A reflection of the UNC community.
BEARS AIM HIGH HEADING TO BIG SKY Both UNC basketball teams are traveling to Montana for the Big Sky Conference Tournament. UNC women’s basketball enters the Big Sky Tournament as the No. 3 seed. The Bears will play No. 6 University of North Dakota at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. UNC men’s basketball enters the Big Sky Tournament as the No. 5 seed. UNC will play No. 4 Northern Arizona University at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Women’s basketball on page 9. Men’s basketball on page 12. Photos by Breelyn Bowe.
HLC: What it is and how it impacts your degree Page 5
10 Questions with Nikea Minott UNC’s rising star to open the 2015 Spring Concert Page 7
For the week of
3/9/2015
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March 9, 2015 | uncmirror.com
Tweet us a selfie and win a Taste of Philly gift card! Starting March 1, The Mirror’s mirror will be located outside the computer lab of the UC. Take a selfie in the mirror and tweet it at us, and you could appear in the next issue!
#uncmirror or tag us @uncmirror
Curated Confessions from YikYak
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Table of Contents N
March 9, 2015 | uncmirror.com
Our country is hindered by the ignorance we allow in the name of entertainment, and it has to stop.
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THE MIRROR STAFF 2014-15 Editor-in-Chief Katarina Velazquez editor@uncmirror.com Production Manager Manuel Perez adproduction@uncmirror.com
IN THIS ISSUE:
Arts Editor La’Asianee Brown on culture bashing in the media
OPINION
story on page 4
4
No Tolerance for Culture Bashing
NEWS 5
Don’t Let Spring Break Go Wasted
e uncmirror.com
ALSO:
HLC Coming to UNC
6
Rosenberry Writers Conference
ARTS & CULTURE 7 8
available only online
5 Entrepreneur Finalists Vie for $25K Prize
10 Questions with Singer Nikea Minott
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Women’s Basketball Bound for Montana Wrestling Grabs Three NCAA Tournament Bids
10 12 11
Olympic Experience Behind UNC Coach Men’s Basketball Sits at No. 5 Spot in Big Sky Tournament
A&C Editor La’Asianee Brown arts@uncmirror.com Sports Editor Jacob Scott sports@uncmirror.com Photo Editor Cassius Vasquez photo@uncmirror.com Copy Editors Suzanne Evans Mikhala Krochta
NEWS
Graphic Designers Seth Haller Elleanna Kantz
ARTS
Advertising Manager Hannah Crowley ads@uncmirror.com
Top Spring Break Travel Destinations
University of Northern Colorado Recognizes Dr. Seuss’ Birthday what University of Northern Colorado Presents Children of Eden
Road Trip Necessities
SPORTS
News Editor Chelsea Hinspeter news@uncmirror.com
We’re hiring!
Marketing Managers Amanda Mulnix Shelby Foster
marketing@uncmirror.com
General Manager Matt Lubich mlubich@uncmirror.com Office Address: 823 16th St. Greeley, Colorado 80631 Phone Number: 970-392-9270
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ABOUT US
The Mirror produces a print newspaper every Monday during the academic year as well as maintains a current web page. The student-operated newspaper is advised by the non-profit Student Media Corporation and is printed by Signature Offset.
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Opinion
March 9, 2015 | uncmirror.com
No tolerance for culture bashing Society must be mindful of fashion trends for all communities and cultures By La’Asianee Brown In the past few months, I've watched countless debates unravel on my Facebook feed as people argue about how white entertainers steal and capitalize on black culture. Artists such as Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber and Iggy Azalea have twerked, rapped and lip-synced their way to the top of the hip-hop charts, passing black artists on their way there. While the sheer disrespect for black culture has haunted America since its beginnings, we can no longer allow people in the media to perpetuate stereotypes. Our country is hindered by the ignorance we allow in the name of entertainment, and it has to stop. As a woman who wants to make a career in fashion, I know I will face judgements from those around me— some will like me, some won’t. But I will not allow someone to demean my melanin or my culture. On Fashion Police, a television show that was a platform for the late Joan Rivers’ comedic doings, Rivers’ co-host Giuliana Rancic took over as leading host after her death. Recently, Rancic has been in the news for her comments made
toward teen actress and singer Zendaya, who sported “Locs,” otherwise known as dreadlocks, on the Oscar red carpet. In the show, Rancic was quoted saying Zendaya may smell like patchouli oil or weed. Now, I know the show is based around the concept of fashion bashing— a handful of celebrities gather around “critiquing” celebrities’ fashion choices. While this can be all fun and games at times, there is a line that is crossed when stereotypes are being perpetuated. The line is crossed when a woman of color cannot show pride in her culture without being demeaned. While Rancic has apologized not only on Twitter but in a YouTube video, there is no way I could look at her or Fashion Police the same. Rancic, a cancer survivor, has been held at high esteem for her strength because she has battled with cancer while maintaining a marriage and family. This is all fine and dandy, but her choice of words on Fashion Police, a show watched by many, is unacceptable and a true show of her character. After catching wind of the comment, Zendaya posted a statement in response to Rancic, explaining that not only do her own family members sport “Locs,” but so do leaders of the black community who have received college degrees from Harvard and
GIVE ‘EM A PIECE OF YOUR MIND
Yale. As graceful as her response was, I don’t feel she should have said anything. I personally feel she should have let Rancic sink in her own shame. Rancic knew what she was saying was wrong from the moment she said it. She allowed her position on Fashion Police to “excuse” her comments. Sadly, there is no excusing ignorance. One can only hope that other fashion media outlets take Rancic's decision as an example of how culture bashing will not be tolerated, no matter who you are or where you are.
—La’Asianee Brown is a junior English major and arts editor for The Mirror. She can be reached at editor@uncmirror. com.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Mirror welcomes letters to the editor, with the following stipulations: No profanity. Word length 300-400 words. and title (year and major for students). Send all letters to: editor@uncmirror.com Illustration by Elleanna Kantz
The Mirror is hiring opinion writers! Do you have something to say? Say it in The Mirror! UNC students interested in writing their opinions should send writing samples and resumes to editor@uncmirror.com.
Editor: Chelsea Hinspeter Assistant Editor: Makalah Emanuel
March 9, 2015 | uncmirror.com
News
Is your degree worth something or worthless? The Higher Learning Commission evaluates UNC this week. What is happening?
From March 9-11, a peer review team from the Higher Learning Commission will visit UNC to ensure it meets the appropriate standards to be reaccredited.
Why is it important?
Not only does this review ensure UNC is doing all it can to provide a quality education and programs, but accreditation also qualifies institutions to receive state funding. Mark Harro | The Mirror
Despite many misconceptions and Hollywood-fueled illusions about the standard college student’s spring break experience, many college students resist the urge to throw caution to the wind during their breaks.
How does it impact you?
1) Accreditation adds value to a degree, assisting with employment after graduation.
Don’t let spring break go wasted
2) Without accreditation students won’t be able to receive federal grants and financial aid
Students speak about practicing common sense and caution despite the desire to break away during break
3) Accreditation makes the possibility of transferring and having recognized credits more obtainable.
By Will Costello news@uncmirror.com
As midterms come to a close and the weather begins to brighten, students can take a breath of fresh air as they let out a sigh of relief and begin to plan how they will spend their week away from school. While the University of Northern Colorado prepares for spring break, its inhabitants are beginning to anticipate the absence of classes and exams and are starting to focus on less academic activities. Some students
will take advantage of the free time to attend parties, whether they are in Greeley or back home. However, some said they believe it is still important to exercise restraint, even without the need to get up for classes the following day. “I’m not going to party every night,” said Zach Arnold, a sophomore business major. “I think it’s important to space things out so that the entire week doesn’t get wasted. Pun intended.” In addition, there are some college students that still understand the necessity of common sense and
remaining aware of the potential dangers that could arise from partying. “You have to be careful of the usual stuff at parties, like not taking drinks from strangers,” said Katie Fletcher, a freshman environmental studies major. Not all students are going to be stuck in Greeley or back home. Some will take the opportunity to go on a vacation. According to Travel.com, many of the most visited vacation spots during spring break are in Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. Skylar Simpson, a freshman nursing ma-
jor, gave some lighthearted advice for those traveling across the border for break. “If you’re in Mexico, you need to watch out for jalapeños,” Simpson said. Regardless of whether students are heading home to spend quality time with family and friends, hopping on a plane to Mexico to lounge on the beach or simply staying in Greeley to relax and de-stress before starting the last leg of the semester, most students are aware of the risks, ranging from the humorous to the very real and potentially dangerous.
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NEWS CALENDAR
MON 3/9 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Assault Survivor Advocacy Program (ASAP): Breaking Silence University Center HLC Visits UNC!
TUE 3/10 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Assault Survivor Advocacy Program (ASAP): Breaking Silence University Center 7- 8 p.m. Student Literary Voices (The Crucible) Meeting University Center HLC Visits UNC!
WED 3/11 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Off-Campus Housing Fair University Center HLC Visits UNC!
FRI 3/13 Deadline for Student Judiciary Hiring Position University Center
SPRING BREAK! 3/14 - 3/22
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News
March 9, 2015 | uncmirror.com
5 Entrepreneur Finalists vie for $25K Five finalists in the Sixth Annual Entrepreneurial Challenge will go on to present their business plans during a final challenge on April 12, hosted by 9NEWS business reporter Gregg Moss on KTVD Channel 20. Winners will be awarded $25,000 for first place, $15,000 for second place and $10,000 for third. Business incubator services are valued at $10,000 from UNC BizHub Collaborative. The finalist include: Change Composites Longmont Producers of a new bike helmet
that helps reduce the chances of traumatic brain injury by responding to the force applied to the user’s head. Gamecentrics Fort Collins A company that offers software that incorporates elements from popular games into daily workflow. LUCAN Technologies, Inc. Greeley Created two touch-screen, Android-based smart watches that include an MP3 player, FM radio, calendar and other digital
assistant functions. VisePower.com, LLC Greeley “The Vise” gives athletes leverage to properly tighten up thick weight belts when performing heavy lifts, especially squats. QB Labs Parker Works to empower physicians, trainers and physical therapists to quantify and streamline client progress for better movement analysis and improved treatment outcomes with wearable tech called MovementTek.
Conquering the blank page Writers’ Conference humanizes accomplished writers By Tommy Simmons news@uncmirror.com
Ask anyone who tried to write more than the average five-paragraph essay, and they will likely say the hardest part was facing a blank page. Writing is difficult because it puts the writer against blank space. Which is why so few actually finish what they begin to write. But some people do finish because the world is full of books. Doesn’t that make what these accomplished writers have to say all the more important? Lisa Zimmerman said she thinks so. She is the chairwoman of the committee that organized this year’s Rosenberry Writers’ Conference. “We find that by offering students access to writers, it kind of gives them a shot in the arm– some confidence,” Zimmerman said. “It shows them that this is possible, that someone has done it.” The conference occurred over a three day period, March 2-4. UNC brought in three writers who specialize
in non-fiction, fiction and poetry to read excerpts of their work and answer questions. “We try to bring together three writers who are connected in subtle-nuanced ways,” Zimmerman said. “We try to think of which writers would go well together, and we try to make sure their topics are culturally current.” Themes of past conferences included the Iraq War, the environment and “crossing borders,” both physical and metaphorical. “All the authors I’ve seen at the conference have been generous in sharing information about how and why they write,” said Claudia Milstead, one of the committee members. This year featured nonfiction author Ava Chin, poet Ilyse Kusnetz and prose writer Steven Schwartz, all of whom discussed the process of writing as well as their specific approaches to it. Perhaps one of the most important effects of the conference is that it humanizes writing and those who engage in it. “Maybe the conference would be even more helpful for students who have no interest in books or writing,” Milstead said. “They need to see that books don’t just spring up by themselves. Books are the products of living, breathing human beings who struggle to produce them.”
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March 9, 2015 | uncmirror.com
Editor: La’Asianee Brown
Arts & Culture
10 questions with Spring Concert student singer The Mirror speaks with Spring Concert opener Nikea Minott after her ‘People’s Choice’ win at UNC’s Got Talent By Correll Comer arts@uncmirror.com
Q: How would you describe your music and musical style to people who haven’t heard you perform? A: I think the best word to describe my musical style would be soulful. I absolutely enjoy music that is empowering in the sense that when you hear the chords, you as the listener or singer can feel the emotion that the song writer or composer intended the composition to have. The problem with today’s music is that there aren’t enough meaningful songs out there. Most songs are about drugs, and they sometimes advertise that more skin is needed to make a song more impactful. I think that our generation needs to be exposed to more meaningful songs: songs with soul that empower the audience to achieve all that they aspire. Q: When and why did you first become interested in performing? A: As a child, I had always loved hearing and dancing to music. I think I started to sing, mostly to myself, when I first heard Celine Dion perform “The Power of Love.” I was about four and my mother and I were in the car, and although I had no idea what Celine was singing about, I knew I wanted to sing just like her when I grew up. From then on, I just listened to her albums as I got older, and I didn’t really perform until I was in my second grade talent show. I sang the national anthem, and the audience’s positive reaction to my performance was what encouraged me to continue singing and to continue enjoying the thing I love most: Music. Q: How did you react when you found out you were go-
ing to be the opening act for the 2015 Spring Concert? How did you feel? Do you feel the same way now as you did when you first found out? A: Oh boy! My heart was pounding out of my chest as I stood beside my fellow performers during the UNC’s Got Talent show. When the audience cheered for me to perform for the spring concert, I nearly burst into tears. I don’t really have a specific word to describe exactly how I felt. I couldn’t believe that the audience–most of them are my peers in various classes–would entrust such an enormously generous position to me. I am so grateful to all of them for this. And quite honestly, I feel the same now as I did when I found out. I’m more nervous than anything because I want to make everyone proud. I find myself rethinking that moment when they announced my name and seeing and hearing the excitement of the audience, and that is what inspires me to have faith in myself so I will be able to make them proud of their decision. Q: Have you ever competed against other artists? If so, when? Where? For what? Give me the details! A: I have done many talent shows throughout middle school and a few in high school. However, besides these, I auditioned for the “X Factor” in the summer of 2014. That was quite an interesting experience because one would think that when you arrive to the arena of the judges’ choice that you immediately audition right then and there for them. Except in reality, it was a two day process. On the first day I received my ticket to go through to audition; however, I had to perform for the producers of the show. While I didn’t make it to see the actual judges, the experience was
able singing when I’m alone, because then I can criticize myself on how well I sang a song and not feel uncomfortable or nervous about the personal feedback. Whereas, whenever I sing in front of others, I get so nervous because I never know what their response will be. Don’t get me wrong, I think that singing with and around others helps me understand how I can improve on certain musical aspects. But I am more comfortable inside my shell. Q: How do you practice? In the shower? In front of the mirror? With a coach? Courtesy of Nikea Minott
Freshman nursing major Nikea Minott was chosen by Northern Colorado students as the opening act for this year’s spring concert.
very eye-opening because I met many people who told me this was their third year re-auditioning. It was nice to meet other aspiring artists like myself and to congratulate them on their progress through the audition trials. Q: If you could perform/work with anyone, who would you want to perform/work with? A: I would love to work and perform with an artist like Adele or even Sam Smith, because their own classical styles of music are what inspire me to make and sing songs of a similar genre. Q: What do you think of the other artists performing in the spring concert? Do you listen to Sage the Gemini or any of the other artists? A: Oh my goodness gracious! I was so stoked to find out who else would be performing at the spring concert. I am extremely honored and blessed to be given the chance to share the stage with credible artists like Air Dubai and Sage the Gemini. I am a massive Sage the Gemini fan. Who
isn’t? I am more excited to see what songs these artists choose to perform; I just know that this concert will be amazing! Q: What famous musicians do you admire? Why? A: I adore Adele. The reason being that when she sings, you can feel the passion and soul in her music. Her music is something that myself and many others can relate to. I think that is what got me to become so fond of her music. Each song has raw emotion, and I like that she isn’t formed like the average “cookie-cutter” singer in today’s generation. Adele’s graceful demeanor has taught me that you don’t need to be a size zero to become a successful musician. Q: What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? Performing? Hanging out with friends? A: I think that my favorite musical memories would be in my house. I’m definitely that person that blasts music from the computer and lipsings along with a hairbrush. I find that I’m more comfort-
A: I practice in front of a wall, actually. As strange as that sounds, it’s what helps me to remember to project my voice as I sing. I honestly recommend others to try it, because when I sing against a wall it echoes my voice back as I recite words. Singing towards a wall allows me to play with my vocals to figure out if I want to project more or sing softer. In a way, it makes you sing with more power because it makes you want to metaphorically push your voice through the wall, in order to fully project your voice. Q: Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horse or 1 horse-sized duck? (No weapons allowed.) Explain your reasoning. A: I think that I would rather take on 1 horse-sized duck, because although it’s large, I could distract it with huge loaves of bread and make a run for it. I think either scenario, the ducks or horses, would be problematic, especially the duck, because then you’d have to worry about it laying eggs or attacking people. But since ducks waddle, I think running would be a very plausible option.
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ARTS CALENDAR
MON 3/9 8- 10 p.m. Faculty Artists Recital Series: Justin Krawitz, Piano Kepner Hall 9- 11 p.m. Open Mic Night University Center- Fireside Lounge
TUE 3/10 4:40- 5:40 p.m. Joint Student Recital: Dustin Knock, Percussion, and Kyle Waggoner, Percussion Foundation Hall 4:40- 5:40 p.m. Student Recital: Rachel Gustafson, Soprano Kepner Hall
WED 3/11 7- 9 p.m. “Zombies: History, Possible Government Cover Ups, and How to Protect Yourself” Candelaria- Room 0280 8:30- 10 p.m. Bingo University Center- Ballrooms
THU 3/12 8 p.m. Culturally Curious: How to Salsa University Center- Ballrooms
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Arts & Culture
Drawn towards the weird and wonderful By Mikhala Krochta arts@uncmirror.com
Few people get to turn their childhood dreams into a career. Ilyse Kusnetz began writing poetry as a teenager. Realizing she was good at writing and enjoyed it, she decided to turn her passion into a career–and succeeded. Today her work has been published in Crab Orchard Review, the Cincinnati Review and several other journals. She is also the author of two books: “The Gravity of Falling” and “Small Hours,” which won the 2014 T.S. Eliot prize from Truman State University Press. Kusnetz was born in New York, and later earned her bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing at the University of New Mexico. She attained her master’s degree in creative writing from Syracuse University, and her doctorate is in feminist and postcolonial British literature from the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. Kusnetz was invited to do a reading of her
book “Small Hours” at the University of Northern Colorado as part of the 2015 Rosenberry Writers’ Conference. She read 14 of her own poems, covering many different topics. One recurring theme was World War II and other historical events. “I think that’s my natural bend,” Kusnetz said. “I’m drawn towards the weird and the wonderful, and I’m also drawn towards things that kind of got lost in the cracks of history and deserve to be told.” After the reading, anyone could ask questions and get his or her book signed by Kusnetz. “I really enjoyed this event,” sophomore environmental studies major Ellen Harris said. “It was nice to listen to some excellent poetry and then get to talk about it with the author.” Harris also said she enjoyed the way Kusnetz spoke to the audience, because it was very familiar but also very eloquent. “When you are up in front of an audience in similar circumstances, in the future, reading from your own book, it is then that you will realize what an amazing gift you’ve given me by reading my book,” she said to the audience.
March 9, 2015 | uncmirror.com
Road trip necessities 1. Snacks: Chex Mix
By Antonio Hill arts@uncmirror.com
Spring break is just around the corner. What’s a more classic American way of traveling than driving? Yes— I’m talking about the never-boring, almost-never-goes-as-planned road trip. Once you know where you want to go and have started driving, the last thing you want to do is make unnecessary stops. Make sure you’ve got these items before you put your car in drive.
No one wants to sit in the car for hours at a time and not have at least something to eat. You can’t just bring anything though— you need items that satisfy all kind of needs. Chex Mix is a perfect snack that provides variety in flavor, is portable and won’t melt so you can keep it in the car.
riety to stay entertaining, and well, if you don’t know who The Beatles are, a road trip is a great time to catch up to the rest of society. 3. App: 2048
2. Music: “Abbey Road” by The Beatles
Last but not least, an alwaysentertaining smartphone app to help pass the time is 2048. It may seem old and may not be one of the fad games right now, but it is addicting and is mentally stimulating.
A good music selection is essential to keep the night driver from falling asleep. Everyone has different tastes in music, but for the sake of argument, I’ll pick one album that should be played at least once during the trip: “Abbey Road” by The Beatles. The songs offer enough va-
While jamming to The Beatles and taking in the scenic drive, keep your mouth stuffed with snacks, keep your head in a good book or keep your eyes off the clock with an awesome app (just not while you’re at the wheel). And most importantly, embrace the adventure.
Editor: Jacob Scott Assistant Editor: Dylan Sanchez
March 9, 2015 | uncmirror.com
Sports
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For next-day game recaps, check UNCMIRROR.COM
Bound for Montana
SPORTS CALENDAR YELLOW = HOME GAME
Eight straight wins help secure Northern
BLUE = AWAY GAME
MON 3/9
Colorado women’s basketball as No. 3 seed Staff Report
sports@uncmirror.com
Northern Colorado women’s basketball continued to balance the offense this week and extended their winning streak to eight games as they defeated the University of North Dakota, 67-56, Saturday in Grand Forks, N.D. in their regular season finale. With four players in doubledigits, the Bears (18-11, 12-6 Big Sky) have found the offensive weapons needed for next week’s Big Sky Conference tournament in Montana. Senior guard D’shara Strange put up a game-high of 22 points and 12 rebounds, which gave her 11 double-doubles in her final year at UNC. Junior guard Kyleigh Hiser excelled as the Bears’ 3-point specialist, draining four from beyond the arc and finishing the game with 17 points. Senior center Stephanie Lee and sophomore forward Kourteney Zadina each finished with 10 points for UNC. Zadina was also 2-for-4 from 3-point range. North Dakota (17-13, 9-9 BSC) had three players make it to double-digits but could
not find shots from long range, only making 3-of-8. Northern Colorado started the game hot, grabbing a 10-0 lead in the first five minutes, while UND struggled to keep the ball in their possession, allowing five turnovers in the same span. At the 14:27 mark, North Dakota put their first points on the board with a layup by junior guard Kelsey Knox. UND fought back over the next few minutes, keeping UNC scoreless for nearly four minutes. Then with 2:54 showing on the clock, UND forced a foul and used free throws to get within one point of Northern Colorado, 23-22. Hiser responded by making a 3-pointer with 1:02 left in the half, then Strange made a medium jumper to put UNC up by six, to enter half-time leading 31-25. Senior point guard Lindsay Mallon only put up two points but contributed a game-high of eight assists and six rebounds to provide a much needed playmaker for the Bears. UNC was 14-32 in the first half from the field, with Hiser making all three 3-pointers. UND was 8-for-18 and only attempted two 3-pointers, making one.
UNC utilized 20 points off of turnovers, holding UND to only seven. Both teams would stay close in all other categories, with UND holding an advantage in points in the paint by a slim margin of 20-16. At the half, North Dakota’s bench provided the spark to keep the game within reach for the visitors, getting 11 points to UNC’s four. North Dakota came out for the second half with a huge 11-5 run to tie the game. Northern Colorado never let UND take the lead in the final half as the Bears continued to cause turnovers and force the play in the other direction. In all, UNC forced 18 turnovers, with five of them coming from Strange steals. As a team, the Bears had 12 steals and 27 rebounds. Those steals were often converted for Northern Colorado as it put up 14 points in the second half. With the win, UNC locked down the No. 3 spot in next week’s conference tournament. The Big Sky Conference Tournament Quarterfinals begins Wednesday, and eight teams will battle it out for a spot in the semifinals. At No. 3, UNC will play the No. 6 seeded team of UND in
All Day Men’s Golf at Sacramento State Invitational Sacramento, California
TUE 3/10 12:35 p.m. Baseball at University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska 4 p.m. Softball vs. Colorado State University Butler-Hancock Softball Field
Breelyn Bowe | The Mirror
Senior guard D’shara Strange finished the 2014-2015 regular season second on the team in points with 482 and first in rebounds with 255.
the second game of the quarterfinals at 1:30 p.m. at the University of Montana. Montana will host the tournament because they are the No. 1 seed in the Big Sky. Semifinals will be played at 11 a.m. on Friday, with the winner of the Northern Colorado and North Dakota game playing the winner of the No. 7 Montana State (15-14, 9-9 Big Sky) and No. 2 Sacramento State (15-14, 13-5 Big Sky) game. Then the winner of the games Friday will play in the
Big Sky Championship at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The team that wins the championship will also punch its ticket to the NCAA tournament. In recent weeks, UNC has moved up the Big Sky rankings from sixth place to third place, thanks to their eight game winning streak. Northern Colorado’s last loss came in the first game of February, as it lost 49-51 to Northern Arizona University (13-16, 9-9 Big Sky), the now No. 5 seed in the Big Sky Tournament.
Wrestling grabs three NCAA Tournament bids Staff Report
sports@uncmirror.com
After coming up short last year at the Western Wrestling Conference Tournament, the UNC wrestling team secured three automatic bids into the NCAA Championship. Northern Colorado’s senior Mitchell Polkowske
(165) took first place in the WWC in a 15-7 win over in-state rival Air Force Academy’s Jessie Stafford. Polkowske lost to Stafford earlier this season 5-3. UNC senior Trent Noon (184) also earned an NCAA berth as he matched against Derek Thomas from the University of Wyoming. In the final period, Noon was able to tie the match at one, forcing overtime. Noon then landed a takedown, giving him a 3-1 victory and a first place podium spot. After losing two matches earlier in the day, soph-
omore Trey Andrews (125) looked for a true fifth place finish against Isaac Andrade of South Dakota State University. Andrews received the last automatic NCAA bid for UNC after Andrade threw a punch in the first period, resulting in an ejection. Junior Beau Roberts (157) did not get an NCAA bid, but he did lock down the third place title as he held off Air Force’s Samuel Kreimier with a 7-4 win. The NCAA Championship will run from March 19 to March 21 in St. Louis, Mo.
WED 3/11 12:35 p.m. Baseball at University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska 1:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. North Dakota University Missoula, Montana
THU 3/12 5:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Northern Arizona University Missoula, Montana 6 p.m. Softball vs. Saint Louis University Lawrence, Kansas
SAT 3/14 1 p.m. Women’s Tennis vs. University of Montana Butler-Hancock Tennis Courts
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Sports
March 9, 2015 | uncmirror.com
Olympic experience behind UNC coach Women’s basketball coach Kamie Ethridge stresses fun and friendship for her team Ethridge continued to represent USA Basketball in the Pan American games but suffered a knee injury and was forced to spend some time off the court. “I couldn’t even move my knee for six weeks,” Ethridge said. “It By Dylan Sanchez was hard to get back to full speed and explosiveness.” sports@uncmirror.com Then, under new coach Kay Yow, Ethridge was given the opNorthern Colorado’s women’s head basketball coach Kamie portunity she had been waiting for, despite admitting being past Ethridge has guided the Bears back into the Big Sky Conference her prime. “Leading up to ’88, I was kind of the starting point guard for Tournament. She also has plenty of experience behind her to push the U.S. team,” Ethridge said. “Coach Yow could have easily not the team to its maximum potential. With all the success Ethridge had in her playing career, she al- taken me because I wasn’t as quick. I had a lot of respect for the fact that she stuck with me even if I hadn’t most had a different story with an entirely difbeen the same player from ’86.” ferent sport. The women’s Olympic team was domiAs the youngest of four children, Ethridge nant and went on to win the gold medal after followed in the footsteps of her older siblings defeating the Soviets, for the first time in 26 and nearly went down the same path to be a years, at the 1988 games in Seoul, Korea. tennis player. “It was such an unbelievable, festive experi“A great tennis coach told me and my sister, ence,” Ethridge said. “The village was just for ‘If you wanted to be tennis players, you could Olympic athletes. Greg Louganis, a gold medbe as good as you wanted to be,’” Ethridge said. alist in diving, would be eating right next to “But we had to choose by the time we were in you, and that was village life.” seventh or eighth grade, and we had to go allThe Americans had defeated the Soviets in to tennis. We didn’t. We liked basketball too twice in the months leading up to the Olymmuch.” pics during the world championships in MosEthridge ended up attending Monterey cow, Russia. That is where Ethridge said she High School in Lubbock, Texas where, in her felt USA Basketball made its presence known junior year, she won the state championship to the world. in basketball. Breelyn Bowe | The Mirror “Leading up to the world championships, She then followed her sister to college, where the 5-foot-5-inch point guard would Coach Kamie Ethridge was a standout point there was no doubt we could never beat these build what would be labeled by Sports Illus- guard at the University of Texas and repre- people,” Ethridge said. “But we went in there trated as the “best little scorehouse in Texas.” sented the U.S. in the Pan American games. and beat them by 26 the first time and 20 again the second time. That was the big state“Texas was the perfect fit for me as a player,” Ethridge said. “I was little, and back then they didn’t have ment game and made us the best team in the world for the first the 3-point shot, so it didn’t matter if you could shoot it or not. I time in a lot of years.” The Americans did not allow the Soviets to respond at the could really run all day and pass, and it was a pressing team so we Olympics either, as they again dismantled the Soviets and then were this run and gun team.” Ethridge became the assist merchant, finishing her college defeated Yugoslavia to win the gold medal. Yow lost her battle with cancer in 2009 and was honored at a years as UT’s all-time leader in assists with 776, as well as utilizUNC game in February–a game that saw the Bears rally late and ing the full-court press to get 278 steals. Texas, then the No. 1 seed in college basketball, was upset mul- win by two late free throws. “We had a reflection in the coaches’ talk before the team took tiple times in the conference tournaments, getting eliminated twice before the Final Four. It wasn’t until the ‘86 season that Eth- the floor, and it revolved around Coach Yow,” Ethridge said. “One ridge and five other seniors would find the glory they had been of her greatest quotes is, ‘It’s okay to feel sorry yourself. Put your looking for. In a 97-81 win over University of Southern Califor- toes in the pool of sorrow. Just don’t go swimming.’” Ethridge said that Yow was the epitome of a coach and a person nia, the Longhorns did the unthinkable and became the NCAA’s that wasn’t selfish in any way. first undefeated women’s basketball team in history, going 34-0. “Those ideas make you want to do your best in a 40-minute “It was a team that could play in this era and still very much compete,” Ethridge said. “It’s a team that transcends those times.” game,” Ethridge said. “There’s no reason to feel sorry for yourself Ethridge, as the star of the Final Four, was later given the Wade or pout or get into anything that is selfish.” Yow’s principles can be seen through Ethridge, as Ethridge said Trophy as the nation’s best female basketball player of the year, as well as the Honda-Broderick Cup as the overall college female she hopes to influence young athletes to be more aware of the opportunities surrounding them. athlete of the year. “We don’t just have one phone, we have two phones,” Ethridge With all the accolades given to her, it was finally time for her to said. “We don’t just have a TV, we have six TV’s in our house. I represent her country on the Olympic level. “Back then, when you had a tremendous college career, you got try to have a reflection with the players to have a humility about involved with USA Basketball,” Ethridge said. “I didn’t make the where they are and the blessings they have in their lives, and that Olympic team in ‘84 under Pat Summit, the coach of that team. I is very much a staple that I want to build this program on and live my life by.” was an alternate.”
Fun & Games y
March 9, 2015 | uncmirror.com
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Sports March 9, 2015 | uncmirror.com Men’s basketball sits at No. 5 spot in Big Sky Tournament 12
By Danielle Ross
Sports@!uncmirror.com
Much like the Bears’ last home game, Saturday’s men’s basketball game against the University of North Dakota was ultimately decided by a free-throw that spelled the difference between victory and defeat for Northern Colorado. That final free-throw, sunk by senior forward Dominique Lee with a mere two seconds remaining, gave UNC the 72-71 win over UND at the Bank of Colorado Arena. The win locked Northern Colorado into the No. 5 slot of the Big Sky Conference Tournament. Northern Colorado (15-14, 10-8 Big Sky) led by as much as 16 points in the first half, and stayed well ahead for part of the second half, but UND (8-22, 4-14 Big Sky) seemed determined not to go down without a fight as it closed the gap and even managed to take the lead with nine minutes remaining in the half.
The Bears clawed back to take the lead and held on, until UND tied it up at 71 points with only seconds left to play. There was an almost audible groan from the crowd as overtime seemed imminent, but a foul by UND junior forward Dustin Hobaugh gave Lee his opportunity to secure the win. Statistically, Northern Colorado outperformed UND in field goal percentage, rebounds and most notably bench points. Though the Bears had 25 bench points to UND’s 13, coach B.J. Hill said he wants to see more from the Bears as they head into the Big Sky Conference Tournament in Montana next week. “Our depth needs to play better,” Hill said. “Our guys off the bench need to play better than what we have, especially tonight, but we need to play smarter and more physical. Those guys need to be more engaged mentally to what we’re trying to do.” Though the Bears clinched their spot in the postseason tournament last week, Saturday’s win was important in keeping up their momentum
Breelyn Bowe | The Mirror
Freshman forward Spencer Mathis contributed 4 points in the UNC’s 72-71 win over UND Saturday night at the Bank of Colorado Arena.
before they hit the road this week. UND didn’t make it into the tournament, but Hill acknowledged their
intensity in the game. “I thought those kids fought,” Hill said. “For a team that came in here knowing they weren’t going to the tournament, I thought they did a tremendous job of fighting and showing what they were made of. I thought our guys didn’t wilt, and we made some key plays. We didn’t play very smart, but I thought we played pretty hard.” Sophomore guard Cameron Michael, who went without a single 3-pointer in the last week, sunk five shots from behind the arc and led the Bears in scoring with 18 points. The only other Bear to score in the double digits was senior forward Tim Huskisson, who started Saturday’s game after a long stint as a bench player. Huskisson’s performance from the bench in the game against Northern Arizona on Feb. 28, in which he scored 18 of the Bears’ 35 bench points and was one of only two Bears with double-figure points, may have earned him his starting spot. Huskisson said this game was an important experience as UNC heads into the Big
Sky Tournament. “These next couple days, it’s going to be all about preparation for the tournament,” Huskisson said. “It was ugly, but we found a way to get the win. We had resilience–– guys that didn’t have a lot of minutes because of foul trouble. It wasn’t pretty at all, but I think it helps us, knowing that we can play under pressure and have the confidence to go get a play and pull out a win at the end of the day.” Northern Colorado will travel to No. 1 seed University of Montana (1811, 14-4 Big Sky) this week to take on the No. 4 seed of Northern Arizona (18-13, 13-5 Big Sky). Tip off is set for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday as the Bears face off in the third game of the conference tournament. If UNC wins, they will play the winner of the No. 1 Montana and No. 8 Weber State (13-16, 8-10 Big Sky) game Thursday night. Winners of the semifinals will square off 7 p.m. on Saturday for the Big Sky title. The Big Sky winner will then earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.