UBSPECTRUM
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, SINCE 1950
VOL. 69 NO. 29 | FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Interested in Graphic Design or Graphic Illustration?
92nd Academy Awards predictions and opinions
We’re looking for an Assistant Creative Director! Email eic@ubspectrum.com if interested
PAGE 5
Take our annual sex survey! Scan the QR code with your phone camera.
Committee confirms Student Association president suspended for potential conflict-of-interest violations Details and evidence ‘classified’ until at least next week, roughly 40 students attended Tuesday meeting for information about suspension JULIAN ROBERTS-GRMELA SENIOR NEWS EDITOR
The Student Association Board of Directors (BOD) will keep documents which led to SA President Yousouf Amolegbe’s suspension private until at least next Tuesday, 11 days after the vote to suspend him. But students say they want answers now. Roughly 40 students attended the board’s Rules, Administration and Government Oversight Committee (RAGO) meeting, where RAGO confirmed its investigation –– which prompted the BOD to suspend Amolegbe of his presidential duties –– concerned potential conflict-ofinterest violations regarding SA events. RAGO meetings are not typically attended by members of the public, according to RAGO Chairman Eric Weinman. RAGO, a six-person committee composed of BOD members, said its investigation documents will remain classified until at least next Tuesday, when the BOD will vote on whether or not to declassify the information. UB community members can attend
Tuesday’s meeting and may be given the opportunity to speak on Amolegbe’s suspension. The BOD had the opportunity to vote to publicize the investigation and the underlying information last Friday –– during the meeting when members voted to suspend Amolegbe –– if a board member motioned to do so and the motion passed, according to Weinman. Weinman said the reason no one made the motion was likely due to “oversight.” Weinman said RAGO could not declassify the investigation documents on Tuesday night because the deliberations regarding Amolegbe’s suspension and RAGO’s
inquiry took place in executive sessions. Weinman said there are no SA bylaws preventing BOD members from sharing information pertaining to executive sessions, but that it is standard practice of boards and deliberative bodies to keep information confidential until the board decides to make it public information. “Matters considered in executive session are to be held confidential among members of the board until the board later determines,” Weinman said. “All the previous matters regarding the inquiry were considered in executive session, [and] as such, have to remain confidential and considered only in executive session until oth-
erwise determined.” On Tuesday, RAGO passed a resolution recommending the BOD suspend Amolegbe from presidential duties, although the board already suspended Amolegbe last Friday via motion. Weinman said the resolution, although inconsequential, “clarifies the reasons for the suspension and provides a better method for the board to consider [suspension], opposed to simply a motion.” RAGO’s suspension recommendation will not affect whether or not Amolegbe is suspended. The BOD’s motion to suspend Amolegbe was sufficient to suspend his presidential duties and, even if the new resolution to suspend him fails, Amolegbe will remain suspended. Weinman said the only way to reverse Amolegbe’s suspension is if two-thirds of the BOD votes to lift the suspension. RAGO also passed a resolution to recommend a certain format for the BOD’s meeting next Tuesday. If passed, Amolegbe would have at least an hour to defend himself, the public would have 40 minutes
Puzzling Pathways: Students concerned with UB general education topics
JuliAn roBerts-grMelA | The SpecTrum roughly 40 StudentS attend Student aSSociation board of directorS’ ruleS, adminiStration and government overSight committee meeting on tueSday.
SEE PRESIDENT PAGE 2
Students search for common ground with College of Arts and Sciences dean CAS dean discusses black faculty, African and African American Studies Program with students at BSU town hall ALEXANDRA MOYEN SENIOR NEWS EDITOR
During a heated two-hour meeting on Tuesday, a group of Black Student Union members challenged College of Arts and Sciences Dean Robin Schulze on UB’s minority hiring and retention process, on the low numbers of black faculty and on the future of the struggling African and African American Studies Program. Schulze came to the meeting on the invitation of the students and spent much of the session defending her policies and choices. The 20 students pressed her on her commitment to the AAS program and she responded that she has “committed” $500,000 so that AAS can separate from Transnational Studies and “relaunch.” The program currently has three faculty members. She also discussed the SUNY-funded, five-year ProdiG program, which will begin in fall 2020 and is designed to increase minority hires. According to the program, SUNY will pay new black faculty members’ full salaries for the first year, half for the second and a quarter for the third. Schulze said Maura Belliveau, director for UB’s Center for Diversity Innovation, who has been at UB since 2019, will oversee the hiring process to ensure black faculty are prioritized. Schulze plans to hire UB alum and Duke AAS Chair Mark Anthony Neal, as a facilitator to restructure the program.
Despite Schulze’s optimism, most students were skeptical about UB’s commitment to diversity and to hiring black faculty outside of AAS. BSU Historian Josephina Nimarko, a junior nursing major, also questioned Belliveau’s experience and ability to attract black candidates. “Oftentimes people tend to go talk to people they look like,” Nimarko said. “Like a black person may not feel comfortable going to talk to [Belliveau], but if you brought somebody who does look like them then they’ll be like, ‘Oh shoot the school really needs black people. This is a black person telling me that and now I’m more inclined to go over there and listen and potentially apply for that position.’” Schulze said Belliveau has experience from “a lot of organizations” and “knows every African American in her field.” Belliveau came to UB from Long Island University where she was an associate professor of management. She received her Ph.D. in organizational behavior and industrial relations from University of California, Berkeley. She is the first to hold this office at UB. Schulze also said SUNY will allow CAS to practice targeted hiring, but the college can’t ensure new hires will be black because it would be “discriminatory.” “It’s discriminatory for us to go out and say we’re only going to hire an African American scholar,” Schulze said. “We go out, we ask for the very best scholars who work on ‘blank and blank,’ we look at the pool that comes in and
then we are sensitive inside the structure of that pool to get people of color. But by New York state law, just in the same way we can’t say ‘whites only’ we can’t go out and say ‘only blacks.’” Keith Griffler, an AAS professor, said he had no idea Neal would be involved in the hiring of new faculty and said he was frustrated because the “faculty has been essentially cut out of this process.” “Our concern is that we have voiced again and again that African American Studies is still here and it doesn’t need to be reconstituted. All of the people here are taking our courses and we have wonderful teachers teaching our courses,” Griffler said to Schulze. “So it concerns me deeply to hear that you don’t trust us enough to take on this responsibility ourselves. We have been doing this for decades.”
Teaching assistant James Ponzo also agreed, saying the professors already in the department “should be the ones that drive the process.” Nimarko said many people in the meeting were shocked to find out AAS faculty wasn’t notified about the facilitator, and said most don’t feel as though the meeting was as “progressive” as everyone wanted it to be. “A lot of it now is just to wait but still continue to demand,” Nimarko said. “One of the biggest things that I know I personally would like to see is the [AAS Program] involved in the new planning for this new project and to bring more diverse people in the school.” Email: Alexandra.Moyen@ubspectrum.com Twitter: @AlexandraMoyen
Brenton BlAnChet | The SpecTrum the college of artS and ScienceS dean’S office on the eighth floor of clemenS hall.
NEWS
2 | Thursday, February 6 2020
Black Student Union, Buffalo community host Black History Month events Mixers, movies and mental health awareness events to take place throughout month
REILLY MULLEN
ASST. NEWS EDITOR
The Black Student Union is teaming up with several organizations in honor of Black History Month, where they hope to promote relationships between black students and faculty and provide black students with mentors and networking opportunities. Aside from the scheduled events, BSU will also be offering candy grams –– small candies, gifts and flowers for students to give to friends –– in the Student Union throughout the week of Feb. 12. They will also be hosting a talk to promote sex education and healthy sex habits though a fun game during the month, according to BSU President Florence Ayeni. Outside of BSU, Transit Theatre will be offering a free screening of the film “Harriet” on Tuesday and an event featuring human rights activist and former Green Party vice presidential candidate Ajamu Baraka takes place on Saturday.
Feb. 6: Health and wellness fair
Feb. 8: Ajamu Baraka talk
BSU will conduct a health and wellness fair in the SU lobby on Feb. 6 from 12-4 p.m. The fair will include dog therapy, face masks, massages, dance classes and a prize raffle. The fair is meant to promote healthy ways for students to cope with heavy school and work loads as well as mental-health support.
Ajamu Baraka, human rights activist and former Green Party vice presidential candidate, will be speaking at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library in Buffalo to facilitate a lecture on war and imperialism, using his perspective as a Vietnam War veteran, in celebration of Black History Month. He will also take part in a Q&A session after his presentation. The lecture will take place from 12-3 p.m.
Feb. 11: “Harriet” showing
Feb. 15: Community service
Across the nation, theaters will be offering free showings of the movie “Harriet” Tuesday in honor of Black History Month. The Buffalo showings will be held at Regal Transit Center at both 7 and 9:30 p.m. In order to attend the free events, patrons must sign up online. The two-hour film stars Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr. and its showings promote a conversation about history and racial relations, while allowing viewers to enjoy the film for free.
On Feb. 15 from 5-8:30 p.m. BSU will be volunteering at Compass House Youth Shelter. Compass House is a shelter that provides care for runaway and homeless youth. BSU will be donating food as well as helping with cooking and cleaning and recommends students participate.
Feb. 20: BSU gallery BSU will present an African American history gallery in SU 210 on Feb. 20. BSU plans on showcasing the history of their club and how they have continued to thrive since 1967. The gallery should include posters describing the history of BSU, as the event takes place annually.
Feb. 29: Black faculty mixer BSU will be hosting a mixer –– a casual meeting –– with UB’s black faculty in hopes of allowing students to get to know the African and African American Studies department as well as black professors and staff representing different departments. BSU hopes to highlight the importance of students having mentors that can resonate with their needs. They are also planning on allowing high school students to attend the event to connect with fellow black students and professors.
ELIZABETH NAPOLITANO STAFF WRITER
Avishai Afek said he knows students are doing drugs but felt those who struggle with drug use don’t know where to turn. So he created a place for students to freely talk about drug use and drug policy. Afek, along with three others, revived UB’s chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy last semester, believing students would feel more comfortable discussing their drug use with peers, rather than authority figures. SSDP, which was previously active at UB until 2015, is an international non-profit organization founded in Rochester in 1998. It currently has over 300 chapters in 26 countries. Now, 11 UB SSDP members plan to petition the Student Association for temporary club recognition this spring. Health Promotion and Wellness Services officials said the club could be beneficial and it is important that students are educated by facts and not stereotypes on college drug culture. “I wanted to start SSDP because most organizations talking about these issues are concerned about prevention and abstinence, and we are much more rooted in the values of harm reduction and risk aversion,” Afek said. SSDP evaluates how UB resources can help inform student drug users and give them an outlet for expression. Brandon Oligny, a junior medicinal chemistry major, shared his plans to organize a panel on illicit drug research with UB professors at last Friday’s meeting. During the meeting, students shared common stereotypes they
FROM PAGE 1
to comment and RAGO will have up to 30 minutes to present information. The BOD may amend the resolutions before voting on them. Amolegbe said he plans to defend himself during his hour at the BOD meeting. “I’m going to be challenging the process that this suspension took and why this act is unjust and unfair,” Amolegbe said. “I encourage students to come out to the next board of directors meeting to come see for themselves why this action is totally uncalled for.” Florence Ayeni, president of UB’s Black Student Union, attended part of RAGO’s Tuesday meeting and said she thinks most students attended to learn which policies Amolegbe allegedly violated. She said she was disappointed because information won’t be available until next Tuesday at the earliest. “Waiting ‘til [Tuesday] is kind of dragging it out in my opinion,” Ayeni said. “Providing a day to meet folks about it is a good thing. Having it 11 days after [suspending Amolegbe] is such a drag out and a low thing to do, in my opinion, because matters need to be dealt with immediately. This suspension is nothing light.” Hayden Gise, chairperson for the BOD, said the BOD’s meeting will not take place until next Tuesday because the bylaws require the BOD chair to provide at least five days notice to the BOD and the public when scheduling meetings. The BOD will likely pass the resolution to declassify information, according to Gise, because the BOD wants to inform the student body about its decisions. Ayeni said she expects a large student turnout at the BOD meeting next Tuesday. “I just think [the student body] needs more information,” Ayeni said. “People are confused, people don’t know. ... We want more information; we want to know why. We want to know the policy [that Amolegbe allegedly broke], we want to know the extent of how it was broken.” Email: julian.grmela@ubspectrum.com Twitter: @GrmelaJulian
OPINION:
/r/UBReddit users react to this past week in stories ENGAGEMENT DESK
/u/Carlsbad99 “‘Construction Confusion’ yeah Capen was confusing before but now they’ve just completely destroyed it, they gotta just throw the whole building away and then make it a parking lot.”
/u/badboi707 “They murdered my boi Capen. That’s all imma say.”
/u/SalmonBanger “‘Capen confusion’ Capen has always been an area I’ve avoided as much as I can. I really only go through the building to print and in the past few semesters I’ve only been on the bottom floor a handful of times. I actually much prefer where they have the printing [station] now as it [is] much more out of the way.”
/u/KaiSkirata1138 “As an Iranian myself, I find the government to be despicable. I can only hope that in time, the Iranian people will revolt against their leaders.” Reactions are lightly edited for grammar.
Email: reilly.mullen@ubspectrum.com Twitter: @ReillyMMullen
Discussing Drugs New club promotes risk management for student drug use
PRESIDENT
ubspectrum.com
ing students about what their peers “are actually doing on campus.” Health Promotion focuses its efforts more on alcohol education, as statistics from the National College Health Assessment show that 74% of UB students reported drinking using alcohol and 58% reported drinking alcohol in the last month, according to the office. The same study indicated less than half of UB students report they have used marijuana, and hard drug use among UB students is infrequent. Only 1% of UB students reported ever having used cocaine and only 2% said they had ever used opiates, according to the study. “We tend to focus our energy and resources toward harm reduction and skill building with alcohol and marijuana in mind, particularly high-risk alcohol use,
because these are the most widely abused substances and cause the most negative consequences for the individual and the community,” McBride said. Still, students like Liz Zdyb, a junior psychology major and chair of SSDP’s protests committee, believe it’s hard to open up about drug use to campus professionals without being judged. “You don’t hear about a lot of organizations like ours on campus where you can talk about drugs in a judgement-free zone,” Zdyb said. “I feel like talking about recreational drug use openly is still seen as taboo, so being able to talk about things more openly here is pretty dope.”
held about drug users and their behaviors. They also told personal stories about past drug use. Marla McBride, director of the Health Promotion office, worked as an alcohol and other drug college prevention coordinator for 16 years before transitioning to her current role. She said she thinks students could benefit from speaking to other students about their drug use and hopes student discussions focus on safety and with education in mind. “I’m excited about this because students The features desk can be reached at educating students is definitely the way to ubspectrum.com go,” McBride said. “Students definitely take information more readily when it’s offered by their peers.” Oligny, a member of SSDP’s research and education committee, said he plans to advance the club’s educational goals by creating presentations on the effects of drugs like Adderall and MDMA. Members also want to distribute drug information cards at events like Spring Fest and Fall Fest to help students make more informed decisions about the substances they could be taking. McBride said Health Promotion doesn’t condemn drug use and instead focuses on “harm re- Alexander Brown | The Spectrum duction” and inform- Students for Sensible Drug Policy is an organization that focuses on changing public views on drug use and abuse.
features@
OPINION
ubspectrum.com
Thursday, February 6 2020 | 3
‘Parasite’ latches onto fans’ hearts ahead of Oscars It’s time for the Academy to start recognizing a wider range of cinema
ISABELLA FORTUNATO CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Film is universal. Every person, despite personal background, has the equal opportunity to gain inspiration from the films that they expose themselves to. Beneath the cover of a dim-lit theatre, we are all the same, hoping to undergo something at least a little bit magical. “Parasite,” directed by Bong Joon Ho, did much more than meet the low cinematic bar that many movie-goers set for themselves. Through a display of compelling performances, unexpected twists and haunting political realism, the film leaves a harrowing impression on anyone who sees it, earning six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The film has already received more than
20 wins for Best Picture at various other film award ceremonies such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” comes in second with a meager six wins. It’s no surprise that the underdog film is being recognized with such a myriad of praise due to its unique quality and essence. The small number of us who saw “Parasite” can honestly say that we will never be the same again. To date, I have not had a film leave such an eye-opening effect on me. But many still feel that the Academy is incapable of awarding Best Picture to any foreign film, even one as masterful and deserving as “Parasite.” The Foreign Film category, added to the Academy Awards in 1947, and has given a ton of films, “Parasite” included, nominations that they otherwise might not have received. The Foreign Film category has given worthy recognition to a lot of really great films, such as “Life is Beautiful” and “Amour” but it still somehow implies that filmmaking outside of the U.S. is not good enough to be considered for the overall Best Picture award. And the discriminatory practices of the Academy aren’t new. In 2016 there weren’t any black actors nominated, and there is still a lack of diversity among the nominees this year. Award shows should aim to highlight
worthy achievement from worthy people of all backgrounds all over the world. This seems like common sense and yet we still lack adequate representation between our winners and nominees. And Joon Ho’s masterpiece is no exception. Trying to explain the intrigue or even the plot of this dark comedy-thriller is hard without ruining the thrill of the experience. In a nutshell, the film follows the story of a lower-class Korean family of grifters who are slowly infiltrating the home of an upper-class family through shifty manipulation. At the beginning of this film it seems like Joon Ho is attempting a comedic combination of “Robin Hood” and “The Sting,” but as the story progresses it becomes blatantly apparent that there is a darkness lurking beneath the plot, which brings about a much more significant meaning. The impeccable visual effects and musical composition of the film accompany Boon Ho’s exceptional storytelling. Both the camerawork and instrumental track adapt quickly to fit the changing tone of the film playing with an aspect of night and day, or rather truth and deception, making it even more apparent how much of a masterpiece the work really is. There’s no comparing “Parasite” to the eight other films nominated this season. While all the films nominated this year
would be worthy choices for Best Film, with the possible exception of “The Irishman,” nothing even touches the cinematic originality that Joon Ho was able to highlight on the big screen. If “Parasite” won on Sunday it would be the first of only 11 foreign films ever nominated to take home that title, which would mean a huge change for the range of movies recognized by the Academy. In Joon-ho’s inspiring Golden Globes acceptance speech he told viewers that, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” He questioned the number of Oscar-worthy films that we missed out on over the last 92 years due to our own callowness. If the Academy chooses to overlook “Parasite” this week it will be a huge upset and just give an even clearer image of the partiality that so many already claim those behind the Oscars possess. Regardless of the result, “Parasite” is a phenomenal and ground-breaking film that has changed the way countless people think about foreign films. Joon Ho shows vision in his work that is executed flawlessly by a talented cast and crew. His profound creation demonstrates the universal essence of humanity so often streaked across the silver screen. Email: opinion@ubspectrum.com
You can lead a television executive to water, but you can’t make him drink ‘Bojack Horseman’ perfects traditional adult animation
SAMANTHA VARGAS OPINION EDITOR
EDITOR’S NOTE: This column contains spoilers. The reign of Fox’s Friday night animation line-up is over. For years, programs full of shallow writing and cop-out comedy have remained at the forefront of the adult animation community. Seth Macfarlane has been able to build an empire full of fart jokes, visual gags and lazy cultural references. But move over “Family Guy,” there’s a new challenger fighting for the crown, and it has a rightful claim to the throne. Netflix’s “Bojack Horseman” should be the standard for adult animation. The series, which concluded its sixth and final season on Jan. 31, was able to demonstrate such a momentous level of writing and character development, that
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2020 VOLUME 69 NUMBER 29 CIRCULATION: 3,000
Do you have an interest in journalism, graphic design, photography, social media, advertising, cartoons or copy editing? The Spectrum is always looking for enthusiastic students who want to be part of our team. Join our 45-time award winning independent student newspaper for hands-on, realworld experience in your field. Anyone interested in joining The Spectrum’s editorial staff can email Brenton J. Blanchet at: eic@ubspectrum.com. Anyone interested in joining The Spectrum’s professional staff or advertising team can email Helene Polley at: hapolley@buffalo.edu.
it raises the standard for what should be funded by production companies moving forward. The show follows the life of former ‘90s sitcom star, Bojack Horseman, as he maneuvers through modern-day “Hollywoo” and is pushed to come to terms with his declining social relevance But the show is so much more than that. On its surface, the show explores substantially real themes like substance abuse, sexism, trauma and depression. Yet throughout its relatively short run, it also threads a variety of other ideas through its characters and subplots. It’s able to explore serious concepts like abortion and coming to terms with one’s sexuality, yet still balance enough humor to keep viewers entertained. But despite its brilliant writing and performances, it’s understandable that the show may not appeal to all audiences. There will always be people who shy away from programming that confronts the reality of making –– sometimes substantial –– mistakes. Bojack is a sexist, ego-centric addict who was never really expected to grow up and take responsibility for himself. These ideas continue throughout the show, while viewers suffer through watching him relapse into drugs, alcohol and narcissism. It is always a challenge to pitch a show based around a troubled anti-hero, and creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg knew he had to balance its levels of ridiculous humor with introspective, serious messages.
The views expressed – both written and graphic – in the Opinion section 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 news@ubspectrum. com. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style and length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number, and email address.
For information on adverstising with The Spectrum: VISIT: www.ubspectrum.com/advertising CALL US: 716-645-2152 The Spectrum offices are located in 132 Student Union, UB North Campus, Buffalo, NY 142602100
During an interview with NPR, BobWaksberg said, “It’s not that you’re necessarily making light of the horrifying circumstances, just that you use your humor to survive.” But that’s why so many fans relate to the balance between the two extremes, since it’s able to mirror so much of their realities. While the show is pivoted around Bojack’s character, it still develops a variety of substantial side characters, each with their own story and flaws, and the series finale was able to tie up its remaining character arcs and plots, yet still end with the understanding that the characters’ lives will continue to progress. While I was disappointed when hearing the series was cancelled, I now realize it was vital for the show to continue with just enough time for the script writers to develop a satisfying ending. Although Matt Groening seems to be content with running “The Simpsons” into the ground, there is not a single television show that needs 30 seasons, “Bojack Horseman” included. A common trope that seems to exist across all of the entertainment market is the overextension of a popular television series. Between “The Office” and “That 70’s Show” or “Family Guy” and “Rick and Morty,” when a series continues beyond its character arcs, it muddles any of the spark it may have brought through its original storyline.
Bob-Waksberg was able to harness a nearly-perfect three-act narrative for all of the shows characters. Each felt grounded in reality –– whether it was Princess Carolyn balancing her personal and professional life or Todd regaining a relationship with his mother or Diane being able to control her looming depression –– each character was able to fulfill a long-term goal that had been set throughout their introduction. Every character except Bojack. But that’s okay. In fact, that’s what makes the finale so great. Throughout the show, viewers find themselves conflicted about whether or not to root for Bojack to succeed. While he is the titular protagonist, he isn’t framed in a heroic light. He isn’t the hero of the series, but that doesn’t make him the villain either. Through his highs and his very low-lows, he is framed as a caricature of a real, troubled person. His lack of a perfectly wrapped-up ending demonstrates the cyclical nature of his life and his faults, and the potential growth he could make after having everyone in his life move on from him. The viewer hopes he will try, but they also know the pattern. And the series’ great writing and character development is what will make it go down in history as an example of what television producers should be looking for, and what consumers should be demanding. Email: opinion@ubspectrum.com
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
CREATIVE DIRECTORS
ARTS EDITORS
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Helene Polley
Paolo Blanchi
Alex Whetham, Sr. Anastasia Wilds, Asst.
ADVERTISING MANAGER Nathan Stutz GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER Nicholas Meurer
MANAGING EDITORS Jacklyn Walters Lauryn King, Asst. NEWS EDITORS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Brenton J. Blanchet
Julian Roberts-Grmela, Sr. Alexandra Moyen, Sr. Reilly Mullen, Asst.
WEB EDITORS OPINION EDITORS Savanna Caldwell, Chief Cassiana Enderle, Chief Nicole Waddington, Asst.
Samantha Vargas
ENGAGEMENT EDITORS Benjamin Blanchet Nicole Waddington, Asst. MULTIMEDIA EDITORS Vindhya Burugupalli, Sr. Wayne Penales, Sr. Alexander Brown, Asst. Alexis Heng, Asst. SPORTS EDITORS Justin Weiss, Sr.
FEATURES
4 | Thursday, February 6 2020
ubspectrum.com
Leading an eco-friendly life A student’s small-scale guide to saving the environment, one reusable mug at a time
VINDHYA BURUGUPALLI SENIOR MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Conversations and global movements surrounding climate change in the last few years have taken off. Greta Thunberg, even at 16 years old, has taken the climate change movement by storm. And while not everyone has the platform Thunberg and other influencers may have, they can still make an impact on the smaller scale. Thinking about the future of your planet and its potential doom can be overwhelming, but here are some easy ways to reduce your impact on climate change on a small-scale level:
fashion and expensive sustainable brands is thrifting. By thrifting clothes and accessories, you can still be fashionable but at a lower cost to the environment. Some near-
Avoid single-use plastics:
There is no easy way to safely dispose of the plastic waste we produce. Incinerating plastic leads to air pollution, it takes hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill — releasing toxic chemicals into the soil and water we consume — and dumping it into the ocean puts marine life at risk, in turn negatively affecting the ecosystem. A feasible solution to this problem is to produce less waste in the first place. Developing simple habits like carrying reusable mugs and Photo illustration by Vindhya Burugupalli | The Spectrum metal straws to a coffee shop, and using your own cutlery and a container when you’re taking food to go, can by and popular places to thrift in Buffalo are Plato’s Closet, Savers and AMVETS, make a difference. It’s best to avoid buying plastic water among others, some featured in The Specbottles, so bringing a metal bottle and fill- trum’s guide to thrifting in Buffalo. If you ing it up in the water fountains can make a don’t have the time or access to go to an difference and also save you money. Car- actual thrift store, there are also online oprying a cloth tote bag while grocery shop- tions to explore such as thredUP, Depop ping also reduces the amount of plastic and Poshmark. waste we produce. While these things seem like a no-brainer, it can be difficult to incorporate these Transportation: habits into your daily routine. Putting a reDriving your car around releases a ton minder on your phone and packing your of greenhouse gases that are warming bag the night before can be helpful. up the planet. According to the EPA, “ a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6
Photo illustration by Wayne Penales | The Spectrum
Thrifting: The fast-fashion industry is one of the largest polluters of the environment. Shopping til’ you drop can be gratifying, but it comes at a cost. Fast fashion is cheap, trendy and readily available; however, by buying more clothes, we’re contributing to the pollution. A great alternative to fast
metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.” Imagine this on a large-scale level. For many, ditching your car and using public transport instead is a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint. If you don’t live in a city with a well-connected public transportation system, carpooling with friends and family whenever possible can still make a difference, but Buffalo’s metro is a useful and smart way to get around.
Travel greener: Whenever we are traveling on airplanes, we are contributing to the release of carbon emissions. And a lot at that. Flying cannot be avoided in most cases, but you can reduce your carbon footprint by packing light instead. The more weight an airplane is carrying, the more fuel it needs, leading to increased emissions of greenhouse gases. Another way to reduce your carbon footprint while flying is to take direct flights whenever possible because a plane takes up the most fuel during take-off.
Avoid red meat: A major source of methane — a greenhouse gas more harmful than carbon dioxide — into the atmosphere is cattle grazing. While agriculture and raising livestock produces methane, the emissions from cows are much larger in comparison to other sources. Going vegan is not easy considering most of us have been raised with meat and dairy in our diets, however, making small changes to our diet by avoiding red meat or at least reducing how much we eat it can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. Email: vindhya.burugupalli@ubspectrum.com Twitter: @moonhorizon__
Brittany Gorny | The Spectrum
Jamestown, Accra, Ghana This winter break, I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting Ghana through a UB School of Management Global Studies program. Through this trip, I was able to experience Ghana’s rich culture -everyone was so warm and helpful -- and learned about its colonial past. The traditional West African dishes such as fufu, fried plantains and jollof rice slapped.
Top
View overlooking the fresh fish market in Jamestown beach
These images were taken at Jamestown, predominantly a fishing community, in the city of Accra. It is one of the oldest regions of the city and showcases remnants of the country’s colonial past.
Top Children playing in
Jamestown beach pier
Left Portrait of a beachgoer in
Jamestown
VINDHYA BURUGUPALLI SENIOR MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
ubspectrum.com
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Thursday, February 6 2020 | 5
92nd Academy Awards predictions and opinions What probably will win and what deserves to in the most-anticipated Oscars categories
ment to see Phoenix walk away with the Oscar, but Driver deserves it, especially after serving his time in the rough Star Wars sequel trilogy.
ALEX WHETHAM
Who will win: Scarlett Johansson (Marriage Story) Who should win: Scarlett Johansson On the other side of the divorce in “Marriage Story” is the sympathetic Nicole, played by Scarlett Johansson. In the film, Nicole is definitely less at fault than Charlie, but Johansson still balances Driver’s performance by distinctly reacting and defining herself. Whereas Charlie has a temper, Nicole just wants to live her own life and move to L.A., but with Charlie, she feels that won’t happen. Admittedly, there aren’t many performances in this category that are even Oscar-worthy (Saoirse Ronan is a good pick, too), so Johansson’s performance in “Marriage Story” is a bit of a no-brainer.
SENIOR ARTS EDITOR
This Sunday, awards season is coming to a close with the 92nd Academy Awards. Despite being one of the latest award shows of the season, the Oscars always tend to generate the most buzz and controversy, thanks to persistent and valid criticism like #OscarsSoWhite. But with a superhero movie and South Korean film gaining some of the most hype, the face of the Oscars are trying to change. Here are some predictions and preferences on what and who will take home awards in some of the biggest categories of the night.
Best Actor in a Leading Role Who will win: Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) Who should win: Adam Driver (Marriage Story) Almost no movie generated as much hype in 2019 as Joker did. Whether it was because of hype or controversy, the movie became a staple of culture last year and no aspect of the film defined it more than Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as the film’s titular character. Phoenix will probably walk away with the Best Actor award Sunday. Admittedly, it is an impressive performance and Phoenix is one of the most interesting and varied actors of our time. But Adam Driver’s reserved performance as Charlie in “Marriage Story” ekes out as the best performance in this category. Although his role wasn’t the most unique, especially for Hollywood — Driver plays a theater director with a mild temper going through a divorce — his delivery is much more impressive than Phoenix as the Joker. It would not be a complete disappoint-
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Best Directing Who will win: Martin Scorsese (The Irishman) Who should win: Bong Joon-Ho (Parasite) “The Irishman” is a big event in cinematic history; Martin Scorsese is one of the most accomplished directors of our time. People are still indebted to his style of directing, including also-nominated “Joker” director Todd Phillips, as “Joker” is almost a reimagining of Scorsese flicks “Taxi Driver” and “King of Comedy.” The fact that “The Irishman” is probably the last film that will have three of his most-utilized actors (Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino) nearly guarantees this Best Director win. Bong Joon-Ho’s “Parasite” is simply a better directed film. Every performance is perfectly executed, which isn’t the case in “The Irishman.” The pacing of scenes is immaculate and tightly done, which is nowhere near the case with “The Irishman’s” bloated running time. “Parasite” is a nearly
Paolo Blanchi | The Spectrum “Parasite” has been nomiated for six Oscars
flawless film, and Ho is a big proponent of love, making him most worthy of the accolade.
Best Picture What will win: “Joker” What should win: “Parasite” There are honestly several films that could take the most prestigious award of the night home on Sunday. “Marriage Story” has a strong fanbase and powerful acting performances to back it up. “The Irishman” could win for reasons stated above. But it seems likely that “Joker” will win. On some level, the Oscars are a popularity contest, and no film in 2019 was able to drum up the hype that film did. Sometimes the Oscars pull a surprise win — see “Green Book” in 2019 for a bad example, “Moonlight” in 2017 for a
What to expect at Slee Hall this semester String Quartets, Juliard415 and legendary violinists among standout Spring events
In a musical time where hip-hop and pop dominate arena concerts and punk shows run underground venues, it feels like classical music is underrepresented in the performance scene. But it isn’t hard to find it at UB. Slee Hall is one of the most exciting performance venues to catch musicians younger and older performing classical
Slee Beethoven String Quartet Cycle Concerts III and IV: Calidore String Quartet
Feb. 15 - 16
welcome one — but nothing would shock and surprise simultaneously like a “Joker” win would. “Parasite” should win this award. It is one of the most refreshing narrative films of the past few years, as well as one of the crowing cinematic achievements of the 2010s. It is a shining entry-point into cinema outside of the United States. The attention it has drummed up since release has been amazing to see, but the cherry on top would be to see Bong Joon-Ho, the rest of the cast/crew and the film receive the night’s top honors. It is unlikely to expect this outcome, as “Joker” is a popularity force-to-be-reckoned-with, but if the Academy picks “Parasite,” it will be a win for fans of popular and underground cinema everywhere. Email: alex.whetham@ubspectrum.com Twitter: @alexo774
ALEX WHETHAM SENIOR ARTS EDITOR
music. From Romantic to Modern piece performances, a variety of pieces will be showcased throughout the Spring Semester. You can see the full UB Music Department performance program by clicking this link, but here are some notable performances to not miss. Email: alex.whetham@ubspectrum.com | Twitter: @alexo774
Faculty Recital: Michael Tumiel, clarinet
March 1
After performing I and II from their Cycle Concerts series during the Fall, the Calidore String Quartet is back to perform III and IV. Consisting of Jeffrey Myers (Violin), Ryan Meehan (Violin), Jeremy Berry (Viola) andEstelle Choi (Cello), the quartet will be performing Quartet in D Major, Op. 18, No. 3, “Grosse Fuge,” Op. 133 and Quartet in F Major, Op. 59, No. 1 the first night, and Quartet in F minor, Op. 95 “Serioso”, Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 18, No. 6 and Quartet in A minor, Op. 132 the second. In late April, they will also be returning to perform V and VI in the series.
Graduate Masters in Music student Michael Tumiel will be performing on the clarinet at Slee in early March! He will be performing Mario Davidovsky’s “Synchronisms No. 12”, Donald Martino’s “A Set for clarinet”, Louis Spohr’s “Sechs deutsche Lieder” and Béla Bartók’s “Contrasts.”
Slee Visiting Artist Series Concert V (Juliard415)
Eastman Organists’ Day
March 31
Interspersing English with musical performance, the fifth installment in the Slee Visiting Artist Series will be a unique one. Juliard415 is a group of musicians from The Juliard School who play period-instruments: instruments that may not be around anymore but were once popular. The night will feature music including by but not limited to Jeremiah Clarke, Pelham Humfrey and John Baniser. In-between pieces will feature readings of snippets of writing by the legendary William Shakespeare.
Center for 21st Century Music Concert with Ensemble Mise-En and violinist Irvine Arditti
April 3
The Eastman Organists’ Day is held once a year at UB and showcases talented organists from the Eastman School of Music. For those interested in displays of musicianship from some of the most talented students playing organ today, don’t miss this.
April 11
Legendary violinist Irvine Arditti will have a residency at UB from April 7-11 this Spring. Arditti is one of the most well-respected violinists alive today and is known for working with legendary figures of classical music such as John Cage. On the 11th, he will be performing with Ensemble Mise-En to premiere David Felder’s “Jeu de Tarot II.” The rest of the program is yet to be announced. Jahanvi Chopra | The Spectrum The Choir of Gonville & Caius College performed in the Slee Visiting Artist Series, last
semester.
6 | Thursday, February 6 2020
NEWS
ubspectrum.com
2020 PLASMA speaker series begins with a new approach to video games Cody Mejeur talks about LGBTQ+ representation in video games and the use of ‘queer narratives’ ANASTASIA WILDS ASST. ARTS EDITOR
While social attitudes have been changing in recent years, LGBTQ+ representation remains limited in all forms of media, including video games. But the unique qualities in video games may allow for representation even without LGBTQ+ characters, through “queer naratives.” UB’s Media Studies Department kicked off its Performances, Lectures and Screenings in Media Art (PLASMA) speaker series –– which brings artists and scholars from around the world to talk about art and new ideas within media, from film, to TV and now video games –– with Cody
Mejeur on Monday night. Mejeur, a visiting professor in DMS, studies LGBTQ+ representation, feminism and social justice within video game narratives, which they discussed at the event. Their PLASMA, titled ‘Playing and Thinking Narratively: Video Games As/ For Social Justice,’ focused on how narratives in games can have “queer potential” even if there are no overtly LGBTQ+ characters or stories. Mejeur said they believe this is important, as most mainstream games don’t have any LGBTQ+ content. “When you have sort of a straight line through a story, it’s often progressing towards something,” Mejeur said, “And, with most stories, it’s progressing towards some sort of normative end. The evil showed up, it screwed everything up and now we want to return things to normal. A queer narrative is trying to mess with that. … It’s not about returning things to normal because ‘normal’ was a problematic thing to
begin with.” “Queer narratives” are stories that do not follow the typical western narrative structure. Instead of having one narrative climax and everything returning to normal, queer narratives may have multiple climaxes or none at all, according to Mejeur, as they break away from the storytelling norm. During the lecture, Mejeur used games like “The Vanishing of Ethan Carter,” “P.T.” and “Gone Home” as examples of video games with queer narratives. While these three games have different plots, themes and gameplay mechanics, all three of them express their narratives in nonlinear ways and force the player to interact with and shape the story on their own. The three games already have “queer potential,” regardless of whether the narrative actually features LGBTQ+ characters, because they break away from normality, challenge preconceptions and give players
the power to create their own stories. Bryant Mercedes, a junior media production major taking PLASMA for credit, found the lecture to be “eye-opening.” “I never really paid attention to stuff like this when I play video games and I play a whole lot of video games,” Mercedes said. “I’ll definitely be paying a little more attention when I’m playing a story mode to see what things would affect it.” Nicole Garcia is also a junior media production major and a student in the class. Similarly to Mercedes, the lecture helped her see the world in a different way. “I kind of want to get more into video games in the sense of how we as individuals could actually impact everyone else [through video game narratives],” Garcia said. Mejeur, along with publishing academic articles on the topic, works with the LGBTQ Video Game Archive to catalog and preserve LGBTQ+ representation in video games, and they are a Diversity Officer for the Digital Games Research Association. At the moment, Mejeur is also working on a 3D walking simulator game titled “Trans Folks Walking” that attempts to simulate trans experiences through short interactive scenarios. Mejeur hopes that their lectures and research on video games can help people realize the limitations most mainstream games have and the potential the medium has in the future. “My end goal was to get people to [think] like ‘yeah, we can look at all these terrible things that exist in game culture, but we can also get active about changing those things,’” Mejeur said. “I think that’s true more broadly too. Even though some of these problems seem overwhelming, we can get active about them.”
Andrew PAlMer | The SpecTrum aSSiStant ProfeSSor, cody meJeur, Phd., lectureS StudentS on narrative video gameS involving the toPicS of gender and Queer narrative to ub StudentS monday night at the center for the artS.
Email: anastasia.wilds@ubspectrum.com Twitter: @AnastasiaWilds
Men’s basketball falls to Eastern Michigan 66-62 STAFF WRITER
bounds. Redshirt senior Gabe Grant was the team’s second-leading scorer with 10 points and four boards. The Eagles had just one win in MAC play entering Tuesday’s game. The loss is
The UB men’s basketball team (14-9) lost to MAC rival Eastern Michigan (1210) 66-62 at the EMU Convocation Center Tuesday. With the loss, the Bulls continue their downward trend in the MAC standings. They are now in danger of losing homecourt advantage in the first round of the conference tournament. The Bulls struggled from deep in the first half, shooting just 14.3% from beyond the arc. The Eagles jumped out to an early 9-3 lead to start the game, and maintained control throughout the half, shooting 40.0% from three-point range. The Bulls trailed in the half by as many as nine points and entered the locker room down five. In the second half, UB fought its way back and gained the lead with 15:38 remaining in regulation. The Bulls led by as many as five points in the second frame, but were unable to fend off the Eagles, led by redshirt junior forward Ty Groce, who finished with 14 points, four steals and three blocks. Sophomore forward Josh Mballa led the Bulls’ attack with 16 points and 11 re-
AlexAnder Brown | The SpecTrum SoPhomore guard ronaldo Segu helPS teammate laQuill hardnett off the ground after a defenSive PoSSeSSion in a PreviouS home game againSt kent State.
Bulls continue worrying trend with loss Tuesday FINESS DICKSON
just another reminder that the Bulls will have to be a lot more consistent to have a chance to make it to Cleveland. Buffalo falls to 5-5 in conference play, and 14-9 overall.
The team returns to Alumni Arena Friday to take on the Central Michigan Chippewas. Tip off is at 9 p.m., with the game airing on ESPNU. Email: sports@ubspectrum.com
ubspectrum.com
HELP WANTED Part-Time Positions Available. Lasertron Family Entertainment Center is currently hiring for general customer service. Working at a fast, detail-oriented pace and having excellent customer service skills is a must. Starting at $12-$14/ hr, must be available nights and weekends. Stop in and complete an application at Lastertron, 5101 North Bailey Avenue, Amherst, NY.
HOUSE FOR RENT
OUR NICEST HOMES/ APARTMENTS RENT NOW!! Newly remodeled 2-8 BDRM homes/Apartments on W. Winspear, Englewood, Tyler Heath & Merrimac. Amenities include jacuzzi bathtubs, new ss appliances, free laundry, parking, snow removal & valet garbage! Live the Sweethome life on South!! Visit www. ubrents.com or call/text 716775-7057 to schedule an appointment now!
Thursday, February 6 2020 | 7
APARTMENT FOR RENT 4,5,6 & 8 BEDROOM REMODELED APARTMENT HOUSES. 37 apartments available located at University Buffalo Main Street Campus off Englewood. Beginning June 2020: UB South Campus for @ $350-$550/bedroom plus utilities. Washers & dryers included. Contact brandengel37@gmail.com or Shawn at 716-984-7813. Check out our web-site: www.bufapt. com ELMWOOD VILLAGE: Large 3-BDRM upper, hardwood floors, appliances, washer/ dryer in apartment, front porch. Must see! $1300+ 716863-1622. SUPER 4BDRM APARTMENTS AVAILABLE WITHIN A 10 MINUTE WALK TO SOUTH CAMPUS. Rent ranges from $350 to $375 per bedroomLandlord pays utilities including internet. Apartments are clean and recently painted. New Bathrooms and/ or Kitchens. Appliances, free laundry and off-street parking. One year lease available June 1st. We are available to show the apartments 7 days a week. Please call/text Kevin for a showing at 716-480-7352.
THE
4,5,6 & 8 BEDROOM REMODELED APARTMENT HOUSES. 37 apartments available located at University Buffalo Main Street Campus off Englewood. Beginning June 2020: UB South Campus for @ $350-$550/bedroom plus utilities. Washers & dryers included. Contact brandengel37@gmail.com or Shawn at 716-984-7813. Check out our web-site: www.bufapt. com
CLASSIFIEDS
ADVERTISE IN
SPECTRUM
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO SINCE 1950
SERVICES City A1 drivingschool.com Beginners & brush-up driving lessons. 5hr class $30.00 716875-4662 , 716-875-4662.
ALLENTOWN 3-BDRM House. Partially furnished, parking, no smoking/animals 605-5691600. 15 HEATH STREET. 5 large bedrooms, 2 baths. Available 6/1/2020…Very close to MAIN…ALL appliances, including washer/dryer. Reasonable utilities when shared. $360.00/per student. Call or text 716-432-7125.
DAILY DELIGHTS * YOUR SPONSORSHIP HERE * - Call us at 716-645-2152
8 | Thursday, February 6 2020
SPORTS
ubspectrum.com
‘We have high expectations’ Assistant softball coach discusses defense, upcoming season JUSTIN WEISS SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR
Last season, the Bulls were one of the worst fielding teams in the nation. To help solve the problem, head coach Mike Ruechel brought in Riley Johnson, a former Syracuse University softball player and head coach at Division II Le Moyne College. In an interview with The Spectrum, Johnson says that she is optimistic that the Bulls will improve defensively. It will be a tall order: in 2018, the Bulls ranked 271st in the country in team fielding percentage. Johnson has served as an assistant coach at Hillsdale College and as the assistant director of baseball operations at Ninth Inning Baseball. She believes that her past experience will help her connect to her players. With softball season starting Friday, Johnson has “high expectations” for her team. In the interview, she discusses defensive improvements and the importance of the fieldhouse — UB’s new indoor training facility — on the team’s success. Our interview, lightly edited for length and style, follows below: The Spectrum: You were brought in to coach defense. How important is that skill and how have you been working on it with the team? Johnson: It’s super important. We talk to the girls all the time about bases. If a hitter isn’t getting to first base, we’ve done our job. If she gets to first base, we want to keep her there. We want to break it down to where we’re protecting bases, as opposed to outs or stuff like that. It’s simplified in that sense. If you’re not giving up runs, you don’t
need many to win. At the end of the day, we want to play good, crisp, clean defense, eliminate errors — throwing, fielding, all of that — and then go from there. TS: The team starts off the season playing two months on the road. How do you prepare your players mentally for that? J: It’s a little tough. The fieldhouse makes it much better. The fact that outfielders can get balls off of the bat, can work on their tracking, that infielders are getting better or true hops, balls coming off the turf, instead of the gym floor — the fieldhouse has prepared us more for the start of the season. Being on the road, these girls are used to it. Playing up here, playing in Buffalo, we talked about the travel, the demand on it. We talked to them about keeping their
bodies healthy and getting their sleep and working with them on all those levels. TS: You’ve only been here post-fieldhouse, so you haven’t seen what it was like before, but how has this space helped the team in training? J: It’s crucial. I’ve heard about the indoor stuff. I’ve had friends and family that have played here, so they have gone through being in the triple gym. The fact that our girls can get a live infield, a live outfield, that they can make throws, and that they aren’t just getting that in the first game — it’s huge. The fieldhouse has not only elevated their game, but it will continue to elevate our program. It’s been a great asset to everything. TS: Pitching is one of the most im-
Courtesy of UB Athletics Former Le Moyne softball head coach Riley Johnson joined the UB coaching staff
last
September.
‘Grow and mature’ Jim Whitesell stresses consistency as men’s basketball encroaches on March JUSTIN WEISS SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR
UB men’s basketball coach Jim Whitesell is stressing consistency as his team encroaches on the MAC Tournament in March. The 2020 Bulls have been characterized by a lack of consistency, stemming from inexperience and occasional lapses on defense. UB has excelled against top-50 foes, but has struggled against lesser opponents. The team has shined on offense, but flailed on defense. “We’ve talked about it over and over about being very consistent about it, and playing that way,” said Whitesell. “If you want to join the elite, you have to play at an elite level.” The Bulls have inspired comparisons to the “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” the 1880s novella highlighting the unpredictably dual nature of its protagonist. Whitesell’s team is still positioned to make a run in the MAC tournament, but the team will need to prove that it can operate steadily at both ends of the floor and against all levels of opponents. “We have to grow and mature,” Whitesell said. “You have to think elite more than play elite. Understanding the scouting report, the assignments, also your effort needs to be at 100% — that’s the thing we’ve talked to our group about: consistency. Not only physically, but mentally.” The Bulls have fewer than 10 games left before the MAC Tournament in March, so they will have to grow quickly. To Whitesell, this entails taking it one game at a time. Over the past few months, the Bulls have wowed then-unbeaten DePaul, preseason Ivy League favorite Har-
vard, and then-MAC leader Akron; they have also dropped games against sub-.500 teams like Vanderbilt and Dartmouth. “If you look across Division I men’s basketball this year, there’s always a top10 team losing every day, and No. 1 has changed,” Whitesell said. “I think we’ve had to address the idea that hey, ‘Just because you played at a high level and beat so-and-so the night before, there’s another chapter.’” Entering Wednesday night, the Bulls rank 28th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 78.6 points per-game. They rank No. 2 in offensive rebounds per game (14.95) and No. 28 in assists per game
(15.8). The Bulls have struggled to play with the same intensity on the other side of the court. They rank 308th in defensive scoring, allowing 75.5 points per game. Unlike offense, their defensive rebounding is suspect. Their defensive field goal percentage ranks No. 244. “We have some weaknesses, we have some strengths,” said senior guard Davonta Jordan. “We’re going to go back to the drawing board and look at our weaknesses, because in the MAC Tournament, anybody can be beaten on any given night.” The Bulls have been aided by the return of junior center Brock Bertram, who is a
portant parts of the sport. You have four pitchers on the roster, all of whom are freshmen. What have you seen from them as a group? J: They’re working hard. They’re going to have their freshman ups-and-downs, but the last couple of weeks we’ve seen a ton of improvement. We went live with them, and they were a different staff. They’re learning the strike zone, they’re learning how to throw to hitters. You kind of say in travel ball or before you get to college, pitchers are throwers. And then in college, they become pitchers. So that’s just that next level part of the game. We’re going to have our moments, because they are freshmen. But it’s only growth. They can only continue to grow and be positive. TS: Have you named an opening day starter yet? J: We haven’t. Our staff is a pitching staff. That’s kind of the trend softball is going more toward as opposed to using one pitcher, one arm all year. Basically, it’s if one kid gets the ball to start in the first game, the next one’s going to get it to start in the second game. That’s how we like it. They’re working with each to compliment each other with that. TS: You played at Syracuse. What did you learn there that you have tried to instill in your players? J: I learned about the pace of the game. Obviously there are drills and things that you learn, but just the overall pace of the game. I think in freshman year you’re not used to that, so just trying to instill that this game is a lot faster, balls are hit a lot harder, plays have to be made quicker, arms are better. So the pace of things, and that level of play you have to increase every day. But then on the other hand, slowing the game down. Understanding when you have time so you’re not rushing things. It’s more of the mental aspect of the game that I take from my playing days. Email: justin.weiss@ubspectrum.com
capable rebounder and allows Whitesell to roll out a lineup with two big men. Forward Josh Mballa has also been very effective near the basket, and the two have helped the Bulls win five of their last eight games. But for the Bulls to go on a postseason run and have a chance at the conference tournament in Cleveland, they will need to up the ante in the mental game. “It seems like every game is hardfought,” said Whitesell. “It seems like every night is battle royale in our league. There are so many good teams. You have to play your a-game. We’ve had so many of our conference games go down to the wire, so I think you’re going to see a lot of exciting basketball and a lot of teams who are evenly matched.” Email: justin.weiss@ubspectrum.com
Siddarth Bandhu | The Spectrum (Left to right) Jayvon Graves, Antwain Johnson, Brock Bertram and Davonta Jordnnhaving a discussion on the court.