Since 1966
Vol. 40, Iss. 20
Monday, March 7, 2016 SCRIBE.UCCS.EDU /UCCSTHESCRIBE
UCCS Student Newspaper University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Candidates seek SGA positions, two fee proposals on ballot Student elections will be held March 14-18. Students have two options for voting: online or in person. Students can vote in person from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. all week, with a table located near the Sanatorium Grounds coffee shop in the University Center all week. One additional polling location will be available on each day:
@UCCSSCRIBE
IN BRIEF NEWS
SGA Candidates
The Scribe gets to know those who want to represent you 2-3
Monday: Dwire Hall Tuesday: Centennial Hall
Green Ribbon Award
UCCS nominated for national award 4
CULTURE
Lunch Beat
GOCA invites students to dance 7
Full Coverage SGA Candidate Profiles Pages 2 and 3
SGA Debate Below
Athletic Fee Page 4
Wednesday: Columbine Hall Thursday: University Hall Friday: Engineering Building
In addition, an email with a link to the ballot will be sent to students on March 14.
SGA positions available include president and vice president, director of finance and 16 senator positions. The open positions are as follows, with the number of candidates listed in parentheses: - One Presidential/Vice Presidential Pair (4 Pairs) - One Director of Finance (2) Seven Senators At-Large (7) - One Senator of College of Business (3) - One Senator of College of Engineering (3) - One Senator of College of Graduate School (2) - One Senator of College of Nursing (2) - One Senator of College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (2) - One Senator of College of Public Affairs (1) - One Senator of College of Sustainability (1) - One Senator of College of Multicultural Affairs (1) *No one is running for Senator of Education
SGA debate focuses on community, student involvement Joe Hollmann jhollma3@uccs.edu
Restaurants
Marketing classes compete to promote businesses 7
OPINION
iPhone vs. Samsung
An opinion battle 9
Political bashing
Candidates should talk about platforms 9
SPORTS
Fitness Classes Rec center gives students opportunity to stay healthy 11
Spotlight
Student Michael Hooker hopes to be Olympian 12
On a night where many exercised their right to vote in precincts across Colorado for a Super Tuesday caucus, few students were preparing and informing themselves to exercise their right at the Student Government Association’s debate, held March 1 in the Student Life and Leadership Office. The debate, sponsored by SGA and the Scribe, featured candidates for presidential and vice presidential positions, director of finance and senatorial positions on student government. Most of the buzz and debate focused around the three executive positions of the president, vice president and director of finance. With around 70 people in the room and less than two weeks before the SGA elections begin, the debate served as a chance for candidates to explain their platforms and differentiate themselves from their opponents. With one of the five tickets dropping out of the president and vice president race just before the debate, and 10 of the 22 senatorial candidates missing, it wasn’t just a scarce audience. The candidates were
AUSTIN CHASSE | THE SCRIBE
Candidates for Senator of Engineering square off at the SGA debate on March 1.
asked questions regarding their platform, personal skills and experience, as well as disagreements with any university policies. They were also asked their stance on the two ballot initiatives: an increase in the athletic fee and whether or not to continue paying a $4.50 per credit hour University Center bond fee.
The two major themes throughout the night included student involvement, both in clubs with SGA and community outreach and partnership. Almost all the candidates agreed that these two things were crucial to the health of UCCS and ultimately to the surrounding Pikes Peak region. (Continued on page 4...)
Some of the solutions are a little unrealistic. Nobody is going to carpool. – Aaron Glassford, sophomore communication major
EleCtIoN FeAture With the race for president heating up across the nation, UCCS has begun its own political campaigns, as the candidates who want to represent students in SGA next year look to highlight their qualifications. All photos courtesy of sll.uccs.edu.
Rachel Librach Halle Thornton rlibrach@uccs.edu hthornto@uccs.edu
Executive Branch
President and Vice Presidential Candidates
Mykinthia Ebron and Erik Nudson
Sam Elliott and Tamara Marshall
Nudson, a sophomore Bachelor of Innovation student, believes him and his presidential candidate Mykinthia Ebron, a junior communication major, have the most experience in SGA. “We can attribute three pillars to what we want to achieve: transparency and outreach, community and structural changes to SGA.”
Both Elliott and Marshall are Bachelor of Innovation majors. Their plan is to strengthen the UCCS community by building a stronger connection between SGA and students and then expanding to incorporate the professional community of Colorado Springs, offering opportunities for students to find internships, mentorships, part time work and careers.
Travis Tafoya and Audrianna Gilmore
Stephen Bates and Ryan Schulman
Tafoya is a junior majoring in psychology. His running mate, Gilmore, is a business major with an emphasis in management. Their goal is to “bring consistency to the leadership of the SGA and to be able to have a well put together executive council that can lead the entire organization.” They also want to focus on outreach and ensure students feel free to voice their issues and have confidence in the SGA to make the necessary corrections.
Bates is a junior majoring in film studies and Schulman is a junior majoring in computer engineering. Their main goal is to “keep a better finger on the pulse of what campus really wants.” The two want to improve the ease of access to SGA details so students can feel more involved and aware of the organization’s actions.
Executive Branch
Legislative Branch Legislative Branch
Director of Finance Aaron Brownell Brownell is a junior majoring in finance. He would like to help the clubs and organizations on campus, and feels that even though the school is growing, the students don’t have as much involvement as they could.
Senator of Senator of Sustainability Education Joseph Conrad *No one is running for Could not be reached for an interview.
Jeremy Nelson
Could not be reached for an interview.
Senator of Education
Legislative Branch
Senator of College of Business Candidates Kayla Castellanos
Castellanos is a junior majoring in business. She hopes to get more involved in the school, to improve everyday life on campus and have the needs of the student body heard.
Leanna Rutledge
Rutledge is a business major concentrating in marketing and international business. She would like to be more involved on campus and believes she can make a difference. Her main goal is to make sure students in the College of Business have the resources they need both in and out of the classroom.
Jacob Hopkins Could not be reached for an interview.
SGA CANDIDAtes
March 7, 2016 | 3
Legislative Branch
Senator of College of Engineering Candidates Brady Thompson
Ricky Wickham
Legislative Branch
Legislative Branch Legislative Branch Senator of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Thompson is majoring in electrical engineering. With one year left before he graduates, he “wants to do something that would put [him] in a position that would create a change or influence in the university.” His goal is to push for a coffee lounge and more updated computers in the engineering building.
Victoria Crowley
Could not be reached for an interview.
Wickham is a junior mechanical engineering major. He believes the school needs people in SGA who will make sure no student liberties are infringed upon, and the rights of the students are protected. His main goal is to be an open channel between the students and the school.
Senator of Public Affairs Candidates Serena Ahmad
Joseph Vijayam Carlene Gray Could not be reached for an interview.
Could not be reached for an interview.
A criminal justice major, Ahmad plans to graduate this summer. Through her connections with professors and seminar speakers she wants to see more of an interactive space for criminal justice and political science majors to hold debates and intelligent conversations about real-world issues.
Senator of Multicultural Affairs Ikimalo Okiaofe Sandra Could not be reached for an interview.
Legislative Branch
Senator of Graduate School Candidates Winston Sanks
Christian Fazel
Sanks is a first-year graduate student with a Bachelor of Science in astronautical engineering. He seeks to represent the interests of graduate students so that their unique needs can be better met. To achieve his goal, he hopes to engage with graduate students in every venue available.
Fazel is obtaining his master’s in public administration and wants to help graduate students find academic tutors in the Writing Center and feel more included in the community. “I’m really hoping to get the Writing Center a little bit more hands-on with teaching graduate students how to write better since most graduate students are nontraditional and have been out of school for a couple of years and they haven’t had time to use those writing skills.”
Legislative Branch
Senator of Nursing Candidates Shelby Rank
Rank is a sophomore majoring in nursing. She wants to advocate for students “and be able to make changes that they see and need to be changed. [I] want to be someone they can come to know and trust with their issues.” One of her goals is to have the coffee shop in University Hall operational on Fridays.
Elizabeth Carrington
Carrington is a sophomore majoring in health care science. Her goal is to help connect Beth-El students with main campus. “I think creating more of a community feel for Beth-El kids, updating UHall and addressing the issue of infrequent shuttle service are necessary issues I will address if elected.”
Legislative Branch
Senator at Large Candidates Spencer Davis Collin McDowell Kemay Clark David is a sophomore majoring in business administration. He has a passion for politics and wants to make it his dream career. He promises to not be bound by one college and will take on the roles of responding to “whatever organization there is on campus that needs to be represented.”
McDowell is a freshman majoring in economics. He wants to see more student involvement from commuter students through a repetitive event that everyone will enjoy and look forward to. “I think the school has the potential to become a very well-known university. I just think it needs more on-campus appeal.”
Clark is a freshman whose major is undecided. She wants to set the example to freshman and encourage them to get more involved. “I want the student voices to be heard and freshman to get more involved on campus. I hope I can help students feel encouraged and motivated to get involved and come talk to me if they have any concerns.”
Shawn Hendrickson Could not be reached for an interview.
Derek Beitle
Could not be reached for an interview.
Clairelise Post Could not be reached for an interview.
Kimia Ahmadian
Could not be reached for an interview.
News
4 | March 7, 2016
(Continued from page 1) SGA debate focuses on community “We’ve seen just how much we need student involvement,” said vice presidential candidate Erik Nudson. “We want to be bridging that gap to the community,” said presidential candidate Sam Elliot. At times, it was difficult to see much of a debate though, as every presidential and vice presidential ticket advocated for both the athletic fee and the UC bond sunset fee to pass. The only dissent for the athletic fee on the night came from director of finance candidate Aaron Brownell. “I do agree it improves our student involvement on
campus, but I don’t know if (athletics) is our priority on campus,” he said. Most of the differences of the night were highlighted in the candidate’s previous experience and leadership ability, not in policy or platforms. With three candidates currently serving on SGA, some sporting their SLL polos, and others highlighting business and entrepreneurial experience, the largest differences came in the variety of presidential and vice presidential candidates. Jaxon Setser, freshman chemistry major and one of the few students in attendance
with no affiliation with SGA or the Scribe, commented on the lack of debate. “A lot of what they were trying to say is agreeing but disproving each other,” he said. Many of the candidate’s proposed plans, if elected, were striving at solutions, but some students didn’t necessarily believe they were practical. This included an app to help with the incessant parking problem on campus, which would encourage carpooling and alert its users of open lots. “Some of the solutions are a little unrealistic” said Aaron Glassford, sophomore
communication major, “Nobody is going to carpool.” “I didn’t feel as if the ‘how’ was addressed,” said junior communication major Louis Caragao. One policy that many candidates also looked into was the monopolization of the food catering on campus. Clubs and organizations must go through the catering service on campus if they want to provide food and drinks for events. “We already pay for (catering), so why should we have to pay for it again?” said Travis Tafoya, one of the four presidential candidates. One of the few jabs of
the night came from Jacob Hopkins, running for senator of the College of Business. When asked what experience he could highlight to help differentiate himself from his opponents, he replied “I would like to highlight my attendance,” as he stood unaccompanied, with both his opponents absent from the debate. The moderating media panel included Jonathan Toman, editor-in-chief of the Scribe, Kyle Boyle, station manager of UCCS Radio, and Evan Musick, news editor of the Scribe. Voting for the election takes place March 14-18.
Rachel Librach
of Education. States that participate nominate one school in each category they believe has the potential to win. The Colorado Department of Education nominated UCCS for the institute of higher education category. Linda Kogan, director of the Office of Sustainability, said that this was not a simple process. The entire application took three months and required help from student organizations as well as faculty. The Colorado Department of Education visited UCCS and worked with the Office of Sustainability to highlight specific programs that are specific to the campus. “The Rec Center having five different services is very
unique and we should really play that up because there may not be anything like this in the United States,” said Kogan. Kogan said that while each school is different in its approach to sustainability, the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Reading System is the main tool used to measure campus sustainability. “STARS is a peer reviewed, transparent tool that measures sustainability across three major areas: leadership, engagement operations and education,” she said. UCCS has achieved the STARS gold certification. While she said there would be no monetary reward for winning the Green Ribbon, there will be a great deal of recognition given to that
college. This would be helpful when applying for grants and establishing leadership in sustainability on a national level, according to Kogan. To Kogan, a critical development was the adoption of sustainability into the general education curriculum. “That’s huge because now every student that graduates from UCCS will have had some exposure to sustainability before they graduate.” Alex Sinchak, a junior majoring in geography and environmental science with a minor in sustainability, is the president of the Students for Environmental Awareness and Sustainability club on campus. She was excited that UCCS had been nominated.
“(I was) glad to hear we are being recognized for our zero waste initiative, transportation system, recycling and water usage strategies,” she said. Sinchak hopes that if UCCS wins, it will allow the school to take on more projects and continue down its path of sustainability. She also believes that with more employers looking for employees with a sustainability background and mindset, UCCS has done a great job educating its students and preparing them for careers. The Green Ribbon Award results will be released on Earth Day, April 22. To find out more about sustainability on campus or see the Green Ribbon application process, visit www.uccs.edu/~sustain/.
UCCS nominated for national Green Ribbon Award
rlibrach@uccs.edu
In 2002, a Campus Sustainability Committee was formed at UCCS. 14 years later, UCCS has been nominated for the Green Ribbon Award. According to the U.S. Department of Green Ribbon Schools’ website, the award recognizes schools, districts and institutes of higher education that reduce environmental impact and costs, as well as improve the health and wellness of schools, students and staff. The nominees also have to provide environmental education. Schools are nominated for the national award through the Colorado Department
Athletics fee proposal on ballot for students Jonathan Toman jtoman@uccs.edu
In addition to electing student government representatives, two fee proposals will be before students come election week on March 14. The first is an increase of the athletic fee. The athletic fee referendum seeks to pay for the expansion of the athletic department, which will include a baseball team, a women’s lacrosse team and an expanded track and field program. To do so, the referendum proposes an 86 percent increase in the per credit hour athletics fee students pay, raising the fee from $4.85 per hour to $9 per hour. According to the language of the referendum, the permanent fee increase is expected to generate over $1.1 million in the first year if implemented. Senior associate athletic director Nate Gibson said that amount will be split between five main categories. These
are the anticipated yearly costs that would be funded by the fee expansion: Baseball Team ($255,000) Women’s Lacrosse Team ($148,000) Track and Field Team Expansion ($380,000) Two new full-time administrative positions in sports medicine and sports information ($103,000) Facilities ($225,000) These amounts pay for coaching salaries, operations such as travel, supplies and uniforms as well as officiating, said Gibson. Similar costs for the two largest-budget current sports include men’s basketball ($196,000) and women’s basketball ($179,000). Gibson said most UCCS sports fall between $100,000 and $120,000 per year, including volleyball, both soccer teams and softball. Men’s and women’s golf are between $60,000 and $75,000. “I don’t want to take money away from (current sports)
to add sports,” said athletic director Steve Kirkham. Eight teams compete in baseball in the RMAC. Coupled with the club team already in existence, these two factors brought baseball to the expansion conversation. Women’s lacrosse has been experiencing huge growth as a sport, Kirkham said. There are over 100 Division II schools with the sport, eight of whom are in the RMAC. “Women’s lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the country for women by far,” Kirkham said. “We could see that coming, and why not get ahead of the curve.” The facilities money would be used to help construct an indoor track and turf baseball facility north of Lot 576. Kirkham said, ideally, the baseball stadium would be done by 2017-18 while the track would be finished before then. Until these facilities are built, track and field will stay at the Grace Center (a nearby high school track) and baseball will likely rotate their games
between Sky Sox stadium and Spurgeon Field while practicing at Wasson High School. The women’s lacrosse team will play at Mountain Lion Stadium, which will see a retrofit of the 11-year-old turf this summer. This expansion of the athletic department is expected to bring 133 new students to UCCS. Gibson said that means 12 teachers coming to campus – five tenure track, two instructors and five lecturers. The expansion would also bring 25 part-time student employees to the athletic department, which Gibson said is a conservative estimate. Gibson provided fee costs for students at other schools in Colorado, including several in the RMAC. - CU-Boulder: $28.50/semester ($2.38/hour on 12-hour load) - MSU Denver: $34.20/ semester ($2.85/hour on 12hour load) - UCCS: $4.85/hour *Current Fee - Fort Lewis: $8 per credit hour
-UCCS: $9/hour *Proposed Fee - Western State: $9.10 per credit hour - Adams State: $11.88 per credit hour - CSU-Pueblo: $12.65 per credit hour - Colorado Mesa: $15 per credit hour Gibson said the athletic department has reached out to SGA as well as club sports to discuss the referendum. The only question posed by any of these sources is the idea that students who don’t attend athletic events shouldn’t have to pay, Gibson said. “There’s a lot more to it,” he said. “It’s a very low cost for what students get in return and the value added to campus.” If the referendum doesn’t pass, the programs will go on, Kirkham said. The new facilities won’t be likely, and decisions will be made on how to make the athletic department leaner, with changes to events like Blackout. “We’re still playing,” Kirkham said.
Culture
March 7, 2016| 5
‘Happy Trail’ has historical value, still serves recreational purposes today Halle Thornton
hthornto@uccs.edu
Among the several hikes students can take at UCCS, one trail has been around before UCCS was a university. The “Happy Trail” is one of the many trails on campus, but it has a special historical background. UCCS was originally the Cragmor Sanatorium, a facility for the ill that operated from 1906 until the late 1930s. During this time, a trail was created to encourage physical activity of tuberculosis patients. Students, faculty and staff still use the trail for recreational activities, including hiking and biking. Many courses also use the trail for geology and geomorphology field trips. The original “Happy Trail” was a 3.5-mile loop around the bluffs, but only part of the trail remains today. The trail gauged how well patients were progressing with their treatments, and the patients who were able to complete the hike referred to the trail as “happy.” Markers on the trail indicated how far patients had traveled.
Trails and outdoor coordinator Andrea Hassler said the trail was primarily used for hiking, though there are stories of “romantic dalliances” along the trail, which contributed to the trail’s name. The trail has never been formally designated or maintained. Some of the trail users on campus now refer to the main trail that runs along the ridgeline of the bluffs as “The Happy Trail,” though this is only partially true, said Hassler. “The trail along the ridgeline was actually created as a partnership between the UCCS ROTC program and Penrose Hospital in the 1980s.” The trail is also relevant outside of campus. Archives librarian Mary Rupp explained that the “Happy Walk” was mentioned in Douglas McKay’s book “Asylum of the Gilded Pill,” published in 1983. McKay took inspiration from the days of Cragmor Sanitorium, according to Rupp. “Dr. McKay gleamed information from patients’ papers (correspondence and
rlibrach@uccs.edu
GOOD!
SERIOUS DELIVERY!
TM
©2016 JIMMY JOHN’S FRANCHISE, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
diaries).” But UCCS does not have any of the Cragmor Sanitorium patients’ information in its archives. Those came to McKay from other sources, Rupp said.
Rachel Librach
®
TO FIND THE LOCATION NEAREST YOU VISIT JIMMYJOHNS.COM
The view from the bluffs facing west towards the front range.
The various paths around campus have been reconfigured several times through the 80 years since the sanatorium was in existence, according to Rupp. Based on this, the exact path or the locations of
the landmarks described by McKay are unknown. UCCS is hosting a Volunteer Trail Service day on April 30 where restoration of the Happy Trail, among others, will take place.
Student film ‘Jealous Gods’ spotlights nontraditional film major, incorporates students
FREAKY FAST! FREAKY
★ JIMMYJOHNS.COM ★
AUSTIN CHASSE | THE SCRIBE
College can present people from all stages of life with opportunities they might not experience in the working world. Film studies senior and 34-year-old Ari Bach has the opportunity to write, direct and produce “Jealous Gods,” a student-made film in production this semester. The on-campus project incorporates students and spotlights the work of Bach. The film takes place at a college when three college boys have their wishes granted and chaos ensues. “Jealous Gods” is a comedy that appeals to those who enjoyed films like “Animal House,” “Dr. Strangelove” and “The Graduate,” according to Bach. “Jealous Gods” started out as pleasure, but was easily converted to an academic pursuit when Bach decided to do it for his senior capstone. “It’s also been a tremendously educational experience for not only myself but everyone involved,” Bach said. “Making the film is
really a group effort, you can write a book on your own, but once you want to make a movie, you need a lot of help, and I can’t overstate how helpful everyone’s been.” The film was funded by a College of Letters, Arts and Sciences grant and support from an Indiegogo campaign started by Bach. The theater program directors also helped Bach set up a casting call for students and send emails through VAPA. Most of the lead actors are theater students, but Bach said students joined the production from all over campus. Film professor Robert von Dassanowsky said he was impressed with the professionalism of Bach’s filmmaking. “It’s a satire, which is always difficult to write or film, but the script is wonderful. (Bach) learned from some of the great filmmakers and is portraying how power corrupts and sociological dilemma of what people will do for power and how they lose their humanity,” said von Dassanowsky. The emphasis of the
film should be the students’ involvement on campus, according to Dassanowsky. “I think the emphasis needs to be that it is a campus project. (Bach) is very adept at translating that nice community feeling and letting that come out and flourish. I think once it’s done the campus will be proud of it,” Dassanowsky said. Bach attended a film school from 2000-03. He worked in Los Angeles and Boulder, attempting to create his own movie. With little luck in these cities, Bach enrolled at UCCS. He said UCCS opened doors for him and introduced him to many motivated individuals who were also passionate about making movies. “Once I started attending UCCS, the possibility of actually producing the film became much larger,” said Bach. “The professors here are phenomenal, very encouraging, and the people here, both faculty and students, are truly amazing.” Bach hopes to have the film completed by this summer.
Culture When the grades weigh you down, get up on the bluffs 6 | March 7, 2016
Taylor Garcia
tgarcia@uccs.edu
While the closure of Sherpa Trail may be keeping you from adventuring over the bluffs behind the dorms, there are other places on campus to get away from classes, homework and exams. If you don’t feel like exploring to find the trails, there is a map on the Rec Center website that shows the trails on and around campus. And if looking online is too much, Scribe photo editor Megan Lunsford and I went out exploring for our favorite trail. On the opposite side of campus from Sherpa Trail, down the hill to University Hall, there is a great trail. If followed all the way to the end, the trail leads up to the top of a bluff about a mile behind Cragmor Hall. The trailhead, with no name or sign, is found on Rimwood Drive just a street over from UHall. The next trail we wanted to explore is the trail that runs the bluff behind campus. The trailhead begins behind Cragmor Hall and is a bit hidden by the cars, but there are some stairs built into the stone wall that guide you on your way. With some old jogging course signs and a skeleton of some monkey bars marking the beginning, the trail has a slow incline. Along the top of the bluff we found some graffiti on some abandoned concrete blocks. This trail, our favorite, runs the length of campus and meets up with Sherpa at the western end. Down by Four Diamonds, there is a popular hiking trail that leads up to Pulpit Rock. This is another one of my favorite hikes. But it’s a steep hike in some places, and the nicer the day the more people, so it’s sometimes hard to enjoy the view from the top. Colorado Springs has an abundance of outdoor activities, but these trails exist on our campus. Remember to let someone know where you’re going and wear the proper clothing, but get out and try these paths when you have a chance.
MEGAN LUNSFORD | THE SCRIBE
Small pine trees are scattered along the Happy Trail.
AUSTIN CHASSE | THE SCRIBE
The view of the trail heading toward Pulpit Rock.
MEGAN LUNSFORD | THE SCRIBE
The view from a trail that starts off of Rimwood Drive in the neighborhood behind Univeristy Hall.
MEGAN LUNSFORD | THE SCRIBE
COURTESY | UCCS.EDU
Graffitied concrete stand abandoned along one campus trail.
A campus trails map.
Lip Sync Battle hopes to connect students Rachel Librach
rlibrach@uccs.edu
We can’t promise that Jimmy Fallon, Joseph GordonLevitt or Ellen DeGeneres will make an appearance for UCCS’ first Lip Sync Battle. Hosted by the entrepreneurship club, students will battle it out at Clyde’s on March 8. The singing festivities will
begin at 6:30 p.m. Clubs and students are encouraged to participate. Music that will be featured includes songs from Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys. This event is also sponsored by Locals Barbershop. Two winners will each receive a $100 gift card to the barbershop.
Sophomore business major and entrepreneurship club president Justin Hein said this event is a great way to learn more about the clubs on campus and have the chance to meet new and interesting people. “I think events like this really bring together the campus,” Hein said. “Students can connect with people they wouldn’t normally
connect with and I enjoy creating relationships outside my little bubble, as I think others do too.” Hein explained that a nonprofit organization called Connect Colorado Springs will be one of the main sponsors. Students can find out more information on the Lip Sync Battle on UCCS’ event calendar online.
The Lowdown What: Lip Sync Battle Where: Clyde’s When: March 8, 6:30 p.m. How much: Free
March 7, 2016 | 7 Culture Lunch Beat invites students to dance in GOCA Hannah Harvey
hharvey@uccs.edu
Art is great medium for students to express themselves, but at GOCA, self-expression isn’t limited to just paint on a canvas. GOCA is hosting Lunch Beat from noon to 1 p.m. on March 8 at GOCA 1420, located in Centennial Hall. The formula for Lunch Beat is simple, according to GOCA director Daisy McGowan. The hour-long dance event has to be non-profit, include a one-hour DJ set, a healthy lunch and water. The 10-step Lunch Beat manifesto, which can be found on the GOCA website, mandates that everyone must dance and that everyone at the event is each other’s dance partner. No one is allowed to talk about work, either. Lunch Beat originated in Sweden, but was brought to Colorado Springs by McGowan in 2010. This is the third year that GOCA will be putting on the event. “We typically do them
downtown and at different arts organizations,” said McGowan. Lunch Beats have been held at the Fine Arts Center and Colorado College, in addition to UCCS. “We weren’t sure what the response would be bringing it here to campus,” said McGowan. “The first one we did, we had two campus DJ’s. That was our biggest Lunch Beat ever; that one had 140 people.” Over 120 people attended last year’s Lunch Beat. There is a wide diversity of people who attend from around the community, which is a large aspect of what makes the event fun for everyone, according to GOCA community cultivation director Nicole Anthony. “It’s interesting because everyone who’s willing to go to a lunchtime dance party selfselects. They’re committed, they enjoy dancing, they like music. You have people of all walks of life,” said Anthony. “An hour is a really long time to dance. At the end of it, you’re sweating, you have a lot of endorphins and you feel
COURTESY | COMMUNIQUE
Lunch Beat will come to Centennial Hall March 8.
happy.” The musical selection is also very diverse, providing something for everyone’s personal taste across genres and time periods. “I always tell the DJ, ‘you need to have the music up tempo’ because there’s no time for slow songs,” said McGowan. Lunch Beat is also a holistic event, meaning that it incorporates the UCCS community. This year, The Flying Carrot, a literacy food group on campus that promotes food
literacy and sustainability, will provide the healthy lunch for the dancers. “This is about community building and healthy, sustainable lifestyle building as well. (Lunch Beat) is an opportunity to do something active and eat something healthy and delicious,” said Anthony. GOCA is displaying Jenene Nagy’s exhibit, “Disappear Here.” Lunch Beat will try to incorporate some aspects of her artwork in its overall theme. Students will be dancing where Nagy’s exhibit is, but
they are not allowed to dance on the exhibit’s platforms. Selfies with the artwork are encouraged, according to Anthony. “We want to get people in the space so that they can experience the art and be aware that we are this resource to have cool experiences on campus and downtown,” said McGowan. Admission is free for students with UCCS ID if they register on the GOCA website. Online registration will be open Lowdown until 5 The p.m. on March 7. The lunchWhat: is free to students, but they have to register Lunch Beat online so that GOCA can ensure they order the correct amount of Where: food. GOCA 1420, Centennial Hall
When: March 8, Noon to 1 p.m. How much: Free for students with UCCS ID if they register on the GOCA website
Video contest, Student Center for the Public Trust emphasize ethics Joe Hollmann jhollma3@uccs.edu
Business is often associated with capitalism and money, but more often than not, ethics and industry intersect. Two ways UCCS has acknowledged and embraced the idea of ethics is through the Student Center for the Public Trust and the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative. The Student Center for the Public Trust is hosting an ethics video contest that asks students to create a video demonstrating ethics in business. According to their website, the winner of the national competition for the
two to four minute video receives a $1,000 grand prize, with the runner-up receiving $500. The one minute commercial grand prize winner receives $800, with a $400 runner-up award as well. Both the two to four minute video and the one minute commercial contests have a viewer’s choice award, determined by online voting, with grand prizes for the two to four minute video category and the one minute commercial category receiving $700 and $500, respectively. Tracy Gonzalez-Padron, director of the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative, was excited about the experience
students can gain from this contest. Gonzalez-Padron is also a member of the team overseeing the video contest. “It’s an opportunity for students to show they can apply ethical decisions,” said Gonzalez-Padron. The videos are in the previewing stage, where based on judging, the top four to five videos will be submitted to the national competition. Almost all of the videos were from an accounting ethics class, with one submission from a philosophy student. “We were hoping to get more videos,” GonzalezPadron said, although she did say it is growing. The ethics contest started
Look how many ethical issues are dissolving businesses and companies. At the end of the day you want to do business with people you trust. Ethics is good not just for conscious, but good for business. – Venkat Reddy, dean of the College of Business
in 2011 with only a few submissions, and last year they had 35. Venkat Reddy, dean of the
College of Business, is a firm believer in ethical business. “Business students are not only taught to have business skills and critical thinking, but also in ethical business decisions,” said Reddy. “Look how many ethical issues are dissolving businesses and companies,” he added. “At the end of the day you want to do business with people you trust. Ethics is good not just for conscious, but good for business.” Gonzalez-Padron said the submission deadline for the ethics video contest is still open, as long as the videos are submitted to her at tgonzale@uccs.edu by March 26.
‘Restaurant Wars’ engages students, hopes to raise profits for local restaurants Hannah Harvey hharvey@uccs.edu
UCCS offers a variety of real-world applications for students within their majors, but Principles of Marketing does more than just assign group projects. Students in Marketing 3000 compete in a marketing competition during the semester called the “Restaurant Wars.” The project aims to engage marketing students and reach out to local businesses on the west side of Colorado Springs. Students create a promotional campaign for the business they are assigned. The promotional strategy is up to the students, organized in
teams of 19, to decide. This semester’s competition will take place at Mother Muff’s Kitchen and Spirits and Front Range Barbeque, located in Old Colorado City. Two teams in each of the two MKTG 3000 classes will compete against each other to raise profits for the restaurants. Marketing lecturer Anthony Santella started the competition last semester and said he has already witnessed significant success of his students. “We have never had a team increase profit by less than thirty percent,” said Santella. “Students who do well become leadership consultants and become a part of a consultant club where advanced
business projects are assigned.” Past students who have participated in the competition are working on marketing a multi-million-dollar spa startup. Some students who participated in the project have also received paid internships around the world. “Would you rather have someone who has created results, or memorized a list of terms?” said Santella. The project incorporates problem-based learning, which involves putting the students in the context of what they’re learning to figure out a solution. Students participating in the project this semester are in the planning stages, so there have not been many concrete
decisions made in terms of what the exact strategy will be yet. Sophomore business major Tamara Marshall is one of the project leaders for the class. Her team has been assigned to Mother Muff’s Kitchen and Spirits and is planning on using the restaurant’s strengths to attract more customers. “A lot of it is community outreach. A lot of the stores and restaurants there are close together, so it makes sense that they would promote each other,” said Marshall. Junior undeclared major Nick Timberlake has found value in the experience, although it can be stressful. Time management and working
under pressure are valuable skills that students can take away from the competition, according to Timberlake. “If someone is not focused, then the class is not for them. The project does teach students about having things in on time and finding leadership,” said Timberlake. Timberlake’s team will be working with Front Range Barbeque. The skills that students learn can be applied to other mediums too, with one of the most important takeaways being leadership and teamwork. “The team has really banded together; if we don’t depend on each other, then everything will fall through,” said Timberlake.
EDItorIAl
March 7, 2016 | 8
Athletic fee illustrates absence of concern for student opinion
Jonathan Toman Editor-in-Chief
Audrey Jensen Managing Editor
Eleanor Sturt Copy Editor
Evan Musick News Editor
ARCHIVES | THE SCRIBE
The CU Board of Regents listens to the proposed athletic expansion last semester.
Scribe Staff scribe@uccs.edu
It’s ironic, really. Last week we wrote an editorial about how student voice matters and can have an impact. This week, we’re here to tell you it doesn’t. The reason is the athletic fee referendum that will go on the ballot for students to vote on in a week. The referendum proposes an expansion of the athletic department, which would add a baseball team, a women’s lacrosse team and an expanded track and field program. To pay for all that, the referendum will ask students if they will support an 86 percent increase in the per credit hour athletics fee students pay, raising the fee from $4.85 per hour to $9 per hour. For a student with 12 credit hours, that means an increase from $58.20 per semester to $108 a semester. This editorial is not to take a stand on the fee. It’s to illustrate the complete lack of concern administrators have for student opinion when it comes to this fee. Before they had the money from students to support the expansion, the athletic department moved forward with the plan. These teams will play next year, no matter what. The track and field coach, Brandon Masters, was hired on Sept. 10. Women’s lacrosse coach Christine Hatton was hired on Nov. 9. UCCS hired the baseball coach, Dave Hajek, on Nov. 24.
These coaches, and the athletic department, moved forward, despite no recorded student support. Now, retroactively, they are asking (telling?) students to fund a decision they already made. The decision has already been made for us. We’re having these programs, whether we like it or not. The result of the student vote doesn’t matter. We’re being voluntold. In discussions with athletic director Steve Kirkham and senior associate athletic director Nate Gibson, they told the Scribe that the idea for an expansion like this has been around for six years. “This timing seemed to make the most sense,” Gibson said. He went on to say this was the earliest they could pursue such an expansion. It seems odd, that after six years of thinking about it, the decision to expand still had nothing to do with students. There has been almost no opposition to the fee. Again, we won’t take a stand on
These coaches, and the athletic department, moved forward, despite no recorded student support. Now, retroactively, they are asking (telling?) students to fund a decision they already made.
Hannah Harvey Culture Editor
that. But it’s because no one knows about it. “It’s gotta be a student driven thing,” Kirkham said. “If students don’t want it, we wouldn’t be interested in supporting it.” Kirkham said that athletics has worked with Student Government Association to discuss the fee, coming to around three SGA meetings. Other groups consulted include athletes, members of club sports programs and members of the sport management program. Those four demographics do not provide an accurate representation of the entire student body. Talking to just these groups of students is not equal to asking (and receiving) the support of all students. Of course students involved in sports will support the expansion of athletics. But there are at least 10,000 other students that aren’t in these groups. Don’t tell us this is the full student opinion. At the SGA debate (which barely anyone attended), the question was asked of presidential and vice presidential candidates: Is it at all concerning that this decision has already been made, and athletics is now retroactively asking for funding? Not one candidate said yes. A few hovered over expressing concern, before pivoting and promoting the benefits of the referendum. We would take a stand, either in support or against this fee, but clearly it doesn’t matter.
We want to hear from you! Here’s How: Mail: The Scribe - University Center 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Email: scribe@uccs.edu Letters intended for publication must not exceed 300 words, must be legible and must include the writer’s name and telephone number. Letters must be turned in to The Scribe office, emailed or delivered to The Scribe mailbox in the Student Life and Leadership office by 5 p.m. the Thursday before publication. The Scribe reserves the right to reject Letters to the Editor that are libelous or obscene and has the right to edit as necessary due to space limitations, grammatical or spelling errors and AP style guideline errors. Archives Print archives are available in the Scribe office going back two years. Requests for additional copies further back are handled through University Archives in the Kramer Family Library. Digital archives are available on the Scribe’s website (scribe.uccs.edu) going back to 2013. In addition, University Archives has posted digital archives from 1966 to 1975. Distribution Policy Publication and news rack theft or vandalism is prohibited. Any person who commits these offenses is responsible for compensating the Scribe for any reasonable costs incurred.
Alexander Nedd Opinion Editor
Alexander Nedd
Life on the Bluffs Editor
Taylor Garcia Sports Editor
Megan Lunsford Photo Editor
Davy Mellado Layout Editor
Tessa Bronner Media Manager
Reporters
Kyle Guthrie Rachel Librach Abbie Stillman Halle Thornton Joe Hollmann
Photographers Austin Chasse Rachael Deegan
Jennifer Curry Business Manager
Ad Representatives Dana Jesser
Laura Eurich Advisor
Letters to the Editor: scribe@uccs.edu
Contact us:
On campus: UC 106 Phone: (719) 255-3658 www.scribe.uccs.edu
Follow us:
facebook.com/uccsthescribe
@uccsscribe
OpINIoN
March 7, 2016 | 9
Samsung wins against Apple every time
I like what iKnow: The case for Apple
Alexander Nedd
Davy Mellado
anedd@uccs.edu
You are unlike anyone on Earth. Your experiences have defined you in ways that make you different. You’re not in college to blend in. You go to college to gain experiences and stand out. If we all wanted to be the same, then why are we here? Why settle to be the same? Why settle for an iPhone when you could have an Android? It’s no secret these two companies are out to get one another, so much so they have encountered legal issues over alleged stolen features (finger print scanner, slide to unlock, etc.). The names of their flagship models even sound alike (iPhone 6S and Galaxy S6). While they share similar names, there is a world of difference between the two, or as I like to put it, heaven and hell. I could never own an iPhone. It may not be the newest option on the market, but the Samsung Galaxy S5 embraces key features that are distinctive to me and outlast an iPhone any day of the week. The technical features offered by Samsung and other Android phones already beat Apple’s flawed design. First, I can quickly
return to 100 percent mobile life with a quick switch of my removable battery and be on about my day. iPhones take forever to charge, almost three hours according to Forbes Magazine. In today’s modern world, that doesn’t work. I can take my phone underwater without a case due to its water resistant design, available on the S5 and the highly anticipated Galaxy S7. This protects me against accidental spills and life in general. iPhone doesn’t. The S5 expandable storage allows me to ditch the cloud and upgrade my SD card on my phone externally, a cost effective way for more memory that travels with me wherever I go. It is beyond my comprehension that people would buy a phone without having these money saving, basic accessories that truly work for you. As a college student I don’t have the money to continue to shop with Apple after the purchase of a new phone. Apple makes it harder to go across multiple media platforms such as using Microsoft Word or having a different music service without jumping
through hoops. Apple sucks you in for life, which is why they continue to see great sales. My Galaxy S5 remains one of my most prized possessions not just because of its technical abilities, but by how it continues to be different in a world full of the same. Android allows you entire freedom over your operating system. You can choose texting apps, use multiple web browsers and set them at default with ease. Apple highly discourages this, if not making it impossible to do the same. Samsung created not just a phone, but a vibrant accessory that is as customizable as the personality of the individual that buys it. The amount of friends I see that blindly follow the herd of iPhone sheep is, for lack of a better term, too damn high. Yes, iPhones are nice, and they’re backed by credible history and a model that obviously works for them. But I choose not to conform. I like being different and having other options available to me. Why blend in when you can stand out? Why settle for an iPhone.
DAVY MELLADO | THE SCRIBE
The dated argument of “Mac vs. PC” falls to the wayside in popular culture, as most creative professionals treat the existence of a PC like an artifact from ancient Greece. Today, the debate has evolved from computers to smartphones: the infamous iPhone with its many iterations vs. everything else. Android dominates the “everything else” market due to the ability to cram their operating system into anything with a computer processor. Don’t get me wrong, making a phone open source can be beneficial. Your Android device will be hacker friendly, slow working and you’ll never have to go into an Android store because they are rarer than punk rock squirrels. Apple went out of their way to keep their operating system closed to the public – that makes it significantly harder to hack. Their standard for submitting to the “App Store” is also higher than Android’s. This allows them to operate with minimal to no widespread computer virus outbreaks, something Android continuously gets caught up in. Standards and qualifications like these are some of the main reasons why I’m proud to
stand behind Apple. Sophos (the company UCCS uses for cybersecurity) reported that in 2011 alone, Google discovered a virus that planted itself into dozens of popular Android applications that compromised the user’s personal information. But software isn’t the only thing to consider when choosing a phone. The physical phone itself is just as important. Androids are known for their “diversity,” or rather, lack of a cohesive design. A study conducted by one of the largest customer support organizations (WDS) analyzed 600,000 calls over a year that dealt with technical support in 2011. Android phones had a higher propensity for hardware failure than Apple and Blackberry combined. They also found Android phones were costing carriers $2 billion a year due to cell phone repair. Apple, on the other hand, has one of the best warranties that covers the full cost of most repairs. But software, hardware and security don’t encompass everything we feel when we pick up our phones. There is a certain something we enjoy when we pick up a phone we like. Be it the feel, the interface or the apps, our phone is an extension of our personal communicative ability. It would seem logical for some phones to fit well for some and not for others. I remember when I first tried a friend’s Android phone. I tried to swipe at the same speed I do with my iPhone, but it couldn’t keep up. The
screen was not as sharp either. I felt at home when I turned my iPhone back on. Apple patented their “multi-touch” technology very early on, which uses the conductivity in your body to sense when you are tapping, swiping or pinching. This technology hasn’t been improved by anyone else, and most other attempts are just that, attempts. As for the sharpness of the screen, Apple also patented their “retina” screens that display everything sharper than your eyes can perceive at a normal distance. This sort of innovation is not only something I want to be a part of, but something I believe makes a company worth investing in. Apple is in no shortage of innovation. While Android phones can catch up to Apple within a year, they still look to Apple for inspiration both in hardware and software. Apple refines their own phone over and over again, including breakthrough and experimental features like “force touch” (a 3D form of interacting with your phone) and “live photos” (a picture that captures the moment before and after to gain context and memories). While my first smartphone was an iPhone, I remain open to switching to Android if I see it’s a better option. I haven’t seen that. The “Mac vs. PC” argument still favors Mac because it’s a better product, better security, better hardware and better experience. I choose the iPhone because I like what iKnow.
elected to run this country. Hate is not an American value. The way national politics run is similar to high school. There is a lot of name calling and rude interruptions when expressing “resolutions” to ongoing issues. Yes, everyone has faults. Hillary Clinton is being investigated by the FBI and Trump is planning World War III. But no one seems to have realistic and logical plans to help make this
country a better place. They talk your ear off about their ideas, but it’s the actions that count. It’s two months into 2016 and I have yet to see candidates with decent goals and objectives for becoming president without bashing other competitors. Also, it’s a terrible influence on future presidential candidates. It tells them that bullying is an effective way to get what you want. Today’s politics is why I have no faith in humanity.
It breaks my heart knowing this influences our kids. We try to teach children how to be polite, to share and accept one another only for them to grow up and realize that many adults don’t even follow these rules. A bully in charge of the country does not represent our values. We’ve turned politics and government into an insulting joke that gives Saturday Night Live excellent material.
dmellado@uccs.edu
Presidential candidates use political bashing to gain votes
Abbie Stillman astillma@uccs.edu
In September, Donald Trump had a comment regarding early Republican candidate Carly Fiorina. “Look at that face,” he said. “Would anyone vote
for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?” Politicians, on both a national and educational level, use attacks on other candidates as a campaign strategy to win the most votes. I find political bashing to be childish and a waste of time. Politicians use commercials, radio and social media to bully their opponents more than they discuss what they’ll do for the country if elected
president. I’m hesitant to vote during elections due to the insults and disrespect the candidates send toward one another. I have little respect left for politicians. Candidates hold the belief that if they point out their competitor’s faults it makes them more eligible for president. The notion that a highly ignorant, disrespectful, aggressor could become president is terrifying. I refuse to stay in the U.S. if a tormenter is
LIFe on the BluFFs Sudoku
Bring your completed sudoku to the Scribe office (UC 106) for a prize!
March 7, 2016 | 10
Campus Chatter
Kyle Guthrie, kguthri@uccs.edu
Are you team Android or iPhone?
8
2
5 9
7 2
6
4
3
6 7
8
2
4
5
Alec Watson, computer science, senior
2 8
9
4
“I’ve had both, but I find that with Apple you need to have a Mac, and an iPad, and an iPhone in order for everything to work together because Apple doesn’t work well with others. So I have an android now.”
7 1
9
3
1
9 1
Andrew Tolero, computer science, sophomore “I started out with the 3GS, then moved up to a 4, and finally up to a 6, so I’ve kind of had an iPhone for all of my ‘phone usage’ years.”
4
Bryanna Winner, communication, junior “Android. I’ve just always had an Android, and I know that they have better battery life than an iPhone.”
Crossword Puzzle
Top Ten
Ways to get a parking spot at UCCS Alexander Nedd, anedd@uccs.edu
10 Go undercover as your car to gain parking space trust 9 Call-ahead parking 8 Park on top of cars to save space 7 Bribe your roommates 6 Murder 5 Use a blinker 4 Stalk students directly from class while in car 3 Wave a green flag to indicate you’re looking 2 Go ‘Speed Racer’ on other students to win the first open spot 1 Take the space with you
n I s t n a o g ra m S C C U
Across 4. Building with no windows to beautiful view 6. Place where students work out 9. The most north east building on campus 10. Hard to find on campus Down 1. Street UCCS is located on 2. Name of library 3. College of Business and the School of Public Affairs 5. UCCS Mascot 7. Popular place to eat 8. Student Newspaper
“#sunset #colorado #coloradosprings #uccs #nofilter” @poppunk_kaitlyn
Down 1. Street UCCS is located on 2. Name of library 3. College of Business and the School of Public Affairs 5. UCCS Mascot 7. Popular place to eat 8. Student Newspaper
“Yesterday was brain dissection day! #brains #neuro #neuroscience #psychology #graduateschool #uccs #anatomy #scienceiscool #brainsarebeautiful” @pinklilpistol
Across 4. Building with no windows to beautiful view 6. Place where students work out 9. The most north east building on campus 10. Hard to find on campus
“#mtb #urban #uccs #cos #coloradosprings #colorado @thehubcs Thanks for the #photo RD” @a.dukes.co
Sports
March 7, 2016 | 11
Group fitness classes offer great way to step out of your comfort zone Hannah Harvey hharvey@uccs.edu
Of all the resources students have, it’s a healthy mind and body that allow us to prosper the most. The Recreation and Wellness Center offers group fitness classes for students in their two new studios. They’re worth your time and effort. Participating in group fitness classes allows students to not only meet new people, but also find a new way to exercise. You can find your interests and have fun. Group fitness classes can also serve as a less intimidating way for students to exercise more. There’s a class for everyone. If you like dancing, you can try zumba. If you want a high intensity workout, you can try bootcamp. To participate in the classes, students have to buy a $20 fitness pass. Students aren’t limited in the number of classes they are allowed to attend. To me, that is definitely getting your money’s worth. I didn’t feel that way until I decided to give one a try. I went to zumba, a class that is held on Wednesday nights from 5:30-6:30 p.m. I used to dance as a kid, so I thought this would be a nice, familiar way to start. The class was small in size, with about 10-15 people attending. There were only women in the class, but men do show up to zumba as well, according to instructor Jaime Threet. “I think [group fitness] is a great opportunity because it’s way cheaper
HANNAH HARVEY | THE SCRIBE
Exercise bikes in the Rec Center are one of many options students can pursue for fitness.
than going to another gym. We’re broke college kids; this is a really good way to stay active for cheap,” said Threet. Threet is a senior healthcare science major who is certified to teach both zumba and zumba gold, which is tailored for older men and women. I was hesitant when I arrived, as I was the first one there along with two other girls who were eager to start the class. But once the class started, I became more
comfortable and tried my best to replicate the instructor’s moves. The class that I attended was the largest that Threet has had so far. The class was energetic and high intensity throughout, which took my mind off of my lack of experience. There was not a judgmental atmosphere either; everyone was only focused on getting in their workout. Threet was an enthusiastic and fun instructor who got everyone involved. For
those who were unfamiliar with the class (like me), she tried to engage everyone to participate and made you feel comfortable if you had to modify a move. “It’s exercise in disguise, so you don’t think you’re working out,” said Threet. The experience of my classmates varied. There were some people who were regulars who come to class on a weekly basis, and others, like myself, that wanted to give it a try. You should, too.
Sports
March 7, 2016 | 12
Student Michael Hooker to compete for Olympic wrestling spot Halle Thornton hthornto@uccs.edu
Wrestler Michael Hooker has qualified for the Olympic Trials in both freestyle and Greco-Roman style wrestling after winning gold in both events at the 2016 Armed Forces Wrestling Championships. Held at Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Wash., the championships took place Feb. 20-21. Hooker defeated Raymond Bunker, Kurt Spranger and Whit Dawkins for the gold in freestyle, and beat Dawkins again to earn gold in the GrecoRoman competition at the championships. A member of the ROTC program at UCCS, Hooker is a junior communication major with a minor in military science. The two styles he won in are the two styles of wrestling in the Olympics. “Freestyle wrestling is when you can use your legs and touch your opponent’s legs, Greco-Roman style only uses the upper body to wrestle,” Hooker said.
“I prefer Greco-Roman wrestling because it’s the classic style and it’s the oldest style. It values position over flare.” The U.S. Army squad, which Hooker was a part of, won all six duals to win the Armed Forces Championships for the 15th consecutive time in both styles of wrestling. USA Wrestling named Hooker their wrestler of the week on Feb. 22. 23-year-old Hooker, who grew up in eastern Tennessee, has been wrestling since he was eight years old. His dad wrestled in high school and college, so he picked up the sport and was coached by his father when Hooker was in
COURTESY | ARMEDFORCESSPORTS.DEFENSE.GOV
Junior Michael Hooker competes in the Armed Forces Wrestling Championships.
I’ve always had a knack for it. It’s also like life, it has its ups and downs, but you can learn to work through those. – Michael Hooker, junior communication major, on his passion for wrestling
middle school. Hooker won three high school state championships and holds the all-time wins record for the state of Tennessee. After wrestling at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for a year, he decided to transfer to UCCS, and has been here for a year
and a half. Hooker has been training at Fort Carson under the World Class Athlete Program. Although Hooker does have access to the Olympic Training Center facilities, he chooses to practice at Fort Carson. “It’s more convenient for me, and I have my own
coaches and facility there,” he said. Hooker explained his passion for wrestling. “I’ve always had a knack for it. It’s also like life, it has its ups and downs, but you can learn to work through those.” The Olympic Trials are April 6-10 in Iowa City, Iowa.