Feb. 17, 2014

Since 1966 Monday, February 17, 2014

NEWS

Prof blog UCCS professor update blog from Sochi 2

Climate lecture Guest speaker ties climate change to oppression 3

SCIENCE & BUSINESS

Lane Center

Multi-million dollar project opening to students, staff and the community 4

UCCSScribe.com Vol. 38, Iss. 19

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Brown wins bronze

UCCS student top male American skater at Olympics Jonathan Toman jtoman@uccs.edu

UCCS freshman and figure skater Jason Brown, 19, helped win a bronze medal for the U.S. as part of the inaugural team figure skating competition in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. He took fourth in the free program portion of the event on Feb. 9 earning his team seven points as he subbed in for teammate Jeremy Abbott.

He also took ninth in the men’s individual program and finished as the top American male in the event.

Brown’s short program performance earned him a score of 86 on Feb. 13 putting him in sixth place at the time.

Brown performed his “Riverdance” in the second part of the two-part competition, receiving a score of 152.37. His combined total of 238.37 put him in ninth place. The next closest American, Abbott, received a 232.70 and finished in 12th place.

The Scribe talked to Brown before he left for Sochi. See more coverage at uccsscribe.com.

COURTESY JASON BROWN | INSTAGRAM

CULTURE

Game of Thrones

Brown celebrates with his coach Kori Ade after his performance in the individual men’s short program.

Co-writer speaks on campus 5

VAPA New programs continually available to students 5

OPINION

Campus growth Students play big role in campus success 9

Feminism Practice of equality more like misandry 9

SPORTS

Ski and Soak Trips in the coming weeks 11

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

The newest addition to campus, the Lane Center, is set to open in March, with an open house Feb. 22. Page 4.

Women’s track and field

Family matters 11

TEXT "THELODGES" TO 313131 FOR MORE INFO

N EWS Assistant UCCS professor updating blog from Sochi

Feb. 17, 2014| 2

Jonathan Toman jtoman@uccs.edu

COURTESY | NANNA MEYER

Above: Crowd gets ready for speed skating in Sochi.

Nanna Meyer, an assistant professor for the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, has also been involved in the Olympic events in several roles.

She is currently in Sochi, Russia, for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games as a nutritional consultant for Team USA speed skating. She is also keeping a running blog of her involvement in the event.

Her first blog post online elaborated on her role:

“The food in Sochi remains good and tasty but boredom, nervousness, and unfamiliarity are all creeping in once racing begins. There are also some illnesses that are keeping athletes from feeling in top shape.

Winter Olympics are tough from that perspective. So, as sport dietitians we try to do everything we can to make it easier. We help athletes build their plates, stir them away from fast food, and keep them excited with interesting new things in snacks and familiar things shortly before, during and after exercise (which would be their training or competitions).”

— Nanna Meyer In her most recent blog post, on Feb. 14, Meyer went in depth on the challenges athletes face.

“The disappointments are huge and the mountains to climb tall, when confronting performance loss and not meeting one’s own expectations and those of others.

But this is sport. Nobody has ever said it is easy and the true athlete is the one that can deal with less success (not failure) with grace and grit. Sports are wonderful that way.”

— Nanna Meyer Follow Meyer’s blog for the rest of her time in Sochi, and check out previous posts at sochiatuccs.blogspot.com.

NEWS

Feb. 17, 2014 | 3

Lecturer ties together climate change and white supremacy smorley2@uccs.edu

An independent social justice consultant spoke on campus last week, tying together concepts of social injustice and climate change.

About 40 people attended the lecture from Heather Hackman, entitled “Developing and Instituting a Climate Justice Framework in Response to Climate Change.” The

speech was held Feb. 13 in the Kramer Library apse.

After beginning with a breathing exercise, Hackman proceeded to speak about climate change and its effects on the planet.

She stated if climate disruption is not attended to in “thoughtful, intense, critical and timely ways, we will all go down.”

Hackman also indicated racism and the concept

of race are unsustainable, social structures that will cause irrevocable damage to the United States if not abolished.

“They will take us under in the riptide of just the intensity of the violence and the marginalization and the ways that racism operates in this society and we will all go down,” she said.

Hackman showed slides of the process by which carbon dioxide

JOSH CAMACHO | THE SCRIBE

Heather Hackman spoke about the relationship between climate and racism.

We’re

Hiring Animal Control Officer Trainee The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is seeking a dynamic individual to enhance our Animal Law Enforcement Department.

At HSPPR,

our staff members make a difference everyday because they are passionate about protecting public safety, health, the quality of life and are committed to saving animals lives.

The people

filters through the atmosphere. She also showed the impact of increased CO2 levels on the planet, and addressed how that information can produce denial and fear.

Regarding those who deny the validity of climate change, Hackman asked about the consequences of either side being correct.

She stated if those who believe in climate change are incorrect the planet would still be inhabitable. Conversely if they were wrong, the problem, if left unchecked, could “kill hundreds of millions of people.”

“If these people are wrong, we’re cooked,” she said of those that deny climate change.

Hackman weaved in elements of how racism, gender oppression and white supremacy have contributed to climate disruption, citing European city-states and the desire of white men to enslave natives.

She addressed how a history of oppression has led to a consumer culture that is negatively impacting the planet.

Hackman concluded by cautioning against leaving anyone behind while perusing sustainable goals. She also stressed an increased awareness of race, gender and class biases so society can improve culturally and environmentally.

“Sustainability must have gender justice.

Period,” she said. “If it doesn’t help women, trans or children then it needs to be thrown out.”

“It was really interesting to see how we can change how much of an impact we have on the world,” said Saya Hamad, freshman chemistry major.

Hackman began teach-

“

Sustainability must have gender justice. Period.

If it doesn’t help women, trans or children then it needs to be thrown out.

“

Samantha Morley

—Heather Hackman

ing and training on social justice issues in 1992.

She was a tenured professor in the department of human relations and multicultural education at St. Cloud State University for 12 years. She is now an independent consultant and founder of Hackman Consulting Group.

Her most recent research involves the relations between climate change and the issues of race, class and gender.

“I will be doing racial justice work to the end of my days, and I will be doing climate justice work to the end of my days,” said Hackman. “Those two things are not mutually exclusive.”

“They’re just a different way in to the exact same topic, which is a really unsustainable situation that will utterly destroy this life.”

Judith Lee, a member of the community, commented she thought the presentation was interesting and informative and provided a unique perspective on familiar topics but would have liked for the workshop to get to the point more quickly.

The event was sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, The Matrix Center for Social Equity and

Inclusion, and several other departments.

Climate in the classroom?

Linda Kogan, Office of Sustainability director, introduced the climate change and white supremacy lecture by referencing the school’s climate plan with the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, signed by Chancellor Pamela Shockley-Zalabak in 2007.

The plan is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases, Kogan said. The hope is to become carbon neutral and provide education to students on what Kogan referred to as “climate disruption.”

In order to promote awareness about climate disruption, Kogan said she has recently gone through a two-year process (or likely three-year process when all is done) of revamping the general education material on campus to incorporate sustainability into general education goals.

“We’re looking to infuse sustainability and climate into the curriculum so that all students can actually have … those subjects,” she said.

In addition to her lecture, Hackman led a faculty workshop on Feb. 13 where she taught on ways to incorporate sustainability into the classroom.

Listen to audio here:

we hire and the work we do exemplifies our core values of active compassion, responsible stewardship, mindful integrity, passion for excellence and collaboration.

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

Check out our website!

uccs

.com

SCiENCE & BUSiNESS

Feb. 17, 2014 | 4

UCCS Lane Center opens doors to students, staff and community Nick Beadleston nbeadles@uccs.edu

The Lane Center for Academic Health Sciences is scheduled to open its doors to all patients on March 3. While some of the facilities’ centers are currently seeing patients, full service will be available after this date.

The $18 million Lane Center was funded in part by a $4 million gift from the John E. and Margaret L. Lane Foundation. It houses five centers designed to provide patients with a cyclical referral system, meeting as many needs as possible without ever having to leave campus.

Primary Care Clinic Officially titled the UCCS HealthCircle Primary Care Clinic, the center will be a nurse managed center. It will be staffed by clinical faculty from the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

UCCS nursing students will be able to further their education by training alongside the faculty.

The PCC, directed by Jeff Spicher assistant professor and family nurse practitioner, will be able to diagnose and treat patients as well as prescribe medication.

Additionally, patients will be able to receive annual physicals, treatment of acute sickness such as sinus infections or the flu and chronic illnesses to include hypertension and diabetes.

A selling point for the center is their 30-minute appointments and competitive pricing.

“The offering here is a nurse managed clinic,” said Sara Qualls, director of the gerontology. “People get more time to be able to talk about all their health concerns and all their health goals.”

Qualls is handling many aspects of the Lane Center during its opening stages.

“I think it’s also of value to know they’re getting the most up to date and best standards that are being taught,” said Qualls of the relationship between the patients and the

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

Michael Kenney, director of the aging center.

nursing staff.

The facility will also continue research currently being conducted through Beth-El. The PCC is still working to secure contracts with multiple insurance companies.

Peak Nutrition Clinic Patients looking to improve their overall health through dietary changes will be able to utilize The Peak Nutrition Clinic.

The clinic, formerly co-located with Beth-el in University Hall, is headed by registered dietitian Julie Anderson.

The PNC offers counseling in sports nutrition, weight control, and other food and health related concerns.

Patients can receive a DXA scan, a test for measuring bone density, as well as body fat and body composition.

Also available is V02 testing, a test for high performance athletes which measures aerobic ability and maximum heart rate.

While the center can help manage heath issues through dietary regulation, Anderson sees their role as more proactive than reactive.

According to Anderson, the PNC focuses on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle changes rather than disease management.

The center is open to students, faculty and staff as well as members of the community.

Students will receive a 30 percent discount and military, senior and faculty will receive a 20 percent discount.

Anderson indicated sports nutrition students will be able to do a portion of their internships at the PNC. Anderson acknowledged that although nutrition services are historically not covered by insurance providers, she hopes services offered by the PNC will soon be covered.

Aging Center Originally opened in 1999 and called the CU Aging Center in Colorado Springs, the practice has been rebranded as the UCCS Aging Center and has been incorporated into the Lane Center. The center is already fully operational and seeing clients.

The Aging Center treats patients 55 years of age and older, and provides assistance and training to the patient’s caregivers.

Students in their second, third and fourth year of the gerontology track for their doctorate in psychology, will conduct their practicum training with the center.

This includes learning to

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

The School of Medicine will utilize the Lane Center for training and education.

conduct therapy and counseling as well as administer memory training and cognitive assessment.

UCCS is one of only four institutions in the country with this degree track.

According to Michael Kenny, director of UCCS Aging Center, there is some pushback from clients concerning the student’s age and level of training. He indicated however, this allows students the opportunity to learn to address patient concerns.

Kenny said he plans to retain most of his former patients due to awareness efforts during the previous year as well as the advantageous location of the new facility.

The pay rate is designed on a sliding scale based on a client’s ability to pay.

Veteran Health and Trauma Center The Veteran and Trauma Center will provide therapy resources to veterans and other survivors of trauma.

The facility includes biophysiological equipment to assist in patients’ ongoing therapy and treatment.

The VHTC will also feature a Human Computer Interaction Research Lab, which will gather data on patients taking tests in addition to the data collected from the tests themselves.

“So taking recordings of people while they’re working through trauma recovery websites… to get an idea whether these are effective in helping people reduce symptoms of stress and PTSD,” explained Lori Bryan, senior research associate.

Bryan also indicated the benefits of being able to gather data in-house, rather than being reliant on independent research.

The VHTC will also allow grad students to pursue a new, trauma track within the clinical psychology doctorate program.

According to Bryan, while the track is not limited to veteran trauma, it is a significant component of the training.

The inaugural class for the doctorate track, which is unique to UCCS, is scheduled to launch fall 2015.

Additionally, students may also have the opportunity to accomplish some of their practicum at the VHTC. The senior staff is also discussing other emerging volunteer opportunities for students, particularly undergraduate students who may not yet be able to directly see clients.

Lisa Decker, clinical therapist, addressed the misconception that the VHTC is only serving vets or only dealing with trauma patients.

“We have such a wonderful opportunity to develop and target interventions toward that population but that is by no means the only population that we are prepared to serve and work with,” she said.

Bryan indicated the clinic is able to help anyone 16 years of age and older with a wellness focus.

Center for Active Living The Center for Active Living will provide a variety of services for all patients of the Lane Center, including students and staff.

The process begins with a fitness assessment, and if nec-

essary a risk-fall assessment.

Clients are then able to choose from an array of services including health coaching, personal trainers, and fitness classes.

“This place is not a gym; this is not the Rec center. This is a health hub,” said Tina Twilleger, assistant director of CAL. The center also features the Technogym, a circuit of exercise machines designed to target the entire body. The machines, which record individual workout data, were likened to a personal trainer by Twillinger.

“We want people to get the knowledge and the skill, and then go out into the community,” Twillinger said.

Twillinger also indicated health science students will have the opportunity to complete their internship hours at the CAL. Twillinger indicated the internship hours would be comprised of admin work, conducting research and hands on training with clients.

The center also plans to offer a free weekly class called Eating for Health and Movement.

“They can come learn how to eat healthy and more mindfully,” explained Twillinger.

According to Twillinger the fee structure for services at the CAL is still being worked out.

It will be set by March 3, when the center officially opens.

For more information and photos of the Lane Center Open House event on Feb. 22 visit UCCSScribe.com.

CUltUrE

Feb. 17, 2014| 5

Game of Thrones co-writer speaks at UCCS April Wefler

awefler@uccs.edu

UCCS recently welcomed Bryan Cogman, co-writer and coproducer of “Game of Thrones” on Feb. 9 at 2:30 p.m in Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theatre.

The HBO fantasy show, adapted from George R.R. Martin’s novel series “Song of Ice and Fire,” revolves around several power families battling for control in a fictional medieval land.

The storyline includes the ill-fated Stark family, the conniving Lannister family, the last remaining members of the Targaryen house and others who would be contenders to the vacant Iron Throne of Westeros.

Cogman, whose wife performed in the recent Theaterworks production of “The Weir,” gave a spoiler-free talk to attendees, entitled “Game of Thrones: Storytelling, Fans and Writing for TV.” The talk consisted of a chat between Chris Bell, director of the Center for Excellence in Communication; communication graduate student, Tony Mitchell; and Cogman. The audience then got a chance to ask questions.

Bell expressed interest in how Cogman and writer D.B. Weiss could take a show and genre that usually appealed to

“basement-dwelling nerds” and turn it into a cultural phenomenon.

“It’s ultimately about families, universal themes and struggles, interpretations of history that could exist in any genre,” Cogman said.

The fantasy trappings are certainly a huge part of it, but at the beginning of the series, it’s largely peripheral – not overbearing,” “Then what ends up happening is the geek in that viewer is awakened and they get just as excited about the dragons and the White Walkers and the Red Priestess and all that stuff,” he added.

Cogman began as an actor, but also aspired to be a writer.

When his wife secured a nanny position with the actress Amanda Peet, Peet’s husband, David Benioff, discovered Cogman’s writing talent.

When the “Game of Thrones” pilot was picked up, Benioff and Weiss, another writer, brought Cogman on as an assistant.

“At the time, it only had a cult following. I needed to educate the various directors, departments,” Cogman said.

“I would compile timelines, family trees, histories…by the time we started writing the first season, the guys said if we should give anyone a shot writing the fourth episode, it should be Bryan.”

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

Co-writer and co-producer Bryan Cogman spoke at Theatreworks Feb. 9.

Cogman said he thinks he writes lines for character Jamie Lannister well. He also enjoys writing for the Stark sisters: Sansa and Arya.

His hardest character to write for is Daenerys Targaryen, aka, Dany. “So much of Dany and what makes Dany work is kind of internal and not spoken,” Cogman said.

“You have less scenes of her to make the point you want to make; you have to pack a lot, both narratively and character, so that’s a challenge,” He also mentioned he enjoys the underdog characters, such as Samwell Tarly.

Cogman said Martin lets

little of the show affect his writing. Martin is a former screenwriter who penned some episodes of “The Twilight Zone.”

“He left and started writing ‘A Song of Ice and Fire.’

He wanted to write a book that could never be produced for television,” Cogman said.

He also shared that Martin had “A Song of Ice and Fire” in mind for many years.

“He has this thing, unpublished, about the history of the Targaryen reign. He’s creating an entire universe…got an entire 3,000 years of history, names and all, sketched out,” Cogman said. “I mean, the

man’s a genius,” Additionally, Cogman spoke about several of the actors, including Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister) and Emilia Clarke (Dany Targaryen). He also talked about the effect “Game of Thrones” has had on the feminist icon and pop culture in general.

“It’s fun to show these characters essentially screwing up and having to rely on their mistakes,” Cogman said.

“We don’t think about it as writing a feminist icon; if you start to do that, it gets to be preachy and you’re not writing human beings.”

VAPA highlights upcoming opportunities for students anedd@uccs.edu

Student enrollment has increased in the performing arts sector of UCCS over the past several years. It’s a trend expected to continue with the addition of new classes.

“It’s an exciting time,” said Kevin Landis, assistant professor and award-winning theater director. “I’m genuinely looking forward to this semester.”

Colin McAllister, UCCS Music Program coordinator, and Mary Ripper Baker, dance instructor and lecturer, both share Landis’ enthusiasm.

“I anticipate seeing the number of dance minors increase and I look forward to our students strengthening their dance technique and abilities,” Baker said. “I have a fantastic group of hard-working and motivated students.”

“We are continuing with our guest concerts,” McAllister said. “We have student and faculty recitals that are a lot of

fun.”

He also indicated the Pep Band is growing and there are always opportunities to join.

Every year, Theatreworks

“

“I would say choreographing ‘Spring Awakening’ has been a huge learning opportunity, a great break from the norm, and a wonderful way to say goodbye to the UCCS Dance Department

“

Alexander J. Nedd

—Leilani Mullins

and UCCS perform a joint production that allows students to obtain real-world experience. This year’s production is “Woyzeck.”

In addition to being a collaborative piece between professionals and scholars, “Woyzeck” also links together students from different departments within VAPA. “We’re performing a concert on the set of the play,” McAllister said. “We’re performing music related to the play.”

He will be conducting the music for “Woyzeck” on opening night, March 12.

“The students are so intricately involved and there is something special every other weekend,” said Landis, who will be directing the play.

Dance is also working on a variety of projects, and is anticipating the graduation of one of their first dance minor students Leilani Mullins.

Mullins is choreographing “Spring Awakening” and looks forward to her last semester.

“I would say choreographing ‘Spring Awakening’ has been a huge learning opportunity, a great break from the norm, and a wonderful way to say

goodbye to the UCCS Dance Department,” Mullins said.

“Spring Awakening” started on Feb. 14 and continues until Feb. 23.

“That’s never been offered before,” said Landis. “We also have a new class named Extreme Acting, which teaches students how to go the extreme with their characters.”

Dance is also offering new curriculum choices.

“This semester, I am teaching ballet again and also Broadway Dance – a new course offered this semester,” Baker said.

She indicated Tiffany Tinsley-Weeks is also offering a Fundamentals of Dance and Dance Composition class.

“Our dance department continues to thrive and we are thrilled to be expanding our class offerings to a growing number of students,” Baker said.

The goal to offer new courses is already planned to continue past spring semester.

This summer, dance will offer a hip-hop course for the first time.

“In the fall, we look forward to Modern Dance and to welcome a larger population to our ever popular Fundamentals of Dance class,” Baker said.

VAPA’s newly approved center has also spotlighted the department. Those involved are optimistic about the scope of the program.

“It’s a new building meant to accommodate all of the arts, teaching the best classes for all,” Landis said. “We’re always looking to add more, so be sure to keep an eye out.”

The center is expected to be complete in 2017.

Lists of upcoming concerts, plays, and other events are available on the VAPA website.

Performances are typically free for UCCS students and faculty.

CUltUrE

Feb. 17, 2014 | 6

Beth-El charity brings furry pals to sick children smorley2@uccs.edu

Hundreds of sick children in Colorado Springs will now have a cuddly stuffed bear or dog by their side as they recover in the hospital thanks to UCCS nursing students.

Students from the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences held their annual Build-A-Bear charity on Feb. 9. The event, which began at 9 a.m. at the Build-A-Bear Workshop in Chapel Hills Mall, attracted a sizable crowd.

The store opened two hours before the mall and students and other participants were lined up to make their animals.

“It was … [really busy] the �irst hour. It was crazy,” said Elisabeth Mueller, a senior nursing student.

“The �irst hour was intense.” Mueller helped organize and advertise the event.

Participants had the choice between building a bear or dog, and could pay extra to add accessories.

They were also encouraged to leave a personalized note on for the child receiving the animal. . The event Melissa Jiminez, senior nursing student, brought her son and daughter to the event. Jiminez’s children made one bear and one dog and commented that they were happy to be able to help children in the hospital.

Some children even surprised their parents and the nursing staff during the event. Mueller described how one young boy went to the store to make a Spongebob for himself. Instead he ended up donating the toy to charity when he learned who the recipients were.

Adults were also motivated with the charitable spirit. Davis explained how a woman tapped her on the shoulder and gave her a bear she purchased in the store.

Check out our website! uccs

On Feb. 12, three carloads of boxed stuffed animals were delivered to Memorial Hospital.

The animals were set up in a conference room in preparation to be handed out to the children. littleThey were dressed in a variety of costumes from Batman to Spiderman to biker bears and princess bears.

“We can’t tell you how much these mean to the kids,” Deborah Mielcarek, director of Memorial Hospital patient care services, said.

“We’re more than glad to do it,” Davis said, “It was fun for us to do.”

According to Brenda McCants, the volunteer services coordinator, Kelly Johnson, the chief nursing of�icer for the Children’s Hospital, unfortunately could not attend the delivery but expressed her thanks and appreciation to the nursing students.

“

We can’t tell you how much these mean to the kids.

—Deborah Mielcarek

“

Samantha Morley

The bears were delivered to the children by medical staff only. Jeri Young, hospital certi�ied child life specialist, said that right now is the height of respiratory season and the hospital is being very careful about both patients and visitors.

Davis and the nursing students estimated about $6,000 to 8,000 of stuffed animals and accessories were donated.

Due to the high susceptibility of the children to repertory infections, no one except for sterilized hospitalized staff was permitted to interact with them.

cribe .com

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.

JAMES SIBERT | THE SCRIBE

Beth-El students handed out bears Feb. 9 to children in the hospital.

CUltUrE

Feb. 17, 2014 | 6

Philosophy professor lectures on ‘the Dark Female Animal’ Nick Beadleston nbeadles@uccs.edu

Kyoo Lee, philosophy professor at John Jay College of the City University of New York, presented a lecture on including the feminine perspective in both a historic context and in daily existence.

The lecture, entitled, “Xuanpin – The Dark Female Animal,” focused on the sixth passage from the classical sixth century Chinese text the “Daodejing,” commonly called the Tao Te Ching or Tao. Lee began the lecture be showing a slide screenshot of a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic film “Vertigo.” Lee tied it into the concepts of femininity and balance.

The first half of the talk focused on understanding the symbolism found in Chinese language characters. Lee explained how the logograms are generally comprised of multiple parts, which convey a pictorial representation of the concept it represents.

“Every character is a kind of a picture,” said Lee. “It draws

an idea.”

“In order to crack the Chinese code, if you will, you have to understand how the words evolved.”

Additionally, Lee addressed the ying yang symbol, which traditionally represents the balance of opposites, to include male and female.

To help the audience grasp the continuum and interconnectedness of opposites, Lee brought up the idea of an ice bun, a concept all too familiar to Coloradans as of late.

Lee also included a basic summary of Daoism and the Daodejing, as she understands them, expressed through an interpretation of the characters that make up the word and title. She also noted in the text “Dao” is referred to as “mother of all things.” This may hint at a respect for the feminine that was lost in subsequent translations of the original work.

The second part of the lecture revolved around the concept of Xuanpin, shun pen, which can be translated as “the womb,” or “the dark female animal.”

NICK BEADLESTON | THE SCRIBE

Kyoo Lee spoke Feb. 13 at UCCS about femininity in the Daodejing.

Lee’s untraditional interpretation of the passages revealed a more prudent message about the nature of excessive consumption.

The final line of the sixth passage traditionally reads, “Draw upon it as you will, it never runs dry.” Lee has translated the text to mean “it is used but not to be used up.”

This interpretation speaks to the nature of both consumption,

and the typical male mindset towards women.

When asked how the larger concepts addressed in her lecture could be applied to the daily lives of students, Lee was briefly at a loss.

After a moment she answered “it’s how you look at life. It’s kind of a different way of looking at what the world is, and where you came from.”

The event was sponsored

by the Department of Philosophy, the Center for Religious Diversity and Public Life and the UCCS Philosophy Club.

Present were several students and staff, and a dozen more members of the community.

Expresscare Plus 2141 North Academy Circle

Kelly Gregg Learn more

597-4200 ext 115

Most of the time, nothing good comes from having the u.

Except now. If you get the u, OR have the u already, you can help evaluate an investigational medication that may help end u symptoms more quickly.

To pre-qualify for the FAVOR study, you must: Be between 18 and 80 years of age Have a fever of at least 100.4oF (if over 65 years of age, at least 100.0oF

Have 2 of the following symptoms: Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational u medication for its ability to manage symptoms of the u.

Cough, sore throat, headache, nasal congestion, body aches and pains, or fatigue All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided.

Editorial Olympics should spur motivation Scribe Staff

Feb. 17, 2014 | 8

Introducing

The Scribe

iPhone App

scribe@uccs.edu

The Olympics happen every two years.

While pride in your country is at a peak during the Olympics, residents of Colorado Springs can take extra pride in the U.S. Olympic movement.

The economic impact of our city’s involvement is essential and irreplaceable to our community. Even more focused is the impact on UCCS, one of few if any schools in the country that can claim Olympic athletes among their students.

Every athlete has their own unique story and path, something we can all latch on to, as each of us have our own path in life.

The people that make the Olympics sacrifice so much, we are all momentarily inspired by them. The trouble is continuing that inspiration once the Games are over. The excitement of humans pushing themselves to the fullest in pursuit of perfection The Olympics happen every two years. Don’t take it for granted. Take their inspiration and use it.

As Darrin Steele, a teacher in the College of Business and a consultant for the U.S. bobsled team, said in the Feb. 3 issue of The Scribe, “There’s something about having a level playing field and watching human beings from all over the world put it on the line. There’s something about the human struggle, and seeing how great we can be. The Olympics remind us that we’re really not that different.”

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 Editor

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

Download now!

Search “The Scribe” in the App Store

or scan here!

Love and other drugs Like power, transparency and, oh, facts Jesse Byrnes, editor-in-chief scribe@uccs.edu

Enjoy Valentine’s Day this year?

Hopefully you didn’t get a box full of excuses or a bouquet of puff.

Reporting in general can be tricky.

You have to understand the story, know the people best equipped to tell it, find the most interesting angles for readers and come across as educated, articulate and fierce.

It’s why journalism usually finds itself ranked among “The Worst Jobs Ever” lists* and the people in the industry thrown into categories occupied by lawyers, politicians and car salesmen.

Still, for journalists, it’s the best job ever. Why? At its core, the news industry exists to educate audiences on important issues, hold public officials accountable and serve as a watchdog for reader interests.

At UCCS, this means highlighting interesting campus events and activities, questioning decisions made by members of the staff and administration and making sure students have an outlet for their opinions.

Whether looking at record enroll-

ment, packed parking lots or departments pressed for resources, the more than 10,600 students here drive everything, from funding to graduation rates to the school’s reputation in the community and across the nation.

And because this school has so much to offer, it’s important that those looking out for its best interest recognize when they fall short and be frank about reality, not shielding incompetence and letting various problems fester.

Head of a department? Maybe stop trying to cover up your budget and return my reporters’ phone calls.

Using public resources to work on cool projects that others might find useful and educational? Stop being so secretive.

Fail to meet a goal but realize students need to know because it will impact them? Talk to us.

It’s at the same time hilarious, flattering and totally frustrating when people on this small campus decline to be open, helpful and informative on issues just because they’re worried about bad publicity.

Everyone employed at this paper is a student, to be sure, and all are putting in their best efforts to act professionally in

our roles as student journalists, whether returning calls and emails quickly or being flexible around busy schedules to make sure we’re able to get the story.

It’s time the professionals on campus start doing the same.

One bright spot in the near future is a campus-wide evaluation and prioritization that takes a look at all areas of the university. (Look for the full story in our next issue.) The point of the evaluation, which involves academic and non-academic heads on campus, is to evaluate everyone’s effectiveness in light of the mission of the university and be open to necessary changes down the road.

If those in positions of authority on campus can be open with their colleagues and speak on the facts, hopefully they’ll be just as open with us.

We’re students and think journalism is the best career ever – don’t ruin that. *Being a newspaper reporter ranked dead last in a list last year of 200 occupations, according to CareerCast.com data published by The Wall Street Journal in “Best and Worst Jobs of 2013.”

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

Letters to the Editor: scribe@uccs.edu

Contact us:

On campus: UC 106 Phone: (719) 255-3658 www.uccsscribe.com

Follow us:

facebook.com/uccsthescribe

@uccsscribe

opiNioN

Feb. 17, 2014| 9

We still need it

Amid campus growth, students making the difference

Ryan Adams radams3@uccs.edu

It’s hard to imagine what UCCS will look like in 10 years. Increased construction, ambitious expansion plans and larger incoming classes are all signs of things to come on campus.

Yet, what can we really attribute all this growth to if not the students?

From the freshmen who arrived here last fall to the seniors graduating this May, the students are the ones who spearhead this growth. Without them, the school is nothing.

It’s easy to credit the administration. Not only have they pushed for campus expansion, but their marketing of the school has been aggressive and farsighted. Staff and faculty realize the university’s potential and encourage students to be bold.

The community members also did their part.

They could have labeled it as “the local commuter

school up on the hill.”

Instead, Colorado Springs citizens have embraced UCCS. Without their help, there is no way the school would be as notable as it is today.

Both of those are large contributing factors, but in the end only one group of people decide if this growth can be sustainable: the students.

Take for instance, the recent basketball Blackout Night at the Gallogly Events Center. The Office of Student Activities could promote the event as much as they want, but without the students who filled the stadium to watch their teams the event would have been just a pickup game.

The students recognize this and realize if they want Gallogly to become the next Cameron Indoor Stadium (where the NCAA Division I Duke Blue Devils play), they need to be there.

The university could bring in world-class teachers, the latest stateof-the-art facilities and promise great jobs right out of college. Without students though, none of that matters. A school can’t grow unless more people come to it.

UCCS students have recognized and decided that if they want their school to be on the map, they have to do some-

thing about it.

Ever since coming here in the fall of 2010, it has been very evident to me that the students here care greatly about this school. I remember coming here as a freshman and seeing the countless upperclassmen helping with the move into the dorms. Or the numerous opportunities I had to join clubs, organizations and teams.

Just walk down the sidewalk, around the University Center and through the numerous buildings on campus. Students are running clubs, making decisions for their organizations and coming up with the next big event on campus.

Without them, UCCS may still grow, but not as much as it could with students who are motivated to see it blossom into the next great university.

Growth will continue to come at UCCS as long as the students see it fit. The Blackout Night crowd may become a regular occurrence. There may be need to establish a second Clyde’s. UCCS may one day extend from North Union Boulevard to North Nevada Avenue.

It’s up to us as students to see it through, and as long as we do, the future for UCCS is boundless.

FEMINISM: great in definition, flawed in practice

Samantha Morley smorley2@uccs.edu

Women who adamantly practice feminism are actually becoming female versions of the domineering males they claim to hate.

The popular de�inition for feminism suggests men and women

should get equal rights and opportunities. Its intention is to promote equality, not discrimination.

Equality is about making things as fair as realistically possible without paying attention to age, gender and class.

Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, women started to think feminism was actually the practice of misandry, or man hating.

Since then, an alarming number of women who deem themselves “feminists” are instead simply misandrists.

And regardless of what they want to call

themselves, they are giving gender rights a bad rep.

Luckily, there are websites popping up to counter the discriminating mindsets of these feminist wannabes.

Take WomenAgainstMen.com. At �irst glance it appears to be a website looking to put men down. However, contrary to its name, the site actually presents an argument for equality between genders.

In their blog post “Feminism is a Hate Group,” writers on the site state, “it is amazing how so many people continue to turn a

Black History Month

“Why do we even need Black History Month?”

This question has been echoed in my ears since elementary school. It’s a question I have pondered, and before college was never quite able to answer.

It’s the 21st century, surely we all know about black culture. Right?

The uninformed statements from my peers suggest the answer is no.

It is this feedback that has reaffirmed for me that yes, we do need a Black History Month.

But for other reasons than you might think.

Black History month began as a single week in 1926, thanks to African American historian Carter Woodson.

It took place during the second week of February and marked the birth of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, notable figures in abolitionist history. The week was an effort to preserve black history and its impact on cultural affairs.

Its celebration was expanded to a full month during 1976 after a proposal from leaders of the Black Student Union at Kent State University. It marked a progressive step during the civil rights era.

However, that was then. It’s now 2014, so why do we still need Black History Month?

Since 1926, America has come quite far from the days of segregation.

However, there are still modern day issues of prejudice plaguing this country.

Blacks are falling behind in areas such as finance and education, and also see the highest unemployment. Social groups such as LGBT blacks are not fully represented in our culture. To me, these are problems Black History Month should shed light on.

Black History Month is not just about black history, it’s a time to highlight current issues within black culture.

Jamar Anderson is a junior at UCCS and head of the Black Student Union on campus. He also believes the month is essential to our nation.

“Black History Month is vital to our development as a people because it reminds us of not only everything we have overcome but everything we have contributed to society,” Anderson said.

Its implementation also looks to help dwindle down the white elephant described by Anderson.

“We cannot know where we are going as a people until we look at where we have been, said Anderson. “A lot of African [American] males and females our age are not keen on learning about their history.”

“Racism is still very much alive; however it is done in different fashions than it was 50 or so years ago,” continued Anderson. “We need to learn what has happened in the

past to prevent it from happening in the future.”

Rachel Hunt, a sophomore, takes part in the club as well.

“I think we need Black History Month because we get to learn more about black culture,” said Hunt. “When we were in school [who] did they mainly talk about?” she asked.

“The famous ones like Rosa Parks, MLK and maybe Malcom X, but what about Garrett Morgan who invented the traffic light that we all use and invented the gas mask?”

“What about George Washington Carver who invented peanut butter, a childhood favorite?”

I would like too firmly put to rest the belief black history is about slavery as well. Black History Month isn’t about blacks receiving apologies for crimes against them in early.

It is about celebrating those who rose up against adversity and contributed to the advancement of society through inventions, leadership, creativity, scientific innovation and social struggle.

For today’s perspective, it’s about keeping this history alive while also encouraging others to not give up their own battles.

Black History Month allows us all to look back and reflect on the individuals who have helped move our country to where we are today.

Black history is American history. And as we continue forward, it is imperative that we keep our country educated and ready to stand against injustice.

blind-eye to the harm that feminism is doing.”

Women who turn to feminism as a means to justify their poor treatment of men are in fact perpetuating the same practice men have historically enforced over women. It is what we typically know as misogyny.

Whether you call it “feminism,” misandry or misogyny, we shouldn’t be putting down either gender. Rather we should focus on op-

portunities to empower women, especially professionally.

The rise of gender equality in the workforce illustrates a shifting trend.

In 1950, the percentage of total women working, or the labor force participation rate, was 33.9 percent, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2012 that stands at 57.7 percent, compared to 70.2 percent for men.

Still, while women comprise 51.8 percent of the U.S. population, they make up 46.9 percent of the workforce.

The transition is gradual but the awareness and promotion of gender equality is growing.

Ladies, if you truly want justice and equality for both men and women, practice looking at a person for who they are and do not judge them by their gender.

Alexander J. Nedd anedd@uccs.edu

liFE on the BlUFFS Campus Chatter Megan Moyles, mmoyles@uccs.edu

What are some current trends you absolutely abhor?

Sudoku

Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.58)

8 6

Lacy Gray, sophomore, film studies I hate Ugg boots.

They’re so ... stupid.

They’re ugly.

5

2

General, Feb. 21-23 8 - 10 p.m.

“Spring Awakening” rock musical Dusty Loo Vivant Theatre

Monday, Feb. 17 6 - 9 p.m, Intramural 3-point and Slam Dunk Contest REC

Tuesday, Feb. 18 6 - 7 p.m.

Virtual Interview Skills Seminar UC 302

Wednesday, Feb. 19 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sochi at UCCS Food Table UC, Cafe ‘65

7 - 8 p.m.

ChitChat 2014: Cuban Art & Coffee 121 S. Tejon, Suite 100

Thursday, Feb. 20 Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Education Abroad 101 Info Session UC 126

5 - 7 p.m.

How to Manage and Pay Off Debt Workshop UC 116

Friday, Feb. 21 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

UCCS FAFSA FEST and Scholarship Workshops 2014

6 - 8 p.m.

Stoplight Mixer Clyde’s

1

4

3

3 8

5 1 7

5

1

Taylor McMillan, sophomore, criminal justice and Spanish double major

This week at UCCS

Way to beat the winter blues

8

9

2

9

2

8 6

3 4

2

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Mon Feb 10 21:15:57 2014 GMT. Enjoy!

Check

! e t i s b e w out our

uccsscribe.com the Scribble

Disclaimer: The contents of the Scribble are intended as satire.

Students express delight over shuttle privilege Ryder Smiles scribe@uccs.edu

Students can barely contain their enthusiasm over riding UCCS shuttles.

“It’s a tremendous honor and blessing when I can find time in my schedule to get in a shuttle ride,” said Amanda Dynes, a senior WEST and theatre double-major.

“When I get out of class and get to hop right onto the shuttle, it feels like fate, like God has a plan for me.”

“The buses are filled with students. The parking lots are starting to empty,” said Tim Rice, director of UCCS Transportation and Parking.

Rice also indicated drivers may have to be armed with nail covered bats and torn out sections of drain pipe to beat back the swarms of frenzied passengers.

Rather than attempt to find a parking space, students are now rabidly waiting for the arrival of the white and gold chariot. They each want their chance at getting a seat, or, if

Top Ten

9

9

4

Leggings with stupid prints on them. They need to stay in 2013 because they’re tacky, look ridiculous, they’re insanely overpriced and people who don’t look good in them try to pull it off and it doesn’t work.

Bring your completed sudoku to the Scribe office (UC 106) for a prize!

2 6

Bryce Dilingham, senior, business administration I hate all fads and I hate you if you follow them.

4

Feb. 17, 2014 | 10

they’re very lucky, possibly a swatch of standing room during their ride back to Four Diamonds.

Some students have even started sleeping at the bus stops, in anticipation of the arriving shuttles.

“I was so excited for the shuttle this morning that I got here yesterday,” said Melanie Lohan, sophomore economics major.

Others, even more motivated than Lohan, have started to form ad hoc communes around the bus stations.

“The shelters are pretty much all erected, and the water system is due to be completed by next week,” said civil engineering student Cob Rorddry.

“We’ve really created a whole community here,” he continued.

“There is even talk of setting up a small university…”

[Editor’s note: prior to publication, students overturned and set fire to a UCCS bus, in what was obviously a display of ecstatic joy.]

Samantha Morley, smorley2@uccs.edu

10

Buy a pair of mukluks

9

Take a dip in the Rec Center hot tub

8

Put scalding hot coals in your warming pan

7

Rent a Winnebago and camp in Arizona desert

6

Shovel all the snow into your neighbor’s yard

5

Set desktop to a Hawaiian paradise

4

Snuggle with a dormmate

3

Pleasantly warm hot chocolate

2

Medicate

1

Move. Leave. Never come back.

&

Sweet Salty Tweets “Despite the obvious I

wouldn’t want to be at any other school or on any other team.

Great group of guys here grinding 4 a common goal #UCCS” @C_MO_Bounce4

“Its sad when students are afraid to put #uccs on their resume...and only want to put UC” @CJLiley “Fact: my school has a better view

of the sunrise than yours. #pikespeak #uccs #whyamiupthisearly” @dahlem_david

“Get your parking situation

sorted @uccs I couldn’t go to class today b/c I couldn’t find a spot” @moneily

“It is so nice to be able to sit in

bed and watch the sunset behind the mountains. #blessed #coloradolife @UCCS” @Lizzie_doll52

Sports

Feb. 17, 2014 | 11

Ski and Ride Club, SOLE offer students opportunities to hit the slopes Ryan Adams radams3@uccs.edu

Recently, it seems the snow has been never ending in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. For students, this is the perfect time to get out and see what nearby, world famous ski destinations have to offer.

Despite the myriad of close skiing and snowboarding options – Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper, Winter Park – enjoying the sports can be rough on a college budget.

Skiing at some of the destinations listed above can cost more than $100 dollars just for a lift ticket.

Fortunately, UCCS has a few options for students to break in their skis or board without breaking the bank. office ofThe Rec Center’s S.O.L.E. office will be offering a trip to Monarch Mountain followed by a visit to the Mount Princeton Hot Springs on March 8.

The trip carries a price tag of $85, and includes transportation to and from Monarch, a lift ticket and a pass to the hot springs.

“It’s an affordable option for all students,” said Daniel Bowan, manager of intramurals, outdoor recreation and

club sports, “Monarch gives us a good group rate so that’s why we choose to go there over the other places,” Bowan explained.

“And it’s close to Mount Princeton too so its easy access to the hot springs.”

According to Bowan, xplainedthere are many students new to snowboarding and skiing, so there is usually an hour of instruction at the beginning of the day.

This teaches students how to turn, decrease and increase their speed and any other introductory skills they need to know before hitting the slopes.

Regarding the hot springs, Bowan said “we aidget there usually right when the sun is setting, you can make the pools a comfortable temperature, and there are plenty of them to go around.”

“It’s nice having the transportation too given how long the day is,.” he added.

Ski & Ride Club Another opportunity for students is the UCCS Ski and Ride Club. Led by junior Cory Volk, the club is uled mostly through social media. The club’s Facebook page has over 300 members, many of which are avid skiers and snowboarders like Volk himself.

“It’s completely free to join the page and it’s where we do most of our communication when it comes to arranging car pools every weekend,” said Volk.

To become an official member of the club, there is a $10 club fee, but Volk said that small amount goes a long way for the club.

“Being an official member gives you a member card which entails 10 percent off at all the local snow shops in Colorado Springs such as Hoyal Boardshop, Blindside and BC Surf and Sport,” Volk stated Another benefit of being an official member is access to the Ski and Ride’s school sponsored trips. Student Government Association funding and membership fees go towards these trips, and discounts the cost for attending memberthat attendss.

“In the fall, we took a bus to Breckenridge and supplied lunch. This trip was only $5 per person,” said Volk.

“Over winter break, we stayed at a beautiful lodge in Breckenridge, five minutes from the gondola, for three nights. This trip was only $100 per person.”

For those interested in the club, contact Volk at skirideclub@gmail.com, follow their Instagram page.

Registration for the March 8 Ski and

Soak trip to Monarch opens Feb. 21.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. Any questions can be directed to Bowan at 255-3429.

The Lowdown What: Ski and Soak trip Where: Monarch When: March 8 (Registration opens Feb. 21) How much: $85 More Info: Daniel Bowan (255-3429) Andrea Hassler (255-7508)

Second annual charity dinner for Kenyan school Feb. 23 Jonathan Tomas jtoman@uccs.edu

The second annual Kenyan Dinner Night, hosted by the men’s cross country team in support of the Cheptigit Primary School in Kenya will be held on Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m.

The idea was born out of a trip Coach Mark Misch and several cross country runners took to Kenya in January 2013.

The goal was not only to train there, but also to volunteer at a local orphanage. On the last day of the trip, the run-

ners went to visit the local school.

“The principal invited us in and we learned more about the school, the recent successes they had, and also the challenges they were facing,” said senior Luke Dakin.

“I asked the principal, ‘if we went back to America and put on a fundraiser for the school, what would you use the funds for?’”

He replied they we would hire more teachers. According to the principle their current student to teacher ratio is 55:1 and it is difficult for the teachers to effectively teach a class of that size.

The first dinner raised $4,650 through donations, an auction of Kenyan goods and support from people around the United States.

This helped enable the school to higher seven more teachers for a year, reducing that student to teacher ratio to 30:1.

This year, the goal is to raise the funds to pay the seven teachers for another year, and to support what Dakin calls “our teacher bonus program.”

In order to encourage top performance in both teachers and students, for every A received on a test adminis-

tered by the Harambee Foundation, the teacher will receive a bonus, as well as a bonus for every 5 percent increase in the overall class average.

“We knew that we had an opportunity to change thousands of lives in Kenya if we continued this type of work,” said Dakin.

The event will be held at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs on 2226 N. Corona Street. The event starts at 6:30 p.m., with a raffle and auction held at 8 p.m., along with the serving of Kenyan food.

Women’s track and field develops family-like atmosphere jtoman@uccs.edu

Running college indoor track and field in the winter without access to an indoor facility can present certain issues, especially if you live in Colorado.

“The athletes are doing a fantastic job with the situation they are in, they do well with the resources that are available,” said Head Coach David Harmer.

“We’re always in the process of making athletes better, and that requires patience from everyone involved.”

“We’ve been on the track maybe once outside of competing in the last three weeks,” he said. “We were pretty rusty; it was a little slow going at the start. But we’ve had pretty good performances the last couple of weeks.”

The women have had success in the open 800, where senior Alexa Urban ran an NCAA provisional qualifying time at the New Mexico Classic on Feb. 7-8.

In addition, the distance medley relay (DMR) also has a provisional qualifying time and is currently 15th in the country,

according to Harmer.

In the Colorado Mines Twilight Open, Jan. 31 through Feb. 1, the team of Makenzie Urban, Jessica Todd, Alexa Urban and Melanie Diep ran an unadjusted 12:29:59, which at the time was the fourth-fastest mark in Division II. “The next few weeks are real important, said Harmer. “We can fine tune some of the training.”

Harmer described his team’s strategy in two parts.

“We’re developing, we’re trying to get them to a higher level consistently,” he said. “But they’re also pretty close, like a family.”

For some runners this is literally the case. Senior Alexa Urban and her sister, freshman Makenzie Urban, both run on the team. In the DMR mentioned above, they were on the same relay team.

“It’s awesome, especially being the older one you don’t want your sister to beat you,” said Alexa Urban. She explained her sister is more distanceoriented, and “so we balance each other out nicely. It’s fun that she’s here, I

“

The love running with my sister, it’s exciting to be able to cheer for her, and it’s really motivating as well.

“

Jonathan Toman

—Makenzie Urban

really enjoy it.”

“I love running with my sister, it’s exciting to be able to cheer for her, and it’s really motivating as well,” said Makenzie Urban.

Looking ahead to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Indoor Championships in Alamosa, the altitude could pose problems for the longer distances, but for anything below a mile, according to Harmer. Alamosa is around 7,500 feet above sea level, in contrast with around 6,000 feet in Colorado Springs.

“That can challenge the athlete’s

confidence wise,” said Harmer. “We need to have a race plan adjusted for the altitude. But it’s the same for everyone [other teams].”

“Indoor is more about training, we practice a lot of the tactics within the race,” said Alexa Urban. “But as it’s my last year, I would like a conference title.

That would be a good closer.”

Despite the altitude, the team predicts few other problems with the venue as the Adams State facility is brand new.

The team participated in a meet on Feb. 15 in Alamosa, and several prior, to get a feel for the track.

“It’s a great facility, biomechanically it’s a great surface,” said Harmer.

After the RMAC Championships on Feb. 28 and March 1 in Alamosa, the National Division Two Championships will be held March 14-15 in North Carolina. After that, the team transitions to outdoors, with a meet in Boulder on Mar. 22 and a trip to San Diego on March 28-29.

SportS

Feb. 17, 2014 | 12

Men’s track and field powers through cold, initially qualifying several Jonathan Toman

jtoman@uccs.edu

When asked to describe his 2014 track and field team in one word, Head Coach Mark Misch chose “resilient” without hesitation.

“They’re good guys, low maintenance, they’re out there doing workouts in the snow,” said Misch. “They do what they gotta do.”

Recent challenging weather conditions have made training difficult, but not impossible.

“I think it was a -23 [degrees] wind-chill for one of the workouts,” said Misch. “But our training is good, we’re in very good shape.”

One of these resilient runners is Travis Whitman, a senior sport management major.

Whitman is a sprinter, running the open 400, as well as being part of the 4x400, 4x100 and Distance Medley Relay.

In the New Mexico Classic on Feb. 7-8, the 4x400 relay team of Whitman, senior Jonathan Wright, junior Ryan Buchanan and senior Marc Hensley ran a NCAA provisional qualifying time of 3 minutes, 20.99 seconds.

According to Misch, the ef-

fort set a school record.

In addition, their teammate, junior Carson Aberle, has already clocked a provisional qualifying time in the 800.

“We’re phasing out older classes and teaching the young guys the ropes,” said Whitman.

“We’re getting the job done and getting better with each meet.

We can use that confidence going forward.”

Part of the role of the indoor season is to prepare for outdoor.

While Misch indicated this was an area of increasing training importance, many runners are focusing on their current uphill battle.

“In indoor, we’re more focused on the race than the time,” said Whitman. “We’re banging bodies, and gaining the confidence of knowing you can finish the race.”

“We take everything with a grain of salt, both the highs and lows,” added Misch. “The next few weeks will tell the story.”

The next few weeks include a trip to Alamosa for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Indoor Championships at Adams State University.

Adams State, located at around 7,500 feet above sea level, sports a new facility with

COURTESY | UCCS ATHLETICS

Senior sprinter Travis Whitman competes in a relay at a recent men’s indoor track meet.

a 200-meter track. Previous host sites, such as 2012 host Chadron State College in Nebraska, have a 170-meter track.

According to Whitman, there are also wide corners, which favor sprinters.

“The sprinters look at the track more than the elevation,” he said. “The wide corners let you get going a little better, and for sprinting, it’s perfect for us, there’s no issue there.”

And the sprinters in the RMAC have been getting

consistently better. Whitman explained when he was a freshman, the time that won the Open 400 at the RMAC Championships was not below 50.5 seconds.

In contrast, this year there are already three runners with times under that mark, well before the RMAC Championships.

“The RMAC as a whole is getting better in the sprints,” he said. “It gets tougher and tougher, schools are all build-

ing their program, adapting to the additional sprint aspect.”

“Getting the RMAC up to the standard in the sprints will easily make it the best track and field conference in the country.”

The RMAC Indoor Track and Field Championships will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in Alamosa, Colo., with the National Division Two Championships held Mar. 14-15 in North Carolina.