redhawks did not start the season out too hot, going 1-4 over the teams’ first five games, although its first three games were against Power 4 opponents. Miami has been on fire since the start of the season, winning four in a row since losing to Toledo. That win streak should stretch to five in a row after Miami plays Kent State Thursday.
Ohio
Best Win: Buffalo
Worst Loss: Miami
The Bobcats have only lost one conference game, with the other two losses coming on the road against the Power 4 teams Syracuse and Kentucky. The one conference loss was a rough one against rival Miami, but since los-
ing Ohio has won two in a row, scoring over 40 points in both wins. If Ohio can win out against Eastern Michigan, Toledo and Ball State, Ohio will have a good chance to play in their first MAC title game since 2022.
Bowling Green
Best Win: Toledo
Worst Loss: Northern Illinois Bowling Green is another team that faced tough early competition against ranked opponents in Texas A&M and Penn State, resulting in close losses. The team has won three in a row since losing a tough game to Northern Illinois where it only scored 7 points. The Falcons will look to make it four in a row in a massive game against Western Michigan up next.
Western Michigan
Best Win: Buffalo
Worst Loss: Northern Illinois
The Broncos are the fourth and final team that make up the four teams in a tie for first place in the MAC with a 4-1 conference record. Through the season, Western Michigan has avoided all of Miami, Ohio and Toledo in their schedule this year, which is why it ranks fourth of the group tied for first. Its toughest game of the year is this week against Bowling Green, which will have huge implications on the MAC and will be a good test to see how legit Western Michigan is.
Toledo
Best Win: Miami
Worst Loss: Bowling Green
Toledo has not met expectations this season, with a less-than-impressive 3-2 conference record. However, the Rockets aren’t entirely out of it yet, with some big games down the stretch, including one against Ohio. Toledo’s early losses against Buffalo and Bowling Green have proven costly down the stretch; however, Toledo still remains the only team to have successfully taken down Miami this season.
Buffalo
Best Win: Toledo
Worst Loss: Ohio
Buffalo has been one of the most unpredictable teams this season. At times, such as its 47-16 loss to Ohio, Buffalo looks like one of the conference's worst teams. Inversely, such as their 30-15 win against Toledo, the Bulls have stayed in contention among the front-runners in the conference.
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Men’s Basketball: What to know ahead of Illinois State
Ohio will look for its second win against Illinois State.
ADAMS | SPORTS EDITOR
Coming off a win in the team’s home opener, Ohio (1-1) will look for a second win in the first game of a three-week road stretch against Illinois State (1-1). The Redbirds are coming off a big win against North Dakota State and feature two preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference selectees.
Here’s everything to know ahead of the matchup.
Game information
Opponent: Illinois State
Location: CEFCU Arena (Normal, Illinois)
Time: Tuesday at 9 p.m.
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Meet the opponent
Head Coach
Ryan Pedon (third season)
Projected Starters
No. 3, Dalton Banks No. 4, Landon Wolf
No. 11, Johnny Kinziger
No. 22, Ty Pence No. 35, Chase Walker
Statistical leaders
Points: Kinziger and Pence (14.5 per game)
Rebounds: Walker (8.5 per game)
Assists: Banks (5.0 per game)
Steals: Banks (2.5 per game)
Blocks: Kinziger (1.0 per game)
Field Goal Percentage: Pence (.563)
Three Point Percentage: Jack Daugherty (.385)
Free Throw Percentage: Kinziger (.923)
Illinois State notes
Headed by two preseason All-MVC selectees, Kinziger on the First Team and Malachi Poindexter on the Second Team, the Redbirds were selected to finish fourth in their conference.
While Kinziger and Poindexter have gotten off to slower starts in their sophomore and graduate campaigns, respectively, Illinois State has proven to be one of the conference’s deeper teams through two games. Despite lacking a true center, the Redbirds have been one of the more effective teams in the country when it comes to playing through the post.
Ohio will look to shut Illinois State down from the middle on defense and attack the lack of size on offense.
Player to watch: Johnny Kinziger
After a promising freshman campaign, in which the 5-foot-11 guard averaged
8.7 points and shot 39.2% from three, Kinziger was selected to be one of the best players in the MVC as a sophomore. While lacking efficiency thus far, Kinziger has the keys to the Redbirds’ offense as the only player on the team with double-digit field goal attempts per game. He can get hot quickly and has a smooth stroke from 3-point range that the Bobcats will have to stop if they wish to start 2-1.
CHARLIE FADEL| SPORTS STAFF WRITER
ROBERT KEEGAN III| SPORTS EDITOR
Ohio University’s football team at Yager Stadium, Oxford, Ohio, Oct. 18, 2024. (AUDI REED | FOR THE POST)
LOGAN
Reviewing Starbucks’ holiday menu
It’s time to cue Mariah Carey because the Starbucks holiday menu is here. It is the most wonderful time of the year with a coffee break, and the holiday menu dropped just in time.
The menu is back with many fan favorites like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte and the Chestnut Praline Latte, but other additions were added to the menu this year. Along with many nostalgic flavors like sugar cookie and gingerbread, Starbucks debuted its new refresher.
Here is a review of the 2024 Starbucks holiday menu:
Cran-Merry
Orange Refresher: 2.5/5
The Cran-Merry Orange Refresher is a new addition to this season’s holiday menu. The Cran-Merry Drink is similar to the Pink Drink, but it has a weird taste of a watered-down cranberry juice.
It was good, but nothing about its flavors made this drink stand out. The drink would be good as a sparkling water option because the bubbles could help bring out the fruity flavors.
Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte: 3/5
The Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte may be one of the Starbucks seasonal menu’s classics, but the latte has something different about it this year. Whether it was the almond milk or the sprinkles, the latte had almost a burnt taste to it.
The latte still ranks higher than the new refresher because it was better hot than iced. Instead, ordering a shaken espresso with the sugar cookie syrup as a substitution gives the classic holiday flavor the justice it deserves.
Gingerbread Latte: 3/5
The Gingerbread Latte is another classic drink on the menu, but it still falls in the middle tier of options. Nothing stands out about this drink, but there is also nothing bad about it either. Between mixed reviews and needing a stronger coffee flavor, this drink is still
not a bad option on the holiday menu. Depending on how you like your coffee, this latte may be a keeper for you.
Chestnut Praline Latte: 4/5
Some harsh critics out there may not agree with this holiday drink’s ranking, but it is is a delicious, nutty drink. The balance of the nutty caramelized flavor, espresso, steamed milk and a topping of whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs makes you think of the holidays. The drink could have had a bit of a stronger coffee flavor, but the taste is what makes it rank high. If you like a
nutty holiday drink that is not too strong in coffee, this may be the drink of the holidays for you.
Peppermint Mocha: 4.5/5
The Peppermint Mocha is the drink of the holidays. The nostalgia it brings is a reason this drink is dependable and highly ranked. You feel warm and fuzzy inside after taking a sip of the peppermint mocha in a holiday cup. It is a classic you cannot have just once during the holidays.
The reason it does not earn a full five stars is because everyone doesn’t like the minty flavor. However, the drink is a classic for those who do. A hack for this drink is getting a regular latte and substituting peppermint syrup if you want the classic drink without the mocha.
Caramel Brulee Latte: 4.5/5
Everyone should try the caramel brulee latte this holiday season. It is a true, must-have holiday drink that is perfect on a cold winter day. It is a little sweet, which is why this drink does not earn a full five stars.
The iced version of this drink helps cut the sweetness, giving it the justice it deserves. If you are looking for a holiday drink to keep in your lineup throughout the holiday season, this is one to put on your list.
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Dinosaurs spark whimsy with ‘Dinovember’
Before the elves take over the shelves in December while children are sleeping, toy dinosaurs play with food, make messes and find themselves in silly scenarios. It sparks joy and whimsy when children wake up to see their dinosaurs seemingly come to life overnight.
In 2012, authors Refe and Susan Tuma created Dinovember as a way to prolong childhood magic because, as they wrote on their website, “in the age of iPads and Netflix, we don’t want our kids to lose their sense of wonder and imagination.”
The concept of Dinovember is very similar to the Elf on the Shelf Christmas trend. Instead of elves creating mischief around the house, however, toy dinosaurs run amok, stealing snacks from the cupboard and making messes out of other
household objects.
The dinosaurs enjoyed frolicking in a giant pile of leaves or a friendly game of Battleship.
Although many Dinovember antics take place in homes, several public places join in on the fun. In 2022, the Albany Public
Library hosted a Dinovember event and invited the public to come and read dinosaur books, play with toy dinosaurs and make dinosaur themed artwork.
It may seem daunting for busy parents to add another thing onto their plates. However, setting up different dinosaur
scenes for their children each night can be easy and budget friendly by using things already found in the house.
For example, the toy dinosaurs could be found playing with games or other toys children already have or could be found folding laundry. Dinovember is not meant to be another source of stress for parents. It is meant to foster and support children’s sense of creativity, wonder and imagination.
There have been many reports pointing to children losing their sense of imagination and creativity mainly due to increased levels of technology use. With parents introducing Dinovember into their children’s lives, it can encourage their imaginations and create a little more magic. It’s hard to predict what the dinosaurs of Dinovember will do next. Perhaps they will take a bath in a sink full of marshmallows or maybe they will paint a picture of their dinosaur friends. Whatever the dinosaurs get up to, children will be able to bask in childhood magic and wonder.
A sign promoting a new drink in the window of the Starbucks at 16 West Union Street in Athens, Nov. 11, 2024. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)
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OU Esports officer predicts 2024 Game of the Year Awards
The Game Awards is an annual event highlighting the biggest video games of the year and celebrating the gaming industry’s many achievements. The 11th ceremony is only a month away, and predictions for nominees and potential winners are popping up on social media and Ohio University’s campus.
Since 2014, The Game Awards have been hosted by producer Geoff Keighley, a video game journalist who has worked in the industry since 1997. Last year, the award show garnered a record-breaking 118 million views. On top of that, over 17,000 influencers and online content creators live-reacted to the show, according to Variety.
The Game Awards is one of the most popular award show events of the year, potentially pulling in more viewers than any other industry award show. There are nearly three dozen awards to be given out, honoring video games, esports and content creators.
The most anticipated award of the night is the Game of the Year award. This coveted award is given to a video game that goes above and beyond in creativity and technicality. Previous winners have included iconic games such as “Overwatch,” “God of War” and “It Takes Two.”
In order to win GOTY, a game first has to be nominated by a “large voting jury of gaming media outlets” brought together
by Keighley according to Polygon. After six nominees are chosen, voting commences. The same media jury consists of 90% of the votes, while the other 10% are decided by fans through the Game Awards website.
According to Polygon, the top six contenders for GOTY 2024 are “Astro Bot,” “Metaphor: ReFantazio,” “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,” “Balatro,” “Silent Hill 2” and “Dragon Age: The Veilguard.”
Red Pietro, a senior studying games and animation and an officer of Bobcat Esports, made a list of predictions about nominees and winners. They have kept up with the Game Awards since 2019, and have “been trying to watch every year since.”
Pietro’s top picks for GOTY nominees are “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,” “Dragon Age: The Veilguard,” “Astrobot” and “Metaphor: ReFantazio.” Pietro predicts “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” will go on to win the GOTY.
“I think it has the widest appeal and is also the highest reviewed game, the second highest reviewed game of the year,” Pietro said.
“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” is the second game in a series aiming to remake the original 1997 “Final Fantasy VII,” developed by Square Enix. The first game of the series, “Final Fantasy VII Remake,” was nominated for GOTY in 2020 but lost to “The Last of Us Part II.”
Ten games have won game of the year, most of which fall into the action and
adventure category or are a role-playing game. Other common aspects GOTY games share is each are typically single-player and driven by narrative.
When a game wins GOTY, developers can expect to see an increase in sales and general interest in the game. After “Elden Ring” won GOTY in 2022, sales increased by 206.4%. With numbers like this, it is no wonder developers strive to have their game nominated.
However, Pietro said a game winning GOTY does not have a huge impact on their interest in a game. Instead, awards act as a form of nostalgia.
“It's notable based on looking back at the year because I'd be like 'Oh, that was the year ‘UFO 50’ came out, that was a fun year,’” Pietro said. “But I don't think it matters in the grand scheme of things.”
Clearly, awards and accolades are not the only thing making The Game Awards a special event for the gaming industry and gamers alike.
“I believe that the Game Awards is kind of a celebration of the games industry over the last year,” Pietro said.
GOTY is a coveted and hard-to-earn award, in which only the best games in the industry are awarded. Although the award title may not influence sales performance, the Game Awards is a night of celebration and honor for the hardworking gaming industry.
@ALEXH0PKINS
(NICOLE REESE | ASST. ART DIRECTOR)
ALEXANDRA HOPKINS FOR THE POST
Rylee Bapst takes over Athens’ music scene
CAMI SEYMORE | FOR THE POST
The Athens music scene is populated by a robust group of student musicians who balance academics with their passion for music. One of these students is Rylee Bapst.
Bapst, a senior studying marketing, grew up in Beavercreek, Ohio, and has been around music his whole life. He started listening to classic rock after his parents introduced him to Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses. He began playing the guitar at 10 years old and dreamed of being a rock star.
As he got older, he explored other genres and artists, but in particular, John Mayer’s music and songwriting process stood out to him.
“I got (into) John Mayer and that guy introduced me to the whole world of singer-songwriters,” Bapst said. “I was like, oh, this is what I wanted. I don't want to be a rock star. I want to write songs.”
By age 17, Bapst was proficient with the guitar and started writing original songs. When he got to college, Bapst started playing open mics at places
like Donkey Coffee or Front Room Coffeehouse. However, he mainly performed covers while working on songwriting in his spare time.
“Eventually, my songs weren't sucking anymore,” Bapst said. “They were starting to be good and kind of catchy, and I just kept going from there. As time has gone on, I think I get better with every batch of songs … The more I do it, the more like me I sound.”
Bapst also posts his music on TikTok. In 2021, a video of him playing the
They were starting to be good and kind of catchy, and I just kept going from there. As time has gone on, I think I get better with every batch of songs … The more I do it, the more like me I sound.”
-Rylee Bapst, a senior studying marketing
guitar exploded on the site, receiving more than 91,000 likes. Since then, he’s amassed over 436,000 likes on his account, which led him to release
some of his original music.
In 2022, Bapst released “Passin’ Cars” and “Gone With the Wind.” Bapst often brought his work to Isaac King, a senior studying music production and recording industry, to critique his mixes, and King ended up producing most of Bapst’s music catalog.
“He’s a songwriting machine,” King said. “He'll write a song a day, or he's even written four or five songs in one day, completely written out.”
Bapst released two more singles titled “Supernova” March 22 and “Like a Fool” July 12, both of which King recorded and played bass for.
“There are some people that have the ear, and that's who I try to surround myself with musically,” Bapst said. “Isaac is one of those people, both in the studio and in the band setting.”
Recently, Bapst put out another single titled “Wonder If You Know.” Bapst released the song Oct. 4, but it was a project he was working on since 2022.
“‘Wonder If You Know’ is a song I had to write three or four times,” Bapst said. “I kept coming back to it because I loved that chorus, but I didn't quite like the verses all the way … One night I came home from work real late. Usually these songs happen later at night, and it kind of popped into my head.”
Along with his solo work, Bapst is a freelance guitarist for several different bands and performs regularly at local bars and restaurants, including The Union, Eclipse Company Store and The Pigskin. Bapst also leads the Rylee Bapst Trio, which plays his original songs, as well as the Four Winds, a Grateful Dead cover band.
“I love performing live,” Bapst said. “That's really why I do it. That is my favorite thing in the entire world, playing on stage and just providing the jams. I love doing it.”
On Saturday, Bapst is set to perform at The Union with the Four Winds. On Nov. 22, he is set to perform at The Union with his trio.
Regarding future plans, Bapst is currently working on a four-song EP which will be released sometime in early 2024. After graduation, Bapst plans to move to Nashville to pursue a full-time career in music.
“I'm going to keep playing music,” Bapst said. “My kind of loose plan is to move to Nashville and try and make it there — go to open mics every night and play everywhere that I can.”
@CAMISEYMORE CH525822@OHIO.EDU
Metal Mondays: Music reflects political contexts, personal relationships
JACKSON MCCOY | COPY CHIEF
The first time I remember listening to Tanya Tucker’s song “Delta Dawn” was at a restaurant in the Florida panhandle called Redd’s. It was a gas station-restaurant-karaoke bar amalgamation my family had read about online, where the only singer was a woman named Redd, who I assumed was the owner. Instead of those dining in walking up to sing, you could pay Redd to sing a song chosen from a book reminiscent of a Cheesecake Factory menu.
In the crammed, dimly lit bar that seemed to be held together by wooden planks and red wallpaper, Redd weaved through the labyrinth of tables, singing. My cousin requested “Delta Dawn,” and although I knew the song, the earliest memory I have of hearing it is in Redd’s titular and surreal station.
When “Delta Dawn” was released in 1972, Tucker was just 13 years old. The track propelled to the top of the country charts and shoved Tucker into the spotlight, her husky voice sounding far more weathered than any newly-teenaged-person should sound. The song, penned by Larry Collins and Alex Harvey, was haunted by the death of Harvey’s mother; she was an alcoholic, and after arriving at one of Harvey’s concerts drunk, he kicked her out. She died in a car accident that night, leading to years of guilt for Harvey.
Given the melancholy themes of alcoholism and guilt sewn into the lyrics of “Delta Dawn,” it is no surprise
The
Lo-Down:
LOGAN ADAMS | SPORTS EDITOR
To the dismay of 70 million voters, the Associated Press announced President-elect Donald Trump will be the 47th president of the U.S.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who sat atop the Democratic ticket alongside Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, was projected to win, albeit narrowly, by several notable polls. However, with a final electoral vote margin of 312-226, including losses in all seven battleground states, what the U.S. saw was nothing short of a blowout.
Before President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 election, the majority view from Democrats was if the party could find a younger candidate, the party’s chances to win would be much better.
That is what makes the choice of Harris to represent the Democratic party the first mistake.
The largest differentiating factor between Harris and Biden was Harris’ much stronger, proactive stance on abortion rights. Whether Harris would have followed through on that stance will never be seen, but aside from her views on the singular issue, she and Biden were much the same.
For 32% of Americans was the biggest in the 2024 national exit polls. Harris’ campaign put forth little to give Americans hope of change after what was widely seen as
the song struck such a heavy chord with listeners on its release. As the first single for Tucker’s debut album, the song launched Tucker’s decades-long career of hits and sparked numerous folk and country artists’ musical ambitions.
Music is a powerful invention; it is political, a measuring tool for societal issues. “Delta Dawn” and its downtrodden mood reflects the upheaval in the U.S. at the time. Amid high inflation, domestic unrest because of the U.S.’s involvement in Vietnam and changing societal norms, it makes sense that a song inspired by the death of the songwriter’s mother would be a hit.
Songs like Tucker’s “Delta Dawn” are not only musically enduring, but also act as ways to understand the issues of the past and connect them to our current time. The U.S. — and the world as a whole — faces inflation, domestic unrest and changing societal norms. The monumental events unfolding during the early ‘70s mirror our current standings; President-elect Donald Trump, twice impeached and twice elected, is often compared to former President Richard Nixon, who was twice elected but only once impeached.
In the decades to come, people will likely look back and tie songs released before, during and shortly after Trump’s second presidency and connect them to issues facing the people of their time. Music connects people and societies across years, opening a window into the past in ways few other things can.
However, music can be, and often is, far more pres-
ent and personal than this. We form connections to the songs that are important to us, connections that are constantly evolving. My earliest memory of “Delta Dawn” is in a bar in Florida, but I associate it with the friendships I’ve made on Ohio University’s campus. My love for Tucker is rooted in my bonds with my family as well as those of my friends.
We as humans form connections over everything, but one of the greatest bridges for these connections is music. We download apps that share the music we listen to with our friends; we track the artists and albums we play throughout the year so we can talk about them; we rush to our friends when we hear a song that reminds us of them. Whole communities are built around people’s favorite genres, and local music scenes gain common faces and repeat concert attendees. In Athens, we walk into bars and meet people and listen to music, music that we can’t help but remember our favorite people singing and dancing to.
In the era of turbulence that is sure to come, music will continue to exist. Finding ways to steady ourselves, ways to take ourselves out of the chaos, ways to not feel like what’s happening only affects you are going to be increasingly important. Music is sure to be one of these ways, and it is sure to be studied and analyzed in order to understand our collective disrupted mental state. But it will also always be a way to remember the people around you are all people who can be your people.
Harris’ campaign wasn’t good enough
a failure of a term from Biden and herself.
This is largely why, despite many of his policies being seen as harmful, specifically Project 2025, Trump was able to win by proposing active economic changes. These changes were largely agreed upon to be worse than Harris’ plan; however, the information environment of the U.S., or lack thereof, blocked citizens from learning why that is.
When the nation is feeling pain, failure to appeal to a solution is exactly that: a failure.
Another mistake was Harris’ choice for Vice President. Although Walz has many supporters, including myself, he was not made for the Harris campaign, and it showed in several moments. Walz, an impassioned picture of the Midwestern man, grew in popularity not because of his projection as a politician, but due to his emphasis on empathy and normal-person policies.
In the Vice Presidential Debate, where Walz was pitted against Vice President-elect JD Vance, they discussed topics that didn’t appeal to someone with Walz’s emphasis. He floundered, optically losing in what was largely seen as a debate he should have run away with against the widely unpopular Vance.
If the Democrats wanted to run a campaign on foreign policy and shine a better light on the policies of the Biden administration, Walz simply wasn’t the pick. If they wanted to run a campaign on empathetic policy and get-
ting progressive legislation passed, Walz works perfectly.
For the former campaign, it would have made far more sense to have gone with someone like Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who, despite some major warts, is known for his ability to put forth good debate performances, and would have framed Harris’ agenda far better. Additionally, Shapiro could have been a key asset in winning Pennsylvania, which ultimately ended up being the failing point for Harris in the race.
Many have taken to social media to remark on Harris’ spot on the political spectrum. Somehow, there are a bevy of takes saying Harris was either too far right or too far left. The truth of the matter is this: Harris, as well as Biden – and by extension Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama – ran on center-right platforms.
The reason behind this is to appeal to the undecided, anti-Trump Republican. Yet this has been a failure of an effort, losing the party’s base while barely shifting the opponent’s. The Harris ticket was an objective failure, not due to the perception of voters on characteristics of Harris, nor the small, annoying minority who chose to champion third-party candidate Jill Stein in the weeks leading up.
Simply put, the Harris-Walz campaign just failed.
Sassy Cassie: What the election meant to Black women
CASSIE DYE |FOR THE POST
The 2024 election will be remembered for a long time, from the battle between the two presidential candidates to the emotions experienced after the results. The election meant a lot to a number of people. However, it held a lot of meaning for Black women in particular. After the 2024 election, Black women were left feeling both defeated and somewhat hopeful for the future.
For a long time, Black women have been the most important demographic to the Democratic party. In the past three elections, Black women have been the most consistent blue voters in overwhelming numbers. As far back as 2012, 96% of Black women voted for the Democratic candidate. Black women’s voting consistency makes them the most important demographic of the Democratic party.
Although Black women are most likely to vote Democratic, they have had trouble ascending into higher ranks in the government. No Black woman has ever served as
state governor. Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign for president gave hope to Black women everywhere that they could be in higher positions. The money Harris raised and the amount of volunteers she had, along with the momentum and support, was a game changer for not only Black women running for office, but also Black women everywhere.
Harris was arguably the most qualified person to run for president, having spent time in the Senate and as Attorney General in California. However, the country decided to elect someone who has four criminal cases currently pending against him and has been impeached, not once but twice. This sends a message to Black women everywhere that no matter how qualified they are, they seemingly cannot win over a white man.
Even with the disappointing results of the election, it cannot be ignored that Harris has made history. She is still the first woman, first Black person and first South Asian person to be elected Vice President. Although the presidential election hurt Black women everywhere,
they still had victories within senate races and local elections.
For the first time in history, there will be two Black women senators serving at the same time. Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks won their races. In Missouri, Melesa Johnson became the Jackson county prosecutor, the first Black woman to hold that post. The Senate will have a total of five Black senators, the most in history.
Two years from now, there will be the midterm elections for Senate and House of Representatives. Also in two years, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. America is one of the most diverse countries, and it has made some steps to show that in politics. It is shocking and appalling that a country as diverse as America would rather elect a felon for president over a qualified Black and South Asian woman. It sends an inadvertent message to young women of color that you can be the most educated in the room, but it is still not enough for the country to choose you.
CROSSWORD
Editor’s Desk: Election Night highlighted
The Post’s commitment to quality
As Editor-in-Chief of The Post, I have had a lot of proud moments leading this publication. I was proud when I hired a staff of editors I knew would work hard to lead their respective sections. I was proud when I saw our first print edition of the year be distributed around campus in the new format. I was proud when Alaina Dackermann, our director of photography, was awarded a Pinnacle Award last week in New Orleans at the National College Media Convention.
SUDOKU
These flashy moments all contribute to my pride, and I will forever be thankful for them. However, all these experiences are tactile results of hard work. My favorite part of this job is I get a front seat to witness budding journalists grow into their talents and realize they have discovered a new love, or an old love, for reporting, photography, videography and the many other skills The Post provides a platform to explore.
Last Tuesday, that grit and drive was on full display as The Post covered Election Night. From about
5 p.m. Tuesday to about 3 a.m. Wednesday, there were Posties running in and out of the newsroom gathering results, editing photos and writing stories.
This year we decided to be extra adventurous and create an 8-page paper to be distributed Wednesday in addition to our online coverage. Stories were being researched, written and designed all in the same night.
To zoom out, every person in the newsroom was a valuable cog in our election night machine. Data visualization was being created, tweets were being crafted and photos were being taken. Our videographers were running around Court Street to listen to voter testimonies. Every Postie stepped up and did his or her due diligence to make sure our content was accurate, thorough and fast.
Student journalism is journalism. Our commitment to quality journalism is and always will be our first mission.
Thank you, Posties. I hope you are all proud of the amazing work you have done.
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ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST
The Post honors veterans
Posties thank the veterans in their lives
“I want to thank my grandfathers on both sides of my family for serving in the military. The sacrifce you took serving is always remembered and appreciated. Thank you especially to Pap, although you are not with us any longer, your contribution has lead to what my family has today. Thank you for your service!”
- ABBY JENKINS HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR
“My dad served with strength and dedication, with a heart for others. He taught me what true resilience and sacrifice look like and is a constant reminder of courage in the family. My dad’s service shaped him into the incredible person he is today.”
- BIANCA GRIM NEWS REPORTER
11, 1993 All Post issues accessed via Ohio University Libraries Digital Archival Collections
“I want to thank my grandparents for serving this country and showing countless acts of bravery in the name of the U.S.”
- DAPHNE GRAETER SLOT EDITOR
“Ned Peters served in the Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He is the biggest reason I like sports as much as I do and a major role model in my life.”
-
CALEB PEREZ SPORTS REPORTER
“I want to thank my grandpa Bob Klancher. I miss you every day, and I wish you could see who I’ve become, and I’ve been following your love for photography and writing. Thank you for your service, Grandpa. I love you and may you always be in my heart and the family’s heart.”
- RACHEL KLANCHER PHOTOGRAPHER
“My grandfather served in the Air Force during the Korean War. It’s hard to put into words my gratitiude that he is my Pap; his humor and sarcasm is truly unmatched in my family, but he’s incredibly humble. He often tells stories of his time on the base he was deployed at, where he taught classes on how to operate the guns on the B-29s he flew on. He just turned 88 Sunday, and I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate my Pap Lemont than to thank him for his service to the U.S. and my family.”
- JACKSON MCCOY COPY CHIEF
“Major Rick Coleman was a high school teacher and personal friend of mine. His stories of service in Iraq with the artillery inspired me to want to visit the Middle East, which is what I’m now in school preparing for. Thank you, Major, you forever have my respect.”
- ANDERSEN BECK NEWS REPORTER Nov. 12, 1982
