THE VERMONT
CYNIC Oct. 30, 2018
vtcynic.com
Rail Jam
Gym updates
The Ski and Snowboard Club hosted its tenth annual Rail Jam Oct. 25 where students showed off their skills and competed.
A $95 million plan to renovate the atheltic facilities by 2021 was approved by the Board of Trustees.
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Brennan’s Art Space 7 / Halloween 9 / Soccer profile 11
Millions in renovations approved Julianne Lesch jlesch@uvm.edu
Over the next three years UVM is expected to spend roughly $107.1 million on a variety of on-campus construction projects. The board of trustees, the University’s decision-making body, met Oct. 26 and 27 to discuss topics such as the renovations to McAuley Hall and the construction of a new psychological sciences medical research complex. Other issues discussed include the renaming of the Bailey/Howe Library, the SGA report and the increase in room and board costs for students.
Renaming of the Bailey/Howe Library
The board announced the approval of renaming the Bailey/Howe Library to the David Howe Library. A committee was assembled last March to consider removing the name of Guy W. Bailey from the Bailey/Howe Library, which was announced by Daigle in a March 8 email. This committee was assembled following spring 2018 protests by student activist group NoNames for Justice, who demanded the removal of Bailey’s name as a result of his contributions to the eugenics movement. “I think we came to what we felt was the right decision, but it wasn’t an easy one,” said Sidney Hilker, a second-year medical student on the board, who was on the renaming committee. “It was a long process.” This committee unanimousfacebook.com/ thevermontcynic
ly recommended to the board to change the name of the Bailey/ Howe Library, said Ron Lumbra, vice chair of the board of trustees. “I fully support the committee’s endorsement to change the name of the library,” President Tom Sullivan said.
McAuley Hall
The board approved increased funding of deferred maintenance plans to McAuley Hall from $3 million to $6.1 million in order to address other issues in the residence hall. According to the board book, a document containing the board reports, initial renovations to McAuley Hall were approved by the board last fall. The project will expand this year in order to fix issues such as the roof, replace the heating system and the removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials. McAuley Hall will be closed during the 2019-2020 school year as fixes are made to the building, the board book stated. Residential Life’s funds used for building and renovating usable spaces on campus will be used to pay for this project.
Psychological sciences medical research complex
The board approved the spending plan for the Psychological Sciences Medical Research Complex. Six million dollars will be taken from the Larner College of Medicine’s reserves to fund the remainder of the design, the board book stated. According to the book, the @vermontcynic
Psychological Sciences Medical Research Complex would support the University’s research mission and eliminate the deferred maintenance on the Given Medical Building and John Dewey Hall. Last fall, Rick Morin, dean of the Larner College of Medicine; Bill Falls, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Tom Gustafson, vice president of relations and administration; and Capital Planning Director Bob Vaughan introduced a collaboration between the Larner College of Medicine and the College of Arts and Sciences department of psychological sciences that would result in the building of a new research complex.
Room and meal plan increase
University Budget Director Alberto Citarella discussed an increase in room and board fees. Traditional double rooms will see a 3.75 percent increase in cost, while meal plans will increase by 3.5 percent, said trustee Don McCree, chair of the Finance and Investment Committee. From the 2019 to 2020 fiscal year, traditional double dorms will increase from $8,196 to $8,502, according to a comparison chart in the board book. Predominate meal plans will increase from $4,266 to $4,414. From 2017 to 2018, the prices for double dorms and meal plans increased from $7,634 and $3,944 to $7,900 and $4,122, respectively, according to the February 2017 board book. The increases in prices @vermontcynic
have remained consistently between 3.4 to 3.8 percent every year since 2014. The increase in price for housing is a result of new program additions, such as residence-based learning communities and a meal plan contract with Sodexo, McCree said. The increase in room and board follows an increase in both in-state and out-of-state tuition by 2.7 percent, which was announced in the last board of trustees meeting in May.
SGA Report
SGA President Ethan Foley, a junior, presented his second report to the board of trustees. Foley shared core initiatives SGA is working on this school year. Foley discussed the need for affordable housing within the Burlington area for students. “Providing students with more affordable and available housing is the first step toward decreasing unreasonable pric-
es elsewhere in the Burlington area,” Foley said. Foley also focused on reducing food insecurity on campus. “As president, my primary focal point for the year will be food insecurity,” Foley said. “Studies conducted right here at UVM have shown that staggering numbers of undergraduates who live off-campus in Burlington are challenged with food insecurity on a regular basis.” SGA senators and the Food Insecurity Working Group, a campus-wide committee, are working together to create an on-campus food pantry for undergraduate students, Foley said. SGA is also working on implementing the Swipe Out Hunger campaign, Foley said. “Swipe Out Hunger is a national campaign to take students’ expired dining dollars to be used for students who need an extra meal,” he said.
SAM LITRA/The Vermont Cynic
(Top) Ed Pagano '85 sits at the board of trustees meeting Oct. 26. (Bottom) President Tom Sullivan and David Daigle, board of trustees chairman, participate in the board of trustees meeting Oct. 26. youtube.com/ cynicvideo
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The Vermont Cynic
Oct. 30, 2018
Meet the students behind the board Lee Hughes ehughes7@uvm.edu
Get the full story at vtcynic.com
Lindsay Freed lafreed@uvm.edu
Sidney Hilker
Podcast
Prime Time Cats: Review of Halloween Kim Henry and Corey Dew discus the latest rendition in the Halloween movie franchise. Listen to the latest episode of their show to get the scoop on the film.
Sports
Slideshow: Men’s basketball opener In their first game of the season, the men’s basketball team defeated visiting team Concordia 80-43. Experience the game through photos online.
News
SAM LITRA/The Vermont Cynic
As one of two students on the board of trustees, second-year medical student Sidney Hilker works to represent students when managing the University’s affairs. “I think as a student I have a unique opportunity that I can serve as a little bit of a check to see if we really are listening to what’s happening [on campus],” she said. Hilker’s “careers in medicine” adviser, associate professor Mario Trabulsy, said that Hilker is not the kind of person to shy away from voicing her opinion on the board. “I can see her benevolently ruling the world,” Trabulsy said. “Sidney is truly one of the most remarkably sure and thoughtful — while still being super fun and interesting — people I’ve ever met.” Hilker’s friend, second-year medical student Sienna Searles, said students should feel confident that, with Hilker on the board, their views will be well represented. “Sidney doesn’t take any decision lightly, and she doesn’t
take any decision at face value, Searles said. “She really considers both sides and respects both sides of an argument.” Hilker grew up in the area and feels very connected to UVM, she said. Her brother went to UVM for college and her grandfather takes advantage of the free courses for retired Vermonters, she said. Searles said she was excited to return to Vermont after graduating college at Harvard University in 2014 and working in Boston. Hilker decided to apply for the opening on the board shortly after beginning medical school last year, she said. “I thought it sounded like something interesting after having come from a job where I spent lots of time working with boards for big organizations,” she said. “I’ll be honest that at first I did not appreciate the scale of the opportunity.” Throughout her time on the board, Hilker feels it has given her more than she has given it, she said. Her proudest accomplishment is working on the renaming committee, which recently recommended that Bailey/Howe Library be renamed, Hilker said. Hilker is on the education policy committee and the audit committee as well as the presidential search committee, she said. Although she will still be a student when her term ends on the board after two years, she will not seek to re-apply, Hilker said. “I think it’s important for a lot of voices to be heard and that opportunity to be had by many students,” Hilker said.
Caitlin McHugh
SAM LITRA /The Vermont Cynic
For junior Caitlin McHugh, being on the board of trustees is about being an advocate for students. McHugh, who studies environmental sciences and math, is one of UVM’s two student trustees. The position is unique to UVM because unlike other universities, she and her counterpart are full voting members of the board, she said. “I really felt like I wanted to be an advocate and I really wanted to be able to get the student opinion out there,” McHugh said. “I still didn’t really understand a lot of it, but everyone was like, ‘just apply,’ so I applied.” McHugh said she applied to join the board her first year after learning about the position through the other organizations she was involved with and talking with a former student trustee, she said. One of McHugh’s favorite things about being on the board is learning about how UVM functions, she said. “I love studying the University’s structure because if you can understand the structure, you can understand why things are the way they are,” McHugh said. In addition to being a student trustee, McHugh is also an
SGA senator, sitting on the academic affairs committee. “[If] Caitlin sees a problem in our situation or system she just instantly knows the right question to ask,” said Committee Chair Jamie Benson, a junior. “She sees right through to the most important element of whatever she’s talking about, and she’s so caring while she does all of it.” McHugh is able to provide insight to the board on what students think about issues on campus, as well as ask questions that would help students better understand what the University is doing, she said. As an SGA senator, McHugh sits on the Faculty Senate’s curricular affairs committee and frequently works with its chair, plant biology lecturer Laura Almstead. Almstead said she truly appreciates the amount of effort McHugh puts into work as a representative on her committee, and is thrilled to be working with her. “Caitlin was the SGA rep last year and I asked her, ‘please, please Caitlin, would you come back this year,’ and was thrilled when she said she would,” Almstead said. Having student representatives like McHugh is valuable because they provide insight that faculty can’t give, and McHugh is one of the best that Almstead has worked with, she said. Benson has one-on-one meetings with the senators on his committee to check in with them, but whenever he meets with McHugh she frequently turns the tables on him, he said. “She asked me how I am, and we talk about me, and I’m like ‘No, no, this is about you,’” Benson said.
Friends and family mourn deceased former student CAS Diversity Fellowship created The College of Arts and Sciences will offer a paid Diversity Fellowship to undergraduate students to help improve diversity and inclusion on campus.
Podcast
Halloween vox pop: trending costumes Podcast Editor Kim Henry asks students around campus what they think will be the most popular Halloween costume this year. Lisen to hear their thoughts.
Lee Hughes ehughes7@uvm.edu
A UVM alumnus died after being caught in gunfire in Washington, D.C. Tom Marmet ’18 passed away at the age of 22 Oct. 25 while heading home from work, according to a Maryland Police Department press release from the same day. Marmet was an active community member and worked toward justice and equality. An aspiring social worker, Marmet was working as a fellow for the non-profit organization So Others Might Eat, which helps the homeless population, Marmet’s father Roger Marmet, said. “This was somebody who was already dedicated to making the world a better place,” Roger Marmet said. “So that is a loss for the D.C. community, the country and the world.” Marmet developed a sense of justice from a young age,
wanting to adopt the dog who had been at the animal shelter the longest despite those dogs being difficult to take care of at six years old, Roger said. As a member of 1 in 4, a peer sexual assault education group, Marmet was involved in raising awareness of sexual assault at UVM, Marmet’s sister Sally Marmet said. Marmet also fought for gender equality and transgender rights, Sally said. As an English major, Marmet enjoyed reading fantasy novels, but was also interested in hiking, poetry and sports, Sally said. “Everyone has been saying how much of a light Tom was in their life,” she said. Skylar Gay ’18, a friend of Marmet’s, said Marmet was also involved in the Burlington community, attending poetry slams and Gourmet Club. “Tom was one of the most compassionate and emotionally intelligent people you’ve ever
met,” Gay said. “You could open up to Tom.” Zayn Hasan ’18, another friend, said that Marmet was modest, always present in the moment with friends and loved ones and made others smile. “Losing Tom, we really feel like we’ve lost a part of us,” Hasan said. UVM was a great place for Marmet because being there helped strengthen Marmet’s values of respect, kindness and nonviolence, Roger Marmet said. It is important to note that Marmet’s death was from gun violence, which Marmet had recently been campaigning against, Gay said. Roger Marmet said he does not want the death to be politicized, and he is not sure what needs to change to prevent tragedies like this. “It would be great if people loved one another and had more respect for human life,” he said. “I don’t know how you
do that, but I do know that there are simple things we can do with electing politicians who will make sensible gun laws.”
Courtesy of the Marmet family
Tom Marmet ’18 died after being hit by a bullet while sitting in traffic on his way home from work in Washington, D.C.
The Vermont Cynic
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EXECUTIVE Editor-in-Chief Greta Bjornson editorinchief@vtcynic.com Managing Editor Ben Elfland newsroom@vtcynic.com Operations Manager Sorrel Galantowicz operations@vtcynic.com
EDITORIAL Copy Chief Sophia Knappertz copy@vtcynic.com Culture Bridget Higdon cynicculture@gmail.com Features Caroline Slack cynicfeatures@gmail.com News George Seibold news@vtcynic.com Opinion Mills Sparkman opinion@vtcynic.com Podcasts Chloe Chaobal Kim Henry vtcynicpodcasts@gmail.com Sports Sabrina Hood sports@vtcynic.com
Staff Editorial
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ver $100 million was designated to campus renovations and construction over the next few years at the most recent board of trustees session, a biannual meeting in which board members discuss and vote on the future of UVM. Despite the spending, the humanities remain in crisis on UVM’s campus. Earlier this year, the College of Arts and Sciences was considering the elimination of 25 percent of all full-time, nontenured faculty and 40 percent of part-time, non-tenured faculty, according to a Jan. 21 VTDigger article. This came after the loss of 12 CAS courses in November 2017, which prompted the chair of the music department to step down. Virtually none of the large sum dedicated to such projects has been designated to reversing the decline of the English and music departments. It is worth noting that a large portion of the funding for many construction projects come from donations given with a specific intention. For example, of the $95 million
Illustrations Holly Coughlan illustrations@vtcynic.com Layout Kyra Chevalier layout@vtcynic.com Photo Alek Fleury photo@vtcynic.com Assistant Editors Henry Mitchell (Opinion), Allie O’Connor (Culture), David Cabrera (Podcasts), Nickie Morris (Sports), Sawyer Loftus (News), Lee Hughes (News), Kian Deshler (Features), Caroline McCune (Layout) Copy Editors Allesandra Calhoun, Elise Becker, Dayton Doyle, Liv Marshall, Zoe Sheppard, Tori Wilson Page Designers Kira Bellis, Meilena Sanchez, Corttney Feldman, Stephanie Hodel
Faculty Adviser Chris Evans crevans@uvm.edu
to be put towards the multipurpose center, $30 million came from donations. From a business standpoint, modern facilities are key to remaining competitive with comparable universities. But UVM is a public university, not a private business. As a public school, UVM has a responsibility to serve all students, not just those favored by donors. The discounted tuition instate students are entitled to can make the University their only affordable choice for a college degree. Vermonters interested in studying the arts are forced to choose between expensive private schools and out-of-state universities, or settling for an underfunded department. While some renovations are necessary in order to keep campus safe and modern, many are based on decisions by donors rather than the interests of both potential and actual students. Recently, UVM completed construction of Cohen Hall, a building dedicated to arts classes funded by donations from Michele and Michael Cohen. But sufficient arts spaces
HOLLY COUGHLAN should not depend on the generosity of wealthy alumni. In his campus-wide “Spring Welcome” email, President Tom Sullivan announced the 2018 commencement speaker Alexander Nemerov, who studied art history and English when he attended the University in the ’80s. “The arts and humanities are so central to our University, with their contributions to our understanding of the nature, meaning and purpose of life,” Sullivan stated in the Jan. 18 email. If the University and its
donors wish to see the arts and humanities continue to be such a valuable part what UVM has to offer, they must be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to support them financially. Staff editorials officially reflect the views of the Vermont Cynic. Signed opinion pieces and columns do not necessarily do so. The Cynic accepts letters in response to anything you see printed as well as any issues of interest in the community. Please limit letters to 350 words. The Cynic reserves the right to edit letters for length and grammar. Please send letters to opinion@ vtcynic.com.
Different teaching styles can help students Emily Johnston ejohnst2@uvm. edu
Web Connor Allan web@vtcynic.com Social Media Peter Hibbeler socialcyniceditor@gmail.com
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Public school, private donors
Video Ruby Bates video@vtcynic.com
ADVISING
OPINION
Oct. 30, 2018
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have only been in college for a couple months and I have already started to notice that some professors teach the same material differently. Neil Fleming, a professor at Lincoln University in New Zealand, popularized the idea that people learn best through auditory, visual, verbal or kinesthetic techniques (learning through touch). He created the VARK model in To Improve the Academy, a publication about teaching. Translating this to higher education, some professors prefer to educate through example while others choose to lecture. The idea students have that one teacher is “better” than another instructor because they teach their courses differently is baseless. UVM has the Center for Teaching & Learning for professors, which holds seminars and open hours for professors to come in. Its website provides links to tutorials on how to instruct and structure a class.
COLE THORNTON While they have a lot of techniques, all resources (Blackboard tutorials, book recommendations, documents on different course styles, etc.) at the Center for Teaching & Learning point to a teacher following Universal Design for Learning. Universal Design for Learning is a way of teaching that incorporates separate learning styles to make sure every student is learning. One professor may work through an example to relay material and another may show a video, but that doesn’t mean one is “better” than another. It just means that they have
differing opinions on the best way for students to understand material. The way one professor decides to explain a concept may not work for me, and that’s okay. If I don't understand the material, it is not the professor’s fault and doesn't mean they are a bad teacher. There are many resources on campus for struggling students. One available for use is the tutoring center, which offers free sessions for students depending on the class you are taking. Office hours or teaching as-
sistant sessions are also helpful. Hearing about failing students in a professor's class may be “evidence” one professor is better. Thinking this only prevents growth, since the responsibility for good grades is being placed on the professor. The least students can do before giving up and writing a bad review on RateMyProfessor is attempting to stretch their brains into different teaching styles. Learning how to adapt to a new style of teaching is a big part of college. No matter what a professor teaches or how it’s taught, someone is always going to be unsure of what is going on. While I am certainly no expert on any area of study just yet, I was raised by a teacher and she taught me that no one is the same. It’s difficult to see that arguing can be futile, that differences are okay. Once we are able to see that various styles of teaching are acceptable, maybe then there will be no unnecessary misunderstandings.
OPINION
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The Vermont Cynic
Oct. 30, 2018
Your plastic straw is not the problem Mills Sparkman msparkma@ uvm.edu
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he morning started out like any other. I stopped at the University Marche on my way to class to get my usual: an everything bagel with cream cheese and an iced coffee. Normally, I would fill up my reusable tumbler, but I decided it needed a wash and left it in my room. I went for a plastic cup instead and was ready to pay when I realized I didn’t have a straw. I asked the cashier where the straws were. “Oh, we don’t use straws anymore,” she said. “They’re bad for the environment, you know.” Like I’m the jerk. It’s time we faced up to the real problem here. People using plastic straws in their drinks aren’t causing the trash buildup in the oceans. The real culprits are, unfortunately, not so easily patrolled. I’m that friend who brings reusable bags to the supermarket. I use EcoWare at Brennan’s instead of the cardboard takeout container. I have a tumbler, a thermos and a reusable water bot-
tle, all BPA-free, all of which I use often. It’s always a good idea to reduce your plastic use and be environmentally conscious. Small changes do have a ripple effect. However, it’s hard to believe your impact will make a difference in the long run when big corporations are canceling your good deeds out. Multinational corporations like Coca-Cola produce tons of waste daily, creating, packaging and shipping their products. An Oct. 19 Greenpeace article stated that during a worldwide ocean cleanup, the top three sources of plastic were just three mass-producing food suppliers: Nestle, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. Misplacing the blame is more than just incorrect. It’s actually harmful. When people don’t know the true source of a problem and accept a false explanation, the problem will grow unchecked until it’s impossible to fix. If we want to solve the problem of plastic waste and pollution as a whole, it’s imperative that we know where blame really lies. After that, we can work together to move forward and find an appropriate solution. Your plastic straw would make up a tiny fraction of all the plastic in the ocean.
KIRA NEMETH It might make you feel good to use a metal straw, but here are some things that could make a bigger difference. For example, cancel your Amazon Prime subscription. Amazon uses an enormous amount of fuel, underpaid labor and plastic to get you that package in two days. Be aware of who represents you. Vote for environmentally friendly politicians who support holding companies ac-
countable for their waste. Some environmentally conscious politicians include Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island, Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts and Vermont State Senator Chris Pearson. Don’t just vote in the midterms and presidential elections, either: vote at at the local, state and national levels. Lend a hand. Volunteer to clean up parks, oceans or green spaces near you.
And most importantly, spread the word about to your family and friends. A metal straw won’t save the ocean. A sustained movement that faces the facts, sees the problem and demands environmental justice will. Mills Sparkman is a sophomore political science major. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2017.
Who is afraid of the opinion section? A conversation Henry Mitchell hdmitche@uvm. edu
Scene: Person One overhears anguish from Person Two and investigates the source Person Two has read the headline of a New York Times op-ed titled “The Curse of Affirmative Action” and appears to be in a fit of rage. Person One tries to talk it out with Person Two, causing tension. Person One: “Ugh, I can’t believe the New York Times is condoning racism and conservative BS. So much for truthful journalism, am I right?” Person Two: “What do you mean? Did they actually say they support racism?” One: “No, but they let someone say racist things in the opinion section. No one would do that unless they liked sharing racist ideology.” Two: “So they never actually condoned it?” One: “No, but if you give them a voice then you’re condoning racism.
I wouldn’t let them speak a single word if I were in charge.” Two: “But that’s not an opinion section. That’s just a blog or echochamber.” One: “Yeah, but at least it’s not racist.” Two: “But the whole point of opinions is hearing other people out. You’re supposed to hear their arguments and judge for yourself.” One: “Well you can’t do that if they’re just racist idiots.” Two: “Even ‘racist idiots’ are allowed free speech. That’s kind of the whole point of the First Amendment” One: “The First Amendment is dumb. You shouldn’t be allowed to say horrible things and get away with it.” Two: “I mean, in theory people are supposed to figure out themselves whether something is tolerable or not. However, that doesn’t mean you can just exclude people you think don’t have valid opinions.” One: “But if they have objectively horrible prejudices, then surely they shouldn’t be
allowed to just go around yelling at people? Why should we have to listen to them, when that just encourages them to continue?” Two: “Because whether or not you like it, you have a duty to hear people out and acknowledge different perspectives. You can’t spend your entire life in a bubble shutting out people you disagree with. That doesn’t solve the problem of people being racist.
MERIDETH RATHBURN It just puts the responsibility on people who can see the racism.” One: “That’s why every paper should ban racist writers. Then they wouldn’t have a platform to be racist on at all.” Two: “Ok, but again, racism will still exist, just not in your field of vision. Someone needs to cover these ideas.” One: “Just make it news then. At least they’ll tell the truth and won’t condone nonsense.”
Two: “You can’t understand where people are coming from unless you hear from them. That’s why we let people we disagree with have a voice in newspapers. We even made a section for it called Opinion so people know that it’s not unbiased content.” One: “I agree with giving them a voice, but they can’t be racist.” Two: “... what?” One: “Like, we should let them share their platform. But they have to agree to not say certain things or certain topics that don’t concern them.” Two: “...” One: “Plus, I feel like a lot of newspapers are trying to be too centrist. They won’t actually call out Republicans for who they are, which only …” Henry Mitchell is a sophomore political science major. He has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2017.
The Vermont Cynic
Oct. 30, 2018
CULTURE
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Rail Jam shreds into its 10th year
PHIL CARRUTHERS/The Vermont Cynic
Cyrus Oswald coswald@uvm.edu
“Mo Bamba” was playing in the background as skiers and snowboarders alike came down the miniature trick park set up on Trinity campus. Dawn of the Shred X: the Human SENDipiede rail jam, hosted by the UVM Ski and Snowboard Club, took place Oct. 25. It was the event’s 10th anniversary. There were 44 hours filled with shoveled snow, several judges, 54 riders and skiers and hundreds of spectators at this year’s rail jam, a competition where participating skiers and snowboarders showed off their
best tricks. Skiers and riders jumped, flipped and spun off of boxes, rails and ramps provided by Sugarbush Resort. Some wore Halloween costumes because of the event’s proximity to the holiday. Senior Gabe Bresnahan, SSC president, said members of the club shoveled for at least four hours a night for a week and a half to create the park. Snow for the park is shaved off of local ice rinks, he said. “We just get as many officers as we can, and our friends, and we all pack the trailer up with snow and come and dump it out,” Bresnahan said. SSC partnered with Sugarbush Resort for the event. Sugarbush provided all the
rails and boxes necessary to put on the event. For the second year, action sports media company Teton Gravity Research brought their “Stoke Mobile” to the event. They were on campus for the week, showing movies and raising brand awareness in partnership with SSC. Alpine shop, a local ski shop, was also there. Bresnahan said partnerships are very important to the Ski and Snowboard Club. “It helps us to continue to do the things that we do and they’re a huge part of that,” he said. Students came out in force to watch the rail jam, despite the 30 degree temperature. For the club, the cold weath-
(Top): Senior Diego Travino grinds a rail in an all gray onesie at the Dawn of the Shred X: the Human SENDipiede rail jam, hosted by the UVM Ski and Snowboard Club Oct. 25. (Left): A UVM student 50/50s down a rail dressed in a shiny unicorn outfit. (Clockwise from Top) Junior Sage Blackburn skis down the rail at UVM Ski and Snowboard Club’s annual rail jam Oct. 25. First-year Emma Schacht jumps on and grinds down a fat rail. Senior Joey Waldinger kicks up snow as he boardslides off the rail. Members of UVMSSC shoveled for at least four hours a night for a week and a half to create the park with rails and ramps provided by Sugarbush Resort.
er was a plus. “We’ve gotten extremely lucky this year ... last year was absolute insanity. It was 65 and rainy for two weeks leading up to this event, on our end it was total craziness,” Bresnahan said. “We didn’t even know if we’d have enough snow.” Sophomore John Steck said it was his first time watching the event. “It’s a really creative, really cool event. I think that there should be more things like this,” he said. Max Roe, who was manning the “Stoke Mobile,” agreed with
Bresnahan. “This year they had the cold temperatures so Sugarbush Parks did a phenomenal job here,” he said. The competition had more female representation than in years past. “This year, we have a lot more female skiers and riders than we did last year, which we were super excited about,” Bresnahan said. “We have five or six total women snowboarders, and then I think around the same for skiers.”
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The Vermont Cynic
Oct. 30, 2018
Scary video games to try on Halloween Allie O’Connor aoconno8@uvm. edu
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nother year, another Halloween, another excuse to go home, shut off the lights, sit yourself down in front of your TV and break out some spooky video games. You’ve just survived midterms, so why not subject yourself to more emotional terror? Here’s a list of recommendations, witches. “Night in the Woods” Any game that earns 400 percent over its original Kickstarter goal is worthy of attention, especially if it’s a game as incredible as “Night in the Woods.” This story-driven exploration game is perfect for anyone who’s looking to avoid the gory, jumpscare-saturated games the horror market is flooded with. You play as Mae, a college dropout who returns home to a dilapidated town and parents who do their best to mask their disappointment. Most of the game revolves around conversations with Mae’s old friends, though there is a central mystery to investigate between shoplifting minigames and discussing the nature of God. This game has been praised for its vibrant and cartoonish art style. However, its style doesn’t give hints to the deep and difficult themes the game makes you confront, such as mental illness, depression and the economic decline of middle and lower classes. With heartfelt writing and
plenty of humor, “Night in the Woods” is a compelling and relatable adventure into what many college students fear: returning home, feeling directionless and alone. The only thing scarier in a horror game than jumpscares and gore is a hand-delivered existential crisis and a conversation about whether or not you really matter in the grand scheme of the universe. “Dead Space” Ah, spooky, abandoned space stations. Classic. “Dead Space” is one of the most well-known survival horror games in recent-ish memory. You play as Isaac Clark, an engineer trying to fight his way through a mining ship infested with the reanimated corpses of his crew. Some players say this game didn’t age well and that newer developments in the survival horror genre have since dethroned “Dead Space.” But I think that this game’s engaging story, stellar pacing, incredibly tantalizing worldbuilding and addicting combat marked the start of a great franchise that remains a worthwhile horror series. With tense, fast-paced and extremely violent action, as well as spine-chilling atmospheric qualities that get under your skin and make you jump, this game is a must for horror superfans and newcomers alike. “Bioshock Infinite” While this game isn’t as scary as some of the other games on this list, and it’s not as survival-horror oriented as its predecessors in the “Bio-
MONROE CROMIS shock” trilogy, this game is a personal favorite. In “Bioshock Infinite” you play as Booker Dewitt, a private investigator, who has been sent to the airborne utopia of Colombia in search of Elizabeth, a girl who has been held captive there most of her life. This single-player adventure is kept up by a compelling, intricate narrative direction and incredible character growth. On top of this, once you complete the game, you can play again in “1999 Mode.” In this mode, enemies are much tougher and resources like health and ammo are few and far between. “Bioshock Infinite” pairs fun combat with a deeply, emotionally and intel-
lectually difficult narrative in a manner that makes for an incredibly well-rounded game. “Little Nightmares” This game ticks a lot of boxes— puzzle-platformer, adventure, survival horror, etc. Each of the aforementioned themes come together to make a striking and compelling game. You play as a hungry little girl named Six who is trapped in a mysterious vessel called the Maw, which is filled with sick and powerful creatures. After waking up in the Maw’s lower depths, Six begins her escape, working to avoid various disturbing creatures — a blind Janitor, Twin Chefs, and the Lady, the Geisha-like
leader of the Maw. Not only are you fighting several monstrous enemies, but you’re also battling time and starvation. Six faces extreme bouts of ravenous hunger that seem to seriously diminish her bleak chances of escape. This adds an interesting new angle to the story, as well as to Six’s character. “Little Nightmares” brings solid graphics, sound design, and an incredible atmosphere to the horror genre’s proverbial table. Allie O’Connor is a sophomore English major. She has been the Assistant Culture Editor since fall 2018.
Where’s the old Kanye? He’s where music and politics meet Sarah Robinson srobin@uvm.edu
I
n 2002, a Chicago producer got in a car accident that left his jaw wired shut. The single resulting from this injury, “Through the Wire,” is featured on his debut album, “The College Dropout,” which eventually went certified triple platinum. The producer rose to fame quickly in the rap world not only for his lyrics, but also for his expert musicality demonstrated in his beats and affectionate arrogance. He tackled issues of racism, police brutality and violence on the streets of Chicago. I am, of course, referring to Kanye West — the pink-polo-wearing, “George Bush doesn’t care about black peo-
ple,” Kanye West. I don’t want to talk about President Donald Trump and West. I truly believe that it is not my responsibility to draw anymore attention to the budding bromance. I am far more interested in looking at West’s music and trying to understand the progression of his fame and, in consequence, his alignment with our 45th president. West has been one of my favorite musicians since I heard “Heartless” off of the 2008 album “808s and Heartbreaks.” In my opinion, West’s sixth album, “Yeezus,” is truly one of the best produced albums of all time. I want to know what happened to the college-dropout producer who became one of the most important musicians in hip-hop history. I want to know what his recent controversies say about the intersection of music and politics. Is this what happens when a celebrity becomes too famous
taken in recent months. His alignment with Trump is a blatant attack against the people he used to advocate for and stand with. West said that slavery “sounds like a choice,” in an interview with TMZ in May 2018. This comment was obviously met by much criticism, and West later apologized citing mental illness as the reason for his outburst. Mental illness in the music industry has not been treated with the urgency it deserves. Mental illness has claimed the lives of too many musicians to count, most recently Mac Miller and Lil Peep, who both struggled with addiction.
HOLLY COUGHLAN
Rhythm and News
and too rich? These are questions I can’t fully answer, but I do have
Read the rest online at vtcynic.com/kanye
some ideas. Naturally, I’m deeply disappointed in the turn West has
Sarah Robinson is a junior English major. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2017.
The Vermont Cynic
CULTURE
Oct. 30, 2018
7
Art used as activism in Feverish parade Anna Kolosky akolosky@uvm.edu
Passersby watched in awe as a parade of people sang and danced their way up Church Street. Dancers moved in time to the church bells ringing while others sang and held banners. The parade was the opening event for the Feverish World Conference, a symposium focused on bringing the Burlington community together to discuss major issues such as climate change, immigration and gender inequality. The symposium ran from Oct. 20 to Oct. 22 and featured a variety of events including a parade and a series of art installations called TentWorks. The parade took place Oct. 20 and was officially known as the Ex (Umbris) Parade. It featured original church bell compositions by music and dance professor David Neiweem and choreography infused with traditional Vermont herding calls by environmental artist Nancy Winship Milliken. Feverish World coordinator and art professor Cameron Davis asked Professor Amy Seidl’s ENVS 001 class to help with the parade, as well. Junior Claire Maroney, a teaching assistant for ENVS 001, and other students marched with banners of the earth and large colorful bees. “The colorful bees were a
BARBARA BANCHIK/The Vermont Cynic
UVM dance Professor Paula Higa and senior Phoebe Tucker freestyle dance Oct. 20 on Church Street at the Feverish World Festival. The dancers were part of a bigger group who are in Higa’s Ballet and Contemporary Dance class who volunteered to join in the festival. positive symbol of environmentalism,” Maroney said. “They also showcased how art can be a form of activism, which is something we try to emphasize with our students.” Professor Paula Higa danced with her students in time with the bell composition. “I really liked how the cho-
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reography evolved from beginning to end,” Higa said. “It really showed our connection outside of UVM and how Feverish World brought us all together.” Senior Phoebe Tucker said there was an overall “fever” of oneness and shared passion for environmental advocacy. “It made the parade feel like
COLLEGE OF
cessful was very encouraging,” McGee said. Feverish World events will continue despite the official end of the symposium. Cohen Hall will house video installations from Oct. 3 to Oct. 31. Burlington City Arts will hold Pauline Jenning’s exhibition “Becoming Human” from Oct. 19 to Nov. 9.
MATHEMATICAL
Student art on display in new Brennan’s Art Space
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Amongst the bookshelves, couches and chairs in the Brennan’s Book Nook, paintings by Kristin Richland, a Vermont artist, hang in the bright lighting. This display is part of the inaugural Brennan’s Art Space, a space intended for student artists to showcase their work for a semester. The space was inaugurated in September 2018. JP Marton, Davis Center custodian, originally conceived the art space and the Book Nook. “The whole idea behind the [art space] was that it could become a destination for people to come and see the talent at UVM,” Marton said. The art space was set up during this past summer. When Marton was first looking for artists, he found Richland through another artist. He immediately loved her art, which he described as whimsical and imaginative. Although the space is meant for art made be UVM students, Marton asked Richland to display her art in order to provide a presence in the space when students returned in the fall. “I wanted to display my
work in Brennan’s because it was a new venue,” Richland said. “My dad graduated from UVM in 1974 and wanted me to go there, so it was also a nod to that.” The space provides students with the chance to price their work, so passersby have the opportunity to buy it. “I think the paintings are very fantastical and blend with the creative sense of the Book Nook, and create a sense of warmth and imagination,” sophomore Sara Domas said of Richland’s artwork. The Brennan’s Art Space is sponsored by UVM Student Life and the Davis Center Art Curating team. Marton wants the curating team to take over curating the space in the future, he said. “This is the birth of the gallery,” Marton said. “I’m even looking for the faculty at Williams to collaborate.” Brennan’s Art Space is looking for student artists to display their work for the spring 2019 semester. Students interested in exhibiting their art can contact Marton or the the Davis Center Art Curators at jpmarton@uvm. edu or dcart@uvm.edu. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis year-round.
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The Vermont Cynic
Oct. 30, 2018
The Vermont Cynic
FEATURE
Oct. 30, 2018
9
Identity on a night of disguises Kian Deshler Kian.Deshler@ uvm.edu
F
EMMA PINEZICH
or a lot of people Halloween is about being able to shape shift, to try on different identities or exaggerate certain parts of ourselves we don’t show in everyday life. Halloween gives people the opportunity to rehearse their otherness as their audience either applauds their efforts or does the opposite. Some quickly find that their otherness crossed the line. I always feel my own otherness. Standing out isn’t something I just think about on Halloween. Last year, while I was attending a small school in Los Angeles, I was with several of my closest girlfriends waiting outside to get to a nearby fraternity’s Halloween party. We filed out of an Uber dressed in various costumes, some friends dressed as sexy nuns and devils, while I had on a tight S.W.A.T ensemble. As we approached the house, my girlfriends and I were met with an arm obstructing our path and a man in a Hawaiian shirt who said, “You all can come in, but not him.” We tried a different party and were faced with the same impediment. I encouraged the girls to go in and a friend and I walked around the block, calling another Uber back to campus. Colloquially speaking, Halloween was canceled for me after this incident. It was a humiliating experience, regardless of the reasons behind the rejection. When not in costume, I have been able to pinpoint the parts of my identity that frequently receive judgement. In costume, I lose that control as it becomes unclear whether my costume or my oth-
erness behind the costume is sparking a judgement. Whether dressed up as a sexy angel or a skeleton, we all find ourselves toeing the line of otherness as we have the opportunity to present an alternative version of ourselves. As we’ve gotten older, many of us have retreated further back towards things that feel closer to our selfhood, as crossing the line can lead to a higher risk of rejection. As kids, many of us probably toed the line of otherness more freely as our audience was less critical of who we were behind the costume, rather, they focused on the intricacies of our ensembles. My crunchy-granola, alternative elementary school in Seattle was a safe haven for this creativity and freedom of expression. During Halloween, classrooms were turned into huge mazes, and we would all galavant through the hallways attempting to embody whatever identity we had put on earlier that day. This safe space, however, began to change one day when a group of fifth-grade girls unexpectedly yelled that I needed to get a sex change in front of the entire lunchroom, as my high pitched voice violated their expectations about how a male should sound. This was the first time I felt out of control of what others thought of me as I started to develop a lisp and some telltale signs of flamboyance. Halloween felt intimidating to me after this. In fifth grade, identities started to become polarizing and I began to want to dress up to conform rather than stand out. Being gay is one of the many identities that can be-
come marginalizing, even as early as fifth grade. No matter the identities we hold, Halloween can be the ultimate venue for expression, but for some, presenting a different version of ourselves can be scary. While last year’s Halloween fiasco was just a big slap in the face, it was a reminder that no one is forcing me to like Halloween. I’ll just straight up say it: Halloween is my least favorite holiday. And frankly, I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Halloween, in whatever form we celebrate it, is an expression of otherness. In real life, however, being different often receives rejection rather than applause. In my time as a collegiate athlete who wore a uniform, I had to shapeshift and try on different versions of myself for my audience. My uniform, whether it be less flamboyant clothes or a track jersey, felt like a costume as I had to adjust my personality to go along with the outfit. In everyday life, I present different iterations of my identity in altering my voice and intentionally choosing to wear certain outfits. On the one day of the year that allows for creativity of expression, I want to do just the opposite. I’m still toeing the line between which versions of myself to present, and Halloween is not the setting in which I feel comfortable seeking approval from my peers. I expect my relationship with Halloween to change as I grow into my otherness, but this Halloween, I’m going to applaud those dressed up, eat pumpkin seeds and count down the days until Thanksgiving.
When not in costume, I have been able to pinpoint the parts of my identity that frequently receive judgement. In costume, I lose that control as it becomes unclear whether my costume or my otherness behind the costume is sparking a judgement.
SPORTS
10
The Vermont Cynic
Oct. 30, 2018
New athletic complex plans approved Stephan Toljan Stephan.Toljan@uvm.edu
The construction of a new multipurpose center was unanimously approved by UVM’s decision making body, the board of trustees, Oct. 26. The board discussed a resolution outlining the financing for the multipurpose center project. Tom Gustafson, vice president for university relations and administration, said that the purpose of the project is to better suit students’ needs. “[Since 2007] we’ve done a lot with outdoor facilities,” he said. “Now we can move forward with our indoor needs.” Athletic Director Jeff Schulman said that all students will benefit from these renovations. “This is a transformative process,” he said. “I couldn’t be more excited about where we are.” The resolution details extensive renovations and additions to the current athletic facilities, Schulman said. He said that the combination of health and wellness spaces will be consolidated into 99,600 square feet at the north end of Patrick Gym. Schulman said the fitness center will expand to 18,000 square feet. Gutterson Fieldhouse will receive seating renovations and other improvements, he said. Schulman said that the resolution details the creation of an events center that will house academic, social, cultural and
Courtesy of UVM Athletics
The current Patrick Gymnasium will be converted into a recreation space that will contain three basketball courts, as well as an elevated track according to architect Colleen McKenna. entertainment events and will also serve as the new basketball court. “We’re touching on health, wellness, academic spaces, social and cultural programing, as well as improvements to our varsity athletic spaces,” he said. The University has strategies to cover the $95 million project price, including philanthropic gifts and bonds, a $50 million line of credit and a student fee that would be implemented by May 2021 completion, chief financial officer Richard Cate said. “The fee would be imposed during the same academic year that the event center is finished,” he said. Senior Leslie VanDeMark
has used the gym all four years she has attended UVM. She’s currently training for a half marathon and is also a member of the Synchronized Skating team. She uses the facilities often. “It’s nice that they are making renovations for future students. The facilities are small, especially the cardio and weight rooms, and there’s not enough equipment,” she said. “I support it, but I don’t think they need to spend $95 million.” First-year Jamey Hobar, who will get to use the new facilities his senior year, uses the gym regularly. “I would like to see renovations because most of the equipment is old,” he said.
Architect Colleen McKenna said the current Patrick Gymnasium will be converted into three basketball courts and an elevated track. McKenna said that the new events center will have a capacity of 4,000 people. “We made sure that we were planning for the future,” McKenna said. “We envision that this will have tremendous usage.” In 2007, when the project was last proposed, the projected costs were roughly $200 million, Gustafson said. The newest budget for the project is $95 million while addressing all of the same needs in the 2007 plan, Cate said. The projected costs will
cover all of the renovation and $30 to $35 million of long-deferred maintenance, which includes fixing the ‘internal circulation’ of the building, which is in reference to the maze of tunnels that currently characterizes the athletic complex, Schulman said. Daigle said that UVM has secured $21.8 million in philanthropic gifts to supplement the cost of the project. Their ultimate goal is to have $30 million from donors by Feb. 1, 2019. “It’s the single largest philanthropic effort for a facility ever achieved by the University, so it’s a fantastic sign of support,” he said.
Men’s Rugby to play for national championship title Stephan Toljan Stephan.Toljan@uvm.edu
If you have ever witnessed a student in Harris-Millis dining pour copious amounts of salt into his blue Powerade, it is most likely a rugby player. Off-field strategies like this have helped drive the UVM men’s club rugby team to its No. 1 rank in the New England Wide Collegiate Rugby Conference, according to the NEWCRC website. President Nolan Joyce, a senior, said the team has been successful because of its unity. “We’ve all been on the same page since the start,” he said. Joyce and senior Henry Brandeis have been playing rugby since high school. “I didn’t have a spring sport, but I wanted to play one and my school offered rugby,” Joyce said. Brandeis said that although he started playing at the same time, his introduction to the sport was slightly different. “I was a big, fat kid, so it was natural to play rugby,” he said. Brandeis recruited senior Phil Nicolescu during their first year, he said.
STEPHAN TOLJAN/The Vermont Cynic
Blindside flanker Pat Rainford pulls away from the grip of a Quinnipiac Men’s Rugby Team player Oct 21. The team defeated Quinnipiac with a final score of 68-15. Nicolescu said that the dedication from the players has been key to the team’s success. “Everyone has been invested,” he said. UVM defeated the No. 4 ranked Quinnipiac Oct. 21 with
a final score of 68-15. Head coach Declan Connolly is in his 20th year coaching the team. “We get better every week,” Connolly said. “We need to keep that momentum going.”
The Quinnipiac victory pushed the team to the Tier 1 men’s championship game against Sacred Heart University Oct. 27. UVM felt comfortable about their chances against No. 2
ranked SHU, Brandeis said, prior to the match. The team ended up defeating SHU 68-0. The Oct. 27 victory will send the team to the National Division II rugby tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first round of the tournament, informally known as the ‘Sweet 16’, includes 16 teams from around the country, Connolly said. “We go to the Sweet 16 every two or three years,” Connolly said. He said he knows some of the difficulties the team may face at this tournament. “It’s harder for us to win a championship because of how small of a team we are,” he said. “We play teams like the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, who have huge players.” He said that he is confident in the team’s ability to perform. “If these boys can stay fit, stay injury free, we’ll do fine,” Connolly said. When asked about next season, he said his team will absolutely be better next year if they are boasting a national championship victory.
The Vermont Cynic
Oct. 30, 2018
SPORTS
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Transfer influences men’s soccer Ashley Miller Ashley.E.Miller@uvm.edu
Men’s soccer forward Justin Frietas, a senior, has been a powerful presence on the field during his time playing for UVM. A force on and off the pitch, Frietas coaches and referees young players in the Burlington community, he said. “It’s always great to see these little kids come up and say, ‘wow, I just saw your game,’ looking up to you in that sense,” Frietas said. He said that he has been playing soccer ever since he can remember. “My family is heavily cultured in the sport, and my dad and uncles especially,” Frietas said. “I was also influenced by my grandparents.” He was raised in Rhode Island, but his family moved to Massachusetts during his first year of high school. His talent on the soccer field, academic status and dedication to the community earned him a scholarship to Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts, according to a YMCA website. Frietas attended Dean and played on their soccer team for two years. In his last season playing for the Dean College Bulldogs, Frietas accumulated 16 goals, six assists and was selected to the USCAA All-American Second Team, according to UVM athletics. Frietas also played club soccer with the New England Revolution U-23 team during his time at Dean and has “been lucky enough to play with them again these past two summers,”
Courtesy of UVM Athletics
Senior men’s soccer forward Justin Freitas is playing his final season of college soccer. Frietas won the Co-Offensive Player of the Week in the American East Soccer conference for the second time Oct. 8. he said. Men’s soccer head coach Rob Dow saw Frietas play at Dean, and developed a strong interest in him as a player, he said. Frietas said one reason he transferred to UVM was for its Division I status, he said. “My aspirations were always to play at a Division I school. I’d always dreamed of that and hopefully having the chance to go pro one day,” he said. “Vermont was the best step for me.” Dow emphasized the effort Frietas put in at UVM. “It takes a lot of work to play forward because you have to provide the team with a lot of running and he does that,” Dow said.
At an Oct. 6 home game against Hartford, Frietas scored the tie-breaking goal, making the final score 2-1, according to UVM athletics. “I can count on production from Justin whenever he hits the field with goals and assists,” Dow said. Frietas won the Co-Offensive Player of the Week in the American East Soccer conference for the second time Oct. 8, according to UVM athletics. “It’s always great to be recognized, but I’m just trying to make our team win,” Frietas said. He’s team oriented and willing to help his peers on and off the field, forward Geo Alves, a junior, said.
Frietas has helped Alves by translating game plays, he said. “I like to think that I’m really good friends with everyone on the team,” Frietas said. “It’s important that some of the younger guys can look up to me and know that I’m there for them.” As a senior, Frietas is playing his final season of college soccer. “It’s crazy; time flies,” Frietas said. “It’s been a great four years at UVM.” “It’s time to get my degree and move on,” he said. Frietas said that he earned an associates degree in business at Dean College and is majoring in community and social development with a minor in statis-
tics at UVM. “I want to pursue soccer as much as I can and tie my major into the sport and develop the community,” he said. He said that he aspires to play soccer professionally. Frietas hopes to play professionally for the New England Revolution, he said. “If not, I’ve been fortunate to get an education,” he said. Frietas has been motivated by his family and his critics, he said. “There have always been people who’ve doubted me growing up,” Frietas said. “At the end of the day I want to win games and play soccer.”
Browns’ quarterback delivers hope for the season Regan Sebolt Regan.Sebolt@ uvm.edu
2017 USA Today article. His career at Texas Tech was brief. He only played there for one season due to conflicts with the coaching staff.
One year later, Mayfield announced his departure to become a walk on again, according to ESPN. When he transferred to
T
REESE GREEN
he Cleveland Browns could make the playoffs because of the strides their quarterback has made this season. Browns’ quarterback Baker Mayfield is the first walk-on first-year quarterback to start a college season opener. He has earned his spot rising up the roster throughout his entire career, showing fortitude and grit. His journey began in Austin, Texas at Lake Travis High School. In only two years Mayfield had a 25-2 record there. However, even with his outstanding performance Mayfield was unrecruited. Mayfield walked on at Texas Tech, rising up the roster to become starting quarterback. During this season, he was the Big 12 Conference Freshman Offensive Player of the Year, according to a Nov. 30
Oklahoma he sat for a year for transfer eligibility rules. Time away brought improvement. With a chip on his shoulder Mayfield set out to dominate Sooner football. Mayfield was soon named the new starter at Oklahoma. During his first year at Oklahoma, Mayfield had 3,700 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and seven interceptions, according to Fox Sports. This is very impressive, especially for a transfer walk on. He also led them to the Orange Bowl and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious award a college football player can receive, according to ESPN. In 2016, Mayfield was a finalist for the Heisman, and won the award in 2017 according to Fox Sports. During his time at Oklahoma, Mayfield thrived in the heated Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma. Since he was unrecruited by University of Texas, Mayfield treated it as a grudge match.
Games ended with high offensive scores as Mayfield put on a show to win it. Doubting Baker Mayfield only fuels for his fire. Winning a Heisman makes him one of the best players in college football history. He is the first walk on winner which shows determination. Mayfield gained recognition when he was chosen as the first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He earned the starting position just three games into the season. Mayfield delivered the first win for the Browns, who continue to excel, despite a 2-4-1 record. Despite bleak numbers, if the Browns scored 13 more points they could be 6-1. Mayfield is the Browns’ knight in shining armour as fans anticipate the playoffs. Regan Sebolt is a junior athletic training major. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2018.
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