Dec. 16, 2013

Merry Christmas Since 1966 Holiday Edition, Winter 2013-2014

National Student Exchange

Differences among national schools 2

Commencement speaker

Fall 2013 speaker on news, life & UCCS 3

Science & Business Budget

Vice chancellor delivers budget update 4

Bundt cakes

New store open in University Village 4

Culture UVC shopping

Nearby places to get last-minute gifts 5

‘The Hobbit’

Builds on theme of previous films 6

Opinion Gratitude

Keep a journal 9

Opportunities

Americans don’t see the possibilities 9

Sports

Vol. 38, Iss. 15

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

MERRY CHRISTMAS Health care law to potentially eliminate full-time student jobs Nick Beadleston nbeadles@uccs.edu

Several parts of the Affordable Care Act go into effect in early 2014. The employer mandate, which was delayed until January 2015, may redefine the traditional workweek, changing how businesses and institutions nationwide calculate pay.

The CU system, and UCCS by extension, is still unsure how the new law will effect student employment.

“It will have a change definitely on how we calculate time worked,” said Lisa Landis, assistant vice president, Employee Services for the CU system.

“We are getting very little guidance from federal regulations.”

According to an ACA provision, “a full-time employee with respect to any month is an employee who is employed on average at least 30 hours of service per week.”

“We’re trying to get clarity around how the 75 percent fulltime equivalency will apply to student employees, said Susan Szpyrka, vice chancellor for Administration and Finance.

“It isn’t saying that someone can’t work 35 hours in one week or 39 hours in one week.

It’s saying that we’re still trying to figure it out,” said Szpyrka.

“I’ve been asking for advice on this now since probably July.”

Much of the question hinges on if the 30-hour limit will be enforced as a weekly maximum or as a 1,560-hour yearly total.

“I cannot tell you we are or are not going to restrict people to 30 hours a week because we have made no decision on that,” Szpyrka said.

Initially, CU Employee Services conducted a “look-back period” from Oct. 1, 2012, to Sept. 30, 2013, to see how a 1,560 cap on hours a year would affect student employees.

Results indicated that no undergraduate students at UCCS were found to have worked in excess of 1,560 hours over the

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

Kristen Robards, like other students employees, may not be able to work full-time on campus.

12-month period.

A second review period, however, conducted from May 2012 to April 2013, indicated 42 UCCS undergraduates worked more than 1,560 hours during that period.

Szpyrka indicated if students wanted to continue working 40 hours a week, they would possibly have to do so partially on campus but in conjunction with another off-campus employer.

“I do know that there are students who have that demand and that need. And they’ll still probably be able to do that, but they may find that they’re working a job on campus and a job off campus.”

Many departments on campus are also unsure how to plan for the university’s pending decision.

“It’s going to require us to be a little more aware off where else our employees are working on campus,” said Matt Gaden, director of campus recreation.

Faced with the possibility of limited weekly hours, some student employees are concerned about future finances.

Kristen Robards, a junior math major who works at the Copy Center, expressed worries about making ends meet.

“The limitation is very un-

fair, especially for students who are financially independent like myself,” said Robards. “For them to limit that I don’t think is morally right.”

According to Szpyrka, based on information from CU Employee Services, the university

“

The limitation is very unfair, especially for students who are financially independent like myself.

“

News

UCCSScribe.com

—Kristen Robards

would not have to implement any changes until UCCS’ open enrollment period starting in May but with an effective start date of June 1.

“I can’t tell you when the changes will be,” said Szyprka.

“I will tell you that we will have the information out as quickly as we can.”

“Anything that may impact a student, we want them to know about it before the end of the May term,” she added.

Szpyrka also stated the university would have a high level of control throughout the process.

“UCCS will be able to manage most of the implementation of

Overextended

Sports medicine staff helps athletes 11

Cross country

Women’s team ends season 11

TEXT "THELODGES" TO 313131 FOR MORE INFO

the policy and even determine what our processes will be.”

Regarding health benefits for those working on campus, Szpyrka stated, “Student employees have never had benefits. It’s kind of been a great thing for students to find employment.”

“It helps the university in hiring students, and most students don’t need health insurance.”

She went on to explain most, not all, undergrad students are covered under their parents’ plan until they are 26.

In a follow-up, Szpyrka stated, “It is never good when a student does not have health insurance.” She reiterated many students can remain on their parents plan until age 26.

For students who do not have health insurance, UCCS offers a student health insurance plan that any student can opt into, whether they are a student employee or not.

Szpyrka also indicated all students at UCCS have access to the Student Health Center for “non-emergency care.”

She went on to explain that “were benefit packages funded for student employees, the number of student employment hours available would have to be reduced in order to fund the benefits.”

NEWS

Dec.16, 2013 | 2

National exchange students explore opportunities, differences Jesse Byrnes jbyrnes@uccs.edu

Colorado Springs is known for its tourist attractions and outdoor activities, enticing exchange students interested in everything from urban planning to vertebrate pigmentation.

UCCS is one of seven Colorado schools that participate in the National Student Exchange, a collection of nearly 200 universities across the U.S. and surrounding areas including Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

“It’s a way to get a diverse experience while still feeling like you’re in your own backyard,” said Margie Oldham, director of the NSE program at UCCS. UCCS joined the exchange six years ago but wasn’t sure how to use the internal system or add students to the exchange. It was also during a time when the system technology was being overhauled, leaving organizers unable to manage their own program.

Up until early spring, UCCS could only accept 15 national exchange students per semester. A month after bringing on board Heidi Wardell, NSE coordinator at UCCS starting in February, the school will be able to open up 100 slots to exchange students.

The pair hosted an open house last week in the Columbine Hall foyer to attract more students to the program, available to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Residential credits for degrees can be waved senior year.

Students can enroll full-time for a single semester or for a full academic year. Depending on the programs at other schools, students can pay in-state tuition and fees to UCCS or to the outof-state host.

Most UCCS students considering the program are interested in Californian or Canadian schools, according to Oldham.

UCCS has a few students placed at other schools and hopes to send out 20-25 next year. Applications are due March 1, 2014, for next fall.

Academics “They take their labs a lot more seriously here,” said Kody Reed from Wichita State University in Kansas.

Reed said that that a full lab report is expected every week at UCCS.

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

Kody Reed enjoyed SOLE trips.

“It takes away from the learning,” said Reed, a sophomore studying secondary education.

Reed preferred more time studying the material than just writing up reports.

At home, the default is filling in the blank lab notebooks – “in depth and not as repetitive.”

UCCS is limited in some offerings, such as marine biology or geography and environmental studies because of few available outdoor labs, Oldham said.

While students cannot be degreeseeking while in the program, they work with Oldham and their advisor to make sure in advance that all courses count toward their degree.

Samantha Stearns, a senior at Iowa State University majoring in biology with a minor in genetics and performing arts, took classes in performing arts and biology classes this semester.

“The performing arts program here is phenomenal,” she said of the classes, professors and equipment. She was in a production of the “Bull of Knossos,” from the Greek myth, last week in the Osborne Studio Theater.

Academics can be difficult for exchange students, who must maintain an average GPA of 3.0 while at UCCS, half a point higher than the NSE standard. In the fall semester, three students had to drop out.

“All the professors I have had have been so accommodating,” said Kayla Koivisto, an exchange student from Brandon University in the Canadian province of Manitoba.

Of some differences he’s noticed, Paradise Taylor, a junior majoring in statistics at the University of South Carolina in Charleston, considers UCCS classes more interactive than those at USC. With the nursing program already overwhelmed and state regulations making it difficult to bring in those interested in education, the NSE – which falls under the college of Letters, Arts and Sciences – cannot bring in students interested in those colleges, according to Oldham, who is also executive assistant to the LAS dean.

Still, organizers expect to look at other departments and majors for more exchange offerings.

Cultural Differences “It’s interesting to get a different perspective,” said Koivisto. “I was expecting many Spanish speakers,” she added, her only other U.S. experience being in North Dakota.

“Even the way the government works is a bit different,” said Koivisto, a senior majoring in applied disaster and emergency studies at Brandon and paying Canadian tuition. She also helps Oldham in LAS. While he appreciates some of the cultural differences, Reed said, “When you do study abroad, you’re going to see a lot more.”

“I’ve always wanted to study abroad, but I was intimidated to go international,” said Taylor, who came to UCCS for the fall 2013 semester while paying in-state tuition back home. “Coming to Colorado lets me see a whole new

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

The NSE open house was Dec. 12.

world.”

“I love the weather, I love the culture here – it’s very free,” said Taylor.

Between Manitou Springs, Denver and Boulder, Stearns was able to find pockets of eccentric people. The stigma on things like marijuana use, at least in those places, was not as evident, Stearns said.

“I use it recreationally,” she said. “It was a nice change of me not being so persecuted, I guess.”

Stearns enjoyed Robert Melamede’s class on endocannabinoids and marijuana – “which would definitely not have been offered at Iowa State.”

Housing “What really killed me was the price of dorm living,” said Reed.

Back home, he pays around $3,000 per semester living in the dorms compared to $5,000 at UCCS. He almost changed his mind about attending UCCS for that reason alone, he said.

“Living in the dorms is helpful – like when you have three friends in the same biology class on your floor – but the housing has to be more affordable,” Reed added. “I took out my first loan.”

There is not enough housing at UCCS or in the immediate community for college students, said Stearns, who spent two months on Craigslist trying to find an apartment.

In Iowa, which is generally less expensive, she pays $350 a month for her apartment. In Colorado Springs, she found one for $425.

She said more housing options are necessary to attract more exchange students. And if others commute like her,

the school might consider more immediate parking changes.

“With a rapidly growing campus ... they really need to buckle down and maybe change the parking [and transportation] system,” Stearns said.

Activities For most exchange students, Colorado’s many outdoor activities are the biggest pull.

“Every student that I talk to is about the outdoors,” said Oldham. “I can’t emphasize how much Pikes Peak advertises for us.”

Stearns enjoyed several adventures, including a hike to the top of the Incline, a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater and a dive with sharks at the Denver Downtown Aquarium.

Taylor also dove into activities this semester, including intramural basketball, yoga, plays and camping (“I couldn’t get a fire started either time”).

On the mountains in Colorado: “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

NSE students hosted at UCCS receive $65 credit for Student Outdoor Leadership Expeditions (SOLE).

Koivisto and others recently took advantage of the opportunity by going to Monarch two weekends ago, visiting Mt. Princeton and nearby hot springs.

“I’ve had a bunch of extra opportunities that I never would have seen if I were in Canada,” said Koivisto, mentioning concerts and hiking.

Stearns also found a boyfriend, Jeremy, who lives in Colorado Springs.

They hope to continue dating after she goes back to Iowa.

NEWS

Dec.16, 2013 | 3

13 QUESTIONS with Robb Harleston

The fall 2013 commencement speaker on news, UCCS and careers Jesse Byrnes jbyrnes@uccs.edu

Normally, he delivers early-morning news to politicians and socialites in view of the U.S. capitol. Soon, he’ll address hundreds of UCCS graduates and their families near the foothills of Pikes Peak.

Robert “Robb” Walter Harleston, a UCCS alumnus, will speak at the fall 2013 commencement ceremonies Dec. 20 at the Colorado Springs World Arena.

In 1983, Harleston, who started his studies at Syracuse, received at UCCS a bachelor’s in distributed studies: communication. (“To be honest with you, I have no idea what that means.”)

Now he is the host of C-SPAN’s “The Washington Journal” program and serves as the outlet’s congressional editor covering Capitol Hill.

The fifth distinguished alumnus to deliver a UCCS commencement speech – all for fall semester, including a local judicial magistrate, technology executive and senior FedEx VP – Harleston hopes to encourage students to aim high and pursue their own success.

JB: What’s your favorite UCCS memory?

RH: I guess it was being accepted. I had taken some time off school at the time. I was working at the Air Force Academy and they had a program where they pay for your tuition – like 75 percent – if you went back to school and got your degree ... I don’t know what tuition is like now. At that time, tuition was like $100 a credit hour.

You graduated 30 years ago. How big was your graduating class?

I really have no idea ... we were in some kind of auditorium as I recall.

If not broadcast journalism, what would you do for work?

I had considered psychology. I had an interest in finding out how people’s brains work and asking questions. Then I started at the radio station and continued along that path.

How did your college experience prepare you for what you do now?

I learned how to deal with all kinds of different people. When I was at UCCS, it was mostly a commuter school and there were a lot of older folks. I think it was a marketing class I was taking, and at the

SPEAKER SELECTION

Fall commencement Dec. 20 at the Colorado Springs World Arena is special to attendees because of the addition of a special speaker. But how does the school determine who to select?

“Notably and most easily, we’re looking for people who have either given a significant time back to the university or who have done something fairly, fairly influential with their careers since they left UCCS,” said Andrea

COURTESY PHOTO | C-SPAN

Robb Harleston, host of C-SPAN’s “The Washington Journal,” will speak at Dec. 20 commencement.

age of 20 or 21, I was the youngest in the class ... [My college experience] helped mature me, it helped to prepare me for dealing with different folks and it helped me to learn how to finish something.

What’s it like reading the news on live television?

It’s pretty interesting. Generally, I’ve had a chance to read it once or twice before going on air. A couple times you don’t and you’re kind of editing things in your mind ... it turns into an ad-lib situation.

In the program that I’m with now – “The Washington Journal” – in addition to reading newspaper articles on TV, we also read tweets and messages on Facebook and sometimes you start reading something on the top and when you get to the bottom, you see something that may not be appropriate for 7 o’clock in the morning and you have to get it off.

Can I send you a copy of The Scribe?

Sure.

Who’s that one person you’ve always wanted to interview?

Mrs. Obama, Secretary of State Colin Powell and Caroline Kennedy.

Favorite current-day journalist?

Pete Williams from NBC News.

What’s your daily news consumption look like? What do you read, listen to, watch?

Oh my goodness – there’s so much. I watch our program, “The Washington Journal,” I listen to a little National Public Radio, half an hour of CNN, half hour of MSNBC. I read The Washington Post, New York Times, Washington Times, what we call campus papers (they’re devoted to politics and active on Capitol Hill - The Hill, Politico, Roll Call), and all kinds of things on Twitter. Because my job here is not only host at “The Washington Journal” but as the congressional editor, I’m involved in any coverage on the Hill.

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve ever interviewed?

Right off the bat I’d say Desmond Tutu, Jesse Jackson, President George H.W. Bush, President Clinton – I think those are probably at the top.

If you could read the newspaper for any day in history, what day would it be?

I would read the newspapers after the Dred Scott decision – find out what the reaction was in general and what the thinking of the Supreme Court was in

Cordova, an assistant in the chancellor’s office who is involved in commencement preparation.

The decision for commencement speaker is made by the Leadership Team, including the chancellor and several vice chancellors and provosts.

In spring, a student receives a student achievement award and gets to speak.

Cordova said it did not work to have two awards in the same year, so the school added alumni speakers for the fall ceremony.

“We really wanted to balance with the May ceremony,” Cordova said.

In 2009, UCCS started adding distin-

guished alumni speakers to fall commencement.

Cordova said not every “distinguished alum” is a donor and that the determination is based on “all kinds of factors.”

Fall speakers have included two alumni from the College of Business, two from the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (both communication majors) and an alumnus from the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

“They [the Leadership Team] certainly get recommendations from different areas,” said Cordova.

The Leadership Team takes into

making that decision.

Why do you think you were chosen to speak at commencement?

I don’t know. I met the chancellor – actually Chancellor Shockley was one of my professors when I was at UCCS – she was in Washington for an event I was invited to ... we were being introduced by the host and when he went to say, ‘This is Robb Harleston,’ she said, ‘Oh, I know who that is. He was my student,’ and we chatted after.

What’s your message to college students who are about to enter the workforce?

Start small. If it’s the electronic media – if you’re going into TV or radio, go to a small station. If newspaper, go to a smaller, local newspaper and get that experience. Even if you desire to go on to bigger things – a network or larger newspapers – it’s the experience that you get at small places that teaches you how to be a good journalist ... Once you feel like you have the experience to go big, go as big as you can.

To view a live broadcast of commencement or watch its recording, visit uccs. edu/commencement.

consideration when the candidate graduated, the college on campus from which they emerged and the group strives for ethnic diversity, according to Cordova.

December 2013 commencement will not only bring a new floor configuration at the Colorado Springs World Arena, but the largest estimated fall class to date.

A record 623 students are set to graduate this December, though not all always walk, compared to 567 last year.

In summer 2012, 225 walked compared to 223 this past summer.

NEWS & BUSINESS

Dec.16, 2013 | 4

Budget committee focuses on financial aid, growth radams3@uccs.edu

The University Budget Advisory Committee’s final 2013 meeting looked to the coming year and ways to help the campus thrive. Topics addressed included tuition, financial aid and funding for new buildings.

The meeting, led by Jeff Spicher, chair, and Brian Burnett, senior executive vice chancellor of Administration and Finance, took place Dec.12.

Although higher education in Colorado has experienced heavy cuts since the recession in 2008, that may change in 2014.

Gov. John Hickenlooper presented his 2014-2015 budget proposal, including $100 million allocated for higher education, to the state Joint Budget Committee on Nov. 7.

The $100 million would be split: $40 million for financial aid programs and $60 million for operating expenses.

Under this proposed budget request, all of Colorado’s public higher education school systems would receive an 11 percent across-the-board increase in operating expenses.

In return, each higher education institution would agree to cap annual

tuition hikes for in-state students at a 6 percent. Additionally, they will rationalize any tuition hikes to the state.

Burnett believed UCCS will be below that percentage.

“Last year, our tuition went up by 6 percent for resident undergraduates,” he said. “I don’t believe [we] will be at 6 but instead be looking at tuition in the range of 3 to 5 percent, leaning more towards 3.”

Burnett also addressed the $40 million component concerning financial aid.

Most of the sum would be need-based, but $5 million would be merit-based – something, according to Burnett, Colorado institutions have never gotten from the state government.

UCCS’ share of the financial aid pool is roughly $3 million. UCCS will receive around 3 percent of the $90 million state budget already in place for financial aid.

Burnett believes UCCS deserves a little more.

“I’d argue that because of our growth, we should get more than our share,” he said. “Yet, that 3 percent would give us $1.2 million dollars in state-funded financial aid, which is substantial.”

In prior years, UCCS has dedicated $400,000-$600,000 a year to financial aid.

With Hickenlooper’s proposed increase,

that amount available for scholarships could be doubled by the state overnight.

“

I’d argue that because of our growth, we should get more than our share.

“

Ryan Adams

—Brian Burnett

Burnett hopes a quick decision will be made on the financial aid component so the Office of Financial Aid, Student Employment and Scholarships can be ready to package more scholarship offers for students in March.

Another aspect discussed was the funding of new buildings across campus.

The new UCCS Health and Wellness Village on North Nevada Avenue has an estimated cost of $30 million.

The UCCS Health and Wellness Village will be a part of the $500 million to $1 billion master plan that will include the Lane Center, the UCCS Sports Medicine and Performance Center and six other facilities that will relate to health and wellness.

Burnett stated UCCS is looking to receive around $9-13 million from the City for Champions project, a Regional Tourism Act proposal.

This project, according to the Colorado Springs Business Journal, has requested around $82.5 million in state tax increment funding for various projects that include a downtown stadium, an Olympic museum, a new Air Force Academy Visitor Center and a sports medicine center for UCCS.] Within five years, UCCS would have to find the remaining funds required to build this part of the university’s master plan.

“With the Lane Center of Academic Health and Sciences opening up next month, there has been very big interest from local medical providers about partnering with us in growing our academic programs that are centered around wellness, sports nutrition, things like that,” Burnett said.

“Without the RTA money, we probably couldn’t get something like this done, but the state does a good job with leveraging funds for its cities, and we are lucky to be a part of this process because not every college in Colorado is.”

Nothing Bundt Cakes opens in University Village Crystal Chilcott

cchilcot@uccs.edu

One of University Village’s latest additions, a brightly decorated bakery next to Tokyo Joe’s, is inviting shoppers to order their cake and eat it, too.

The family-owned and operated Nothing Bundt Cakes location was set to open Nov. 1 in University Village Center. But due to a mistake with an email newsletter, the store opened a day early on Halloween.

“The front was full of boxes, but people kept coming in asking for cakes … So my mom and I made a split-second decision to open a day early instead of turning away potential customers,” said Alyssa Cihak Lopez, general manager.

The store is owned by her parents, Rick and Regina Cihak.

Her brother and sister-in-law are also a part of the operation.

From diverse backgrounds, the Cihaks came up with the idea to open the location a little more than a year ago.

“I’ve worked as a paralegal and event coordinator,” said Lopez, a UCCS graduate in communication. “My mom worked in real estate. There were Nothing Bundt Cakes at an event, so we tried them and my brother and sister-in-law decided to use Nothing Bundt Cakes for their wedding.”

It took 11 months of training and classes before they could open the store. Nothing Bundt Cakes offers cakes for all occa-

sions in a number of sizes and flavors.

The Nothing Bundt Cakes chain was founded in 1997 by Dena Tripp and Debra Shwetz, who worked for six months to perfect their recipe.

According to the chain’s website, the stores use real eggs, butter and cream cheese and bake cakes fresh daily. Frosting is made with just four ingredients: butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla.

The University Village location employs a full-time baker, two assistants and seven to eight frosters.

The location at University Village Center features 10 flavors, nine of which are available all months and one seasonal flavor.

Gingerbread is the flavor of the month for December. Chocolate turtle will be the feature flavor in January and February.

The most popular flavors are chocolate chocolate chip, red velvet, white chocolate raspber-

ry and pecan praline.

“My favorite flavors are red velvet and white chocolate raspberry,” Allyson Sisler, a sophomore pre-nursing major at UCCS, said. She works as a guest service representative at Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Multiple Nothing Bundt Cakes guest service representatives are also UCCS students.

Seven total guest service representatives sell cakes, decorate the store with crafts and take orders.

“They teach us how to make the crafts, but you have to be crafty,” Sisler said.

Cakes are sold in multiple sizes. The most popular are the bundtlets, a personal portion of the bundt cakes. Smaller still are bundtinis, bite-sized cakes served by the dozen.

The larger cakes come in 8-inch or 10-inch sizes and can be ordered or purchased in store.

Tiered cakes are also available for events like weddings or baby

PHOTOS BY JOSH CAMACHO | THE SCRIBE

UCCS students Jen Schellenberger and Jacqui Pustay work at Nothing Bundt Cakes.

showers.

“Birthdays are the most popular for cakes since that’s when people think of having cakes. The holidays are also popular. For Thanksgiving, we had a turkey-shaped cake with a brown bow, head and feathers.

We have a Santa one for Christmas,” Lopez said.

In addition to the cakes, the

store sells gifts like aprons, books and mugs. It also sells accessories like cake toppers, which are sold in a number of patterns.

“I really like all of the people.

It’s a lot of fun working here,” Megan Odriscoll said. She was just accepted to UCCS and plans to play soccer for the school next year.

CULTURE

Dec.16, 2013 | 5

DIY gifts to make for family and friends

by Attiana Collins, acollin2@uccs.edu

No one wants to leave anyone out during the holidays, but buying presents can be extremely expensive.

One solution is to make gifts from inexpensive items you can get from Walmart or the Dollar Store. These do-it-yourself (DIY) gifts are quick to make so you can give your friends their gifts before going home for break.

No-Sew Fleece Blanket Colorado can have pretty harsh winters. A great gift to keep someone warm is a fleece blanket.

You’ll need: ◊ Two pieces of fleece of equal size (about 1 1/2 yards each) ◊ Scissors ◊ Seam ripper Stack the pieces of fabric on top of each other so you can cut them to be the same size.

Cut out a 4-inch square from each corner of the fabric. Cut the edges into 4-inch strips about 1 1/2 inches apart.

Then make a 1-inch cut in the center at the top end of each strip. Do this on all sides of the blanket. To connect the pieces of fabric, take the top strip of fleece and insert it into the hole (the 1-inch cut in the center of each strip) in the bottom strip of fleece. Repeat this step until you’re done.

Cinnamon Stick Candle

Mason Jar Treats

Instead of just buying a candle, you can spice it up by wrapping cinnamon sticks around the outside of the candle. It’s cute and makes the gift feel a little more personalized.

This DIY gift is my personal favorite because you can do so much with mason jars.

You’ll need: ◊ The person’s favorite treat (this can be cookie dough, cake mix, hot cocoa or a favorite cereal) ◊ A quart-sized mason jar ◊ Ribbon

You’ll need: ◊ Cinnamon sticks ◊ Candles ◊ Rubber bands ◊ Ribbon Put the rubber band on your candle and place the cinnamon sticks under the rubber band.

When the entire candle is concealed, wrap the ribbon around the rubber band to hide it and you’re done!

Place the treat inside the mason jar and put the lid on. To make it pretty, tie a bow with a piece of ribbon to the jar.

Drink your Christmas Nick Beadleston

nbeadles@uccs.edu

Holiday Mimosa

1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier) 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 cup orange juice 1 (750 milliliter) bottle brut champagne, chilled Pour the orange liqueur into a shallow bowl. Put the sugar in a saucer. Dip the rims of six glasses in the orange liqueur and then in the sugar to form a thin, sugared rim.

Divide remaining orange liqueur and orange juice among the six prepared glasses. Top with champagne. Serve immediately. allrecipes.com

Sleigh

While these alcoholic drinks will be best enjoyed after finals, we won’t tell anyone if you fix one to be your study partner. (Just be 21 or older.)

Candy Cane Swirl

1 bag of candy canes 1 ounce SKYY Infusions Raspberry 3 ounces red cranberry juice 0.5 ounce grenadine 0.5 ounce peppermint schnapps Lemon lime soda Rim martini glass with crushed candy cane. Combine SKYY Vodka, peppermint schnapps, cranberry juice and grenadine in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass.

Top with lemon lime soda and garnish with small peppermint candy cane. whattodrink.com 2 ounces Sobieski Vanilla Vodka ½ ounces Irish cream Splash of pomegranate juice

And for all the Hebrews and Shebrews out there, the:

Spinning Dreidel

2 parts Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Whiskey 1 part pomegranate juice 1 tablespoon fig preserve 1 bar spoon fresh lemon juice 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon peel. drinkoftheweek.com

Mix ingredients. Serve over ice. drinkoftheweek.com

UVC shopping guide Alexander Nedd anedd@uccs.edu

Some of the major retail sales this holiday season can be found right here in the university’s backyard.

University Village Center has always offered an escape for campus students with an assortment of shops, eateries and retail places, all ready for you and your holiday needs.

Here are some of the top places for gifts and decorations.

Lowe’s

Petco

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday Who says Christmas is just for humans? Let you fourlegged friend know how much you love them with toys that range from $2-$10 dollars.

Cat scratching posts are $29 while purified/automatic water bowls run at $54. Fish are always a cheap option, goldfish starting at $0.15. If you really want to go all out, Petco house clown fish run $40 each.

6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday

Look at: Their toys, lowpriced options throughout the store for every animal.

Lowe’s has all your needs for house decorating for the holidays. Christmas lights are $2.99 for sets of 100-150.

Stunning ornament bundles range from $10-$20, available in many assorted colors.

Lowe’s also has common housewares items ready for any handyman to use, with items marked $10, $25 or $50 dollars.

Whether you’re decorating your room or preparing for a holiday party at your house, Lowe’s can help you make your holiday look great.

Steer clear from: Accessories such as leashes or dog and cat beds, which range from $20-$79.

Look at: Lowe’s has Kobalt tool sets for less than $50 and adjustable wrench sets at $10.

This store just opened in September but houses some really affordable items for your home living ad decorating.

Check out their discounted shoes and name-brand clothes line, all at a discounted price.

Steer clear from: Pre-lit Christmas trees and wrapping paper are on the expensive side and can be found for cheaper at other stores.

Kohl’s

7 a.m. to midnight Holiday hours Kohl’s is excellent for finding relatively low-priced gifts that range from $5-$15, including knife sets, children’s games, picture frames and candle sets.

If you can spend a little more, boxed jewelry starts at $40. Kohl’s also offers $10 Kohl’s Cash for every $50 dollars spent in the store, another incentive.

Look at: Kitchen electronics are neat and affordable; a Keurig Coffeemaker is $119.

There is also an extensive Broncos section for all the fans in the family.

Steer clear from: High-end jewelry, especially over $200, and major electronics like Beats By Dre or tablets, available at other retail places that charge less for better brands.

Honorable Mentions and Eateries If you haven’t checked out these places at University Village, be sure to drop by. These are good shops open for extended holiday hours and great places to pause while you are shopping.

Stein Mart

XS Threadz

A great place to find gently used brands at a greater discounted place. Check out the $5 rack, filled with accessories for any occasion.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

Especially for those 21 and older, BJ’s is the place for you. Its electric atmosphere and handcrafted beers are the ultimate escape from the holiday rush.

Hacienda

Mexican flavor to the fullest. Hacienda houses different entrees with many sauces to choose from.

Smashburger

The ultimate burger awaits you. Have a beer with a friend while you build your own burger or pick from their menu.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

These cakes will make a perfect holiday treat or gift if you don’t eat them before sending them away.

CULTURE

Dec.16, 2013 | 6

Festival of Lights PHOTOS BY JAMES SIBERT | THE SCRIBE

The Festival of Lights on Dec. 7 was chilly but brought excitement and celebration to the cold winter evening.

‘Desolation of Smaug’ charming, intense Eleanor Skelton

eskelton@uccs.edu

Rating:

Middle Earth-costumed fans lined the hallways of theaters nationwide for the midnight premiere Dec. 13, anticipating “The Desolation of Smaug,” the sequel to last December’s “An Unexpected Journey.”

Although the second Hobbit film deviates from canon more than the first, the movie still delivers impressive visual storytelling.

Audiences who have seen the first film may be confused by the abrupt opening of “Desolation.” It opens with a flashback to Gandalf (Ian McKellen) finding Thorin (Richard Armitage) and his pack of dwarves in an inn, recommending a burglar for their journey before the first film’s plotline begins.

However, the opening does redeem itself by recalling Thorin’s acceptance of Bilbo (Martin Freeman) at the end of “Unexpected Journey,” where Thorin said, “You! You nearly got yourself killed. Did I not say that you would be a burden? That you would not survive in the wild? That you had no place amongst us? I have never been so wrong.”

The canon plotline contin-

ues with a chase scene in which Gandalf, Bilbo and the dwarves run from orcs and take refuge in Bjorn’s cabin before journeying into Mirkwood, the fastest way to the Lonely Mountain.

Tolkien purists should be pleased at the adaptation of the giant spiders in Mirkwood.

Bilbo’s fight scene to free the dwarf band from sticky cocoons viscerally illuminates the original text.

Spiraling shots through the spider web-strung trees and the sudden appearance of several large arachnids trigger audiences’ childhood horror from this chapter of the book.

Adding Gandalf’s journey where he leaves Bilbo and the dwarves at the entrance to Mirkwood explores connections between “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.”

These extra scenes fill plot holes between the two film series that mostly die-hard fans who read Tolkien’s supplemental material and “The Silmarillion” would otherwise comprehend.

Peter Jackson’s placing Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) in the forefront of the wood elves keeping the captive dwarves at a stalemate in Mirkwood also creates a tighter mesh between the two sagas.

Toward the end of the film, Bilbo and Smaug’s (Benedict

COURTESY PHOTO | MGM

‘The Hobbit,’ which opened Dec 13, continues with tradition.

Cumberbatch) conversation within the dilapidating underground dwarf halls is executed almost flawlessly.

The CGI animation and

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actors’ interplay seamlessly illustrates the psychological tension and physical threat the dragon poses to Bilbo.

Yet other deviations from

canon are distracting. Several extended fight scenes, such as the one between the dwarves and Smaug, may overemphasize action and exclude some of the contemplative mystique for which both the books and the previous films are well-loved.

For instance, most of the dwarves’ wandering in Mirkwood for three book chapters is reduced to a single scene that turns into the battle with giant spiders, which fails to capture the mental and physical disorientation the characters experience.

The forbidden forest sequence in “Snow White and the Huntsman” would almost be better depiction of Mirkwood.

The audience does not see the dwarves get entranced by a wood elf dinner and then captured – instead, Legolas and Tauriel discover them with the spiders.

Also, the dwarves’ extended interaction with Laketown villagers provides comic relief but somewhat distracts from the plotline.

“The Desolation of Smaug” is packed intensity and strong visualization of a classic book.

It continues a solid integration into the film version of Tolkien’s world in keeping with “An Unexpected Journey.”

The fan base is still primed for “There and Back Again,” set to release in 2014.

.com

EDITORIAL

Dec.16, 2013 | 8

Millennials can show charitable nature, inclusiveness during holidays Staff Editorial

Jesse Byrnes Editor-in-Chief

scribe@uccs.edu

Christmas music all up in your radio. Multicolored lights draped across everything. Carolers chattering their teeth in frigid weather.

If you’re captivated with this time of year, in spite of all the stress it brings with finals, you’re not alone.

According to a poll by Harris Interactive, Christmas is the Millennial Generation’s favorite holiday, followed

by Thanksgiving and Halloween.

During the holidays, we can both share our good fortune and recognize how differently other cultures celebrate.

Millennials are often toted as being the “me, me, me” generation, but a survey World Vision released in November challenges that perception.

According to the study, 60 percent of Millennials have donated an average $481 per year across 3.3 charities.

So while we may occasionally indulge in something nice for ourselves, we don’t need to feel guilty when we are mindful of paying it forward.

And while Christmas is the “default” holiday in December, we also must be mindful it’s not the only one. The Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah, which ended Dec. 5 and commemorates the rededication of Jerusalem’s Second Temple.

A newcomer to the holiday tradition, Kwanzaa, is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. This holiday was created in the ‘60s by Maulana Karenga as a way of celebrating black culture.

The Pagan population, meanwhile, celebrates the Winter Solstice on Dec. 21 (ironically, this is the celebration on which Christmas is based anyway).

There are even people who celebrate “Festivus,” the mock holiday popularized in the ‘90s by “Seinfeld.”

All of these holidays demonstrate America is a melting pot. Emma Lazarus’ sonnet “The New Colossus” says it best: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free ... I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Modern America was built by the labors of immigrants, and it is our duty to remember their sacrifices.

According to the Library of Congress, 12 million people emigrated to the U.S. between 1870 and 1900. That may not sound like a lot in modern senses, but it was a 30 percent increase in population over the course of that 30-year period.

To compare, the same percentage increase in our population would equal 95 million immigrants by the year 2043.

Amid the cheerful cries of “Merry

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Exercise your freedom to respect others’ celebrations.

Christmas,” it is often easy to overlook the other traditions that help make America the pluralistic, welcoming society that it professes to be.

Some people push for more inclusive greetings like “Happy Holidays,” while others attempt to just ignore Christmas altogether.

Want to sing Christmas carols on icy

! e t i s b e w out our

doorsteps? You’re free to do so. Want to sip eggnog and spend time with family?

Awesome.

However you decide to celebrate this season (or not), remember that the holidays, like America itself, are a time to stop and appreciate the freedom in this country for everyone to celebrate what they want however they like.

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OPINION

Dec.16, 2013 | 9

Gratitude makes life more enjoyable

Crystal Chilcott cchilcot@uccs.edu

Like most people, I’m more likely to complain about perceived hardships and frustrations than I am to express gratitude.

It is easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed while trying to balance a busy schedule. This can make you irritable and want to complain to anyone who will listen.

Most people don’t re-

ally listen and instead join in complaining about how stressed and overwhelmed they are.

Minor incidents like someone cutting me off in traffic or interrupting me while doing homework used to irritate me immensely. I didn’t like this quality about myself but simply accepted it as fact.

This summer, however, I learned that I didn’t have to accept this quality in myself and discovered a way to become more appreciative, something anyone and everyone can do.

I had the privilege of attending a seminar and taking lessons from 1992 Olympic silver medalist Paul Wylie when my figure skating coach invited him to my rink.

Wylie won the Olympic silver medal at age 27 – old by figure skating standards.

He had competed at the 1988 Olympic Games and enjoyed moderate international success earlier in his career but never earned a medal at the world championships.

His skating at the 1992 national championships was unfortunately not of Olympic medal quality. Wylie described his thoughts upon returning to the locker room after he skated, sure he would not qualify for the games.

We’ve all struggled with putting in work for a season and not achieving the results we hoped. To my surprise, his thoughts were full of gratitude.

“At that point, I had been working on my grat-

itude. Each day, I started and ended with [a] prayer of gratitude. So when I walked into the locker room, I acknowledged that I wouldn’t make the Olympic team,” Wylie said.

“Instead of sulking about putting in an extra four years of training and not making the team, I was instead gratified that I put in my best effort.

I was grateful that I had continued to train through my education and did not listen to those who forced me to quit. I was disappointed in how I skated but gratified that I was able to at least participate in nationals.”

To Wylie’s surprise, he barely qualified for the Olympics. He earned the third and last U.S. spot by one tenth of a point, amid

controversy.

His performance at the Olympics was that of a dream.

In a surprise third place after a clean short program, he moved up to second with a performance that many claimed was good enough for gold. Wylie attributed his medal to his deep appreciation of his unlikely participation in those games.

“I skated better than I ever had before in my life during practice. For me, I was just so appreciative that I was there,” Wylie said.

He gave every skater in attendance a challenge: start keeping a journal.

In this journal one could vent their frustrations, but more importantly, list all of their blessings.

try.

I decided to give it a

Within days, I noticed an improvement in my outlook. Instead of feeling frazzled, I began to appreciate all of my experiences.

Now, five months later, I am still journaling and encourage others to do the same.

Start your own journal, answering the question posed by abundance-andhappiness.com, “What are you truly and deeply grateful for?”

If you begin by answering this and each day write down all that you are grateful for, you will hopefully begin to see the same improvements that I did. And while facing a blank page with a pen may seem daunting, it is definitely worthwhile.

Opportunities not seen by Americans

Athletes in trouble: job affects behavior

Samantha Morley

Dezarae Yoder

smorley2@uccs.edu

I am an American native and my love for my country is dwindling.

Born and raised in Colorado Springs, I have met immigrants from all over the world who have openly expressed their admiration for the United States. They have said America is the land of opportunity, that they have been blessed to live here.

Most of the time, I can’t agree with that perspective – and neither do many other Americans.

A poll conducted by Gallup in November showed that 48 percent of Americans (the highest on record) don’t see the U.S. as a land of opportunity, and that percentage is growing every year.

I look at immigrants’ state of life – where they live, who they live with, their financial standing – and question their appreciation.

I can understand where

they grew up may be much more awful than living in the downtown slums of Colorado Springs. But their love for this country far exceeds mine. I do not see America in the same light.

Instead, I see a place where those natively born are put in positions of destituteness.

Natively born Americans often do not share the same insight as immigrants who see America as comparatively wealthy.

Therefore, America is no longer the land of opportunity for them.

Instead, like in times of financial struggle, I have seen people who were born and raised here unable to see the opportunity of the simplest of jobs that can bring in money.

We often think we’re too good to work at places like McDonald’s because we are natively born Americans and should leave those positions to the immigrants. Perspective is clouded by what we think we’re entitled to have and that it should just appear on our laps.

Immigrants, on the other hand, see the potential for fortune and profit wherever they may go.

It may be because their needs must be met as soon as possible, but their eyes are also open to the

fact that America holds so many more options than other countries.

I was fortunate to travel the world and open my mind to possibilities, but most Americans do not get that chance. Still, they need to start understanding just what a profitable place they live in.

One way to start would be to watch and read news from around the world, from BBC News to the International Herald Tribune. Paying attention to issues facing other countries can help put our own wellbeing into perspective.

Another approach is to volunteer at any of the countless local nonprofits that work to end poverty and help those in need in other countries and in our own backyard.

If still apathetic, maybe just focus on being generally more inquisitive and hard-working.

Don’t scoff at the minimum-wage job opening.

Be humble, become educated and work toward something. Anything.

The little things add up.

We’re supposed to be the land of opportunity, but it seems to be those options are only visible to those who immigrated from less fortunate situations. It’s time to change that.

dyoder@uccs.edu

It seems like everywhere we look anymore, athletes are getting themselves into trouble, or at least near trouble. Lately, it’s all about bullying and acts of violence committed by players.

The Colorado Avalanche’s Semyon Varlamov was in court earlier this month for charges of domestic violence brought forward by his girlfriend.

The goaltender, likely Russia’s first choice in the upcoming Olympics, faces a misdemeanor charge of third-degree assault when he returns to court next month.

Meanwhile, Richie Incognito has been dubbed the bully of the Miami Dolphins after a fellow player quit, attributing emotional issues due to harassment largely from Incognito.

The 320-pound lineman is currently suspended with pay, and the case is pending awaiting the

Dolphins’ decision.

Incognito has a past.

He was let go from the University of Nebraska football team for behaviors like spitting on players and picking fights during games.

Extracurricular problems for Incognito also included an incident in 2004, when three charges of assault were brought for his involvement in a fight that erupted at a party.

Is there an issue going on within the world of sports that brings this aggression into everyday life?

Absolutely. This aggression is a part of their job. It’s who they are the majority of the time if their sport is in season, and even beyond that with training camp.

I’m not advocating for their intense work lives to qualify as an excuse for their actions, but I think it is a valid point for consideration.

Athletes at this level are in a different mindset when they play and their forceful nature is oftentimes first instinct. You deal with certain dudes, you get the atti-dude.

Moreover, psychiatrists hardly stop analyzing people once they are off the clock, lawyers do not stop evaluating situations they are presented with and journalists don’t

become less inquisitive once a story is complete.

There is no on/off switch for athletes, either.

What should we expect from the figures that walk on the ground of the various coliseums? Namely those who have a history but are continually allowed to play despite the “missteps,” as some may call them.

Sports is where they belong, and if they are good and the league accepts the fines and suspended time as penance, they should continue to play without further degradation to character.

Ultimately, of course, we hold them to the same legal standards as all others. The law applies to them, as do the binding rules of whichever sports organization they belong to and any other contracts they might retain.

Yet, as spectators, we call for more blood as they play and then often look on in disbelief as these gladiators smite someone down outside of their game life, (or are alleged of smiting), or do something we might consider bad taste. We should scrub our faces of astonishment when these cases arise.

As Maximus in “Gladiator” shouted, “Are you not entertained!?”

LIFE on the BLUFFS Campus Chatter Samantha Morley,

smorley2@uccs.edu

What’s the weirdest gift you’ve ever received or given?

Shawn Partin, sophomore, computer science

“It was for a white elephant thing: a potato.”

Lily Szczur, senior, biology and psychology

“I got expired coffee in a coffee mug.”

Luis Trujillo, sophomore, pre-med “The weirdest gift I ever gave was – you know those fluffy bondage cuffs? I gave those to my friend as a joke.

They were black. I was going to do pink, or purple even, but they were out.”

This week at UCCS General Dec. 16-22 7:30 p.m.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater

Dec. 1-Feb. 23 2014-2015 scholarship application now open Cragmor Hall

the Scribble

Kayne Best scribe@uccs.edu

The stress of finals has resulted in a student’s death.

Junior Hermy Ganger was studying for finals when his roommates say he collapsed. “He was worried about his sociology exam and must’ve over-studied,” said Roonilda Ratty, a student studying anatomy.

Thomas Snowden, vice chancellor of Student Stress, said that nothing like this has occurred on the campus before. “Students stress about the finals, but none have ever died from it until now,” he wrote in an email.

According to the autopsy, Ganger tended to eat a little too much pizza but was healthy overall and would’ve been fine if he hadn’t over-studied.

“Students forget how easy it is to over-study. We never tell them,” said Bilba Pettigrew, head nurse at the Student Health Center.

Although Ganger’s death was the first one in Colorado caused by finals anxiety, there have been similar deaths across the nation. Some parents have started advocating for finals elimination.

Friday, Dec. 20

End of fall 2013 semester 2 p.m.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” matinee Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater

Wednesday, Jan. 1 Midnight 2014-2015 FAFSA application available

“If you go to class, you turn in your homework and you listen to the professor, why take a final?” asked Anika Spocker, president of Parents Against Stupid Finals (PASF).

PASF, which was founded before Ganger’s death, has become more active since the news spread.

“We won’t let any more of our children suffer from finals,” Spocker said.

Parents Against Parents Against Stupid Finals (PAPASF) said that the finals aren’t the issue, however.

“The student is clearly putting the studying off until the last minute. If they didn’t do that, then they wouldn’t have so much anxiety,” said PAPASF President Han Kirk.

Snowden agreed with Kirk. “Our professors don’t give any finals that they don’t think the students can handle,” he wrote. “Students should budget their time to avoid stress in the future.”

“Take breaks in between your studying,” added Pettigrew. She said that breaks lasting for increments of about 5-10 minutes should help with finals anxiety.

“It gives you a distraction before you get back to studying,” she said.

Top Ten Presents to give your parents Scribe Staff, scribe@uccs.edu

10

MySpace account

9

Six-pack

8

Tickets to a game for your dad’s rival football team

7

Unexpected grandchild

6

A cell phone…with your number blocked

5

“Special” brownies

4

An ‘80s computer so they can feel right at home

3

Beta fish in a shot glass

2

Ride to the nursing home

1

Look at your new tramp stamp

Sudoku 7

2 6

7 8

4

1 4

2

3

3

1

2 p.m.

Summer and Fall 2013 Commencement Colorado Springs World Arena

Saturday, Dec. 21

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

Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating Bring0.53) your completed sudoku to the Scribe office (UC 106) for a prize!

5:30-6 p.m.

MBA Info Session Dwire Hall 333

10 a.m.

Test Anxiety Workshop Main Hall 324 $5

Happy Hanukkah

Finals anxiety kills student

Monday, Dec. 16 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Walk-in advising Main Hall 208

Dec.16, 2013 | 10

5

9

8

9

6 6 2

5

6

2

1 9

4 7

6

9

1 7

SPORTS

Dec.16, 2013 | 11

Sports medicine does best with overextended staff Jonathan Toman jtoman@uccs.edu

The responsibility for the health and wellbeing of 14 NCAA sports teams at UCCS falls to five people.

Brian Hardy, assistant athletic director for sports medicine, and four graduate assistant certified athletic trainers run the sports medicine department. Hardy is the only full-time staff member.

“I see us a kind of the first line of defense,” said Hardy. “Sports medicine is an umbrella that includes lots of things, helping the athletes perform better or get healthy to perform better.”

The team focuses on orthope-

dic-type situations such as knees and muscles but also provides services for more mundane problems, such as coughs and colds.

According to Hardy, the main priority for the department is season sports. If a sport is out of season, there may not be a constant athletic training presence.

“We will never have the staffing we want … we can’t support daily staffing,” he said. “We have to find unique or creative ways to help out of season training.”

All coaches at UCCS are trained in first aid and CPR, which adds another level of assistance for sports medicine. But it still isn’t enough, according to

COURTESY | DURRAH03

Athletic tape helps prevent injury.

Hardy.

When he started in his position, he was by himself. He added that “it still sometimes feels like running around like chickens with their heads cut off.”

According to Hardy, 90 percent of the athletic trainers he gets to work with are from the Sports Medicine Department’s strength and conditioning program, a part of Beth-El. Hardy worked with Beth-El to create the graduate program, to “capture attention of students,” he said. A main goal was just to get Hardy some help.

“It’s a little bit selfish, but it helps the student athletes and that’s all that counts,” he said.

The five people on staff account for “all the practice and event coverage for the university,” said Hardy. This is in contrast to another (albeit Division I) school in the area. According to Hardy, the United States Air Force Academy has 16-18 certified athletic trainers working full-time.

Trainers are present at all outof-season home events, as well as all in-season practices and events both at home and on the road.

x2

x2

x2

x1 x6

x1

14 NCAA UCCS sports teams monitored by five people

* *Trained in CPR and first aid

According to the athletics website, all UCCS sports have trainers assigned to them except two: golf and cross country.

Hardy explained that the lack of an assigned trainer for golf was due to the nature of their practices, which can be at different times and places throughout the week. For cross country, while there is a set practice time, the problem is much more linear.

“You see them leave, they run 15 miles and then you see them return,” said Hardy.

Despite this, there are trainers assigned and specific office hours for treatment are set up through a computer scheduling system.

“Those two sports are a little different in that respect,” said Hardy. “But we’re working towards how to provide the best coverage for those programs but also take risk into account.”

“My main priority is to look at risk and risk of potential catastrophic injury also,” he added.

Women’s cross country

Team makes program history and aims to be stronger in 2014 Jonathan Toman jtoman@uccs.edu

The UCCS women’s cross country team wrapped up their season on Nov. 23 with a 20thplace finish at the national meet.

It was the first back-to-back appearance at the national meet in the program’s history. The Mountain Lions were led by senior Veronica Sandoval, who finished 55th overall.

“No matter where we finish, we want to be higher,” said Head Coach David Harmer.

According to runner Bailey Eppard, a freshman electrical engineering major, the team’s goal at the start of the season was a top-eight finish at nationals. Despite this, Eppard sees the strength of the team, their similar race times, undiminished.

“What makes our team so strong is that our pack is so close,” she said. “We kinda lost

our focus in the middle of the season, but then we got it back together.”

There are a couple of steps to continue this success, according to Harmer. First is getting the program going and generating momentum and “installing a belief that we can do this.”

The second phase, where he sees the team now, is “keeping them accountable and challenged … not thinking it’s a divine right to go to nationals.”

“I feel like we are adding to and building a tradition at UCCS,” said Eppard. “It’s nice to be a part of something that strives for excellence … we have a mission.”

This year had a young team, but there were no problems with chemistry, according to Harmer.

“The team as a whole felt that the togetherness was even better than last year,” he said.

“I feel like the group members mesh really well,” said Ep-

pard. “With distance runners, it’s really easy to talk to people and run with different people every day.”

“We consciously spent more time together,” added Harmer. This included things such as team breakfasts after early morning runs, as well as a team dessert prior to the national meet to go over their game plan.

Harmer considers himself lucky as a coach in this respect.

“They all get on, which is rare,” he said.

“It’s really pretty easy for me.

They are very coachable,” he said. “That’s a testament to them as people and athletes.”

The team chemistry is even apparent to outsiders, as recruits that come to visit consistently mention the team chemistry, according to Harmer.

Looking ahead, those on the team who competed through nationals had two weeks off after the national meet.

Something on your mind?

“It’s so they don’t have to listen to me every morning,” said Harmer. “It’s also a break from monotony of training every day.”

But that break is over, as winter training starts Dec. 16. The indoor season is beginning, and it has a clear impact on both the spring outdoor season and cross country next fall.

Indoor has more importance to the middle-distance runners and sprinters, as they use it to prepare for outdoor.

In contrast, for the longerdistance 5K and 10K runners, the indoor season is “more about building up the volume of training,” according to Harmer. They may not do as much racing as the shorter distances.

Even still, the team will look for personal records in the 5K races in indoor, as it compares closely to the 6K distance used in the cross country championships, according to Harmer.

The team will lose two runners to graduation, Sandoval and Ashley Benfield.

“Would I like to have them back for another year? Yes, definitely,” said Harmer. “Hopefully we won’t feel the impact too much.”

Harmer looks to last year to get a sense for how the transition to next year will look. The team lost All-American Megan Burrell to graduation before this season.

“Our freshmen and sophomore classes stepped up to fill that void,” said Harmer. “That’s a big plus for the team going forward to next year. We will be strong enough to compete and qualify again. That’s our minimum expectation every year.”

“We’ll definitely qualify for nationals again,” said Eppard.

“We have team goals for academics as well.”

“Next year, the sense of urgency will be back,” she added.

Email the editor at

scribe@uccs.edu

SPORTS

Happy Holidays

Dec.16, 2013 | 12

Concussions at UCCS: What’s the plan?

Jonathan Toman jtoman@uccs.edu

While concussions are most commonly associated with high-contact sports like football, UCCS still must have a plan in place if any university athletes receive such an injury.

“We aren’t under the gun as much as some institutions,” said Brian Hardy, assistant athletic director for sports medicine. “There’s not a ton of prevention that we do here.”

UCCS is fortunate, according to Hardy, that the university doesn’t have the top two sports associated with concussions as a Division II sport: football and ice hockey.

The NCAA mandates that institutions have a policy in place for what happens post-concussion. This does not mean that there is a set formula – just that there needs to be one.

Baseline test At UCCS, while that policy is “utilized to the T,” according to Hardy, it is not the end-all, be-all.

“It’s difficult to manage because everyone’s concussion is different,” said Hardy. “It mandates what we have to do but pigeonholes everyone into the same response.”

The first thing UCCS requires is a SCAT 3 (standardized concussion assessment tool) baseline test, which is conducted at the beginning of the academic year for freshmen or student athletes new to UCCS, as well as juniors.

This test allows results to be compared prior to and after a suspected concussion.

But it is not 100 percent accurate, as other things such as ADD, ADHD and color blindness can affect test results and can “throw a monkey wrench into the test,” according to Hardy.

Despite this, the test still “gives us a good idea of ability to return players safely,” he said.

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

The SCAT 3 is used for concussions.

According to Hardy, research suggests that after the age of 18, only one baseline is required. The brain is near or fully developed, or at least doesn’t have as far to go as when you are younger than 18, when baselines are recommended every year.

In addition, there is an education seminar held for students and coaches, as well as an online version.

Hardy understands the impact, so to speak, that concussions are having. “We want to be conservative and don’t want to mess with those things,” he said.

Test methodology The initial test conducted on an athlete with a suspected head injury is the SCAT 3. This looks for short-term memory and immediate recall.

Another technique used by sports medicine staff is to give the athlete five words and then ask them to recite them at a later time.

According to Hardy, these initial tests help to “determine if they have some type of concussion and what level they do.”

After these first assessments, the athlete is monitored until the end of the game or until 45 minutes to an hour pass.

Impact due to a concussion is often seen within that amount of time.

COURTESY IMAGE | WIKIMEDIA

Vital signs are monitored, as that is one of the first places where change is seen. The NCAA says that if a certain number of symptoms are present, that athlete is done for the day.

After the game or that initial hour period, the athlete is given take-home instructions with dos and don’ts. Sports medicine checks in with the athlete every day thereafter, looking for a change in the symptoms. This continues until the athlete says he or she is symptom-free or seven days have passed.

“Symptoms are subjective,” said Hardy. “But the test isn’t going to lie. I can catch you if you lie about your symptoms to play.”

The baseline test is then retaken. If problems persist, a general practitioner is brought in to see the athlete, as similar lingering headaches can also be caused by spinal misalignment, not just concussions, according to Hardy.

There is then a conversation about how classes are going, and if it gets past that point, then disability services is contacted.

But, if the symptoms go away, there is

a five-day or five-step process for returning to play: 1) 20 minutes on stationary bike, symptoms check after 2) Sprint program, 30 seconds go and 30 seconds rest 3) More intense work, such as jumping jacks and squat thrusts 4) Limited no-contact activity in practice 5) Full practice – often a game – and other team doesn’t know concussed player “There’s no magic pill. I can’t give you a pill and you’re going to feel better,” said Hardy. “There’s no way to speed up how the brain heals.”

The importance of concussions is not limited to immediately after, according to Hardy. Long-range benefits and damage are taken into account and looked for as well as researchers continue to learn how concussions and brain trauma works.

“We used to think we knew what was going on,” said Hardy. “Now we know we don’t know a lot.”

Student weightlifter competes at championships Ryan Adams

radams3@uccs.edu

Raquel Woods, a senior at UCCS, was one of the many decorated competitors at the USA Weightlifting American Open Championships Dec. 6-8 in Dallas.

The national event brought the best weightlifters from all over the country that qualified through local and state meets. Ages range from 21-34, which made up the “senior” group.

Woods, who just started lifting in September 2012 and began competing in February this year, said she got into the sport after doing CrossFit workouts at a downtown facility.

“I started down at Red Rocks CrossFit and just got into the weightlifting through that,” she said. “Paul Fleschler, who was a 1992 Olympian weightlifter, is the owner of Red Rocks, and he helped me start a plan with the goal being to qualify for a senior national competition.”

Woods began her quest for a national competition by starting locally back in February. She explained that to qualify

for bigger tournaments, it’s more about numbers.

“If you compete in a lot of championships, that’s great,” she said.

“It’s more about your qualifying totals and actual numbers that get you to nationals, though.”

To get high qualifying totals, there are two Olympic lifts that competitors have to perform. The first one is the “snatch” lift.

“This is where you have a super wide grip, go down and then lift over your head,” said Woods.

The second lift is called the “clean and jerk.”

“This lift requires you to complete a two-part move,” said Woods. “You take a more narrow grip and basically dead lift the weight off the ground. It’s not like a press; it’s more explosive.”

Each competitor gets three attempts to get their highest score, and Woods said that some don’t even finish all three. The competition is then based off a competitor’s highest numbers and where he or she stands when it comes to weight class.

Woods competes in the 75 kilogram class and received a combined score of 156 kilograms. This placed her 21st at the national competition.

Woods explained that although the national competition was sponsored by USA Weightlifting, the idea of getting to the Olympics is pretty farfetched.

“The USOC wants not just the best athletes in the nation but the best in the world,” she said. “They won’t send you to the next Olympics if you are winning local and state competitions.”

Instead, she is more focused on being a national champion first.

“One day, I want to win that national competition,” she said. “There are a couple weightlifters at Red Rocks that have done that, and so that is more of a goal for me right now than the Olympics.”

When asked why she enjoys weightlifting, Woods mentioned a few things.

“It’s not a very popular sport, but I enjoy it because it takes a lot discipline.

You have to be focused and ready to train. It’s not something that is easy and

it’s a matter of how much practice you put into it, too.”

NICK BURNS | THE SCRIBE

Raquel Woods competed Dec. 6-8.