Feb. 10, 2014

the

Since 1996

Vol. 38, Iss. 18

Monday, February 10, 2014

NEWS

Enrollment

UCCS above other schools 3

Jonathan Toman jtoman@uccs.edu

SGA restructures 3

Colorado Springs hosted an Olympic Celebration last Friday night to commemorate the start of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. UCCS was heavily represented by students, student-athletes and alumni.

The event was run by the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation (frequently referred to as Sports Corp.) in tandem with the City of Colorado Springs, the Downtown Development Authority and the U.S. Olympic Committee. Attractions at the event included snowmobile jumpers, live music, a showing of the opening ceremonies and a torch lighting ceremony amongst other events.

“This event is great, it’s a community awareness-type event, it allows the NGB’s (National Governing Bodies) to come together and celebrate summer and winter Olympic events,” said Mike Lukken,

Honey

Life changer for one UCCS nutrition major 4

Sociology professor

Professor balances entreprenuership, gin and books 4

CULTURE

Nerd Night

Weekly event holds games, fun for everyone 5

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

UCCS students, student-athletes involved in downtown Olympic celebration

Constitution

SCIENCE & BUSINESS

UCCSScribe.com

JAMES SIBERT | THE SCRIBE

Snowmobiler demonstration at the Opening Ceremony in downtown Colorado Springs Feb. 7.

“I’m impressed with the event, I come from a small town and for so many people to be involved, there’s a lot of people that are really into it,” said Dana Shellhorn, freshman UCCS women’s soccer

Games and the Rocky Mountain State Games. The Sports Corp. came to UCCS in search of sport management students to run different sections and venues at the event.

“Our program has very good

Smoothies

Something healthy and nutritious 6

OPINION

Canadian Exchange

Replace Bieber with Major Ford 9

School focus Preparing high schoolers for college life is important 9

SPORTS

Kirchoff

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

UCCS soccer players show support of Team USA at Olympic Opening Ceremony.

who Sport Management. A member of the 2011 inaugural class, Lukken is the coordinator of program services for USA Hockey.

defender.

The Sports Corp. is a part of several events in the Colorado Springs area, including the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Warrior

connections, we’re an obvious outlet to come talk to,” said Ian Ratz, internship manager for the Sport Management program at UCCS. “They reached out

Women’s basketball star on life, teamwork and shopping 11

Softball Temperatures and training build tenacity 11

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to us.”

According to Ratz, eight sport management students have been involved for around the last three months, and are “involved in oversight and planning in their specific zone.”

In addition, there are around a dozen other sport management students involved in different roles.

Colorado Springs houses the headquarters for U.S. Olympic Committee as well for 25 national sport governing bodies. This proximity allows the program to speak directly with the governing bodies, to host interns and “gives our program a unique niche,” said Ratz.

“They know that we’re a great resource for them to reach out to. They know our students are credible, educated, and ready to help.”

One student running a portion of the event is Laura Roberts, senior sport management major. She is the event manager for the mile-long Downtown Dash Glow Run. Roberts interned in the fall for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb with Sports Corp. She explained her role for the run is simple.

Continued on page 2 . . .

NEWS

Feb. 10, 2014| 2

(Continued from page 1) UCCS Olympics “I’m the point of contact, anything that happens is my fire to put out,” she said. “I’m there to make sure things run smoothly.”

Roberts explained although she has been involved in previous events, it was more in a volunteer capacity.

“I never got to do the buildup towards it, it’s nice to really actually been given a project, it’s been cool,” she said. “This is something that I would like

to go into, there’s a lot of real world experience I will actually use going forward.”

According to Roberts, they started work at the end of October, splitting up the events, getting the job descriptions and learning about important contacts.

“Then they tossed it over to us,” she said. “We met about once a month to check in with everything, it was easy to communicate and keep it going.”

Roberts, who is not running, is tasked with coordinating with police to block off the roads, and tailor the hot chocolate stands that will be alongside the route. Members of the UCCS soccer and golf teams will be present at the run to serve as volunteer course marshals, increasing the university presence in the event.

Roberts hopes the weather will not play a huge role in the festivities. Leftover snow may

even allow different opportunities, including more options for the snowmobilers.

“Hopefully the weather doesn’t affect turnout, it’ll play an interesting factor,” she said.

“I’m from Virginia, so all of this is cold for me.”

Ratz considers the Olympic movement, and the events surrounding it, key for both the city of Colorado Springs and UCCS. “Without the Olympics

there’s not as much to pride ourselves on, we’re just one more sport management program across the country.”

“In my opinion, it’s one of the biggest industries in our community,” said Ratz. “It’s a very very strong glove that holds our community together, and this kind of an event is a great way to remind people of that.”

Olympic food

Push for better food choices through athlete nutrition Jonathan Toman jtoman@uccs.edu

Nanna Meyer, UCCS sports nutrition assistant professor, is headed to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, as a nutritional consultant for USA speed skating.

In connection with Meyer’s trip and accompanying blog, the sports nutrition department held a “Food for Olympians and UCCS Athletes” presentation. The Feb. 3 event was put together by Jacqueline Berning, biology professor, and several graduate students in the sports nutrition program.

“The goal is to connect students and student athletes and help them make better food choices,” said Berning.

JONATHAN TOMAN | THE SCRIBE

Student involved in sports nutrition can learn about healthy food options.

Attendance was not as high as expected, so the presentation may be held again at a later

date, which was unspecified by time of printing.

The sports nutrition program

is also looking to take their presentation up to CU-Boulder, as UCCS is the only school in

the CU system to offer a degree in dietetics.

“There’s so much to do with nutrition, organizing events and educating the public,” she said. “We’re taking knowledge and presenting it,” said Kristina Comer, a graduate student.

“It’s interesting to read about her [Meyer’s] journey.

We had similar events helping her prepare, we learn about all that goes into it,” Comer added.

In addition to the presentation, there will be a UCCS Food Table outside Café 65 where students can sample Russian food on Feb. 12 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students can follow Meyer’s blog from the Olympics at sochiatuccs.blogspot.com.

Campus authorities aim to educate on pot discipline Dezarae Yoder dyoder@uccs.edu

The recent state legalization of recreational marijuana has led to new developments in the way UCCS conducts drug enforcement.

According to their records, since July 1, 2013 there have been 15 marijuana disciplinary referrals to the office of the Dean of Students and 40 alcohol referrals.

Amanda Koback, program manager in the office of the Dean of Students, stated the repeat offence rate from last semester is .7 percent for marijuana and 2 percent for alcohol.

If 21 years or older and caught with marijuana, students are not ticketed but referred by campus police to the office of the Dean of Students.

If the student lives on campus, Molly Kinne, conduct officer and associate director of Residence Life, will begin further processing. The office of the Dean of Students will

then contact them with further instructions.

Conduct officers decide whether a student will be required to take any of the courses offered regarding drug usage in addition to counseling sessions and community service that may be mandated.

Currently, UCCS offers two levels of marijuana classes that last from one hour to one and a half hours. Each class has a specified booklet for students to read and complete.

The booklets contain writing prompts such as, “Describe some of the damage you believe you may have caused to your brain as a result of using marijuana.”

Second time offenders may be required to take the more thorough of the two classes called “Alternatives” in addition to possible other specified repercussions by the conduct officers.

“We specifically picked this [course] because it’s one-onone,” stated Steve Linhart,

dean of students. “Part of that conversation is we understand what the implications might be if you come back to see us. We just need to let you know.”

“It depends upon the need of the student,” stated Koback.

“Why they got into trouble the second time … and the circumstances surrounding it.”

“Most of the feedback has been that it is [beneficial] and we don’t see a whole lot of repeat offenders,” said Koback.

If a student wants to comment on their experience, evaluation sheets are made available at the end of each completed course.

“Ultimately our goal is no different than anyone on campus. ‘I want you to be successful.’ That is our ultimate goal,” said Linhart, “Within the confines of the rules of the university.”

Physical Marijuana courses were instituted on campus in the fall of 2013. Previously only an online version was accessible to students required to

take it.

“The only thing they do is sign you up for a class and make you write an essay about why [it’s] ‘Bad,’” stated Castroma Long-Battle, who was cited for being under the influence of marijuana on campus, in an email.

“The first time the officer suspected I looked under the influence based on my eyes [they] gave me [an] immediate “M.I.P” (minor in possession),” stated Long-Battle.

If a student is suspected of using marijuana while on campus, law enforcement will go through an investigation using SFSTs (standardized field sobriety test). This will help determine whether the individual is under the influence of the drug or potentially has it in their possession.

The officer will determine sobriety based on the correct administering of the tests, physical cues and direct questioning.

The National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration, which sponsors studies about the influence of marijuana stated, “When the component tests of the SFST battery are combined, officers are accurate in 91 percent of cases.”

“Based on the physical evidence that we see and the tests that we do and [students] admitting to using marijuana, they’re issued a ticket,” stated UCCS Police Sergeant Marc Pino. “Whether they live oncampus or not.”

Koback also expects the creation of a new student advisory committee this semester. The committee will be concerned with issues specific to drugs and alcohol and be comprised of students from varying clubs and organizations. The committee will function as a focus group and is anticipated to meet at least twice this semester.

NEWS

Feb. 10, 2014| 3

For UCCS, enrollment growth key to budget planning Jesse Byrnes jbyrnes@uccs.edu

UCCS and Colorado State University-Pueblo squared off in the Downtown Classic at the city auditorium Feb. 8, but something ballsier than basketball has been at play between the two schools recently: their budgets.

CSU-Pueblo, which faces a $3.3 million general budget shortfall, will eliminate 19 currently vacant positions, and up to 22 additional jobs to cut costs, the school announced last month.

UCCS, which oversees a total budget of $187 million, hired 11 new faculty and staff members last month to join the 1,700 employed by the school.

The administration in Pueblo said its financial challenges are the result of a “significant drop” in enrollment, according to Budget Central, an entire section of the CSU-Pueblo website created in the wake of recent news over the school’s layoffs and budgetary woes.

CSU-Pueblo gets 95 percent of its operating revenue from tuition, student fees and state money given out based on enrollment growth. The school based its academic year 201314 budget on a predicted 7-9 percent enrollment growth. Instead it dropped by 2.7 percent last semester.

UCCS, however, has strategically based its budget on a more conservative estimate of

5 percent enrollment growth through 2016, and then 2.6 percent until 2020. Actual enrollment growth has been trending around 6 percent, said Brian Burnett, senior executive vice chancellor for Administration and Finance.

“The big thing that makes us more private-like, frankly, is beating our enrollment growth,” Burnett said of UCCS standing out among other instate colleges and universities.

The CU-System saw an average drop in enrollment by .8 percent since 2010, compared to about 2 percent for the CSU system, according to data from the Colorado Department of Higher Education. UCCS, declared the “growth campus” of the CU-System in 2000, has continues to see positive growth while nine of 13 higher education institutions in the state saw a drop in enrollment last year.

UCCS is working to “recruit out of state students while admitting qualified Colorado students,” according to Burnett, and has been actively recruiting as far as Denver for some time.

A large part of UCCS’s success has been attributed to its financial planning and long term strategy.

More than a year ago administrators in Pueblo were briefed on a potential imbalance between revenues and expenditures. At the time CSU-Pueblo President Lesley Di Mare cut more than $1.5 million, eyeing

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

UCCS continues to see high enrollment growth compared to previous years.

other actions should the situation worsen.

“UCCS has to pay attention to fundamentals,” Burnett said of staying ahead of potential financial hurdles, describing this school’s “lion share” of money coming from “students coming here and paying tuition.”

While the school has an eight-year strategic plan, Burnett and others measure enrollment success semester-tosemester and also compared to year-to-year projections.

And attracting new students means offering more degree

programs, investing in teachers and infrastructure and providing more flexible class schedules.

About 800 students took one of 41 weekend classes last semester, more than any previous semester. Saturday and FridaySaturday classes in the fall – 75 percent undergrad, a quarter graduate – included several colleges on campus and earned students more than 2,400 credit hours.

The addition of weekend courses, as well as night time and online classes, has allowed

the university to reach nontraditional students or those continuing in school while working full time.

And with continued growth and infrastructure along Austin Bluffs Parkway and North Nevada Avenue, many foresee a continuing growth trend.

“It’s all about getting students to enroll and come here to school,” said Burnett. Still, Burnett said, “It’s not one strategy, it’s multiple strategies.”

Changes to constitution passed unanimously by SGA Nick Beadleston

nbeadles@uccs.edu

The Student Government Association approved a new constitution Feb. 7. Both the House and Senate voted unanimously for the bill.

Under the new constitution the Senate will absorb the House, changing the Legislative branch to a unicameral (one chamber) structure.

The Senate will be comprised of 16 elected student senators, seven of whom will represent colleges and schools.

Seven more will be senators at large. The remaining two seats will be the senator of multicultural affairs and the senator of sustainability.

Those two campus demographics are currently represented by secretaries of the same name in the Executive branch. Currently the multicultural affairs and sustainability secretaries do not have the authority to vote.

Under the new constitution the positions of secretary of athletics and secretary of hous-

ing, currently held by Katie Hoehn and Laura Schreiner respectively, will be dissolved.

The new Executive branch will only consist of three members, the president, vice president

and the director of finance.

According to Jasmine Caldwell, SGA president, the new system will be more efficient than the previous one.

The new constitution does

not state what percentage of the Senate must vote in favor of a bill for it to pass.

Information from Section J. under the Powers and Duties of The Legislative Branch does

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

SGA Vice President Donald Apelo spoke Feb. 7 concerning the new constitution.

not appear in the new constitution.

Previously the section read “The Legislative Branch shall actively peruse University Policies they deem in the best interest of the student body and shall, to the extent permitted by University Policy, take action to improve student life and welfare.”

Other changes include reducing the number of Justices from nine to four. Their terms, which were previously life terms, will be limited to four years.

Also the UCCS SGA Fund will be retitles the UCCS Student Activity Fee Fund.

All current SGA members will finish out their terms, which run through May 31.

The turn in deadline for SGA election packets to the Student Life and Leadership Office is 5:15 p.m. Feb. 11.

Elections will be held March 10 -14. Results will be announced by 6 p.m. on the final day of voting.

SCIENCE

BUSINESS

Feb. 10, 2014 | 4

Nutrition major markets natural honey-based products April Wefler

awefler@uccs.edu

For many, honey is an addition to a peanut butter sandwich or a substance to satisfy a sweet tooth. For UCCS nutrition major Crystal Brown and her husband Frank Seeley, honey is a life changer. The two met because of the gooey gold and have been together ever since.

The couple bought The Honey Cottage in June 2013, where they sell their Honey Kissed Skincare line.

“Honey’s more than just a bear at a grocery store,” said Seeley, co-owner of The Honey Cottage, located in Old Colorado City.

Brown and Seeley’s priority is to inform customers about as many local beekeepers’ honey as possible.

“We travel around, we meet the Colorado beekeepers, get to know them, [and] bring the honey in after we see how they do everything,” Seeley said.

“We try to make sure we have top quality honey in the shop,” he added.

“The great thing about honey is it’s one of the products that can’t be duplicated by man. It’s one product that Mother Nature takes over and that’s just the way it is,” said Brown.

Brown indicated earning her degree in nutrition has advanced the business. “My degree is helping me learn how

to talk with customers [about] their health,” she said.

“The degree has helped me use my experiences with the skincare and the raw honey to share my story with customers.”

Brown became interested in honey products when she tracked down Seeley, already a local expert in the substance’s medicinal properties. Brown was seeking a natural remedy for what she thought was a rash.

“So we were finding out that my skin was cracking and bleeding, and I was actually

having an allergic reaction. He started working on shampoos [and] cocoa butter,” Brown said. “Raw honey was creating a barrier in the essential oils we used; it was healing my skin.”

According to Brown, raw honey helps the skin because it is a humectant, as opposed to a desiccant which would dry out skin. “It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial powers.”

Brown added that a common misconception is that all honey is the same. In reality, raw honey is different.

“It’s not been heated past 104 degrees. It’s unheated,

it’s unfiltered and it’s not been touched or messed with. Most companies heat it to 104 degrees to kill what’s in it. Once you do that, you’re killing everything,” she said.

Brown stated many people are alarmed to learn real, raw honey is essentially bee vomit.

“The way the bees make the honey; they have a gland sac, they take the pollens and they will take the nectar from the honey, or the flowers and they’ll digest it into the sac, and then they will throw it up and it will go into another bee,” she said.

According to Seeley and Brown, a government test of various grocery stores around the country showed that 77.8 percent of tested honey was found to be high fructose corn syrup, which would not contain as much nutritional value as local raw honey.

Seeley first caught on to the benefits of honey 25 years ago.

His 5-year-old son continuously suffered from allergies and the naturopathic doctor said local honey might help ease symptoms.

“We were able to take him off his allergy medicine [with] raw honey and I was amazed at his health difference,” Seeley said.

After he saw the effects of honey on his son, Seeley became a beekeeper, until the place he kept his bees was turned into what he called “modern suburbia.”

The Lowdown What: The Honey Cottage Where: 2429 W Colorado Ave When: (Jan-March) Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More info: thehoneycottage.com

Sociology professor balances academia and entreprenuership Nick Lee has his MA in Sociology as well as a BA in Psychology, both from UCCS. He also holds a BA in Business Finance from Colorado State University. He teaches introductory sociology courses at UCCA and PPCC. When not lecturing on campus, Lee is creating new styles of gin at

his local distillery. Lee Spirits Company, which is located in downtown Colorado Springs near Ivy Wild, is slated to open its tasting room doors to the public in late May. Lee also serves on the board of two local entrepreneurial nonprofits: Startup Colorado Springs and Peak Venture Group. Lee

also runs a record label called High Society. The label signs all genres of artists but focuses mainly on hip-hop and electronic styles.

Read more about Lee and his numerous endeavors and operations at uccsscribe.com.

CULTURE

Feb. 10, 2014 | 5

Newest season of ‘American Horror Story’ lackluster, predictable Megan Moyles

mmoyles@uccs.edu

Rating:

If a show is going to be called “American Horror Story” it better be twisted, dark and ugly – the essential traits for a horror story.

The anthology series “American Horror Story” is not fulfilling its duty as a horror show. It has a new storyline for each season so far, which is creating problems in the show’s direction.

First was “Murder House,” which was about the occupants of a haunted house. “Asylum,” the second season story, revolved around a corrupt, Catholic asylum in the 1960s.

This was arguably the most gruesome tale.

Its third season, “Coven,” features the tale of a witches’ coven in modern-day New Orleans. Despite the season’s inventive outfits and many humorous moments, overall it was drab and had an excessive amount of unnecessary twists.

“Coven” begins with Zoe Benson (Taissa Farmiga) learning her first magic power: killing any guy she has sex with. This comes in handy when exacting revenge on a frat brother date rapist.

Zoe discovers her power when having sex for the first time with her boyfriend, who appears to hemorrhage and dies. She’s sent off to the coven, where three other young witches reside.

The purpose of the coven is

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for the witches to learn how to control their powers and live ordinary lives once they’re better trained.

The coven is led by Cordelia Foxx (Sarah Paulson). Her mother, Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange), is the Supreme witch of the coven. Fiona is losing her powers and strength, which means that a new Supreme is nigh – the premise of this season.

This story had lots of potential, but it quickly got confusing. Fiona discovers that Delphine LaLaurie (Kathy Bates) who committed horrific atrocities to her black slaves was buried alive at her mansion in1830. She has been underground for almost two centuries, and she certainly deserved it.

Seeking revenge on Del-

phine for her brutal nature, Marie Laveau (Angela Bassett), a voodoo priestess, concocts a potion that provides Delphine with eternal life. Marie then knocks her out and buries her alive. Marie Laveau happens to be a sworn enemy of the coven, creating a complicated triangle.

It is this tangled web of time-spanning relationships within the story that end up making the show far too convoluted. A lot of things also happen out of the blue just for the sake of explaining and justifying another event.

New characters come into the picture, which only adds more confusing subplots.

There are too many stories happening at once. One witch has a beef with another; someone else is trying to bury someone else alive, and then rescue

them. Half of the cast is killed off only to be brought back to life throughout the entire show.

Frankly it’s just lazy writing, and makes “American Horror Story” seem more like a soap opera than anything else.

Perhaps the writers should ditch the whole anthology thing. Constantly changing things up requires too many characters, stories and backstories all within 13 episodes. It may have been best to extend the storyline across seasons or to cut out some of the subplots.

Hopefully next season will be better. The story is slated to be circus carnival-themed, and with any luck it will have all the horror without the overamped drama.

Nerd Night welcomes a lively bunch April Wefler

awefler@uccs.edu

Nerds, an oft underrepresented population on this and many college campuses, now have a collective cause to rally around: Nerd Night.

Now the corner by the vending machines on the first floor of the University Center often emanates profanities and exaltations as a player either loses or wins a game.

Nerd Night is held every Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the gaming area, then moved to McDonald’s on Garden of the Gods Road, all consoles and equipment included.

The event is hosted by the Catalyst of Destruction club.

Their mission statement, “to create an environment where gamers can relieve stress and socialize,” rings especially true during these informal gatherings.

Dan Aki, creator of the Catalyst of Destruction Club, began Nerd Night six years

prior.

One frequent visitor to the UC gaming room is Michael Malnichuck, a sophomore criminal justice major and member of the Catalyst of Destruction club.

“Personally, I find [gaming] as a great stress relief. It’s fun to get to hang out with people; it’s good bonding time,” he said.

“Usually we’re shy and nerdish, but this group’s pretty lively,” he added.

Nerd Night attendees play “Smash Brothers” or any multi-player games people bring, ranging from board games to card games to digital content.

“Personally, I play between handhelds and card games,” Malnichuck said, adding he has been playing Magic the Gathering since 1996. “[Nerd Night] is a pleasant night. It’s just a bunch of nerds playing games, shouting at each other because they’re losing,” he said.

Malnichuck, former computer engineering major, was born in Arizona, but raised in Okinawa, Japan.

“I got into gaming beforehand, but there is a fairly large [gaming] community over there, mostly local,” he said.

However, “what you see out there in Okinawa is racing, people working and fireworks.”

Malnichuck, a self-identified gaming prodigy, began gaming when he was three.

“Believe it or not, I was a little sophisticated as a child.

My mom found that out pretty quickly,” he said. He was introduced to “Duke Nukem,” a video game released in 1991.

Malnichuck and friends also host Drinks and Dragons, every Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Subterranean Nightclub downtown, an 18-and-older club.

“The crowd over there isn’t as full as [Friday Nerd Nights] because we haven’t advertised much,” he said.

Interested applicants should apply online at http://jobs.hsppr.org

JOSH CAMACHO | THE SCRIBE

People gather round the table to munch on pizza and play “Magic” during Nerd Night.

CULTURE

Feb. 10, 2014 | 6

eLiMenCe rapper produces music, art rather, he sees himself as the brains behind the music. His business, also called ELiMenCe, focuses on producing the

Melanie Whitcomb mwhitcom@uccs.edu

“

It’s not cool to be a thug at 27. I try and keep it hip-hop.

“

Beat producer-rapper hybrid eLiMenCe, aka Brian Caraballo, is eager to spread his music to fellow UCCS students. Still, the New York City native turned Colorado Springs convert sees himself as more than the music he produces.

While writing music is a passion Caraballo holds, he does not intend to make it into a full-time career. His love for the art of beat producing keeps him involved in the industry, however he hopes to pursue both of his goals; creating music and teaching.

With an associates from Pikes Peak Community College, Caraballo is currently working on a bachelor’s from UCCS in English and secondary education. Although music has always been a significant part of his life, Caraballo aspires to be an English teacher.

“It would be cool that Monday through Friday I’m a high school teacher and on the weekends I’m recording for artists,” Caraballo said.

At 27 years old, Brian knows the importance of pursuing one’s dreams but keeping grounded with a strong educa-

—Brian Caraballo

JOSH CAMACHO | THE SCRIBE

Caraballo both produces and raps.

tion and support team.

“It’s not cool to be a thug at 27,” he says. “I try and keep it hip-hop.”

Both he and his wife, Christiana, are in college and support one another’s goals. Caraballo said his wife have dedicated their entire living room to his passion, as his producing gear has taken over their home.

Caraballo claims not to be a DJ;

music heard behind the lyrics. Caraballo still writes his own raps and said he hopes to write and produce a full album later this year.

The name of his production company is a play on words which translates into “the” and “immense,” or “the great” in Spanish.

Most musicians claim well-known people as their inspirations. Caraballo is inspired by someone less well-known, someone behind the scenes: James Yancey, better known as J. Dilla. Dilla recorded hip-hop music and has been called one of the industry’s most influential hip-hop artists.

ELiMenCe and Dilla share the drive

to make sounds people love, with little care for how well known their name becomes. Working for big-name acts such as Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, Common and Janet Jackson, Dilla’s music has been heard across the world, with few people knowing the legacy he was creating.

“No one really knew him until he passed on and then they realized his genius. He was [a] real behind-the-scenes, quiet guy,” Caraballo said.

Similar to Dilla, Caraballo sells his beats to rap artists who take his original track and add their lyrics to the beat.

Making beautiful music out of recycled sounds is Caraballo’s objective for his company.

Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Long Island, Brian moved to Colorado to be near his brother. According to Caraballo, his hometown will always be Brooklyn, but said he loves the atmosphere and scenery of Colorado.

Students who want to catch ELiMenCe’s beats can check out his music on Soundcloud, soundcloud.com/ elimence, or BandCamp at elimence. bandcamp.com.

Tacky Prom aims to bring students together April Wefler

awefler@uccs.edu

For many people, Valentine’s Day is often stressful – buying the perfect present, ordering the perfect food, pleasing the person you love. UCCS Young Life, a new club on campus, wants to relieve the stress with Tacky Prom.

Tacky Prom, the Valentine’s event hosted by the campus branch of Young Life College, hit the dance floor on Feb. 11 from 8:07-10 p.m. in UC 309. The irregular time is designed to help students remember when to show up, according to Jared Anders, adviser for Young Life College.

“Our event’s just a fun place where people can come and find that com-

munity, where they can escape themselves,” Anders said.

“UCCS is such a big commuter campus; sometimes it’s easy to not really know who you’re going to school with,” said Mitch Sandefur, sophomore biology major. We’re just aiming to break that barrier and help students meet everyone around them,” According to Anders and Shayne Wermers, a senior psychology major, since UCCS is a commuter campus it’s difficult for people to get to know one another. They hope Tacky Prom will help.

Anders indicated other Young Life College organizations have hosted Tacky Proms in the past and the dances have been enjoyable entertainment for

the students.

“Students can come and have a really fun time and just get to know new people,” Anders said.

“We wanted to provide a place for students to hang out and feel comfortable, get to know the other students,” Sandefur added.

Despite Young Life College’s designation as a religious organization, Anders said anyone is welcome to come to the event.

“With Young Life College, we really like to offer people a place where students can come and gather, regardless of religious beliefs or anything like that, and connect with each other,” he said.

“I think it’ll just be a fun time for students to hang out and let go of the daily grind of the school, not really worrying about school for a little while and decompressing, dancing the night away,” added Wermers.

Tacky Prom’s music genre of choice

will be mostly pop and upbeat dance music. In addition, Sandefur said there might be karaoke if attendees are interested.

“I’m just looking forward to it and hope lots of students show up and they have a good time,” Sandefur said.

[The students] have a place that they can come as they are and not feel any pressure to be anyone or any specific person, just be themselves. [It’s] just kind of a cool way to get to know more people and to hang out with them,” Wermers added.

Sandefur said Young Life is considering making Tacky Prom an annual event.

“Our hope is that every year, during the week of Valentine’s Day, to be able to have just a really fun event where students can come and have a really good time and just enjoy being with people, whether they have a Valentine or not, whether they’re dating or not.”

Brand Name Clothing Exchange

Where being in style doesn’t have to be expensive!

10% Student Discounts Every Tue / Wed / Thurs Please present your student ID to receive discount.

Cannot be combined with any other offer or certificate.

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

Tacky Prom, hosted by Young Life, is a fun, unusual Valentine’s dance for all.

CULTURE

Feb. 10, 2014 | 6

Smoothies

An easy and delicious way to get fruit, vegetable servings Attiana Collins acollin2@uccs.edu

Between the bowls of Ramen and delivered pizzas, college students tend to struggle with meeting the required, daily fruit and vegetable servings. Smoothies offer an expedient meal choice that supplies the necessary dietary requirements.

For students who want their fruit and vegetable servings, consider the following cheap, quick and easy recipes:

COURTESY STACY SPENSLEY AND KHAWKINS04 | FLICKR

Delicious smoothies can also be nutritious.

Dr. Oz’s Super Energy Smoothie Ingredients: • 2 pints of cut pineapple • 2 pints of cut watermelon • 2 quarts coconut water • 1 bag of baby spinach • 1 bag of frozen blueberries • 2 green apples or 2 bananas Students can put the fruit through a juicer, or throw them in the blender to ensure a smooth consistency.

Dr. Oz’s Brain-Boosting Smoothie Ingredients: • 1 banana • ¼ cup of blueberries • Handful of hemp nuts • ½ cup apple juice • 1 tsp. rhodiola rosea Throw all of these ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add some ice when it’s done and drink up.

This is an energy smoothie that helps sharpen memory, improve mood and provide energy. The recipe is located on Dr. Oz’s website.

To wrap up the list there is the big, delicious green smoothie from incrediblesmoothies.com. This smoothie gives students 10 servings of fruit and vegetables, ensuring that they’re set for the rest of the day.

Ingredients: • 1 apple with skin, cored • 1 peeled orange • 1 cup frozen blueberries • 1 small plum tomato • 1 whole carrot • 4 (or more) handfuls of fresh baby spinach

• •

¼ avocado 8 ounces of water

Add the water in the blender first, and then the fruit. Add the greens last.

Blend until it’s creamy and drink up.

This smoothie is very filling and can be used to replace a meal.

Creating these smoothies will make it so much easier to get vegetable and fruit servings for the day.

EDITORIAL

Feb. 10, 2014 | 8

Jesse Byrnes Editor-in-Chief

Nick Beadleston

Managing/News Editor

Taylor Hargis Copy Editor

Eleanor Skelton

Science & Business Editor

April Wefler Culture Editor

Crystal Chilcott Opinion

An evolving publication

The continuation of print among plethora of media options Scribe Staff scribe@uccs.edu

Last Friday members of The Scribe attended a Student Government Association meeting to present details of a bill that would place a referendum on next month’s ballot concerning the continuation of the print newspaper.

In the spring of 2010, members of a geography class put together a project to make The Scribe an online-only publication by August 1, 2015. The project turned into a Student Government bill and the question was placed on a special election ballot, after the main election, along with an initiative to do away with plastic water bottles on campus (an initiative that failed by a slim margin, but was passed later).

Of those that voted in the special election, held during finals week in May 2010, 176 students voted to eliminate the print newspaper by the fall of 2015; 104 voted no, 10 abstained.

The language on the original SGA bill from 2010 alleged eliminating the

print newspaper “will save the student body money and the university resources,” an assertion without any factual backing given the newspaper’s recent success among advertisers and its commitment to on-campus readers.

About 2 percent of the 8,215 students enrolled at this university four years ago thought The Scribe, a student newspaper with finite resources, could do what many professional news outlets still haven’t done: make the transition to digital media successfully while finding and implementing a business model that turns a profit.

Four years later, The Scribe – once a print-only publication – now has a website with a copy of each week’s issue available for download, an iPhone app (search “UCCS Scribe” in the App Store) and is investing in an Android app with funding from the Green Action Fund.

While it is exciting to see developments on each of these digital fronts, and we remain committed to each as we aim to interact with readers through di-

verse forms of media, the reality is that print revenues through advertisements remain our largest potential revenue stream, and the print newspaper our greatest source of readership.

The bill to continue the print version of The Scribe, along with an evolving online presence, past August 2015, was voted on Friday, passing the House and Senate unanimously. The issue will be placed on next month’s ballot to allow each student the opportunity to weigh in.

In the coming weeks The Scribe will publish a series of pieces highlighting the financial, environmental and social impact of reversing the decision to eliminate the print newspaper in favor of an online-only format.

We’re optimistic about working together with those from all areas of the university to roll out a financially, environmentally and socially sustainable plan that’s in the best interest of students, student journalism, this university and the community as a whole.

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

Scribe editor-in-chief, Jesse Byrnes, presented justification for a ballot initiative to the Student Government Association.

Christopher Schmidt Video Editor

April Wefler

Life on the Bluffs/Social Media Editor

Jonathan Toman Sports Editor

Nick Burns Photo Editor

Samantha Morley Layout Editor

Edwin Satre

Website Manager

Reporters

Dezarae Yoder Alexander Nedd Attiana Collins Ryan Adams Megan Moyles Melanie Whitcomb

Samantha Morley

Graphic Designer, Reporter

Photographers James Sibert Joshua Camacho

Business Manager Hussain Albahrani

Ad Sales Representative Michael Petrucelli

Advisor

Laura Eurich

tear-and-share Valentine’s for your special Valentine.

Yes these are cheesy, but please take it easy. It’s only for this issue, no need to grab a tissue. They may make you giggle and for that, you’re welcome.

Jesse Byrnes scribe@uccs.edu

Letters to the Editor: scribe@uccs.edu

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OPINION

Feb. 10, 2014| 9

High school should balance For some, sacred no more. focus on life skills, college prep Society stresses virginity less.

Attiana Collins acollin2@uccs.edu

There are many schools of thought regarding the focus of pre-collegiate education.

Many claim it’s the role of high schools to focus on preparing students for college courses. While that should be an important part of the curriculum, there are many more life skills students will need to learn. My question is why not start as early as possible?

High school curricula should reflect both the academic and the experiential angles of education.

One of the basic things students need to know is how to create a budget.

According to Financial Educators Council, around one-third of college students admit they were not well prepared for personal money management on campus their freshman year. Not knowing how to create a budget (and stick to

it) will lead to students spending more money than they should.

The Financial Educators Council also indicated research shows individuals graduating from high schools in states that require personal finance education are ultimately more successful. They have a higher savings rates and net worth than individuals graduating from high schools in states where financial education is not mandated.

To fit these life skill classes into the curriculum, high schools should stop making music and art classes a requirement for graduation. They’re great classes to take, but students would be better off attending classes that will help them in the long run.

Everyone needs to know how to make a budget, how to file taxes, about renter’s and car insurance, interest rates, and so much more. Not everyone needs to know how to make a vase out of clay.

To be clear this does not mean high schools should rein back their efforts to provide their students with all the academic skills necessary for higher education; if anything they need to vamp those efforts up as

well.

The ACT measures a student’s preparedness for college courses. According to the Washington Times, three out of four graduates aren’t prepared for college and will probably need to take at least one remedial class. To alleviate this problem, high schools should assist students with ACT preparation.

The test has four sections: English, Reading, Math and Science. There is also a writing section, but it’s optional. High schools should reexamine these tests redesign their programs more accordingly.

By doing this, schools could ensure their students have the tools needed score high on the ACT and are fully prepared for basic college courses. They would also be saving students money and time by ensuring that they wouldn’t have to take remedial classes in college.

High schools need to realize they are the last stop before going off to college, career or whatever comes next. They should teach students the full range of what they will need to be successful in life; otherwise spending four years in high school is a colossal waste of time.

Samantha Morley smorley2@uccs.edu

For women in the past, maintaining maidenhood was essential to their prosperity. Now, the issue of having sex before marriage isn’t as important – and that’s just fine.

Women have been expected to maintain their virginity until marriage.

This was to establish they were pure and no man had “trespassed.”

By keeping their legs closed, women’s husbands could feel secure their wives weren’t pregnant. They could also make her accustomed to “bed practices” in whichever way they chose.

In today’s society, for many the issue of a woman losing her virginity before marriage has become less of a contested concept.

Women see themselves as having more freedom to be with the person they want without the constraint of mar-

riage.

Men and women have the privilege to determine their sexual compatibilities with each other before making any longterm commitment, which is a positive step forward for society.

The opposite would be the possibility of personal challenges that could arise immediately after marriage if they wait to sleep together until then.

I have encountered several relationships that were stressed simply because the people didn’t enjoy each other’s sexual preferences.

There isn’t the threat of losing half of your assets, or years of your life or some kind of societal reputation just because the sex wasn’t good or your personalities didn’t mesh.

Of course, both males and females should still be cautious about issues such as STDs, pregnancy and emotional scarring.

Still, while I find it acceptable for men and women to be adults outside of marriage, I think those times should be reserved for adults, not children between the ages of 15 and 18 (the average age range of when boys and girls lose their virginity, according to a recent NBC study).

People should be taught how to have safe sex, including the use of birth control, practicing self-restraint and routinely get tested. Then, after they have established a good education, they can, hopefully, be in responsible relationships.

There’s always risk when it comes to having sex with people whom you don’t already have a strong developed relationship, but it is nice to live in a society that won’t throw stones at women who choose to do so.

U.S. citizens call for Bieber deportation, import Mayor Rob Ford

Dezarae Yoder dyoder@uccs.edu

Celebrity gossip is turning Justin Bieber into more of a badass than he deserves. We shouldn’t even know this kid’s name, but pop culture is blanketing the world in his filth and sometimes idiots like Bieber need to be addressed.

The answer? Send him

packing back north to Canada.

A petition regarding the deportation of the Punk of Pop is now garnering federal attention.

The petition, posted on Whitehouse.gov, reads in part, “We the people of the United States feel that we are being wrongly represented in the world of pop culture. We would like to see the dangerous, reckless, destructive, and drug-abusing, Justin Bieber deported and his green card revoked.”

According to law, once 100,000 signatures have been collected the White House must issue a formal response.

It’s now well over 245,000 signatures.

The ball is in your

court, Mr. President. The Department of Homeland Security can send hundreds of thousands of immigrants back to their country of origin, so why not this skinny clown?

If we are going to rid ourselves of this talentless child, I say we take it a step further. Let’s help diplomatic relations and initiate a trade between the U.S. and Canada.

We give up J-Beebs, they give up Rob Ford, Toronto’s almost-always belligerently wasted mayor.

We could use a man like Ford; delightfully obese and extremely committed to his wife and her lower parts.

Clearly he’s committed to his office. No

amount of public shaming or outright impeachment efforts by the Toronto City Council can force him to step down.

Also don’t forget he can speak in an “authentic” Jamaican accent, as revealed in the most recently leaked video of this colorful Canadian.

To further the trade argument, it appears Canada would be willing to take the frisky tot back.

Or at least Ford seems to think the “artist” isn’t all that bad.

He said as much recently to the Washington, D.C.-based radio show “The Sports Junkies.”

“He’s a young guy, 19 years old. At 19 years old, I wish I was as successful as he was. He’s 19 years

old, guys. Think back to when you were 19.”

Ford did note, however, he is not a fan of the kid’s music.

This proves Ford is still able to discern things in an objective manner.

He doesn’t like the kid’s music; he also thinks he’s a typical teen for going out and partying. In fact, he also told TMZ he’s a Led Zeppelin and Rolling Stones fan, which means he has obvious taste in good music, another worthy qualification of a successful leader.

Ford, you’re the kind of drunk, crack-shot success we need here in the USA. And so, as Bob Barker would say, “Come on down!”

And keep Bieber in the

Great White North would ya? We’ve got enough homegrown Miley Cyrus and Lindsey Lohan “success” stories.

In fact, if the trade is calculated just in body weight we might be able to get rid of them, too.

LIFE on the BLUFFS Proficient in English?

Campus Chatter

Top Ten

good

Samantha Morley, smorley2@uccs.edu

What is the best Valentine’s gift you have ever received?

Worst places to take your valentine

Know the basics of writing?

Melanie Whitcomb, mwhitcom@uccs.edu

Great!

Annelise Lackey, freshman, computer security A Ukrainian chocolate bar.

10

Like earning cash?

Of course you do!

Alex Jessop, junior, English literature

My friend gave me a big, giant teddy bear because I was a sad, lonely mess. He sprayed it with Hollister cologne and said “Here’s a boyfriend.” I named him Westley from “The Princess Bride.”

Feb. 10, 2014| 10

Write for us and we’ll make your life

Exciting and wonderful View open positions at SEAN’s Place Contact us at Scribe@uccs.edu

cribe

the

Nathan Balcom, freshman, criminal justice I’ve gotten lingerie.

A thong. It was unworn.

Feb. 12 - March 22 Noon to 5 p.m.

PROTEST! Art Exhibit

U K D U S

6:30 - 8 p.m.

Cafe Scientifique: Lightning presentation Clyde’s

Wednesday, Feb. 12 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sochi at UCCS Food table Cafe 65

Thursday, Feb. 13 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Climate Change Mind Set Lecture Kraemer Family Library

Friday, Feb. 15 Sunday, Feb. 16 8 p.m. to midnight Mardi Gras Dance Berger Hall

7 2 9

5 8

4

1 4

5

4 1

3 5

7 6 1 2

7 5

8

8

A strip club

7

A tattoo parlor

6

Chuck E. Cheese

5

The gym

4

Window shopping

3

An over-priced restaurant (split the check, baby?)

2

Your parent’s house

1

Anywhere with a dollar menu

“@UCCS_Prepared Have you guys

reevaluated roads lately? I don’t want to be stuck at school.” @rgritt

Bring your completed sudoku to the Scribe office (UC 106) for a sweet Valentine’s prize.

Tuesday, Feb. 11 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.

Study Smarter, Not Harder Workshop UC 307

The zoo

Sweet Salty Tweets

General GOCA 1420 Feb. 14 - Feb. 23 8 - 10 p.m.

“Spring Awakening” rock musical Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theatre

9

&

This week at UCCS Feb. 12 - March 22 Noon to 5 p.m.

Cuba & Other Considerations exhibit GOCA 121

A craft fair

“Loved collaborating w/some of

3 9 2

the most driven & talented students on campus. Can’t wait to see what outreach we achieve this semester. #uccs” @JLMarkz

“No closure or delay?? Really???

#uccs I was looking forward to going back to bed....” @cjwooldri

“My mascot is cooler than

your mascot #UCCS #UnitedInOrange” @e_vanremortel

“@UCCS take a look outside, now

go ahead and tell us all to go home for the rest of the day...”

@timbirr

SPORTS

Feb. 10, 2014| 11

Broncos fans: all hope not lost heading into next season

Ryan Adams radams3@uccs.edu

From the start of last Sunday’s Super Bowl the Denver Broncos were doomed, it seemed. Despite that ill-fated showdown, however, there is still hope.

Throughout their magical 2013-14 season, never had such thrashing been a part of the game, let alone right from the

first snap. The reaction of Peyton Manning in the numerous slow-motion action shots said it all; surprised, confused and just flat-out not ready.

There was the top ranked offense led by Manning and his elite crew of wide receivers who had scored the most points in NFL history. It seemed inevitable they would find similar success in the Super Bowl.

Then in came the Seattle Seahawks and their “Legion of Boom.”

Debatably lame nickname aside, they had been basically knocking the crap out of teams since September. The Seahawks proceeded to do the exact same thing to

the Broncos.

Seattle was more physical, more prepared and arguably luckier (see first play from scrimmage) than the blue and orange ever seemed.

Although Manning said he wouldn’t use the word “embarrassing” to describe the Bronco’s 43-8 drubbing, not many other words seemed apropos to the fans watching.

Yet all hope is not lost, Broncos fans. Although it may be hard to swallow for the next couple weeks, look at the recent history of the team John Elway still reigns over Three years ago, Kyle Orton led the team to a 4-12 record. Since then, the Broncos have been

to the playoffs for three straight years with one Super Bowl appearance.

There are teams out there who haven’t been to the playoffs since before most of us were born.

Consider yourselves lucky to taste postseason glory because there are some fans out there that may never get that chance.

Next season the Broncos will be right back in the thick of things. Even if Peyton Manning has an 11-12 record in the postseason, he still is one of the best to have ever played the game. He may not be the most clutch quarterback in league history when it comes to winning Super Bowls,

but he knows how to be a good leader and a classy one at that.

Yes, there are others in the NFL’s history that can say they are better than Manning at winning Super Bowls. But can they say they have won five NFL MVPs? Or thrown for the most touchdowns in league history?

Or lead two different teams to a Super Bowl?

Judging a quarterback by his Super Bowl wins is stupid. If people were going to do that, we could say Joe Flacco, Brad Johnson and Russell Wilson are just as good as Manning because they have each won a Super Bowl.

Although Flacco and Wilson are young, they aren’t as good as Manning and it would be hard to say they ever will be.

That’s why, when talking about his legacy, the conversation has to go beyond Super Bowls. Especially since Manning’s time as an NFL player is far from over.

Have trust in John Elway and let him work his salary cap magic like he did last year. Yes, Eric Decker (sorry ladies), Knowshon Moreno and other notable names might be elsewhere next year, but as long as Manning is at the helm, there is always a shot at a Super Bowl.

Cyrus, Netflix and a shopping problem: Kirchoff’s off-court life Ryan Adams radams3@uccs.edu

Mentioning UCCS women’s basketball means mentioning Abby Kirchoff.

This year the junior became the eighth Mountain Lion in school history to record 1,000 points, adding another accomplishment to her growing list.

As a Mountain Lion, Kirchoff has steadily worked to improve the squad.

Since her freshman year, she has led the team in scoring, minutes played and three-point percentage.

When asked what she likes most about being on the women’s basketball team, Kirchoff said the sense of solidarity.

“Everyone’s got each other’s back,” she said. “All of these girls will be my friends for life and we all take care of each other both on and off the court.”

While she still has a year and a half left in her undergraduate studies, Kir-

choff sees basketball as something that will be a part of her future.

“Not really too sure what I want to do yet after UCCS,” she said. “I might try and see what is out there as far as basketball goes. Maybe go out and do something in Europe or here in the States.

“Right now though, I’m just trying to stay focused on the season.”

Originally from Chicago, basketball has been a part of Kirchoff’s being for most of her life. Even though the prolific scorer has been playing the game since the fourth grade, she could easily be doing something much different.

“I originally started with soccer, but my dad said that I would like it and since my brother played basketball, I got convinced,” Kirchoff said.

Ever since, Kirchoff has played AAU basketball. She stayed with the same team from fifth grade to high school.

When it came to college, Kirchoff

JAMES SIBERT | THE SCRIBE

Kirchoff is more than a basketball player

followed in her brother’s footsteps by coming out to Colorado Springs.

There’s more to Kirchoff, however, than just basketball.

“Well, I do have a pretty bad shopping problem,” she said. “But I also like

to be outside a lot and be with friends, so shopping isn’t all I do.”

Besides enjoying the great outdoors scene Colorado Springs boasts, Kirchoff is also a fan of a service many a college student has come to enjoy: Netflix.

“I watch it [Netflix] a lot,” she said.

“I’ve probably watched “Prison Break” six times; definitely my favorite show.”

Recently Kirchoff was able to snag ticket to see Miley Cyrus live in-concert at last September’s iHeartRadio Music Festival. The event, which takes place in Las Vegas, was one of Kirchoff’s favorite recent memories.

“I am a huge Miley Cyrus fan and to see her perform live was so cool. I definitely cried when she came on stage.”

Students can catch Kirchoff and the rest of the Mountain Lions in home games at the Gallogly Events Center on Feb. 14-15 against Adams State and Fort Lewis universities. Women tip-off is at 5:30 p.m. for both games.

Despite early season snow out, softball looks to build on 2013 Alexander J. Nedd anedd@uccs.edu

It may be called softball but there is nothing soft about the Mountain Lions and their preparation for the upcoming season. Practicing at Four Diamonds in below-freezing Colorado weather, the girls are preparing for their next offensive.

It’s an encouraging sight that makes Head Coach Scott Peterson happy.

“I want to be further along in our tournament,” said Peterson, in his 14th year coaching softball at UCCS. “Last year we got to the semi-final game, this year we want the championship.”

The team is coming off a season where they finished third in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament.

“Our number one goal every year is to win the conference, that has never changed,” said Peterson. “I’m really looking forward to this season.”

Along with on-field play, Peterson

looks to keep the ladies sharp in the classroom as well. The team has had 27 straight semesters above a 3.0 GPA. “We would like to see our GPA a little bit higher, we were around a 3.1 last semester,” said Peterson. “I would like to see us at a 3.5.”

With four seniors on the roster, Peterson anticipates no lack of leadership.

“We want everybody to be a leader, that’s how you make a team,” said Peterson. “We have high expectations, all of our seniors will play, they know what the expectations are, and we want to build everybody on the team into leaders.”

The weather is also a factor, as evidenced by the cancellation of the team’s season-opening double header on Feb. 1. Peterson, however, doesn’t expect that to be much of a problem. “We suck it up and play,” he said.

Senior captain Jessica Belsterling is a pitcher and has been on the team since her freshman year. She is hoping to make this year her best.

“Besides winning, I’m looking for-

ward to bonding with the team and making memories,” she said. “I can’t wait to play to the best of our ability.”

“I’m looking forward to the competition this year,” said sophomore first baseman Danielle Fonseca.

Never fully satisfied, the girls are always looking for ways to improve.

“I definitely want to improve on the mental part of the game, also supporting our girls with pitching and batting,” Belsterling said.

“Last year we did really well,” said Fonseca. “I think we can definitely improve on our communication. Individually, I want to be a lot more supportive.”

Through heavy practice and heavier weather, the girls have become a tight knit group, even bringing a banner that read “Happy Birthday” to Fonseca on the field. It’s this chemistry that Peterson and the players feel will set them apart.

“Our team chemistry is good, we have a lot of young girls so I think it’s important that we mentor them and teach them what we have had,” said

Belsterling.

“The girls are great, there is no tension, it’s really fun to hang out with them,” said Fonseca.

The women are looking to build on their continued momentum from last season, despite the early snow out.

They hope to see students at games this spring.

“Come support softball, it’s a good time and we appreciate everyone’s whose there,” Belsterling said.

“We would love to have more folks out there besides our parents,” Fonseca joked. “It’s really fun.”

“It’s good softball,” said Peterson.

“It’s a great way to enjoy a nice Saturday and Sunday afternoon, come on out and enjoy the weather.”

The Mountain Lions will host their first season home game on March 1 with a double-header against Colorado Mesa at Mountain Lion Field in the Four Diamonds Sports Complex starting at noon and 2 p.m., respectively.

SPORTS

Feb. 10, 2014| 12

Letter to the Editor I try to read your paper when I can; often, I find myself disappointed at the lack of content on non-academic subjects I am personally interested in, namely, pro sports.

I have been an ardent Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies and PGA Tour fan for 10 years and rarely (if ever) do I see any in-depth articles about pro golf or pro sports teams in The Scribe.

For example, the Broncos just played in the biggest sporting event in America, yet half of the content of the only article in your paper concerning the Super Bowl was about selfies.

Another Broncos-related

article about Denver’s seasonopening win over the Baltimore Ravens was barely more than a summary of the game’s outcome; for a pro sports junkie like me, this kind of flavorless boiling-down of what was an incredible football game is unsatisfying.

I believe an occasional in-depth column on pro sports in Colorado would really help your paper compete for the attention of the significant portion of UCCS students who are pro sports fans, especially considering UCCS’ lack of any kind of football program.

-Jason Drasner, junior physics major

COURTESY LARRY MAURER, ABOVE, SPORTSGEEKERY, LEFT | FLICKR

The Seattle Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2.