The Spectrum. Volume 59, Issue 66 by The Spectrum Student Periodical

ISSUES WITH VACCINES Page 5

MEET TWO ATHLETES Page 8

The Spectrum h t t p : / / w w w . u b s p e c t r u m . c o m

Friday, March 26, 2010

An independent student publication of the University at Buffalo

Volume 59 Issue 66

STUDENT ALLIANCE NEARLY SWEEPS ELECTION Vasant named president

Victory in defeat By LAUREN NOSTRO Asst. City Editor

By MATT MOSHER and JESSICA BENNETT Managing Editor and Staff Reporter After a week of cutthroat campaigning, the results are finally in, favoring, for the most part, the Student Alliance. Nischal Vasant, with vice president Shervin Stoney, led the polls with 1,153 votes, beating the ONE Party by 200 votes. The Slice Party received 187 votes. Vasant is the first international student to ever be elected Student Association president. “[This is] insane; I feel like I’m representing a whole different world,” Vasant said. “I feel like I will be the change I want to see in SA.” Taking the treasurer position for the Student Alliance was Antonio Roman with 1,210 votes, beating ONE Party candidate Ryan Linden by 354 votes. Also winning for the party was Amanda Horn with 1,062 votes, Franklin Ramirez with 982 and Marcus Catlin with 942. “I feel the [win] was deserved; I feel the party that worked the hardest won,” said Ernesto Alvarado, current SA president. “Both [parties] came from my administration, so I was happy with either win. I can’t wait to see what kind of stuff they do next year.” For Vasant, the next step is to relax and get life back to normal after weeks of campaigning, then start worrying about next year.

Clinton Hodnett / The Spectrum

Nischal Vasant is embraced after being elected president in the Student Association election Thursday night. “First, I have to surround myself with people who [I] can trust, that do the job they want to,” Vasant said. “I want to make sure that we deliver in every promise that we’ve made. We’re going to print out the platform, paste it up somewhere and check mark everything that we accomplish on there.” After three days of intense campaigning, political drama and adjusting to new rules, Vasant was thankful for his supporters and all who turned out to vote. “It’s been an insane amount of stress,” Vasant said. “I’ve seen four elections now [and] I’ve never seen an election like this. It’s just been crazy. I cannot say how much I thank everyone who supported me, to give me

the opportunity to make this the organization that it can be and to reach its potential because that’s all I want to do from the very beginning.” Roman was surprised by the win since, according to him, people said the party wouldn’t be able to get to this point in the race, and they would never win on honesty and loyalty. “We were worried ’til the very end,” Roman said. “We said we would fight every day like we were losing and wouldn’t take anything for granted, and we didn’t and this is the result of it. Everyone sees the hard work that we’ve done throughout the years and with that, they had the confidence to elect us to be their officials next year.” Amanda Jonas of the

ONE Party was the only non-Student Alliance member to win a delegate seat, receiving 960 votes. The position was not met with enthusiasm. Immediately after the announcement, Jonas verbally announced she wanted to decline the position to chair of the Elections and Credentials Committee, Joshua Boston. However, as of press time, Jonas is rethinking her decision. She must provide her decision in writing for it to become official. Among the reasons Jonas has debated to drop out was the change to rules in the election procedure. “I think the new rules showed us a lot of things,” Boston said. “There are things that worked and

things that didn’t work. The involvement of the SWJ is very important. You have to have some sort of court oversight.” The turnout for the election was not record-breaking, but over 2,200 students showed up to the polls. “I think it was an excellent turnout,” Boston said. “We had it in the theater. This was the first regular election, to my understanding, that was held in the theater. Students have free range around the [Student Union], around campus, so students are getting the information that they need to go to the polls and vote.”

E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

While the Student Association office was packed Thursday night with the Student Alliance, S.L.I.C.E. Party, independent candidates and supportive students, Jordan Fried waited patiently in his home for a call with the election results. On his 21st birthday, the ONE Party presidential candidate and current SA treasurer was surrounded by family, friends and fellow candidates Amanda Jonas and Jennifer Harb. “The reason we [were] at my house is because Passover is next week, my family is in town and [Thursday was] my birthday,” Fried said. Refusing to watch the results on The Spectrum’s live feed, Fried received news that the Student Alliance had won the majority of positions for the upcoming year, with the exception of Jonas’s victory as a SUNY delegate. Fried addressed the outcome of the election as a victory. “I’m still calling this a victory party,” Fried said. “I don’t feel that we lost. We tried our best; we got our message out there. It was a tough election … but we have the results and there’s not too much to be upset about if this is what the students wanted.” While Fried seemed at ease with the results, Jonas, who gained the only victory for the ONE Party, was indecisive as to how to handle her victory in the wake of her friends’ losses. “It’s an honor that I was see DEFEAT page 2

Three Days Grace headlines Spring Fest 2010 Simpson shares concerns about UB2020 By AMANDA WOODS Asst. Campus Editor Although the UB 2020 plan is still in the works, its future looks bleak due to the New York State budget cuts, President Simpson told UB Council members on Monday. UB 2020 offers hope to the Buffalo region and will bring about an increase in jobs in all sectors, Simpson explained, but it is not guaranteed. “UB 2020 is further away today than it has been before,” Simpson said. “If we maintain the status quo, [that’s] a recipe for disaster.” Simpson said that UB 2020

Inside: Arts and Life ........... 5 Classifieds .............. 7 Opinion .................. 3 Sports .................... 8

will require funding from the state and from money to be earned by the university – both of which are currently limited. He added that the state has cut UB’s funding and constantly pursues outdated policies that prevent the university from improving its revenues. Simpson explained that much of the debate in Albany centers on the issue of tuition and who gets to govern it. He added that public education should be affordable. “We have to ensure that we are able to apply as a see JUMP page 4

By ERIC HILLIKER Arts Editor

The Student Association has announced the lineup for this year’s annual Spring Fest concert. The show will include a large range of different styles of music, with a unique mixture of rock, hiphop and folk. The headliner will be Canadian rock band Three Days Grace. Joining the group will be the Pharrell Williamshelmed hip-hop band N.E.R.D and acoustic folk rockers, Lady Danville. Two more acts will join the lineup. The two remaining acts have yet to be made public and will be announced

TUB TR AVELING Return to the era of big hair, black Michael Jackson and leg warmers. See Page 5

Courtesy of Jive Records

Three Days Grace is one of five acts at Spring Fest this year. next week. Rumors that 30 Seconds to Mars and the Goo Goo Dolls were on the bill but pulled out of the event are untrue. Both bands were approached by SA but had

to decline due to scheduling issues, according to Lauren Skompinski, public relations manager for the Student Association. Spring Fest is scheduled for April 17 in Alumni

RU N N I N G FO R A C AUSE A fraternity on campus is taking it to the streets in honor of their lost friend. See Page 5

Area. Admission will be free for undergraduates while tickets for the general public will be $35. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

Weather: Fri: 35o high / 25o low Sat: 48o high / 36o low Sun: 46o high / 36o low

The Spectrum

2 The New

Indecisive on position

UBSPECTRUM.COM WE’RE WAITING FOR YOU ...

DEFEAT from page 1

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elected, but it’s my firm belief that I ran with this party and I ran because of these [ONE Party] candidates,” Jonas said. Jonas felt that the decisions made by the Student-Wide Judiciary during the election process were unfair and could have been more impartial. “The nature of the election disinterested me from the position,” Jonas said as she considered whether or not she would accept the SUNY delegate position. Election week was overwhelmingly filled with allegations against the ONE Party. The party was reprimanded for allegedly leaving out necessary information from its preliminary expenditure report and utilizing SA resources by using images of SA materials in campaign material. Jonas, who was seeking re-election, was also accused of bribery. The penalties decided upon by the SWJ resulted in suspension of the ONE Party’s campaigning in the Student Union for a total of eight hours over Wednesday and Thursday. “I don’t want to get too much into allegations about us or the other party, but there were some issues that didn’t go the right way during the election,” Fried said. “While I commend Josh Boston [chairman of the Elections and Credentials Committee] for his ambitious effort for election reform, it was definitely a step in the right direction, but it wasn’t the right time for it. They jumped first without building their parachute.”

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Chelsie Hinckley / The Spectrum

Jordan Fried, along with Jennifer Harb and Amanda Jonas, react to the results of the Student Association’s election. In previous years, punishment policies were limited to candidates being sentenced to community service hours after the election had ended. Fried also addressed the punishment that the Student Alliance received after admitting to overspending on the allotted campaign funds. Student Alliance was not allowed to campaign in the Student Union from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday. “There are a lot of biases that need to be addressed [that occurred during the election], including time biases for what was allotted for floor time [for campaigning in the Stu-

dent Union],” Fried said. Despite disappointment over the election results, Fried seemed ready to put the election behind him and celebrate his birthday with family and friends. “I’m sure [the loss] will hit me when I’m cleaning out my office at the end of the year and not coming back next year,” Fried said. “However, I’m still a student at UB and I still love UB.” Additional reporting by Amanda Woods, Asst. Campus Editor.

E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

Hopes to go professional STARAKIEWCZ from page 8 He is currently a communication major and hopes to go professional on the tennis circuit. Starakiewicz considers the sport of tennis as a way for him to express himself being that there are many different playing styles one can compete with. “Complexity is a good word [for the sport],” Starakiewicz said. “Different people can be the best

players in the world. Federer and Nadal are two completely different players and they still compete at the highest level.” Starakiewicz is enthusiastic about his future in tennis because of the opportunities that playing in America presents. His success is now not determined by circumstance but rather will be decided by his skills. E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

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The Spectrum

March 26, 2010

O P I N I ON

Editorial Board Editor in Chief Stephen Marth Managing Editors Jennifer Lombardo Matt Mosher David Sanchirico Editorial Editor Jacob Shillman Campus Editors Caitlin Tremblay Brendon Bochacki, asst. Amanda Woods, asst. City Editors Jennifer Good Chelsie Hinckley, asst. Lauren Nostro, asst. Arts Editors Christopher DiMatteo, senior Eric Hilliker Jameson Butler, asst. Vanessa Frith, asst. James Twigg, asst. Life Editors Adrian Finch, senior Shane Fallon Rachel Lamb Jessica Brant, asst. Jessica DiGennaro, asst. Sports Editors Andrew Wiktor, senior Matt Parrino Joe Paterno Luke Hammill, asst. Christy Suhr, asst. Photo Editors Katie Carlett, senior Samantha Hicks Clinton Hodnett Rob Schulz, asst. Copy Editors Forrest John Crawford Meghan Farrell Laura Neese Graphics Designer Rafael Kobayashi

Professional Staff Business Manager Debbie Smith Administrative Assistant Helene Polley Advertising Manager David Vogt Advertising Designer Christopher Lonzi Web Editor Andrew Muraco Creative Directors Christopher Caporlingua Adam Cole, asst. Daniel Tcharnyi, asst.

The views expressed — both written and graphic — in the Feedback, Opinion, and Perspectives sections of The Spectrum do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Submit contributions for these pages to The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union or spectrum-editorial@buffalo.edu. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style or length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it clearly as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number and e-mail address.

The Spectrum is provided free by the Undergraduate Mandatory Activity Fee

MARCH 24, 2010 VOLUME 59 NUMBER 66 CIRCULATION: 10,000 The Spectrum is represented for national advertising by 360 Youth. The Spectrum offices are located in 132 Student Union, UB North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260-2100. Telephone: (716) 645-2468. Fax: (716) 645-2766. Copyright 2010 Buffalo, N.Y. The Spectrum is printed by Buffalo Newspress PO Box 648, Buffalo, NY 14240-0648.

Election results have been finalized Student Alliance party all but sweeps In a fast and furious three-day election cycle, the 2,293 votes have been counted and tallied. The results are in: The Student Alliance party won every position in this year’s Student Association election except one. Congratulations. Sadly, this campaign has left a terrible taste in the student body’s mouth. There have been enough rumors and allegations to make a new reality television show for MTV. To the winners: remember that your job as elected officials is to serve the student body. Advocate for them. Really care about every student’s issues. Accomplishing only one issue on your party’s platform is simply not enough. The students of this school deserve a better, more transparent and responsible student government. To incoming president Nischal Vasant and vice president Shervin Stoney: follow through on your campaign promises. All of them. Expanding the involvement of SA’s clubs is also a must. Holding mandatory club fairs is the best way to have clubs interact with the student population. Never forget that SA represents all students. Increase transparency within SA. Continue to push for better connections with students living in the dorms and commuter students. Foster a better relationship between the student body and athletes on campus. There are so many issues that need attention and not enough space to list them here. Leave the actions of the campaign in the past. Focusing on them will only further alienate the masses from the SA. To all involved with the organization: first and foremost, review the election rules. Close the holes in them and eliminate any potential gray areas. A more streamlined process is a must. The penalties for campaign violations must be laid out in a clear, conscience manner. Work with the Election and Credentials committee to better restructure the rules that govern elections. Clearly, the events of the previous three

days have shown the limitations of the system in place. It is a brand new system that needs to be addressed. Work with the Student-Wide Judiciary to minimize miscommunication of the rulings by the E&C committee and candidates during the process. In the future, any and all cases filed must be heard and ruled on in the same day, given the time constraints of the election period. Never should a chief justice go home with a full plate on the table. The SWJ needs to have more transparency as well. A clear line of logic must be established for the penalties handed out. The SWJ was easily in over its head in handling the sheer amount of cases. The process needs adjustment. Antonio Roman, as treasurer, it is imperative to follow through on your promises as well. Increase description in the SA’s operating budget, as well as transparency for the organization as a whole. Make it easily accessible through the SA Web site in a user-friendly model. Currently, it is far too confusing to access. As for the delegates, Amanda Horn, Franklin Ramirez, Amanda Jonas and Marcus Catlin – work tirelessly in advocating for the improvement of the SUNY system as a whole. With that being said, Jonas has verbalized the decision to not take the office. However, nothing is official in that a vacancy for the position must be submitted in writing. There is no doubt that the events of this campaign will have effects that will ripple through this community for a long time. But one question remains. Will the student population further be disillusioned by this week’s events? Only time will tell. All those elected must be ready to work hard and endlessly for the overall student population. So many on this campus are fed up with SA and its actions. The SA is in need of some major changes and needs a facelift after recent events have clouded the student organization. Hopefully, this coalition government can bring the necessary changes.

TO T H E ST U D E NT B O DY

We will be forever grateful Dear students, First of all, the Student Alliance would like to thank each and every student that voted in the elections over the past three days. It has been a tough couple of weeks with endorsements, debates and the election itself, but we are ecstatic that the student body approved of our ideas and we are grateful for the opportunity to implement them. We are proud to know that we have your support! It is very important to us that you all know that the hard work does not end here for us. We will constantly strive to ensure that everything that we talked about gets done. We plan to print out a giant copy of our platform, hang it up in the SA office and check off each and every goal that we achieve.

We hope to ensure that we achieve our primary goal of refining SA to make it the proactive, transparent, efficient student government that it should be. We would also like to especially thank everyone who supported us and helped with our campaign. We would not have been able to do this without you and we will be forever grateful! Regards, Nischal Vasant SA President-Elect Student Alliance nvasant@buffalo.edu

L E T T E R TO T H E E D ITO R

UBreathe what and where we tell you to! Plan isn’t working

UBreathe Free is a great flyer campaign, but guess what? It isn’t working! Countless quotes are on the UBreathe Free page from students advocating for enforcement of this policy to protect nonsmoker lungs. I don’t smoke either and wish for the same right to breathe. Many students now suggest enforcement, which if they don’t realize, would cost money out of all of our tuitions for a policy that is an utter failure in all respects to begin with. I believe the initial intent of this policy was to help non-smokers “breathe free” of secondhand cigarette smoke at building entrances/ common areas, NOT to control or restrict others actions. “UBreathe Free!” This sounds great, but from a basic understanding of prohibition in America’s history alone we see that despite making something against the rules, as long as people wish to do whatever it is prohibited and feel it is their right to do it, they will rarely be deterred by such a rule. Why not try what our government has failed to

do for the past 100 years on this issue? Compromise or cooperate with these humans who the policy affects instead of alienating them? It didn’t work with alcohol prohibition, it isn’t working with marijuana prohibition and it won’t work with cigarette smoking. Try making benches for the smokers off to the side or designated smoking places away from entrances by querying or surveying smokers and seeing if they agree with some proposed locations. To the people in UBreathe Free, if you need some ideas, send me an e-mail. I would much rather help be a non-smoking voice for the rights of smokers than continue to breathe in smoke or pay tuition for costly non-sensical enforcement. If we want others to respect our right to breathe free, we should respect their right to breath “dirty.” Matt Kopalek senior undecided major kopalek@buffalo.edu

Election missed the point It felt like State of Play 2: Student Association Election. Not on the same level of politics as Washington, but with all the drama and hearsay. Student elections: where overdramatic lives. Bias. Relationships between overseers and candidates. Unequal punishments among parties. Possible bribery. Rumors galore. This SA election was characterized by everything an election shouldn’t be about, and it further tainted my already negative view of student politics. In a competitive time where Latin honors and bulky résumés are most important, it seemed that personal gains were the biggest incentive for candidates, supporters and election offiDave Sanchirico cials. There were pure Managing Editor souls that did run ethically sound campaigns, while others made sure the integrity of the election was not compromised, but these participants were overshadowed by the “he said, she said” allegations of the election. An ugly and rough election at an inappropriate time. A slashed budget, cut classes and professors, and a dwindling student trust of campus leadership are affecting the University at Buffalo, and the ones that should be vowing to make UB a better place should put their actions behind their words. We need strong leaders in Albany and in 350 Student Union more than ever. I trust the officials elected to follow up on their promises. But this election, for the most part, wasn’t about rehearsing platforms or answering the questions of the student body. Instead, attacks from each party flooded the Student Union, which was a sea that drowned every student brave enough to walk through it with purple and green flyers. There’s nothing that’ll get students more amped up about UB than corrupt student politics shoved down their throats. Elections bring the ugly out in people. The thought of a position of power can make a candidate forget the initial reasons he or she ran. This is especially true in such a popularity contest that we all try to believe is about the best candidates. I’m sure the people involved in this process have good hearts. They entered this election for a reason: they saw flaws at UB and wanted to fix them for future students. But politics can be a screwy thing. Paranoia infiltrated the minds of each party’s candidates, and these students sometimes reacted without much thought. This election shouldn’t have been about the allegations against each party, or the questionable expenditure reports. The Student-Wide Judiciary shouldn’t have had the microscope zoomed in on its off-the-book punishment procedure. The trial-and-error use of punishments was viewed as screwy, but considering the circumstance (this was the first election SWJ was involved in), it did what it could to maintain an ethical election. In the end, although every candidate gave the rehearsed answer that working toward the betterment of UB was most important, there was a lot of crying, complaining and bickering done by every member of each party. The future of UB is looking bleak. UB 2020 is in the process of being pushed back, and we need strong delegates to advocate for our school in Albany. We need a strong president with a magna cum laude-worthy character to make sure ethics are preserved and the student body gets every opportunity to enjoy this school. We need a strong treasurer to make sure funds are used correctly. We need to forget this election and focus our attention on making UB better.

E-mail: david.sanchirico@ubspectrum.com

The Spectrum

POLICE BLOTTER

3/16 — Writing was found in a bathroom in Bell Hall. 3/16 — A vehicle door handle was damaged at Baird A lot. 3/16 — A student was referred to the Student-Wide Judiciary for stealing a parking permit at Diefendorf Loop. 3/16 — A vehicle struck another vehicle at Cooke lot. 3/16 — A student was sent to Sisters Hospital from O’Brian

March 26, 2010

Hall for chest pain. 3/16 — A bag containing credit cards was stolen from the Student Union. 3/16 — A GPS was stolen from a vehicle in Hochstetter A lot. 3/16 — An unattended laptop was stolen from Lockwood Library. 3/16 — A subject was checked for nausea at the CFA. 3/16 — An unattended laptop was stolen from Capen Undergraaduate Library. 3/16 — An unattended laptop was stolen from Lockwood Library. 3/17 — A student with chest pain was sent to Sisters Hospital from Squire Hall 3/17 — A student was referred to the Student-Wide Judiciary for unlawful use of a permit at Arena lot. 3/17 — An unattended laptop was stolen from Lockwood Library. 3/17 — A blackberry was stolen from an open Red Jacket room. 3/17 — Laptops were stolen from an open room in Roosevelt. 3/17 — Students were referred to the Student-Wide Judiciary for alcohol and marijuana possession at Goodyear Hall. 3/17 — A student was sent to the Erie County Medical Center for alcohol poisoning and then referred to the Student-Wide Judiciary. 3/17 — Corey A. Olvera and Sergey Yagunov were arrested and charged with tampering and unlawful possession of marijuana. 3/18 — An unidentified subject broke a window at Spaulding Quadrangle. 3/18 — Colin G. Mcloughlin was arrested and charged

with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. 3/18 — An officer injured his hand during an arrest. 3/18 — A vehicle struck another vehicle at Farber Lot. 3/18 — An unattended backpack containing an iPod and credit cards was stolen from Putnam’s. 3/17 — Cash was stolen from an open Acheson office. 3/18 — Two unidentified subjects stole a calculator from UB Micro. 3/18 — A student was sent to the Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital for a seizure in the Capen Cybrary. 3/18 — A student was sent to the Erie County Medical Center for alcohol poisoning. 3/18 — A vehicle’s mirrors were damaged at Spaulding Lot. 3/19 — A student was sent to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital from Fargo for an injury. 3/19 — A student was referred to the Student-Wide Judiciary for disorderly conduct. 3/19 — A student was sent to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital for an unknown illness at Hadley Village. 3/19 — A student was sent to the Erie County Medical Center from Alumni Arena for a leg fracture. 3/20 — Michael K. Gerritsen was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated with a .11% BAC. 3/20 — A student was referred to the Student-Wide Judiciary for disorderly conduct in Goodyear. 3/20 — An unknown subject used a fire extinguisher at Wilkeson Quadrangle. 3/20 — Donlet O. McCalla was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated at Hadley Lot.

3/20 — An unidentified subject broke a window at Wilkeson Quadrangle. 3/20 — A student required first aid for an injured ankle at Alumni Arena. 3/20 — A student refused aid at Newcome Terrace after feeling ill. 3/21 — Brian M. Geary was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and refused a Breathalyzer test. 3/21 — A student was sent to the Erie County Medical Center for alcohol poisoning and referred to the StudentWide Judiciary. 3/21 — An unattended iPod was stolen from a book bag in Capen. 3/22 — A student was referred to the Student-Wide Judiciary for smoking a cigarette in a Wilkeson room. 3/22 — Unattended textbooks were stolen from Lockwood Library. 3/22 — An unattended laptop was stolen from Lockwood Library. 3/22 — An unattended purse with credit cards was stolen from the Capen Undergraduate Library. 3/22 — An unattended bag with credit cards was stolen from the Capen Café. 3/22 — An unattended wallet with cash inside was stolen from the Capen Undergraduate Library. 3/22 — Three subjects were referred to the StudentWide Judiciary for marijuana possession at Clement Hall. 3/22 — Loud music was played at South Lake Apartments and residents were referred to Resident Life.

Excited for opportunity GRIFFIN from page 8 Mid-American Conference Championship is something she feels the team can accomplish this season. “I really want to win [the] MAC,” Griffin said. “Definitely the goal is to get to the MAC tournament and be champions there and [then] go to regionals and so forth.” During spring break, the softball

team traveled to California to play games in San Diego and Long Beach, a homecoming of sorts for Griffin. San Diego is roughly two hours from her hometown and Long Beach was a short drive of 20 minutes. Griffin was excited for the opportunity to play close to home so her family and friends could attend the games. She looked forward to catching some of her high school team’s

games while she was back on the west coast as well. Although she is enjoying Buffalo, Griffin did admit it would be nice to get back to the more desirable weather of southern California. “Weather [in California] was great,” Griffin said. “[A] tiny difference from here.” E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

It makes no sense PARRINO from page 8 sources to influence news coverage. Meyer wasn’t done after simply calling Fowler out and threatening his access to Florida practices, either. He then proceeded to call Fowler “a bad guy” and continued to scold the reporter. He even implied that he would

resort to physical violence if Thompson were his son, stating, “If that was my son, we’d be going at it right now.” It makes no sense for Meyer to stand up for Thompson, as he is the one who commented on Tebow and probably maintains that viewpoint. Meyer can’t ignore anything negative about Tebow, who he held in the highest regard during his time at Florida. Thompson was, after all, commenting on how good the new quarterback, John Brantley, is going to be. Shouldn’t Meyer be excited that his star receiver is developing a good relationship with his new gunslinger?

The bottom line is that Meyer was out of line and unless he comes out and publically apologizes for his behavior, his image will forever be tarnished to me. Tebow is the pride and joy in Gainesville. I get it. But at some point, fans, teammates and even you, Urban, have to move on. Tebow is going to the NFL and not looking in the rearview mirror. It’s time for everyone to do the same. But hey, what do I know? I’m just a reporter. E-mail: matthew.parrino@ubspectrum.com

Magnitude of cuts are subtle SIMPSON from page 1 public university that is of the highest quality,” Simpson said. Although the magnitude of the cuts at UB have been subtle and not as catastrophic as expected, Simpson pointed out that UB may not be able to handle the more severe cuts that it will have in the future. Student representative John Martin shares Simpson’s concerns. “Students are really starting to feel the cuts,” Martin said. The UB Council also approved the Public Higher Education

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Empowerment and Innovation Act, a plan intended to strengthen public higher education in New York State and provide a much-needed boost to the state’s struggling economy. Through the act, investments in SUNY public research universities like UB will help renew the economies of various New York regions. Simpson is confident that Western New York residents will continue to support and invest in UB, calling them a “beacon of hope” for the university. E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

The Spectrum

March 26, 2010

AR T S & LI F E Honoring a fallen friend By KATHERINE ALLEN Staff Writer Matthew Scarpati was a 19-yearold sophomore economics major at the University at Buffalo when a drunken motorcyclist tragically killed him last July. Scarpati was struck while riding his bike on the Wantagh bike path near his home on Long Island, N.Y. On Sunday, his fraternity brothers from Pi Lambda Phi are honoring him in the first Matthew Scarpati Memorial Walk. According to his brothers at Pi Lambda Phi, Scarpati was a friendly, genuine person and a great asset to their organization. “He was just a great guy with many leadership qualities and a good head on his shoulders. All the brothers have definitely felt the deep loss of a friend this past year,”

said Rob Murphy, a senior political science major and president of Pi Lambda Phi. Scarpati was an avid biker who loved to be outdoors and had a passion for soccer. As a tribute, Scarpati’s brothers decided to host an event to raise money for the Matthew Scarpati Scholarship fund and bring awareness to campus about the dangers of drunk driving. The 5K run and walk will start at 10 a.m. and take a route around Putnam Way. Members of the community can register the morning of the race for a $10 fee at the Special Events field outside of the Student Union. The Student Association donated money for each participant to receive a free T-shirt upon registration. Participants will also be able to enjoy free food and beverage after the race.

Matthew Scarpati

“This is a great way for the brothers, friends and members of the UB community to get together, raise awareness about a serious issue and have a great time remembering Matt,” said Kyle Berninger, a sophomore mechanical engineering major and officer-scribe of Pi Lambda Phi. Murphy, Berninger and over 30 other Pi Lambda Phi brothers are hoping to raise a good amount of money and get a great turnout from the student body. A group discount of $5 will be offered for those who bring 15 or more people. “We want people to know that 100 percent of the donations are going directly to the Matthew Scarpati Scholarship Fund,” Murphy said. “The brothers and I want to be able to give a large check to Matt’s parents and really positively impact the lives of other kids with the [money] that is raised.”

Scarpati’s parents created the fund to award scholarships to high school students who embody their son’s spirit in his hometown. They wish to support future students who share the same great characteristics that made Scarpati an amazing friend, son, student and athlete. This Sunday, they will attend the event to see the celebration of their son’s life. James Ryan, the driver of the motorcycle, was reportedly charged with a DWI, vehicular manslaughter and reckless endangerment. The Pi Lambda Phi brothers are striving to prevent others from being in Scarpati’s situation by promoting education and awareness on drinking and driving. “We really want to see change and activism here at UB,” Berninger see SCARPATI page 6

The only way to time travel By VANESSA FRITH Asst. Arts Editor Over the years, there have been some strange forms of time machines, including phone booths and DeLoreans. But until now, there has never been a time machine that is a hot tub. Although Hot Tub Time Machine is cursed with a strange and blatantly obvious title, the actors are quick to extol the hidden virtues of director Steve Pink’s (Speechless) latest work. “[Hot Tub Time Machine] is deliberately irreverent. I think people will be surprised,” said Clark Duke (Sex Drive). “I’m not going to say it’s a brainiac comedy, but [it’s surprising] how smart it is and sharp it is and clever. With the title Hot Tub Time Machine, it kind of tells you, you should go in there and not think at all. But there’s some good jokes in there.” Duke, Craig Robinson (Father of Invention), John Cusack (2012) and Rob Corddry (Taking Chances) takes a vacation to escape their personal problems. Yet, the foursome is given a chance to change their lives as they are thrown back into the ’80s by a time machine in the guise of an innocent hot tub.

Four men, one hot tub – the most ridiculous time traveling ever.

Courtesy of MGM

However, this isn’t a reimagining of the Back to the Future variety. Physics is tossed out the window and comedy takes the driver’s seat in this improv-heavy film. “Steve Pink, the director, was very encouraging and [wanted us to] improve and mix and match and develop these characters more, so a lot of what you see isn’t on the actual page,” Robinson said. After holding a majority of standup and television jobs, the transition to the big screen did include some changes for Duke and Robinson. “[I had to take] what I learned doing comedy onstage into film and television and that was something I had to learn how to do and that was not easy because sometimes you’ve got to be subtle with the acting and you’ve got to know when to be big,” Robinson said. Following in the massive wake made by last year’s The Hangover, Hot Tub Time Machine has a high standard to meet. They’re not worried though. “They are the target to hit, to pass. They are reigning king right now. All do respect to The see HOT TUB page 6

Vaccination fascination By RACHEL LAMB Life Editor

Courtesy of Albany Vaccine Choice

Sallie Elkordy is taking a stand against vaccinations and is sponsoring a tour throughout New York that will stop in Buffalo this Saturday.

Sallie Elkordy only knew her sister Mary Bess as mentally retarded. Mary Bess was eight years older, so before Sallie was even conceived, her sister had already received the polio vaccine at her 1-year checkup and had experienced the side effects. Elkordy is sponsoring a tour throughout New York with other parents whose children have been injured or have died from vaccines to warn people and spread information about vaccines. “My parents never put two and two together,” Elkordy said. “But we eventually found out that my sister was very severely retarded, most likely because of the vaccine that she had received when she was younger.” Mary Bess died at the age of 23 due to unknown reasons. She would have been 58 years old this year. According to the Center for Disease Control’s Web site, the polio vaccine was initially administered at a child’s one-year-old check-up.

“He or she [received] a primary series of at least three doses of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), live oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), or four doses of any combination of IPV and OPV,” the Web site said. The polio vaccine was not recommended for routine vaccinations on Jan. 1, 2000 because of the risk of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP), which affects approximately one out of every 2.4 million children. “I feel responsible to warn every person and parent in New York,” Elkordy said. “Our children are being pumped with vaccines without our consent.” Elkordy admits that she is against vaccines altogether, but is especially angry about the fact that it is happening without a person’s consent. “This is affecting our children mentally, neurologically and [fatally],” Elkordy said. “And right now, there is nothing that we can do to stop it.” Elkordy invites senators and legislators to her event, which stops in Manhattan, Queens, Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Poughkeepsie and Rochester. She also hopes to stop in Syracuse and Binghamton.

Elkordy says she has a long list of parents and other people that have had experience with vaccines speaking at the tour spots. Elkordy is concerned with the bill S4779B, in the Public Health Law section of the New York state legislation. According to the bill on the New York Senate Web site, the general purpose is “to ensure that the immunization against HPV is administered to people at a time when it is most effective.” The state senate is currently trying to pass this bill, along with the others that it has, to stop the routine and mandatory injection of STDpreventative vaccines. According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Web site, vaccines are not 100 percent safe, as they cause pain and some severe side effects. However, none of these severe symptoms result in permanent damage. The CHOP Web site also stresses that vaccines are preventative against the actual diseases, which are much more dangerous than anything that the vaccine could cause. There is a strenuous process in see VACCINES page 6

The Spectrum

March 26, 2010

When on the Internet, visit the new and improved

UBSPECTRUM.COM

‘Promoting education and awareness on drinking and driving’ SCARPATI from page 5 said. “It would be fantastic to see S.A.D. D. [Students Against Drunk Driving] start here on campus. [We hope to promote at the race] anything to make college students realize they need to be aware of their surroundings and be careful when drinking alcoholic beverages.” Other schools across the nation have already implemented programs to keep students safe while consuming alcoholic beverages. “At Boston College, they have a designated drivers program where kids can sign up to be volunteer drivers for the night. I believe UB could really benefit from this service. Our fraternity rotates designated drivers every time the brothers go out,”

Murphy said. “It works well and this is something I would like to see prevalent not only in Greek Life, but on the rest of campus as well.” Prizes will be raffled off at the event and the Donate Life campaign will be present, among other vendors. All current Pi Lambda Phi brothers and many other UB alumni will be in attendance, along with other Greek organizations. A representative from Mothers Against Drunk Driving will speak to kick off the event. While Sunday will be the first Matthew Scarpati Memorial Run, it’s expected this will not be the only race in his honor. E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

‘Everybody delivers’ HOT TUB from page 5 Hangover, we’ve got a pretty funny movie and were going to give it a shot,” Robinson said. Aside from Cusack and the brief appearance of Chevy Chase, most of the leads have only had small time roles. Given the chance to step up, the group didn’t want to disappoint. “Everybody delivers. It’s funny to see. People get laughs, even characters who just appear once in the movie. I think what’s going to ensure the happiness to Rob Corddry’s performance,” Robinson said. “He kind of gets away with stealing the movie. His character has no rules and no limits and he just rode it all the way to the bank. We all had fun but Rob Corddry killed it.” The children of the ’90s don’t need to worry though. Even as the ’80s slowly slip farther into obscurity, the typical stereotypes prevail. “Your going to enjoy it as much as somebody who lived through the ’80s and you’ll be familiar with some of the songs and you’ll get to

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pretty much take a trip back and see how things were going on and see the ridiculousness of hairstyles and colorful outfits,” Robinson said. Duke agreed with Robinson and assured that audience wouldn’t be bogged down and confused in the ’80s nostalgia. “It’s not like a Ken Burns documentary about the ’80s or anything. You’re going to be able to keep up, I promise,” Duke said. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the world will really be interested in a movie about a bunch of dudes messing with time from the comfort of a hot tub. Yet Duke is optimistic. “There’s a lot of pent up public demand for a hot tub themed film right now. This film is almost a public service. You’re welcome, America,” Duke said. So for that section of the populace who is craving hot tub based movies, or if their just looking for comedy, Hot Tub Time Machine opens nationwide on Friday. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

Vaccination danger VACCINES from page 5 deciding whether vaccines can be recommended or required for children. Vaccines are initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration and then seek recognition from Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, according to CHOP’s Web site. “If a vaccine is considered to be safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration, and useful for children by the ACIP, AAP and AAFP, then the vaccine is of value and should be given,” the Web site said. “Systems are in place to protect children against rare side effects from vaccines.” Elkordy will be at University at Buffalo on Saturday at 2 p.m. in 101 Allen Hall. Parent activists, Jesse Calhoun of The Ameros and other guest speakers will be in attendance. Elkordy encourages all students, parents, medical professionals and state officials to come and be educated about what they do not know about vaccination danger. E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

The Spectrum

March 26, 2010

CLASSIFIED ads may be placed at The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union, Amherst Campus. Office hours are from 9:00 - 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Deadlines are Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 12:00 for display and 2:00 p.m. for classifieds for the next edition. Weekly rates are $10.00 for the first ten words and 75¢ for each additional word. All ads must be paid in advance. The ad must be placed in person or send a legible copy of the ad with a check or money order for full payment. No ads will be taken over the phone. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit any copy. No refunds will be given on classified ads. Please make sure copy is legible. The Spectrum does not assume responsibility for any errors except to reproduce any ad (or equivalent), free of charge, that is rendered valueless due to typographical errors. Please call 645-2152 for any additional information.

CLAS S I F I E DS HELP WANTED ATTENTION YOUNG WOMEN ages 18-19 years! The University at Buffalo Research Institute is looking for young women ages 18-19 to volunteer for a study of teen alcohol use and social behavior. Earn up to $50 for answering questionnaires and participating in an interview. Confidential. Please call 887-3344 for more information.

2-BDRM APPLIANCES, carpet, $495+ walking distance to South Campus. 884-7900.

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4-BDRM. GREAT layout, large rooms, hardwood floors, parking, laundry & security system, $250/ person + security, 716-578-5296.

SPRING-SUMMER JOB Openings. LASERTRON Entertainment Center is currently hiring for Go-Kart operators, servers, referees & general customer service. Candidates should be available this spring, summer & possibly beyond. Working at a fast, detail oriented pace & having excellent customer service skills is a must. Starting at approximately $10.25/hr, must be available nights & weekends. Stop in & complete an application at LASERTRON, 5101 North Bailey Avenue, Amherst, NY.

LISBON NEAR MAIN, large well kept 3 bdrm upper & lower with, appliances. Includes dishwasher & laundry, WDMSC. Available June 1st. 716-864-4696.

$15 PER HOUR; part-time landscaping; cleaning; painting etc. For UB area rental properties May to Sept; Request application from Ron1812@aol.com. RonYoung.com.

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4 BEDROOM, WALK to south campus/ bus. Large rooms, new carpet, appliances, laundry, security, parking. June 1st (716) 568-1600. 3 BEDROOM, WALK to south campus/ bus, appliances, laundry, security, parking, June 1st, (716) 568-1600. MAIN @ UNIVERSITY, 1 bdrm, $500 includes parking & all utilities, available May; RonYoung.com, 833-6322.

P R I M E LO C AT I O N S : W i n s p e a r, Northrup, Merrimac, Tyler, Englewood & more! For 2 to 10 people. Many in excellent condition! Experienced landlord lives in the neighborhood. Call Jeremy Dunn (585) 261-6609 or jgdunn2@msn.com.

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HOUSE FOR RENT RonYoung.com. HOUSES, apartments, pictures, room sizes. Ron1812@aol.com, 833-6322. 1,3,4,5,6,7 & 8 BEDROOM homes available. Go to daveburnette.net or call Dave @ 716-445-2514. P R I M E LO C AT I O N S : W i n s p e a r, Northrup, Merrimac, Tyler, Englewood & more! For 2 to 10 people. Many in excellent condition! Experienced landlord lives in the neighborhood. Call Jeremy Dunn (585) 261-6609 or jgdunn2@msn.com. HEATH, ENGLEWOOD, Minnesota – steps from Main St., 3,4,5 & 6 master bdrms, 2 full baths, free stove & fridge, washer & dryer, off-street parking, $225 - $275. Available June 1st. Hurry the good ones go first! 716-570-6062. MERRIMAC & HEATH, 3,4,5,7,8 bedrooms. Dishwasher, free laundry & parking, $275/ pp, 870-8100.

“MERRIMAC, ENGLEWOOD, Heath, Tyler, Winspear. We still have the nicest homes available on south campus! Plasma! Whirlpool Tubs! New everything! O/S Parking, WDMSC, w/w carpet, 10 homes to choose from. Call 716-208-4308 or www.UBRENTS.com” 4 OR 5 BDRM. Absolutely gorgeous, w/w carpeting, 1 + ½ baths, new windows, furnace, security system, stainless steel stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/ dryer, off-street parking 4-cars. Must see! $335 person + utilities, Gino 830-1413. “MERRIMAC, MODERN 5-bdrm house, behind Greeks & Sneaks, large & modern, carpet $320.00 per room includes all utilities & appliances (stove, fridge, washer & dyer), parking, available June 1, 445-4747.” 6 & 7 BEDROOM houses, walk to south campus/ bus, appliances, laundry, security, parking. June 1st, (716) 568-1600.

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UNCLASSIFIED (misc.) REWARD – DELL LATITUDE D630 laptop computer. Accidentally taken from the front seat of a blue Ford Explorer 3/15/2010. $500 cash!! No questions asked. 998-7324.

The Spectrum

March 26, 2010

SP O R T S

California love By CHRIS RAHN Staff Writer

Matthew Parrino Sports Editor

King gator has spoken Being a reporter can be a tough gig at times. Push the wrong buttons and tempers can flare. Being personally attacked as insults fly at your face is not an uncommon occurrence in the sporting world. Just ask Jeremy Fowler. Wednesday afternoon, Florida Gators’ head coach Urban Meyer targeted Fowler, the Orlando Sentinel sports reporter, about a story he had written two days prior. Fowler wrote about the post-Tim Tebow era of Gators football and used a quote from Gators wide-out Deonte Thompson in the article. “You never know with Tim,” Thompson said. “You can bolt, you think he’s running but he’ll come up and pass it to you. You just have to be ready at all times. With Brantley, everything’s with rhythm, time. You know what I mean, a real quarterback.” Thompson’s words sent Meyer into a post-practice assault of Fowler in front of his peers because the reporter used an actual quote from one of his players. The reporter didn’t misquote the receiver, nor did he write something that was fictional. Meyer outright threatened the reporter because he simply didn’t appreciate any negative comments about his prized possession, Tebow. As a reporter covering Division I athletics at UB, this situation hits close to home. Meyer’s actions enforce a dangerous precedent when it comes to the relationship between the media and coaches across the country. I can understand a coach’s anger if a reporter puts words in his or her mouth or publishes fictional information. But to embarrass and talk down to a reporter because he or she reported a factual quote is uncalled for. Maybe if Meyer stepped back and removed the emotion from the situation, he would realize how ridiculous he sounds. Maybe if he did that, he would walk over to the locker of his wide receiver and call him out for the quote he gave that reporter. I’m not sure of Thompson’s intent. No matter if he blatantly meant to insult his former quarterback or his quote was taken out of context, questions are going to arise regardless of the intent. Fowler didn’t do anything wrong in this whole situation – except fail to ask for Meyer’s permission to write the story. Oh wait, it would be unethical for a journalist to allow pressure from outside see PARRINO page 4

Spencer Ngo/ The Spectrum

The softball team’s freshman first baseman, Jessica Griffin, comes to Buffalo from Placentia, Calif.

Many students at UB would love to be living in California, but for one freshman, moving from the Golden State to the Queen City was a welcoming change. Softball first baseman Jessica Griffin is a long way from home. But for Griffin, making the trek across the country to join the Bulls was the right choice. Born and raised in Placentia, Calif., Griffin grew up under the rays of the sun with her feet in the sand for much of her life. Making the transition from fun in the sun to sleet, snow and cold is usually tough for most people. But for Griffin, the weather was overshadowed by more important factors when she decided to come to Buffalo. “When I came on my visit here I really liked the environment. I felt like I was on a college campus [and] everyone was really dedicated to making sure that athletes had the academic focus that we needed,” Griffin said. “[They had a] really strong work ethic and I liked the diversity of the school.” As an international stud-

SIDELINES

ies major, diversity played a large role in Griffin’s decision to attend Buffalo. She felt that understanding where people COME from was very important. Griffin has started every game for the Bulls at first base this season and has made her presence in the line up felt. Just ask Louisiana Tech. In the third game of a triple-header, Griffin went 2-for-4 with four RBIs and blasted her first career home run in a 10-7 victory over the Lady Techsters. “It was very exciting to get those first few hits out of the way, [and getting my] first home run out of the way felt great,” Griffin said. Difference making performances from Griffin will be a common sight in the near future as she progresses and learns the ways of playing Division I softball. Griffin feels that her best attributes were on display during the Tech game. “I like to feel like I bring power to the team. I really want to bring clutch timing and a presence,” Griffin said. But Griffin has a bigger goal that she would like to accomplish: bringing home a see GRIFFIN page 4

An opportunity across the Atlantic By BRIAN JOSEPHS Staff Reporter In America, college sports are the subject of national attention. The National BCS Championship game is broadcasted nationwide and is viewed by millions every year, and the NCAA Basketball Championships always have followers worked up. In contrast, however, collegiate sports seem to be missing in Europe. Yearly college spectacles are simply non-existent. “I once saw the Leeds University [European college] men’s basketball team play,” said Stine Bauer Dahlberg, a writer for the GW Hatchet. “I was one of four spectators. They did actually have cheerleaders though, but the three of them were standing against one wall wearing tracksuit bottoms under their skirts, with a pom-pom in one hand and wrapping their chewing gum around the tip of their index finger with the other.” Because of this lack of enthusiasm for student-athletes, many aspiring professionals travel to the United States for a better opportunity. One of these Europeans is Wojciech Starakiewicz, a sophomore tennis player at Buffalo. Starakiewicz was born in Warsaw, Poland on Oct. 11,1988. Taking after his father, Starakiewicz started playing tennis at an early age. The difference between the two, however, was how serious they took the sport. His father only played for recreational purposes while Starakiewicz had other goals set in

his mind. “My dream was to become number one in the world,” Starakiewicz said. “[The chance] didn’t happen until now.” Starakiewicz accomplished many feats as a youth in Europe. In July 2006, he won the Under-18 Polish Championships in both singles and doubles. He also played as a junior in the International Tennis Federation (ITF), recording a record of 13-11. However, there were not many resources for Starakiewicz to improve his tennis abilities. Since collegiate competition is not as popular in Europe as it is in the U.S., making a name for one’s self is harder. “In Europe, college sports aren’t really good,” Starakiewicz said. “If I wanted to continue playing tennis plus get an education, I had to come to the U.S.” Starakiewicz originally enrolled at the University of Tulsa and he recorded a 5-4 singles record there, but was dissatisfied with the school’s program. To him, the dedication to the sport of tennis just wasn’t there. The situation seemed similar to that of his homeland until he met Lee Nickel, the men’s tennis coach here at UB. “He looked so committed,” Starakiewicz said. “He made me feel that [Buffalo] would be [the right] place for me.” Starakiewicz joined the Bulls’ tennis team as a transfer this year and has enjoyed his new home as can be seen through his performance. Starakiewicz holds a 5-1

Seven UB athletes to attend first ever forum The NCAA will be hosting its firstever Career in Sports Forum and has invited seven student-athletes from the University at Buffalo to attend. The list of invitees consists of Martina Pettenuzzo and Nina Connell from the women’s soccer team, Casey Derkacz and Kieron Gradwell from the men’s soccer team, Scott Dickover of crosscountry, Michael McDowell from men’s swimming and diving and Lindsay Hampton from the softball team. The forum is a four-day event that will be held May 11-14 and is geared toward promoting personal development for these student-athletes after their collegiate careers. The program will promote communications skills, develop networking techniques, explain recruiting and will also help with budgeting money. The forum is a way to prepare student-athletes for the real word and to provide new opportunities, both inside and outside of the sports’ world.

Harijanto named MAC Player of the Week After winning both of her singles and doubles matches this past Sunday against nationally-ranked Brown University, senior Denise Harijanto of the women’s tennis team was named the Mid-American Conference Player of the Week on Wednesday. Harijanto, the Bulls’ all-time leader in doubles wins with an 84-26 career record, defeated the 71st ranked doubles team in the nation, 8-5, alongside junior Aleksandra Petrova. In singles play, Harijanto topped Casey Herzberg in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4 and is now just eight victories shy of Buffalo’s alltime singles mark. Her career singles record improved to 75-36.

Carpenter and Palma named to Academic All-MAC team Thursday morning, the MidAmerican Conference named 32 student-athletes to the 2010 Women’s Swimming and Diving Academic AllMAC team, and two of those honorees were Buffalo seniors Meili Carpenter and Sam Palma. Carpenter, a diver, has been named to the team for the third time as a result of her 3.77 GPA as a science education major. At the MAC Championship meet, she took first place in both the one and three-meter events and was named the 2010 Women’s MAC Diver of the Year. Sprint specialist Palma has been named to the team for the second straight year with a 3.856 GPA as a history major. She was an important part of the fourth-place 400 medley relay team that finished with a season best time of 3:44.67 at the MAC meet, swimming the butterfly leg of the relay. Student-athletes must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and have participated in at least 50 percent of their sport’s contests to be considered for Academic All-MAC honors.

Women’s Cross-Country named All-Academic Team

Boaz Tang/ The Spectrum

On March 18, sophomore Wojciech Starakiewicz of the men’s tennis team was named MAC Player of the Week. record in singles, and a 3-2 record in doubles. He also became the No. 5 seed in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, the highest seed in Bulls history. As seen by his immediate success, Starakiewicz wants to do big things for Buffalo. “In college, I would probably like to be top 20 in the

NCAA,” Starakiewicz said. “And maybe fight for the Mid-American Conference championships for the first time for UB.” The NCAA has given Starakiewicz the opportunity to pursue both education and a successful tennis career. see STARAKIEWICZ page 2

The women’s cross-country team has been selected by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as an NCAA Division I All-Academic Team for the 2009 season. To be considered as a USTFCCCA All-Academic Team, a team must have competed at an NCAA Regional Championship and have a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA. The Bulls compiled an overall GPA of 3.46 and were in the upper third of all schools awarded the honor. Buffalo finished 25th at the NCAA Northeast Regional Championships last November. “I am extremely proud of this achievement,” said head coach Vicki Mitchell in a press release. “What makes this even more impressive is that the cross-country/distance runners compete basically year-round [fall and spring semesters]. They have balanced their academic and athletics extremely well. We have women that are nursing, physical therapy and engineering majors and several in the University Honors College. Their work ethic and drive is second to none.”