Welcome Back, Aug. 18 2016

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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

For college students, ‘endless summer’ no longer holds magic ‘Post’ editor excited to be back on campus and at ‘The Post,’ where the real magic lives

T

hroughout your childhood, you were granted a few pockets of real-life magic: Made-up recess games so dramatic you were convinced that you may have developed the plot to a breakout big-budget film; long car rides across the state where you could keep yourself entertained; and the seemingly never-ending summer season beEMMA OCKERMAN tween every year of high school.

Those were the fantasies you could EDITOR-IN-CHIEF count on materializing. They were glorious.

The conversations I had with friends the summer leading up to my freshman year at Ohio University seemed like real-life magic, too, or at least like we still had a hold on it. What could we accomplish? Who would we meet?

As excited as we were to find out, that big unknown seemed like it contained some magic-shattering potential. We would all enthusiastically try dining hall food, shake the hands of total strangers and get straight A’s. I would join the college newspaper, become friends with any stranger I met and dress remarkably goth in warmer months. If all else failed, we’d always have summer.

To varying degrees, all of that talk turned into something we could hold onto forever (dining halls are still magical, please swipe me into one).

The one thing that changed, though: I stopped wanting summer.

The strangers I met at OU became my best friends, and The Post’s newsroom became my home. The concept of a never-ending summer between school years wasn’t desirable, it was exhausting. I say that as I end my last “true” summer — the one between your junior and senior year of college. I missed my oddball college town.

So it’s good to be back. There’s a lot of magic to be had here. Some of it is in our newsroom, I’m sure, which just made the earth-rotating decision (at least to us) to switch its print format from a daily to a weekly, and to seriously redesign The Post’s website.

The rest of the magic is divided among the muggy classrooms that host your brand-new, sparkling pens — and I assume readers of The Post are just as excited as I am about new pens — and the moment you see your best friends again. Or, if you’re a freshman, it’s the moment you meet those friends for the first time.

If you were afraid that college meant true adulthood, and thus some of that magic-shattering potential, you’ll be pleased to know that it doesn’t — at least, not always. It’s a fast four-year explosion of something that seems totally, wonderfully invented, and it hardly seems real when it’s happening.

But once you step away, you realize that the grounded earth can’t hold a candle to the magic of a college town.

Cover Photo captured by Alex Driehaus

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 3

GUEST COLUMNS

Vice President of Student President McDavis Affairs greets new and old asks students to engage in civic duties students on campus With presidential searches both on College Green and in the White House, OU president expects exciting year This academic year, we all have a front row seat to history. For only the 21st DR. RODERICK time in 212 J. MCDAVIS years, Ohio PRESIDENT University will be choosing a new president. I was never fortunate enough to witness an Ohio University presidential inauguration prior to my own in 2004.

What an exciting time to be in Athens.

I am proud to know the Board of Trustees has included several students on the presidential search committee. Public forums will be held on campus once finalists are announced, and I encourage all students to attend, ask questions and provide feedback. Together, we will find our 21st president! Be sure to visit www.ohio.edu/presidential-search for the latest updates.

The 19 presidents who led Ohio’s first and finest institution before me each had notable achievements that history recognizes. Over the last 12 years, we have honored those legacies and our shared 212-year history, while concurrently laying the groundwork for the future. There is still much work that needs to be done!

I am confident in the Board’s ability to find a president who can continue to propel us forward while still honoring our past.

While our presidential search is captivating much of our attention at Ohio University, our coun-

6 4 |/FRIDAY, WELCOME APRIL BACK 22, 2016 EDITION

try’s search for a new president is captivating the nation. For many of you, this will be the first U.S. presidential election in which you will be eligible to vote. That is a very big responsibility — I hope you treat it as such. Our campus may even be a stop on the campaign trail. Again, what an exciting time to be in Athens.

For our international students who are not eligible to vote, you can still participate in the democratic process. I encourage you to learn about our government and the platforms of the candidates, especially in regards to foreign affairs and relations with your home country. There will be many opportunities for civic engagement in the months ahead. Get involved.

With these momentous presidential selection processes taking place, the enthusiasm throughout campus is sure to be palpable. Our intellects may be challenged and our emotions excited. As we discuss, argue and debate, I remind you of one of our basic core values: civility. Respectful, enlightened and engaged discourse are hallmarks of our campus.

Freedom of speech and expression is our birthright; it is also a great responsibility. Ohio University’s central purpose is the intellectual and personal development of its students. We disrespect ourselves and our community when civil discord descends into taunts or threats. Let us promote and partake in #OUnity as we enjoy this front row seat to history.

I will be watching both processes with great interest as I am sure many of you will be too.

Encourages students to invest in connecting with ‘Bobcat Family,’ show respect and civility to fellow students As a new Bobcat, I feel very strange welcoming many of you back to OHIO. JASON B. My family and PINA I just recently VICE moved to AthPRESIDENT ens from New OF STUDENT England and AFFAIRS could not be happier to be a citizen of Southeastern Ohio.

If you have only been a Bobcat for a few hours or days, welcome to your new home. It may feel strange to read those words but it’s true. For the next four years, you will spend most of your life in Athens. Please do yourself a favor and use your time wisely. Four years will fly by and you cannot possibly do everything our community has to offer.

A few months ago my wife and I visited Athens for the first time together. We went to dinner and had a OHIO student as a waitress. She told us she transferred here to study special education. I asked her how she was doing and her face glowed with pride. She earned straight A’s and loved being a Bobcat.

The reason I share this interaction with you is because of what she said next. Because of the investment professors made in her, last semester was the first time in her life that she felt smart. Do yourself another

“

The students who thrive are those who get out of their comfort zones, who seek out mentorships, who engage with faculty inside and outside of the classroom, and who seek to connect with their University community on all levels.

favor and read that last sentence out loud.

Every day, faculty, staff and your classmates are here to support you and want you to succeed. Ask for help when you need it; reach out to those that need it and be your ideal Bobcat for the rest of your life!

While Ohio University is known for its outstanding academic programs, beautiful campus and welcoming spirit, our community thrives for one reason — people. We have a responsibility to bring our whole selves to campus

and respect each other. In a time when we see incivility and violence around the world, it is easy to disinvest in the world around us. Ohio University needs all of us to invest in the development of the “Bobcat Family.”

Equally important are the smaller moments: the class that opens your eyes to a new career possibility, the friendships that take root over OHIO Late Nights, profound campus conversations or community connections forged through service. All too often, these are the truly transformational moments in a college career.

Be sure to look up from your “Pokémon Go” (at least every now and then) and engage in all that Ohio University has to offer as the year gets underway.

While I too have a lot to learn about Ohio University, I have made some general observations during the course of my 20-year career in higher ed. The students who thrive are those who get out of their comfort zones, who seek out mentorships, who engage with faculty inside and outside of the classroom and who seek to connect with their University community on all levels. This is the University family I was told I would find at OHIO and one that I am so proud to call my own.

Thanks for welcoming me to the Bobcat Family. I couldn’t be more excited to embark on this fresh start with you.

Back to Bobcat Basics: The many enjoyable tasks to accomplish before classes begin Decorate your space, grab Court Street delicacies and stroll through College Green before you hit the books It is movein day, and that means it’s time to readjust to life at Ohio University.

Everyone’s mind RYLIE is racing, thinkBROWN ing about all the COLUMNIST friends they will see and places they will go when reunited in Athens. There is so much to do when arriving back, from trying foods to seeing friends to going places. Luckily, we made a “chore” list of things to do that will make any OU Bobcat’s homecoming a special one.

First thing is first: decorate your living space and make it your home. Whether you are living off campus or in a dorm room, this is your home for the next year, and you should make it special. Decorate the walls with pictures, arrange the furniture just the way you like it and make new friends that live close by as you settle in.

Second, get some quality food from Court Street. You can’t deny you’ve missed your favorite spicy delicacy from Big Mamma’s Burritos, the famous Chicken-N-Waffle from Uptown Grille, a milkshake at Union Street Diner, a slice of Goodfella’s pizza or a special treat at Whit’s. Grab your friends and get a bite to eat Uptown before your first night out on the town.

Do not be afraid to take a walk up to the scenic Ridges. Start the

year off with an adventure. Some of the best memories are made in the strangest of places. Enjoy the walk there as you take in the scenery of the place that has been waiting for you since April and catch up with friends. Wait until you get to the top of The Ridges and look down on campus as it lights up at night.

We all know that Welcome Weekend can get pretty crazy, but Nelson’s breakfast the next morning is always the perfect tradition.

Omelets, waffles, French toast and a smorgasbord of made-to-order donut toppings will do the trick to make you feel right at home.

Lastly, take a stroll through College Green. It would not feel like Welcome Weekend if you didn’t make a pit stop in the heart of campus. Breathe in the air, gaze at the trees, greet the people and embrace the warm feeling that you get when you step on the green. Especially don’t forget to stare at the Alumni Gateway that will remind you why you are at Ohio University in the first place.

For Bobcats like us, not much can beat the feeling you get when you go back to school in August.

Athens has a way of breeding its own culture, community, lifelong friendships and a certain pride that keeps you coming back.

Welcome hOUme, Bobcats!

The ABCs of Greek Life: ‘Blue House’ no longer occupied by members of Acacia fraternity Some from the Sigma Pi fraternity now rent the home and plan to use it to ‘represent the best’ of their longstanding organization, excited to overcome stereotypes Sigma Pi member Ross Griffin and six of his fraternity brothers are renting ERIN out the propFRANCZAK erty at 59 N. COLUMNIST Court St., previously known as “Blue House,” for this upcoming school year.

Although brothers of Sigma Pi live in the house, it is not officially affiliated with the fraternity. This is due in large part to the many rumors surrounding the house. The property may very well have stayed vacant this school year if they had not decided to occupy the home.

Sigma Pi was founded at Ohio University on May 17, 1918, with the mission to “advance man’s quest for excellence,” which they still continue to follow today.

Griffin said he and his brothers want to represent the gentleman of Sigma Pi with an image that promotes community and kindness.

They mainly chose the house because of its size and proximity to campus. The only thing he fears about living at 59 N. Court St. is being targeted for living at such a con-

“

In my own personal experience working and interacting with the gentlemen of Sigma Pi, I believe they really are committed to improving the image of “Blue House.” The men in the fraternity have so much respect for those around them.

troversial place.

Even with the struggles of owning a house with such an rumored past, Griffin and his friends are very excited to take on the journey of overcoming the stereotypes of “Blue House” and also enjoying the experience of owning their own place for the first time.

The proprietors of the house have many plans in store for the house that represent the best of Sigma Pi. They hope to completely reverse the stigma of the house and make it known for its excellent reputation and help interest future generations of Sigma Pi to exceed the standards set by past members.

Griffin said the owners of the house will focus their energy on protection and aware-

ness of the people inside and outside the house. He hopes Blue House will become a safe place for everyone whether during parties or everyday activities.

In my own personal experience working and interacting with the gentlemen of Sigma Pi, I believe they really are committed to improving the image of “Blue House.” The men in the fraternity have so much respect for those around them. They are also so dedicated to their philanthropic efforts and overall kindness to others.

Erin Franczak is a sophomore studying journalism. Do you have any questions about rushing a fraternity or sorority?

Email her at ef441614@ohio.edu

Rylie Brown is a sophomore studying journalism. What is your favorite place in Athens?

Tweet her @RylieMarieBrown.

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5

LOCAL RECAP

Athens welcomes campaign, sees tragedy over break WILLIAM T. PERKINS NEWS EDITOR BAILEY GALLION STAFF WRITER This summer in Athens was at times exciting and tragic, including visits from presidential candidates, a fatal shooting and the return of an Athens institution.

Here are some of the biggest headlines to hit Athens after Ohio University’s Spring Semester ended: CANDIDATES COME TO VISIT

It didn’t take long after students left town for the presidential race to pass through Athens.

Speaking to a crowd at Jackie O’s Taproom and Brewery in May, Demo-

cratic candidate Hillary Clinton focused on revitalizing Appalachia by protecting the health and livelihood of steel and coal workers and creating jobs in the region.

Clinton promised that if elected, Jackie O’s would be served in the White House.

Republican candidate Donald Trump, who was in the state this summer for the Republican National Convention, visited OU’s Eastern Campus in late June.

Trump’s speech also was geared in part to the coal mining community of St. Clairsville.

The Ohio stop came after a visit to Wheeling, West Virginia, where, according to Trump, he met with “a lot of miners that

6 |/FRIDAY, WELCOME APRIL BACK 22, 2016 EDITION

LEFT: Hillary Clinton joins Senator Sherrod Brown on stage during a visit to Athens on May 3. (ALEX DRIEHAUS | FILE)

Hillary Clinton says she’s going to put out of business.”

CRIME, COURTS AND A SHOOTING

Markel Morrison, a 22-year-old former OU student, was fatally shot at River Park apartments near South Green in May by a still-unidentified shooter.

Authorities allege Morrison was trying to settle a drug debt and tried to enter to one of the apartments.

After the murder, John Michael Fults-Ganey, a 21-year-old OU student who allegedly drove Morrison to

River Park, drove himself to a bar before turning himself in to the police for his involvement in the events leading to Morrison’s shooting. He was taken to Southeastern Regional Jail, where he has been set with a bond of $1 million.

A grand jury formally indicted Fults-Ganey in July and charged him with one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of conspiracy in connection to Morrison’s death.

He was not charged as the shooter or accused of being present at the time of the shooting.

He was sentenced to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to those charges at the Athens County Common Pleas Court.

In an unrelated trial, James D. Howard, a former OU hockey player and student, pleaded guilty to charges of burglary and tampering with records in June.

On March 21, Howard allegedly assaulted a Bird Arena employee before dropping all his classes

and heading to Logan to buy a firearm.

The store owner would not sell him a firearm and claimed Howard’s behavior seemed strange. Law enforcement later found a rifle in his car.

On April 6, Howard pleaded not guilty to both counts, as well as aggravated burglary and having weapons under disability, a charge given because he possessed a firearm after he was previously involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility.

PAT KELLY

As he serves his seven-year sentence in prison, former Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly continues to fight for release.

The Athens County Court of Common Pleas convicted Kelly of 18 counts on Feb. 12, 2015 af-

ter a three week trial, according to a previous Post report. Kelly was found guilty of one count of perjury, one count of failure to keep a cashbook, twelve counts of theft in office, three counts of theft and one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

He is scheduled to appear before the Fourth District Court of Appeals on Nov. 3, after his appellate hearing was rescheduled from July 21, according to a previous Post report.

Kelly filed for appeal on April 9, 2015, according to a previous Post report.

In the appeal, Kelly’s attorney argued the Athens County Common Pleas Court had convicted Kelly with insufficient evidence to prove Kelly guilty of theft, perjury, failure to maintain a cashbook and

engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

DEBATES IN COUNCIL

A plan to charge Athens residents for using non-reusable bags at retailers caused some contention at Athens City Council meetings early this summer.

Councilwoman Jennifer Cochran, D-At Large, posed an idea in May to charge shoppers an extra 10 cents for every bag they use — including both paper and plastic bags.

But the plan has yet to appear in a proposed ordinance, much less go up for a vote.

The idea, though well-received by most council members, received backlash from some Athens residents.

At one council meeting, Abe Alassaf, a former

Republican candidate to replace state Rep. Debbie Phillips, D-Albany, accused council of limiting consumers’ choices and freedoms and vowed to “work within every parameter of the law to undermine” Cochran and prevent her from serving another term.

Council President Chris Knisely reprimanded Alassaf and said she was “highly offended” by his comments and he was out of line.

Cochran, ultimately, set the idea aside after a few weeks and said she had to work on some of the details.

THE RETURN OF THE UNION

The summer began with the reopening of The Union Bar and Grill, an establishment that is

known for its live entertainment. The Athens staple was destroyed in a fire in November 2014 that also caused severe damage to many shops and bars along the block.

The bar, complete with furnishings made from wood salvaged from the fire, a new patio and new windows, held its opening weekend May 25 (a Wednesday) to May 28.

“We’re The Union,” owner Eric Gunn said shortly before the reopening. “(The) weekend starts on Wednesday, especially in the summertime.”

@WTPERKINS WP198712@OHIO.EDU @BAILEYGALLION BG272614@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 7

8 / WELCOME BACK EDITION

‘Parks and Rec’ star to headline comedy show GEORGIA DAVIS FOR THE POST Fans of the sitcom Parks and Recreation will soon have the opportunity to watch one of its actors perform live stand-up comedy.

Retta, the actress who plays Donna Meagle on the show, will headline Comedy at The Convo on Aug. 19 following the 2020 class picture. The event will be free for students.

Retta starred in all seven seasons of Parks and Recreation. The Emmy-nominated television show ended after seven seasons. Since the show’s ending, Retta has performed in Bravo’s Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce and is scheduled to appear in a few movies, such as Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life.

Andrew Holzaepfel, the senior associate director for the Campus Involvement Center, said in an email that he began looking for a comedian last spring and that booking Retta was “very smooth.”

“She is very funny as a stand-up comedian,” Holzaepfel said in an email. “She has (been) showcased at the NACA (National Association for Campus Activities) conference the last few years and is a huge hit among all the students at the conference.”

According to Holzaepfel, this is the sec-

She is very funny as a stand-up comedian ... and is a huge hit among all the students at the (NACA) conference.

- Andrew Holzaepfel, senior associate director for the Campus Involvement Center

LEFT: Retta, who plays Donna Meagle on “Parks and Recreation,” will be performing at the Convocation Center on Aug. 20, following the 2020 class photo.

(ANDREW HOLZAEPFEL / PROVIDED)

ond year Comedy at the Convo has been a part of Welcome Weekend, and he is “excited to build on last year’s success and make it bigger.”

“Opening weekend provides a series of events each night with the intention of providing students with an opportunity to meet others and get engaged with the campus,” Holzaepfel said in an email.

Morgan Miller, an undecided freshman, said the event is a “different but cool environment” to meet people in because “humor breaks the ice.”

“Going to this comedy event and hearing

If you go WHAT: Comedy at the Convo: Retta WHEN: Aug. 20 following the 2020 class photo WHERE: The Convocation Center ADMISSION: Free people laugh at the same thing you did kind of unifies you,” Miller said.

Miller said she has watched some of Retta’s stand-up as well as Parks and Recreation.

“Being a comedian, there’s a fine line to cross into being controversial, and she does a good job at staying on that line,” Miller said.

Natalie Holley, a freshman studying music therapy, said it is “really exciting” that Retta will be on campus for Welcome Weekend.

Holley watched every season of Parks and Recreation on Netflix in about a month, she said, and has viewed some of the comedian’s stand-up on YouTube. Holley said Retta’s stand-up is “very conversational.”

“I think it’s funny how she uses vulgar language,” Holley said. “She’s just very real.”

@GEORGIADEE35 GD497415@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9

CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS

ABOVE: President Roderick McDavis and Sandra Anderson listen to a presentation by the College of Business during the Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 21. The Board of Trustees voted to give President McDavis a $20,000 raise and a $100,000 bonus at their June 24 meeting. (ALEX DRIEHAUS / FILE)

Sook Center approved, McDavis receives raise, and OU ushers in new faculty KAITLIN COWARD NEWS EDITOR When the Ohio University Board of Trustees met this summer and approved university projects and raises, it was the start of new changes to OU. OU President Roderick McDavis received a raise, employees took on new positions and the Board of Trustees approved a new center for student-athletes.

PRESIDENT’S RAISE

OU President Roderick McDavis received a $20,000 raise and a $100,000 bonus at the June 24 Board of Trustees meeting.

Citing McDavis’ accomplishments including the implementation of Ohio’s guaranteed tuition program and the university’s master plans, Trustees unanimously approved the raise and 10 / WELCOME BACK EDITION

bonus.

“There are so many accomplishments that Dr. McDavis and his team have accomplished, we could spend literally all day and all morning (listing them),” board chair David Wolfort said at the meeting.

The raise brings McDavis’ salary for the 201617 academic year, his final year as OU’s president, to $500,000.

He also could receive thousands more from a deferred compensation account, according to his contracts.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

In addition to awarding McDavis a raise, trustees approved the $620,000 design of the Sook Academic Center, a study facility for student-athletes.

The total project cost is expected to total about $6

million. The project has received donations of about $5.66 million for the center as of February, according to a previous Post report.

Faculty Senate opposed the project in May and called on the university to abandon the project because senate members believed the center would segregate student-athletes and the rest of the student body.

Trustees said they spoke with Faculty Senate President Joe McLaughlin and decided to OK the project.

“I think it was a good discussion,” Trustee Peggy Viehweger said at the meeting. “Everybody was open minded.”

Trustees and OU administrators also discussed the College Credit Plus program and how it affects the university.

The program allows Ohio students in seventh

through 12th grade to take college classes for free through their high schools.

Board members and administrators expressed concern that students might not be ready to take those classes at a younger age. They also feared the students may come to the university with inadequate preparation for classes because the materials could be too difficult and younger students may not understand it as well as older ones.

NEW FACULTY

Jason Pina, OU’s new vice president for Student Affairs, officially took over the position June 13.

Jenny Hall-Jones, dean of students, had been serving as interim vice president for Student Affairs for the 201516 academic year after Ryan Lombardi left the position

for a job at Cornell University on July 3, 2015.

OU also named Mac Stricklen as its new ombudsperson starting July 6 after previous ombudsperson Judy Piercy announced her retirement after three years in the position.

“I’ve been hoping for years for an opportunity to serve in the role, so I’m very happy that is becoming a reality,” Stricklen said in a previous Post report. “I’ve also had a lot of respect for the people I’ve known who held the role before me, so it’s a privilege to get to try to follow in their footsteps.”

As ombudsperson, Stricklen will serve as a confidential resource for anyone who has an internal problem at OU, such as arranging mediation for employees who don’t get along or dealing with complaints about faculty.

Stricklen previously served as assistant director of Housing and Residence Life for West Green and a resident director and assistant director of University Judiciaries, which is now called Community Standards and Student Responsibility.

RUFUS

Rufus the Bobcat spent a weekend at the Columbus Pride Festival and Parade in June.

It was the OU mascot’s first time marching in the parade.

Rufus joined Ohio State University’s Brutus Buckeye, who pulled out of the parade amid safety concerns after the Orlando shootings but then rejoined a few days before the parade.

ABOVE: Over the summer the Board of Trustees approved the $620,000 design of the Sook Academic Center, a study facility for student-athletes. The total project cost is expected to be around $6 million. (OHIO UNIVERSITY / PROVIDED)

@KCOWARD02 KC769413@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11

ABOVE: The Union Bar & Grill, located at 18 W Union St., reopened over the summer.

(KAITLIN OWENS / FOR THE POST)

The rebuilt Union mixes new, old for music lovers GEORGIA DAVIS FOR THE POST After being closed for about 18 months, The Union Bar and Grill is just “trying to find the new normal,” Eric Gunn, the owner of The Union, said.

Gunn said there is no real plan for The Union in its first year and the employees of the bar and grill are just trying to get a good feel for how business is going to be.

“I’m approaching it as if the fire never happened,” Gunn said. “We’re trying to bring some great music to town and host the best party we can.”

John Stathopoulos, a 2015 OU graduate, played at the old Union a few times with the bands Method Air and Megawave before the fire occurred.

“It’s been a really special place to me,” Stathopoulos said.

He said The Union was “friendly and non-discriminatory” and described the bar as “a refuge for artists.”

Taylor Britain, a junior studying business entrepreneurship, said he only 12 / WELCOME BACK EDITION

went to The Union once before the fire occurred but has been to the newly opened bar four or five times since the grand re-opening.

“I always thought the view from the patio at The Skull was the best, but (The Union’s) trumps it,” Britain said.

The new upstairs bar is “beautiful,” and the checkered tile The Union was known for before the fire is still there, Britain said. He added that the bar salvaged old wood from the original Union and made tables out of it.

“You can see the char marks,” he said.

Britain said the bar is “rustic” and “really inviting” with a “vast” amount of beer selections. Despite not having a “set-in-stone” marketing strategy, Gunn said he believes a lot of music lovers will frequent The Union and that they’re going to “let the place speak for itself.”

“We’re making it so that when people do come, they have a good time and want to come back,” Gunn said.

Although The Union’s grand reopening occurred

May 25 after school let out, Gunn said he believes this was a “blessing in disguise” because the summer gave the workers a chance to get rid of their “sea legs” when getting back into business.

Britain didn’t attend the opening night of The Union, but he said he saw “the line was around the block” when walking by it opening night. He added that everyone who frequents the bar “loves it.”

“It’s one of the best bars in town — it’s up there with Lucky’s,” Britain said.

Though The Union had been closed for more than a year and a half, Gunn said he hopes that everyone can look toward the future of the bar and grill.

“A few years from now, (the fire) will just be another story that old-timers will talk about,” Gunn said.

“We’re stoked to be open and have everyone back in town and have a great fall semester.”

— Alex Darus contributed to this report

@GEORGIADEE35 GD497415@OHIO.EDU

Class Gateway to be completed by Homecoming TAYLOR MAPLE FOR THE POST It can seem like construction projects are everywhere during the summer months — and Ohio University’s campus is no exception.

As students return to OU, they might notice quite a few updates and ongoing improvements.

Class Gateway on College Green has been undergoing renovation since Spring Semester as part of the “College Green Class Gate and Tunnel Project,” which is repairing a tunnel carrying heating and electrical items. Though the construction will continue into Fall Semester, OU officials plan for the project to be done earlier in the semester.

“We anticipate sub-

stantial completion of work on or about Oct. 4,” Joe Lalley, senior associate vice president of Information Technologies and Administrative Services, said.

Lalley also said officials are planning a grand opening ceremony for the Saturday morning of Homecoming Weekend to celebrate the completion of the $1.7 million project.

“Rumor has it Rufus will be there, too,” Lalley said.

In another project, the university began restoration of the former site of the President Street Academic Center, laying sod and pouring sidewalk.

That should be complete before students arrive on campus in August, Lalley said.

Park Place in front of

ABOVE: College Gate under construction on August 1.

(KAITLIN OWENS / FOR THE POST)

Alden Library also is under construction for an Alden roof replacement project. The roof replacement is budgeted for $2.2 million and will extend into the fall, though OU officials hope most of it will be done by the time

students arrive.

Other roofing projects are underway including a $1.6 million project on Morton Hall and a $2 million project on Clippinger Hall. “(Students also) should notice that Cady-Foster-

Brough is gone,” Lalley said, referencing the three South Green residence halls that were slated for demolition last summer, but high demolition estimates delayed the project, Pete Trentacoste, executive director of Housing and Residence Life, said in a previous Post report.

Lalley said students will see construction at Jefferson Hall as well when they return, as renovation of the dining hall continues.

The dorm portion of the building will receive an elevator for better access in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and updated plumbing, electrical work and academic spaces.

Construction closer to Uptown has also progressed, he added, noting

that the sidewalk on the north side of East Union Street will be open for pedestrian use, though the area will remain a construction zone through the fall.

Other projects include the renovation of West 82, which had a $2 million budget and intends to improve the efficiency of customer flow and traffic patterns within the venue, OU spokesperson Dan Pittman said in a previous Post report.

Smaller projects include renovations to the bathrooms of Boyd, James, Tiffin and MacKinnon Halls.

“We’ve got a lot of work going on this summer,” Lalley said.

@TAYMAPLE TM255312@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13

Tantrum Theater gives professional experience ALEX DARUS CULTURE EDITOR Before Tantrum Theater was founded in the fall of 2015 in Dublin, theater students had to drive 15 hours from Ohio University to Monomoy Theater in Massachusetts to work with other professionals over the summer, Dennis Delaney, an associate professor of theater and directing, said.

Tantrum Theater — run through the College of Fine Arts — aims to provide apprenticeships for theater students to give them the opportunity to work with professionals in their field.

The company put on three plays this summer during its first season, “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Tammy Faye’s Final Audition”

and “Dancing at Lughnasa,” at Abbey Theater, 5600 Post Rd. in Dublin.

Tantrum Theater also held three educational workshops, some for elementary school students and others for high school and college-aged students, during the summer at high schools in Dublin. The workshops included several topics, ranging from mask work to stage combat, Daniel Dennis, the artistic director for Tantrum Theater, said.

“It was kind of amazing that (the season) happened at all, because it happened so fast,” Dennis said.

Once OU gave Tantrum Theater the green light during late Fall Semester, the company was able to fully move forward with plans that were in the works for a number of years, Den-

14 / WELCOME BACK EDITION

ABOVE: Ohio University’s Tantrum Theater put on the play “Dancing at Lughnasa over the summer. (DANIEL WINTERS / PROVIDED)

nis said.

Dennis said he was happy with the season overall and has seen an increase in the attendance at the shows throughout the season.

Sheila Daniels, the director of Dancing at Lughnasa, said despite the students and faculty involved in the

program, working at the theater does not have an “academic feel.”

Delaney directed Tantrum Theater’s production of Tammy Faye’s Final Audition. Though the Theater Division has performed Tammy Faye productions in the past, Delaney said

he enjoyed working with different actors and a more elaborate set to perform for a new audience.

Even though the Theater Division runs its program with a professional model taught by professional faculty, it is beneficial or students to get to work side by side with a different set of professionals, Delaney said.

“They hear (the faculty’s) voices everyday for the whole time they are here,” Delaney said. “It’s great for them to hear our philosophies and our way of doing things supported and maybe even sometimes contradicted by professionals that are coming in.”

According to Dennis, the theater community as a whole is “relatively small,” so it is important for students to begin to expand

their networks outside of OU’s Theater Division within that community for further job opportunities.

“I think (students) will return to OU and to instruction with a perspective that is not just their teachers,” Dennis said.

Dennis said the company will look to increase the number of opportunities for students to participate and add a wider variety of guest artists to mentor the students. He said it also hopes to expand the educational programs in Dublin to a year-round program during weeks like spring break.

“It was a successful first year,” Dennis said. “We are actively working on the future as we speak.”

@_ALEXDARUS AD019914@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 15

Residential greens looking shiny, new with easier access, cleaned-up South landscape MEGAN HENRY ASST. NEWS EDITOR

SOUTH GREEN Cady Hall, Foster House and Brough House were demolished during the summer as part of the Back South Demolition Phase I project, which costs about $1.6 million.

In other upgrades to South Green, students in Crawford Hall can now use air conditioning units thanks to $800,000 fire and electrical upgrades.

The front porch on Crawford received repairs, True House received new carpet and the South Green mail room received renovations.

The total cost of residence hall renovations on South Green was more than $2.5 million.

$3.1MM

$265K

$99K

WEST GREEN

James Hall received a few upgrades during the summer as the bathroom, plumbing and lobby were renovated for about $3.1 million. A kitchen and study space were also added for $99,000.

The total cost of renovations to James Hall was more than $3.2 million.

Though most of those projects will be completed when students move in, Trentacoste said he anticipates the addition of the James Hall kitchen might take longer.

16 / WELCOME BACK EDITION

$46K

S L IR A TA T LL P TO OS A E H R C D H R RC FO PO E C AW T A R N L C RO EP F R FI N IO & LN RS EN CO E H N V C LI ON IT K C LL E A C H PA ES S Y/ M DY B B JA TU S LO LL A H G N ES BI IL A NS M M M IO JA U N AT PL EE V R O G EN T TH R PE U M R SO OO CA R SE T U EN O H EM C A E C & / U LA E E TR EP R AD R FI R D G R P U FO C I I AW TR R C SE C LE A H E TH P U N O SO TI K LI E C IP A O B EM SW D L A N IO ES IT S LL D S A AD D E H R A CC N PG A TO U G E IN UR SH IT A N W UR ET F T P R N E T CA M EN N CE M YA A R L SE B P A E B R LL S A N H IO N AT YA V R O B EN S R D E A S U A Q RB TT E O W SC HO S

Some Ohio University students moving into residence halls this fall will be the first to experience new renovations, including swipe access to more dorms.

Students can now swipe their ID cards to get into the front doors of most residence halls thanks to a $1 million upgrade project.

“This improvement will enhance security and convenience for students in the residence halls that have been upgraded,” Pete Trentacoste, executive director of Housing and Residence Life, said in an email.

The only residence halls that won’t be upgraded to swipe access and will remain on physical front door key access will be Scott Quad and the remaining back 12 residence halls on South Green, Trentacoste said.

Overall, Housing and Residence

Life spent more than $7.7 million renovating bathrooms, furniture and lobbies in various residence halls during the summer. That figure is down from last summer’s renovations costs, which totaled about $12 million.

EAST GREEN

Bryan Hall saw renovations to the basement as well as carpet replacement, Scott Quad saw renovations to the shower drains and Washington Hall received room furniture upgrades, in addition to other minor updates.

The total cost of residence hall renovations on East Green was more than $970,000.

@MEGANKHENRY MH573113@OHIO.EDU

Data provided via Pete Trentacoste Graphic created by Chance BrinkmanSull

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

POLICE BLOTTER

Summer drunkenness, theft prematurely filed BAILEY GALLION STAFF WRITER With students gone for the summer, local law enforcement had a quiet May and June — mostly.

Activity decreased overall on the Ohio University Police Department’s public radio log, but police still dealt with a few noteworthy incidents of theft, drunkenness and mischief.

FURNITURE BURGLAR

An unknown person attempted to steal a set of bar stools and a table from a residence on Franklin Street while one of the residents was outside, according to an Athens Police Department report.

At about 8 p.m. on June 11, the man, described as a college-age white male with short brown hair wearing khaki shorts and sneakers, entered the residence through an open door or window and fled in a small white SUV when the resident came back inside.

“There are no suspects at this time,” the report stated.

In addition to the June 11 burglary report, APD received three reports of theft between the end of Ohio University’s Spring Semester and July. The OU Police Department received 12 reports of theft and two reports of burglary during the months of May and June. Seven of those thefts were reports of stolen bikes.

Other reports described the thefts of a variety of items, including: • T he seat and wheels from a bike in a Court 18 / WELCOME BACK EDITION

“

Activity decreased overall on the Ohio University Police Department’s public radio log, but police still dealt with a few noteworthy incidents of theft, drunkenness and mischief.

Street apartment building stairwell.

The frame of the bike was left behind.

• A n air conditioning unit stolen from Weld House.

• A n Xbox and a laptop charging cord reported stolen from a Mill Street apartment. The corresponding laptop was not reported stolen.

GRAND THEFT NADA

In other incidents, it turned out the objects had never been stolen in the first place.

A man reported to OUPD that his car had been stolen from the garage under James Hall on May 19, according to an OUPD report.

Before an officer had time to complete the report, the man located his car. He had forgotten where he parked it.

In a similar incident on June 30, a manager of OU Moving Services reported a cargo trailer stolen, according to an OUPD report.

“After further investigation,” an officer learned that OU Transportation Services had moved the trailer to the OU Airport, and no crime had been committed.

The case is closed.

WILSON WEED

Most students left for summer break at the end of April, but some of them might have left behind certain illicit substances.

A resident assistant called OUPD to report finding marijuana in a vacant room in Wilson Hall on May 1, according to a police report.

An officer entered the suspected marijuana into evidence, according to the report. The report lists the case as closed.

PAINT BUCKET PROJECTILE

At about 3 a.m. on June 12, an OUPD officer arrived at Kantner Hall “in reference to hearing a loud bang in the area,” according to a police report.

The officer found that someone had thrown a large white bucket of paint from the roof of the city parking garage, splattering the Kantner patios, windows and patio furniture with gray paint.

After some investigation, OUPD closed the case due to lack of investigative leads, according to the report.

@BAILEYGALLION BG272614@OHIO.EDU

COURT STREET STAGGER

RUNNING AWAY

OUPD reported seven alcohol-related incidents during the months of May and June.

On June 3 at about 3 a.m., an officer observed a student staggering down the sidewalk on Court Street. The officer approached the student after watching him walk into two parking meters, and the student presented the officer with a fake ID. The officer arrested the student for underage consumption and possessing a fake ID. The student was transported to Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.

Multiple previous Post reports document similar incidents, including one where a student provided officers with three driver’s licenses, two of them fake.

Another student caught an OUPD officer’s attention not by staggering, but by running.

On June 19 at about 1 a.m., as officers responded to a well-being check at the intersection of Mill and Fern Street, a man began running from officers.

The man failed to respond to orders to stop running from two officers, according to the police report.

Another officer arrested him after a short foot chase.

The officer found a fake ID on the man and observed that he smelled like alcohol and had bloodshot, watery eyes. The man was charged with obstructing official business, possessing a fake ID and underage drinking, he was transported to Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.

LEFT: An OUPD vehicle is parked outside of Scott Quad.

(JOSHUA LIM / FILE)

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 19

The search begins for OU’s next president LAUREN FISHER FOR THE POST When Ohio University President Roderick McDavis took to the stage to announce that he would step down in 2017 after 13 years of leadership, members of the university community had many questions about what would come next.

Though there has been no one announced as a possible contender, the first phase of the Board of Trustees’ four-phase plan is nearing completion with the formation of a special search team that collectively will be tasked with finding OU’s next president.

“Only 20 times in 212 years has something of this magnitude occurred at Ohio University,” OU Board of Trustees Chair David Wolfort said in a letter to the community. “The search for our 21st president is underway.”

Composed of a board-approved search committee, a consultant and a third-party search firm, the presiden-

tial search team will work throughout the upcoming academic year to screen and select candidates for the office of president, which McDavis will officially vacate once his contract expires on June 30, 2017.

During the June Board of Trustees meeting, the board announced that the selected firm would be Witt/Kieffer, a Chicago-based executive search firm that specializes in “providing outstanding leadership solutions to organizations committed to improving the quality of life,” according to the firm’s mission statement.

Partnering with the Board of Trustees, Witt/ Kieffer will assist the search committee in scouting possible contenders for the position of McDavis’ successor.

The university is paying the firm $150,000 to assist in the search.

“The Board of Trustees and the search committee will provide direction to the search firm in the performance of its responsibilities under the contract,”

ABOVE: Ohio University President Roderick McDavis announces that he will be stepping down on Thursday, March 10 in Walter Hall Rotunda. McDavis will remain president until the end of his contract on June 30, 2017.

(ALEX DRIEHAUS / FILE)

OU spokesman Dan Pittman said. “The Board of Trustees will make the final decision.”

Witt/Kieffer typically works with health-related organizations and academic institutions. In April, the

firm helped select Barry Dunn as the president of South Dakota State University.

Similarly, they have assisted in the selection of the newest executive director

for The Common Application and the vice president for University Advancement at Carnegie Mellon University.

In July, the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees selected Witt/Kieffer to assist in the search for the replacement of University President Santa Ono, who announced in June that he will be leaving for the University of British Columbia in the coming year.

The firm, however, does not comment on individual cases.

As part of the first phase of the presidential search process, the Board of Trustees announced the appointment of a 21-member search committee, the composition of which includes board members, professors, deans, students, alumni and community members.

Further disclosed during phase one was the selection of a search consultant, Terry MacTaggart, of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, who specializes in consult-

ing work with higher education leadership. Pittman, however, said MacTaggart will “not have a continuing role” in the search process.

Once phase two of the search begins, the team will perform an institutional analysis, spell out the criteria for the future president and begin the initial screening process for prospective candidates.

During phase three, the search committee will officially make their recommendations to the Board of Trustees, who will invite the finalists to campus. During these campus visits, the university plans to hold open forums in which members of the university community will get their first glimpse of OU’s future president.

In the final phase of the search process, it will be up to the Board of Trustees to make the ultimate decision in hiring the new president and beginning the transition process.

@LAUREN__FISHER LF966614@OHIO.EDU

Students should lock down off-campus housing early MADDIE CAPRON FOR THE POST Even though some underclassmen may have just settled into their dorm rooms, it’s already time to start thinking about housing next year if they intend to live off campus.

Students should start thinking about new housing no later than the second week of Fall Semester, since most students choose to sign their leases by the end of August, Bryan Wharton, broker of University Off-Campus Housing, said.

Tiffany McPherson, office manager for Best of Athens Rentals, said by late

summer and early fall the best housing options are often picked over.

“The hardest part was choosing a location that was right for all my roommates while factoring in costs,” Anna Dirda, a sophomore studying communications, who signed a lease for an apartment in June, said.

People looking for a house or apartment need to think about their expectations for housing before signing a lease, Logan Stark, off-campus life commissioner for Student Senate, said.

“I suggest starting early, know who your roommates will be and find a price

20 / WELCOME BACK EDITION

point you’re all comfortable with,” she said in an email.

“Decide how far off campus you want to be, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

Some of the most common places students rent from are Palmer Place, River Park and Mill Street, Stark said. Each option has different monthly price points (starting around $400 and going up from there); square footage and transportation are also aspects to consider.

After contacting a real estate agent and finding the right property, students should be prepared to sign a lease and pay a security deposit. McPherson said her primary piece of

advice for new renters is to read and understand their lease before signing.

According to the Division of Student Affairs’ rental guide for off-campus living, it is important for students to understand a lease is a legal agreement between the renter and the property owner. The lease should provide important information, such as the dates you can move in and out, how much rent is and guest restrictions.

Barb Harrison, the assistant director of community engagement at the Campus Involvement Center, recommends students have an attorney from the Center for Student Legal

Services review the lease.

Students are charged a $12 fee every semester which grants them the services of the attorneys. She also suggests renters check the background of their potential landlord by contacting the Code Enforcement Office to see a property’s last rental inspection.

“It is also helpful to Google the name of your landlord to see if there are student reviews online that may help you determine if the landlord and property will be right for you,” Harrison said. “We also recommend visiting the Municipal Court web page to see if the landlord has been to court as a defendant and

generally what the case involved.”

There are a number of ways students can make it easier on themselves to find housing. An off-campus housing fair is scheduled for 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Aug. 30 in Baker Center, and Stark added both she and Student Senate are always a resource. Additionally, realty companies can answer questions to help the process go as smoothly as possible.

“Look around and see where fits you best, because there are lots of good options,” Dirda said.

@MADDIECAPRON MC055914@OHIO.EDU

LEFT: Alden Library underwent multiple changes over the summer including implementing a genderneutral bathroom on the fifth floor. (ALEX DRIEHAUS / FILE)

Gender-neutral bathroom ready for use at Alden MEGAN HENRY ASST. NEWS EDITOR From a quick glance on the outside, Alden Library may look the same, but internally it saw quite a few changes this summer.

The library now has a gender-neutral bathroom in addition to more whiteboards and new furniture, according to Dean of Ohio University Libraries Scott Seaman.

Overall, the total estimated cost for summer renovations at Alden Library was more than $1.82 million, he said.

As part of the campus-wide roofing project, the library was reroofed for $1.7 million.

An express/quick check station, similar to the one on the fourth floor, was set up on the first, third, fifth, sixth and seventh floors for an estimated cost of $1,500.

“Those are the self-checkout machines that allow you to check out books without going to the circulation desk,” Seaman said in an email.

FIRST FLOOR

Old furniture was removed from the first floor along with the service desk and carpet as part of space repurposing. New carpet and fur-

niture will be installed early Fall Semester. A small area near the elevator lobby will be closed while the installation takes place, Seaman said, noting it shouldn’t be too disruptive.

Slat walls, a building material used for wall coverings and displays, were also installed for new books and display cases were moved to the open area.

The estimated total cost of the first floor renovations was $50,000.

SECOND FLOOR

Ten charging station lockers were installed on the second floor, and there is no charge to use the lockers.

“These are new lockers in which you can securely place up to three devices to charge,” Seaman said in an email. “The user sets the combination and then picks the devices up later.”

Also, the carpet by the elevator lobby was replaced on the second floor.

The estimated total cost of renovations for the second floor was $7,700.

THIRD FLOOR

A whiteboard wall will now be included on the third floor.

New furniture was also added as part of space re-

purposing. The periodicals collection was consolidated and the periodicals shelving units were relocated.

The estimated total cost of the third floor renovations was $50,000.

FOURTH FLOOR

Two new whiteboard walls were added, and the other two walls were painted, leaving them with a splash of color.

Two additional booths are located around the whiteboards.

The estimated total cost of renovations for the fourth floor was $11,000.

FIFTH FLOOR

The bathroom on the fifth floor was converted to a gender-neutral bathroom.

There was no cost for the gender-neutral bathroom because the university repurposed an existing bathroom, according to a previous report.

The amount of study space was also increased as file cabinets were removed and some of them were relocated to the first floor to store microfilm.

There was no cost of renovations for the fifth floor, Seaman said.

@MEGANKHENRY MH573113@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21

SAP, SAOP saw changes this summer MEGAN HENRY ASST. NEWS EDITOR JULIA FAIR FOR THE POST Two services for survivors of sexual assault in Athens have changed the way they operate in the past few months.

Of the most notable changes, the Survivor Advocacy Program at Ohio University hired new leadership and the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program is no longer affiliated with the university.

SAP

SAP hired a new director and survivor advocate/case manager this summer.

OU’s Division of Student Affairs named Kimberly Castor as the director and Kristin Waltz as the program’s survivor advocate/case manager, according to a previous Post report.

Castor — who started her position as SAP director on June 27 — will offer support and information to student survivors, have full programmatic responsibility in addressing campus-wide interpersonal violence and will be in charge of office staff and collaborations with prevention education efforts on campus. Her salary is $62,000, according to information obtained in a public records request.

Waltz started her job as a survivor advocate on July 18 and is providing crisis intervention and advocacy services to students who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Her position will include case management, direct victim services, crisis intervention and emergency response. Her salary is $48,000, according to information obtained in a public records request.

Delaney Anderson, whose annual salary was $37,230, was the program coordinator of OUSAP, but left her position in October for a job outside the university, according to a previous Post report. Anderson was a non-mandated reporter, and her departure left OUSAP without a licensed and credentialed program coordinator. A non-mandated reporter does not have to report suspicions of abuse.

On Nov. 16, OUSAP temporarily closed.

In March, OU announced that SAP is expected to reopen Fall Semester.

Instead of being called the Ohio University Survivor Advocacy Program as it was in the past, the program is now the Survivor Advocacy Program.

22 / WELCOME BACK EDITION

ABOVE: The Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program and the Survivor Advocacy Program at Ohio University have been through various changes over the summer. (ALEX DRIEHAUS / FILE)

The purpose of the program is to provide confidential support and counseling to survivors of sexual assault, stalking and relationship violence. SAP now falls under the Division of Student Affairs, and the new program will report to Associate Dean of Students Patti McSteen.

SAP will remain in Lindley Hall and will set up an after-hours hotline with trained professionals.

SAOP

OU said in a news release that SAOP would close at the end of its grant cycle Sept. 30, but SAOP program Director Catherine Wargo said the program would remain open under a new fiscal agent, that will act as a sponsor.

Carly Glick, senior director of Communication Services, said the program had not yet confirmed a new fiscal agent.

Wargo said she doesn’t anticipate any lapse in services while the transition is occurring, and will continue services on Oct. 1.

The Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program stopped offering confidential coun-

“

OU said in a news release that SAOP would close at the end of its grant cycle Sept. 30, but SAOP program Director Catherine Wargo said the program would remain open under a new fiscal agent, that will act as a sponsor.

seling in May — a term it agreed to provide when it received state funding.

The program used to receive funding from the Victims of Crime Act Victims Fund and the Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund, according to a previous Post report.

The change came when OU altered its felony reporting policies. Because the center was supported, it had to abide by

the university’s regulations.

Former OU spokeswoman Katie Quaranta said applicable law mandates reporting in certain situations, including child and elder abuse, imminent threat of harm to self and/or others, and, unless there is privilege, protects all communications between a professional legal adviser and his or her clients to report a felony.

There are exemptions to that statute, however, Katie Hanna, executive director of statewide advocacy group the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said in a previous Post report.

“One of the exemptions is for a bona fide program that is focused on supporting survivors of sexual assault,” Hanna said.

SAOP has served Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Perry and Vinton counties since 2013 as part of OU’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion.

@MEGANKHENRY MH573113@OHIO.EDU @FAIR3JULIA JF311013@OHIO.EDU

Jason Pina ready for Fall Semester MEGAN HENRY ASST. NEWS EDITOR

ABOVE: Dr. Jason B. Pina, Vice President for Student Affairs (THE OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS / PROVIDED)

Jason Pina will start his first semester at Ohio University this month along with the class of 2020 and his daughter, Kayla.

Pina, whose first day as vice president for Student Affairs at OU was June 13, said his new job is going well as he and his family settle into a new town and university and prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Kayla, a freshman studying chemical engineering, will be starting at OU alongside her father this semester.

“I feel proud that my daughter chose to be a Bobcat,” Pina said in an email.

“She is excited to start her education here and that enthusiasm is key to anyone fulfilling their potential as a student.”

The Rhode Island native said one of his favorite parts about OU so far includes listening to the stories of how

students came to be community members.

“Their love and gratefulness for OU has been reinforced almost every day since I moved to Athens,” Pina said in an email.

Pina also said he enjoys the overall beauty of OU’s campus, especially the bike path and golf course.

“Being out and about early in the morning is one of my favorite times to enjoy nature and the welcoming nature of our colleagues that come to campus before dawn to help us carry out OU’s mission and vision,” Pina said in an email.

OU announced Pina as the new vice president for Student Affairs on March 24, according to a previous Post report.

Ryan Lombardi held the position for seven years before leaving OU on July 3, 2015, after taking a job as vice president for Student and Campus Life at Cornell University.

After Lombardi left, Dean

of Students Jenny Hall-Jones was named interim vice president for Student Affairs.

July 1, 2015 was her first day in that position, and she held it until Pina took over this summer.

Lombardi’s salary for the 2014-15 academic year was $213,262, according to information obtained in a public records request. Pina’s salary is $245,000.

Most recently, Pina worked as the vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts, which had a little more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students for Fall 2015, according to its website.

Pina also previously worked at the University of Rhode Island, Roger Williams University, Stonehill College and Babson College.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Occidental College in California, a master’s in educational leadership from

the University of Northern Colorado and a doctorate in higher educational leadership from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island.

He has been married for more than 20 years and has two children.

Since he moved to Athens, Pina has become a regular at the Saturday Farmer’s Market and enjoys eating at the many local restaurants.

The people Pina has come in to contact with in Athens have been “overwhelmingly welcoming and kind,” he said.

Pina is also a fan of the lack of traffic, though he said he looks forward to students returning to campus for the upcoming semester.

“I look forward to experiencing the rhythms of the academic year,” Pina said in an email. “Students have unique insights into OU and I need to hear their voice on a number of important issues.”

@MEGANKHENRY MH573113@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 23

Multicultural Center to bring diverse speakers JOE WILLIAMSON COOKE FOR THE POST The Multicultural Center plans to start the school year with programs to make students of various backgrounds feel at home.

Winsome Chunnu-Brayda, the associate director of the Multicultural Center said events and speakers vary annually based on the goal of educating the audience on timely social and cultural issues occurring both globally and nationally.

“This upcoming year, the theme of our events will be immigration and race relations surrounding the election,” she said. “Every year we bring different speakers and programs which address current issues and tie them back into the national debates around them.”

Many annual events will

be held to honor different ethnicities during specific commemorative months such as Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Native American Heritage month in November and Black History Month in February. Keynote speakers for those events have not yet been announced.

The Multicultural Center will collaborate with Black Student Cultural Programming Board for the Blackburn Spencer Scholarship Pageant in October, film screenings and speeches during Martin Luther King Jr. Week, the Sibs Weekend concert in February and Mom’s Weekend Exposition in April.

The Multicultural Center will also work with the OHIO Alumni Association during the Black Alumni Reunion which occurs from Sept. 15-18. These reunions

24 / WELCOME BACK EDITION

“

Many of our speakers address different audiences and aspects of issues. We want our speakers to be able to relate to students...

-Winsome ChunnuBrayda, associate director of the Multicultural Center occur once every three years.

Chunnu-Brayda said the Multicultural Center has received verbal confirmation from many speakers but won’t release informa-

tion on individuals until they sign written contracts.

Last academic year, the Multicultural Center hosted events such as a Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration and Kushinda/Ritos de Pasaje, which is a celebration of the multicultural undergraduate graduating class. Notable speakers who attended Ohio University included gay and Latino poet and activist Emanuel Xavier, Ojibwe professor Dr. Anton Treuer and Sachi Nakachi, an English professor who is Japanese.

In fall 2015, the Multicultural Center began the “How Are You Diverse” campaign, which encouraged students to write how they are diverse on a canvas inside the center and around Baker center, Billingslea said.

Jeffrey Billingslea, president of the Black Student

Cultural Programming Board, said he hopes the Multicultural Center builds on that campaign in order to motivate students to embrace diversity.

Chunnu-Brayda said the center will continue to use speakers who come from many different backgrounds so they can relate to a larger spectrum of listeners.

“Many of our speakers address different audiences and aspects of issues,” she said. “We want our speakers to be able to relate to students, so they will have more of a desire to attend events.”

Morgan Matthews, a junior studying marketing, said she hopes more “nonblack students” will become knowledgeable about the Multicultural Center in the upcoming year.

“I would like to see more

cultures being represented (at the Multicultural Center), and not just African Americans,” she said. “It is surprising to me how many non-black students don’t know the center even exists, let alone the events and organizations housed there.”

Chunnu-Brayda said she is excited for the possibility of students being empowered, more knowledgeable and engaged with what is going on around them.

“It will be an interesting, fun and informative year,” she said. “I hope students stay informed, get involved with organizations on campus and look at national issues through a different lens.”

@JCOOKE1996 JC390413@OHIO.EDU

Women’s Center programs focus on positivity, empowerment ALEXIS EICHELBERGER FOR THE POST The Women’s Center is currently a one-woman team, but that won’t stop it from having several new and improved programs this year.

Since former program coordinator Sarah Jenkins left her position last spring, Women’s Center Director Geneva Murray, who came to Ohio University just last October, has been running the Women’s Center on her own throughout the summer.

Now, she looks to join forces with other on-campus organizations to keep the Women’s Center’s many pro-

grams, both new and old, up and running with the return of students. Some of these collaborations include programs in conjunction with the LGBT Center, the Multicultural Center, the Campus Involvement Center, and the political science and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies departments.

Early in the year, the Women’s Center will be working with the Women’s Panhellenic Association on its annual “Love Yourself Week.” This week will include several self-esteem building programs, such as repurposing old scales to show positive messages instead of numbers.

ABOVE: Local Burlesque performer, Clementine, teaches classic Burlesque moves at a body confidence workshop on Oct. 15 in the Women’s Center. The Women’s Center will host multiple events throughout the 2016-17 academic year, and will focus on empowering those in the Athens community and at OU. (LIZ MOUGHON / FILE)

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Kristen Kardas, assistant director for Sorority and Fraternity Life, said that week was a good opportunity for the Women’s Panhellenic Association and the Women’s Center to turn similar events into one collaboration. “‘Love Yourself Week’ will still have certain events specific for members of WPA organizations, but helping to co-sponsor and collaborate on other events during the week will help both the Women’s Center and WPA connect to a wider audience,” Kardas said in an email. “WPA has coordinated with the Women’s Center on events before, and see this as a great partnership moving forward.”

Another new program the Women’s Center plans to put on is a “Selfie Session,” Murray said.

“From Frida Kahlo to modern technology, women have used selfies to define themselves and empower themselves in

positive ways,” Murray said.

She said the workshop will focus on the empowering and artistic side of selfies.

The Women’s Center will also be officially unveiling its “She Leads Ohio” program, which was first developed in the spring but will now be fully up and running. “(The program) trains students in leadership in hopes that they will run for office someday,” Murray said.

The Women’s Center will also host two international keynote speakers; a man from India who started his own sanitary napkin business to provide women with clean and affordable feminine products and a woman who will discuss women’s issues in Egypt.

Weekly Brown Bag programs will become monthly. During election season, these lunchtime discussions will be focused on politics, Murray said.

“For part of the elections series, we will be working on nonviolent protest and how to engage with people when you’re on different sides of the political aisle,” Murray said.

She said other topics will include how elections can have an immediate impact on women in the community.

Murray said the Women’s Center’s overall goal for the year will be to continue to empower people in all parts of the university and Athens.

“The Women’s Center strives to be an integral part of the transformative learning community that we have at Ohio University,” Murray said. “Our students, staff, faculty and community members need to feel like empowered, confident people so they can go out into the world and be successful.”

@ADEICHELBERGERAE595714@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 25

Six fall festivals to check out while in Athens Co. JESSICA HILL FOR THE POST

If you go WHAT: Ohio Pawpaw Festival WHEN: Sept. 16-18 WHERE: Lake Snowden ADMISSION: $15 one day pass, $30 weekend pass

Athens residents can’t only tell it’s fall by the leaves changing color, but also by the number of festivals taking place throughout the season. Festivities in Athens range from tasting local cuisine and unique fruits to experiencing country music and the craziness of Halloween.

“The fall is really the most beautiful time of year to be in Athens,” Paige Alost, the executive director of the Athens Visitor’s Bureau, said in an email.

WHAT: Country Night Lights WHEN: Sept. 23-24 WHERE: The Venue of Athens ADMISSION: 2-day general admission $75; Friday only general admission $40; Saturday only general admission $50.

1. OHIO PAWPAW FESTIVAL

The 18th Annual Pawpaw Festival, which will be held Sept. 16 to Sept. 18, offers Athens residents and students the opportunity to volunteer and camp at Lake Snowden during the weekend. The Pawpaw Festival celebrates the native tree fruit of the same name. Hosted by the Ohio’s Hill Heritage Area Program, the Pawpaw Festival educates festgoers about native species.

“The Ohio pawpaw festival is fun for all ages of our community with plenty (of) activities,” Jessica Held, the coordinator of the nonprofit booths of the Pawpaw festival said in an email.

WHAT: Appalachian Outdoor Adventure WHEN: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Oct. 1 WHERE: Hocking College ADMISSION: Free ABOVE: Terri Frazer skins and seeds pawpaws to hand out to festivalgoers during the Pawpaw Festival at Lake Snowden on Sept. 12. (ALEX DRIEHAUS / FILE) 2. APPALACHIAN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Appalachian Outdoor Adventure, which takes place Oct. 1, offers fishing derbies,

outdoor cooking competitions and live music.

Taking place on Hocking College, the Appalachian Outdoor Adventure festival will also hold the Trail Horse Challenge at 9 a.m. Oct. 1. Glass blowing demonstrations and health and safety demonstrations will also take place during the festival.

3. APPALACHIAN COLOR IN THE HILLS FESTIVAL

Featuring helicopter rides, pumpkin drops and car shows, the Appalachian Color in the Hills Festival will take place Oct. 8 to Oct. 9 at Glouster Memorial Park.

Todd Berry, a country singer, will perform from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. at the event.

WHAT: Appalachian Color in the Hills Festival WHEN: 10 a.m., Oct. 8-9 WHERE: Glouster Memorial Park ADMISSION: Free WHAT: Ohio Smoked Meat and Barbecue Festival WHEN: Oct. 14-15 WHERE: Nelsonville Public Square ADMISSION: Free WHAT: 2016 Halloween Block Party WHEN: Oct. 29 WHERE: Court Street ADMISSION: Free

4. COUNTRY NIGHT LIGHTS

Country Night Lights will have its second festival in Athens Sept. 23-24 with headliners Jake Owen and Brett Eldredge.

This year, the festival expanded from one day to two days. Country Night Lights also will host a bigger tailgate party this year and plans to improve the VIP sections at the festival, Jordan Canada, the social media director for Country Night Lights, said in an email.

5. OHIO SMOKED MEAT AND BARBECUE FESTIVAL

Starting in 1996, the Ohio Smoked Meat and Barbecue Festival gives Nelsonville and Athens residents the chance to enter a barbecue competition.

Ohio Smoked Meat and Barbecue Festi26 / WELCOME BACK EDITION

val will also offer live music, a beer garden and food at Elk’s Lodge, 53 Hocking St. 6. 2016 HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY

The Halloween Block Party, an Athens tradition starting in 1974, will take place this year on October 29. Jonathan Holmberg, the chairman of the Athens Clean and Safe Halloween Committee, said people never know what to expect.

“Its reputation precedes it. A lot of people want to see what it’s all about,” Holmberg said.

@JESS_HILLYEAH JH240314@OHIO.EDU

Series to bring variety of award-winning concerts GRACE HILL FOR THE POST The Performing Arts and Concert Series will bring performances for every taste — hosting Broadway veterans, musicians from across the globe, classical artists and more — throughout the upcoming school year.

The season’s eight main series events will bring a varied package, which is typical for the series, Andrew Holzaepfel, the senior associate director for student activities in the Campus Involvement Center, said.

“Typical in that it’s not typical,” Holzaepfel continued. “We really just try to make it diverse and eclectic — basically like our community in Athens here.”

Bringing Broadway shows to Athens has become a tradition due to surveys, which found the shows were a popular choice among community members, Holzaepfel said. Two single-night Broadway tours will be included in the series.

The first of the two Broadway shows will be Once, a “show that works really well on a college campus,” Holzaepfel said. The Tony Award-winner follows an Irish musician as he falls in love and finds his inspiration once again. The show boasts a cast of musicians that act with guitars, violins and cellos in hand.

Broadway classic and Tony Award-winning Rent will return to Athens for its anniversary revival. According to Holzaepfel, the show is a community favorite. “(Rent) hasn’t been touring for years, so the fact that they are taking it back out for the anniversary tour, having had it here a few times in the past and knowing how much our students and community love the show, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to bring back the anniversary show,” Holzaepfel said.

The series will again collaborate with the School of Music to highlight an important milestone in the school’s history. For its 100th anniversary, the School of Music will kick off its celebration with a Spring Semester performance featuring Canadian Brass,

If you go WHAT: Scotty McCreery and Jana Kramer WHERE: TempletonBlackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 8 p.m., Sept. 8 ADMISSION: $55, first 10 rows; $35, remainder of floor; $25, balcony

ABOVE: Black Violin will perform Nov. 2 at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium as part of the 2016-17 Performing Arts and Concert Series. (ANDREW HOLZAEPFEL / FILE)

a brass quintet known around the world, Christopher Hayes, the director of the School of Music, said.

Three ensembles will join Canadian Brass in the performance, giving students and faculty an opportunity to connect with and learn from the music group, Holzaepfel said.

“The students will be by working with them one-on-one,” Hayes said. “(The collaboration will) be an amazing opportunity to work with world class musicians, and obviously … getting to hear world class musicians perform on campus will also be an amazing opportunity for (students).”

Hayes said as professional musicians, the quintet could also inform students about what it is like to pursue a career in performing music.

“All of this information … would transcend what their instrument is,” Hayes said.

Students can also look forward to a number of other viewing opportunities outside of the Performing Arts Series. In all, the university has about 35 shows planned for the Main Series, Concert Series and add ons, Holzaepfel said.

The Concerts Series will see guests throughout the year. First up will be Scotty McCreery and Jana Kramer, followed by pop artist Daya with special guest Public.

Second City comedians will return once again for Parents

Weekend, but this year an additional performance has been added to the weekend’s activities. Illusionist Adam Trent will perform the night before as a part of the Concert Series. Trent’s performance will include magic, music and comedy.

In honor of the upcoming presidential election, Holzaepfel said Dads Weekend will again feature comedians from The Daily Show, and Moms Weekend will see the return of Broadway’s Next Hit Musical.

Along with excitement for Rent’s return and a performance

by Mavis Staples, Holzaepfel said he is most looking forward to Black Violin. After seeing Black Violin in Dayton, he worked to get the act on OU’s campus.

“It’s just a completely different take on classical music,” he said. “I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun for our audience.”

The main series subscription drive opens Aug. 1, and single tickets will go on sale Aug. 24. Each performance offers student tickets, senior tickets and general admission tickets.

“I love (the main) series because the audience is always pretty well split between students and non-students and community members,” Holzaepfel said. “For me, that’s a lot of fun.”

@GRACEOLIVIAHILL GH663014@OHIO.EDU

WHAT: Daya and Public WHERE: TempletonBlackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 22 ADMISSION: $25, first 10 rows; $20, remainder of floor WHAT: Adam Trent: Magician Reinvented WHERE: TempletonBlackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 8 p.m., Sept. 23 ADMISSION: $30, first 10 rows; $20, remainder of floor WHAT: The Second City Hits Home WHERE: TempletonBlackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 8 p.m., Sept. 24 ADMISSION: $20, general admission WHAT: “Once” WHERE: TempletonBlackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 14 ADMISSION: $22, student; $27, senior; $30, general admission WHAT: Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen WHERE: TempletonBlackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16 ADMISSION: $55, first 10 rows; $35, remainder of floor

WHAT: Black Violin WHERE: Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 2 ADMISSION: $12, student; $18, senior; $20, general admission WHAT: Mavis Staples WHERE: Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 17 ADMISSION: $22, student; $27, senior; $30, general admission WHAT: The Ten Tenors: Home for the Holidays WHERE: Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 7 p.m., Dec. 6 ADMISSION: $15, student; $20, senior; $25, general admission WHAT: Mountain Stage WHERE: Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 7 p.m., Jan. 22 ADMISSION: $12, student; $18, senior; $20, general admission WHAT: Canadian Brass WHERE: TempletonBlackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 7 ADMISSION: $8, student; $13, senior; $15, general admission WHAT: The Nile Project WHERE: TempletonBlackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 27 ADMISSION: $8, student; $13, senior; $15, general admission WHAT: “Rent” 20th Anniversary Tour WHERE: TempletonBlackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium WHEN: 7:30 p.m., March 28 ADMISSION: $22, student; $27, senior; $30, general admission

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 27

STAFF PICKS

ATHLETES TO WATCH THIS FALL The Bobcats are aiming toward winning seasons all-around with key returning players leading the teams

FOOTBALL

SOCCER

VOLLEYBALL

Staff Andrew Gillis / Asst. Sports Editor Player to watch Sebastian Smith (Wide Receiver)

Staff Kellen Becoats / For The Post Player to watch Alexis Milesky

Staff Nick Kairys / For The Post Player to watch Erica Walker (Libero)

Anyone who has watched the team since coach Aaron Rodgers came to Athens is immediately drawn to Alexis Milesky's play. Her attacking senses and intensity will only burn brighter for her senior season, and she is one of Ohio's only players that can create her own shot and actively makes defenses worry about her at all times. She was second on the team in goals last season with four, and her relationship with her sister, Alivia — who will be a freshman with the Bobcats this season — could be underrated. Stephanie Rowland's loss will be huge for Ohio, but watch for Alexis Milesky to be the star in her final season in Athens.

Although it will be tough to replace the full-extension dives, lighting-quick reflexes and a gritty defensive mind of Meredith Ashy, her competitive spirit will continue through sophomore libero Erica Walker. As a freshman, Walker appeared in all 33 matches last season and ranked third on the team in assists with 41 and fourth in digs with 270. Just like MAC opponents game-planned to hit away from Ashy throughout her tenure, Walker is becoming a defensive factor worth avoiding. With only one collegiate season under her belt, Walker already has the experience to prove it.

It would have been easy to select linebacker Quentin Poling, but Sebastian Smith might be the most important player on the Bobcats this season.

Named to the preseason Biletnikoff Award watch list — an award given to the nation’s best receiver — Smith is entering his senior season looking to break out on the national stage. A strong senior season could net a mid-round draft pick for the 6-foot-3 senior, who will be the centerpiece of this year's passing attack.

HOCKEY

FIELD HOCKEY

CROSS COUNTRY

WOMEN’S GOLF

Staff Jordan Horrobin / Staff Writer Player to watch Matt Rudin

Staff Janie Dulaney / For The Post Player to watch Kristen Buchanan

Staff Joe Cooke / For The Post Player to watch Ellen Isaac

Staff Jess Johnston / For The Post Player to watch Hailey Hrynewich

No freshmen impacted Ohio as immediately or as significantly last season as forward Matt Rudin. After splitting ice time early on, he rose quickly up the Bobcat depth chart and settled into a spot on the second line. When the top line had a gap, either due to a suspension or injury, he filled it. Rudin has the potential to be on the top line consistently this year, but Ohio coach Sean Hogan wouldn’t provide a guarantee.

His offensive numbers, however, present a fair argument. He tied for second on the team in goals with 18 and was fifth in points with 30. Look for Rudin to see more time on Ohio’s top line, create highlight-worthy goals and possibly lead the team in points.

Kristen Buchanan is likely to be a clearcut leader and set an example for a team with a lot of potential. Last season Buchanan racked up nine points and finished the season with seven assists, showing in her statistics that she is a “pass-first” player. Unselfish players often make the best leaders, exhibiting to both peers and underclassmen that a winning season means a season filled with selfless play.

Senior Ellen Isaac will aim to use her experience and credentials on the course to give the Ohio University’s women’s cross country team sustainable success.

Isaac won Women’s Runner of the Year at the All-Ohio Cross Country Awards after finishing above 14th in every race during the 2015 season. She was nine seconds shy of qualifying for nationals.

With eight members of last year’s team graduated, Isaac must duplicate that production in her final collegiate year if the team wants to make a run in the MAC and NCAA tournament.

Keep an eye out for Hailey Hrynewich as the team starts the season in full swing. Hrynewich, a senior, has a big season starting this fall with this year being her last to compete as a collegiate athlete. She hasn’t missed a single event in the past two seasons, totaling 22 events and 56 rounds. Hrynewich averaged 77.88 strokes in the 2015-16 season (which was improved from her average of 78.26 strokes the previous season). She also placed sixth last season in the MAC Championships, four places higher than her 10th place finish in the 2014 season.The Bobcats will start their season in early September.

28 / WELCOME BACK EDITION

ICONS VIA THINKSTOCK

FOOTBALL

No secrets from the offseason With 14 returning starters on offense and defense, Ohio has been picked to finish second in the MAC East in a preseason poll CHARLIE HATCH SPORTS EDITOR DETROIT — Coach Frank Solich joked that the Ohio offseason has been so quiet that media are running out of questions to ask.

“There doesn’t seem to be as many questions marks and concerns by people who are asking the questions,” Solich said at Mid-American Conference Media Day on July 28. “That’s probably a good sign.”

To an extent, he’s right.

For as much as the 2015 offseason was about offensive questions at quarterback and running back, the current offseason hides no secrets.

Assuming he’s healthy, J.D. Sprague will be the starting quarterback. The same assumptions can be made about A.J. Oullette leading the running back depth chart.

With seven returning offensive starters, the only real concern is the offensive line’s experience, and the team rotated possible options throughout spring practices. Ohio lost three of its starting linemen from 2015.

LAUREN BACHO / FILE Ohio wide receiver Sebastian Smith attempts to run through Western Michigan’s defense during a game Oct. 17. Smith is the senior wide receiver to watch this season.

Defensively, seven starters return, with the only losses coming in the secondary.

The line should be strong and the linebackers have playing experience, especially after mid-season injuries pillaged the position in 2015.

At times, injuries forced players to

perform out of position to field a competitive defense, including the Oct. 24 Buffalo game where Oullette lined up as a middle linebacker in a 41-17 loss.

“We had a lot of young guys step up that were not normally put in that position,” Solich said about last season’s

switch-around.

“In being put in that position, they gained a great deal of experience and that should make them better football players right now.”

Others appear to agree with him.

Ohio was picked to finish second in the MAC East in the preseason poll. The team also received 10 votes for first place, just behind Bowling Green with 12 first place votes.

“I think they got us placed about right,” Solich said at Media Day. “So I’ve got no complaints.”

Casey Sayles, a defensive tackle representing Ohio at Media Day, said preseason polls lack any sort of value or significance.

“I don’t pay attention to that stuff really,” Sayles said. “I’ve seen so many times when the outcomes have been completely opposite when the last team ends up first.

It’s whatever.”

What the Bobcats will pay attention to, however, is that the Falcons — a team Sayles hasn’t beaten during his time in Athens — won another category.

In the last four years, Sayles and his teammates have been outscored 168-51 against Bowling Green. The two teams will play Oct. 8 at Peden Stadium.

“That’s always the one team, especially this year, we want to beat,” he said.

“That’s one team that’s one up on us to get to the MAC championship.”

The season begins Sept. 3 when Ohio hosts Texas State.

@CHARLIEHATCH_ GH181212@OHIO.EDU

WOMEN’S SOCCER

New assistant coaches bring wealth of attack experience KELLEN BECOATS FOR THE POST It’s no secret that Ohio’s attack struggled last year.

Freshman Stephanie Rowland led the team in goals with five, followed by Alexis Milesky with four and Holly Harris with three.

To put that into perspective, Emma Kahn from Western Michigan had 12 herself while Ohio had 17 goals in total.

The Bobcats have brought in a good deal of attacking talent this season to try and alleviate this problem, but their best acquisitions may be new assistant coach-

es Jess Kodiak and Debs Brereton.

Kodiak comes from Miami of Ohio, where she was named MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2012 and scored a career 32 goals and recorded 29 assists. Her knowledge of the conference and her attacking talent could be a real boon for players like Allie Curry and Hannah Jaggers, who have struggled to score goals in recent seasons.

Brereton is no stranger to scoring goals as well, as her lone season at Middle Tennessee State University saw her set a school record of 19 goals. She also has professional playing experience in the now-defunct Women’s Professional Soccer League.

With both coaches bringing a good deal of attacking knowledge, expect the goals to be more free flowing for Ohio this season. Brereton and Kodiak will certainly have their work cut out for them, especially since Rowland will be missing the season due to injury.

Coach Aaron Rodgers brought in seven new players this season, and it’s no surprise many of them can benefit his attack immediately. Add that with an already-fiery Milesky entering her final season and a couple of players who are looking to nail down a spot in the starting eleven, and this could be the season Ohio turns its

attack around.

It’s likely that Rodgers could revert back to a two-striker system in order to get an uptick in goals, and Brereton and Kodiak could be pivotal in making sure that experiment goes off without a hitch.

The Bobcats ranked in the bottom two of almost every offensive category last season. Expect Rodgers’ newest coaches to move them up that ladder and get them back to MAC Tournament for the first time since 2014.

@KELLENBECOATS KB749012@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 29

HOCKEY

Incoming player has nearly 18 years under belt After picking up the sport at 3 years old, the 20-year-old freshman will head to Athens and look to boost team’s offense SPENCER HOLBROOK FOR THE POST When people state that they have been doing something their entire life, it’s not usually taken literally.

Gianni Evangelisti’s claim, however, is the truth.

Raised in Dublin, Evangelisti started skating at the age of 3 after attending a birthday party hosted at an ice skating rink.

“I went to my cousin’s birthday party, and it was a skating party,” Evangelisti said. “I liked it, so I kind of picked it up from there.”

After almost 18 years of skating and playing hockey in high school and for travel teams, Evangelisti will be looking to extend his ice time when he suits up in for the Bobcats this fall.

It wasn’t a hard decision for Evangelisti, who was given the option to play hockey collegiately and go back to school after graduating high school in 2012.

“It was the best fit for me,” he said. “It’s close to home, and I have a lot of friends from high school that go to OU.” Not only does he have high praise for Ohio as an institution, he also praised coach Sean Hogan.

“It’s been a hockey program for a while now, and they’ve had a lot of success,” he said. “I know Coach Hogan runs a good program. I have heard nothing but good things.”

Although Evangelisti’s fit into the team dynamic is yet to be seen, he said the best fit for him is Ohio’s historic hockey team, which began in 1958. A picture of Evangelisti’s role will become clearer by the end of the month, as tryouts for the team begin Aug. 30. Practice will begin shortly thereafter.

Being a smaller guy on the ice isn’t always easy for the 5-foot-10 Evangelisti but he doesn’t mind the challenge.

30 / WELCOME BACK EDITION

GIANNI EVANGELISTI Height 5’10 Weight 175 Hometown Dublin, Ohio Played Hockey since 3 years old Favorite team Columbus Blue Jackets Favorite player Ryan Johansen Favorite non-hockey pastime Golf Intended major at Ohio Business Finance

Offense has never been questionable for Evangelisti.

He has shown his playmaking ability since 2010 when he was with the Ohio Blue Jackets U16 and U18 teams. In three seasons there, he had 38 goals and 108 points. He also had 75 points for the Philadelphia Flyers Elite of the U.S. Premier Hockey League in 2013.

While in the USPHL, Evangelisti had 36 goals and 98 total points in three seasons for four teams playing in Ohio, New Jersey and Massachusetts.

“I have always been more offensively minded,” he said. “I like to consider myself a playmaker, but if the time comes and I need to shoot, I can bury the puck into the back of the net.”

Evangelisti isn’t nervous about becoming a student after three years without schooling but rather, he said, he is excited and ready for the opportunity. “(It’s) just exciting to be a part of OU and meet new people,” he said.

@SPENCERHOLBROOK SH690914@OHIO.EDU

FIELD HOCKEY

Bobcats look toward upperclassmen to produce first winning season since 2011 After bowing out during the MAC Tournament semifinal, Ohio wants a successful season that leads to a conference title JANIE DULANEY FOR THE POST By no means was the 2015 season a lost one, but for Ohio, a groove couldn’t be found.

The Bobcats ended last year with a 2-1 loss to Kent State in the Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinal and finished with an 8-10 record overall.

With the past season on the books, the team is hoping to find some consistency this season. Under the leadership of 11 upperclassmen, as well as five rising sophomores, the team is on a clear upward trajectory.

After losing two seniors, Adele Sammons and Clarissa Leickly, who were cornerstone pieces and strong leaders, Ohio is expecting many upperclassmen to step up and fill those roles.

The seniors on this year’s team have only experienced 21 wins in their three seasons — and they have never had a winning season.

But it would only be fair to assume that the leaders of this year’s team will use that as motivation moving forward.

Senior Hannah Kingsbury and juniors Maria Russell and Rachel Kho are expected to stand out this year and give Ohio the experience it will need to build on last season.

However, senior Kristen Buchanan will likely be the group’s leader, producing nine points and seven assists a year ago.

Along with a strong veteran presence, there will also be plenty of young talent to keep up with as Ohio picked up several incoming freshmen: Karynne Baker, Amy Edgerton, Gabriella Lorenzo and Gabrielle Wink.

In addition to the new class of players, Ohio also promoted Rachel McCarthy —

LAUREN BACHO / FILE Ohio’s Clarissa Leickly hits the ball during a game against Northwestern on Oct. 25, 2015.

the team’s graduate assistant coach last season — to full-time assistant coach.

McCarthy previously played field hockey at University of Massachusetts Lowell for three years before finishing her collegiate career at The University of Louisville.

Before w ­ inding up at Ohio, McCarthy gained experience at IFHCK, an elite field hockey club in Louisville, Kentucky, and for NorthEast Elite in New England.

@JANIEDUL18 JD540914@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 31

32 / WELCOME BACK EDITION