Vermont Cynic Spring 2014 Issue 21

The Best of

The Vermont Burlington Burlington

CYNIC

Vote today

The Best of

on page 5

Awards

Eat

Drink

Live

Awards

Shop

Learn

The University of Vermont’s independent voice since 1883

W e d n e s d a y, M a r c h 1 2 , 2 0 1 4 – Vo l u m e 1 3 0 I s s u e 2 1 | B u r l i n g t o n , Ve r m o n t

Artists are set for SpringFest Aidan Dolbashian Arts Editor The atmosphere has been set for SpringFest 2014, and yes, hip-hop duo Atmosphere will be headlining.

The annual concert, held on the Chittenden-Buckham-Wills green, is set for April 26, and will also feature Remix Artist Collective (RAC) and electronic indie-rock duo Tanlines as supporting acts, as well as the UVM bands of Binger and Tar Iguana.

“I was more excited than a cat with catnip when I found out Atmosphere is coming,” sophomore Dana Elleman said.

The University Program

Board (UPB), which puts on the yearly concert, is responsible for choosing the performing acts each year.

“We thought that it would be a really good fit for UVM students and it would definitely be a different direction from SpringFest last year,” said senior Alex McVarish, a member of the UPB concerts committee.

The Minnesota duo that is Atmosphere consists of MC Sean “Slug” Daley and producer Anthony “Ant” Davis.

The two formed the group in 1996 and have been recording and touring ever since, according to their Facebook page.

They currently have seven

See SPRINGFEST on page 6

PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON COOK

Hip-hop musicians Sean Daley (left) and Anthony Davis pose for a photo. The duo is Atmosphere, who will be headlining SpringFest April 26. UVM bands Tar Iguana and Binger will open the show.

Students arrested at rally Sanction handed out

to men’s frisbee club

Joseph Tomlinson Staff Writer Aviva Loeb Design Editor

Sarah Olsen Assistant News Editor

Echoes of drummed garbage cans paired with acoustic guitars and the constant chant of “We are unstoppable, another world is possible.”

This was the scene in Washington, D.C. as UVM students protested the Keystone pipeline until arrest, March 2.

“This was my first time getting arrested and I wanted it to be for something that was not a dumb mistake but something that I care about and did intentionally,” junior Christina Fornaciari said. “I was on the fence [about participating] until we started walking with the rally.

“It felt like most people around me were opting to get arrested and I wanted to be a part of that,” she said.

Close to 40 students from various Vermont schools took a bus to the capital over spring break to join hundreds of students at the XL Dissent Protest, Fornaciari said.

The Vermont schools represented included UVM, Bennington College and Middlebury College.

“I think many people when they are interested in a certain issue just talk about it but I think UVM students are more the doing type,” SGA president

“Guys, can I be taken off this listserv too?” junior Ned Harvey said. “This shit is annoying. I don’t play your stupid fucking sport, and I’m going to whine about getting a couple emails a week, instead of just blocking the fucking email address.”

This email was one among a thread of responses in the Men’s Ultimate Frisbee list server email that junior Colby Rackliff reported to UVM Voice, according to public records.

UVM Voice is a way for students to let the SGA know how they can make students’ lives better, according to the UVM website.

Following Rackliff’s email to UVM Voice, SGA sanctioned the men’s ultimate frisbee team during the council’s meeting Feb 25.

“This listserv is the worst email list ever created. I and a lot of other people I know really don’t want a sign-up sheet from freshman year following us around when we have, you know, actual emails to read,” Rackliff said in an email he sent to the team’s listserv.

The entire team of 37 active team members is faced with a

Like us on Facebook

T h e Ve r m o n t C y n i c

PHOEBE SHEEHAN The Vermont Cynic

Junior Christina Fornaciari protests outside the White House March 2. UVM students gathered to oppose the Keystone pipeline.

Connor Daley said.

Of the 18 UVM students who attended the protest, nine were arrested, senior Alex Smiley said.

She said she organized and planned for the UVM group to attend the protest.

“A fair number of students seem excited about engaging in some of these big picture environmental issues in a way that I haven’t seen in a while,” said Rob Williams, a lecturer in the Rubenstein School of environmental sciences.

The UVM student protestors that were arrested were Smiley, Fornaciari, junior Caroline McCall, senior Katy

Follow us on Instagram

@VERMONTCYNIC

Hellman, junior Emily Roland, senior Margaret Galka, senior Morgan Marzo, sophomore Brian Thompson and junior Claire Longyear, Smiley said.

“I think students willing to get arrested in D.C. fits with Vermont’s reputation of being a petri-dish for political, environmental and social change,“ Williams said.

Smiley said she “jumped on” the opportunity to organize the protest after Ally JohnsonKurts, state divestment organizer for 350Vermont, spoke in her climate justice and advocacy class, asking someone to take charge.

See PROTEST on page 3

F o l l o w u s o n Tw i t t e r

@ Ve r m o n t C y n i c

Visit us online

w w w. v e r m o n t c y n i c . c o m

two week suspension from Mar 10 to Mar 24 and 150 community service hours to be completed as a team.

The incident was labelled

by SGA as “bullying and harassment.”

“As every freshman does, I signed up for everything the first week,” Rackliff said. “The frisbee emails got pretty repetitive though.”

Rackliff said he tried emailing the director of the frisbee team, but was then unable to get off the listserv.

“I was having a really bad day one day and sent an email out saying, ‘Take me off this,’” Rackliff said. “After asking a few times they still haven’t. I am not the only one, now people who ask are being harassed by the people in charge.”

Sophomore Brandon Hayden also asked to be taken off the list Feb 14, two days after Rackliff, according to public records.

The response from frisbee team went as followed.

“Well, I’d like a million dollars,” the response said. “Maybe a trip to San Diego. Sex with Scarlett Johansson and cheese for the rest of my life. Twisted Tea for days. Nipples, clits and jiggly tits. But I’m not bitchin now am I? Shut up. Sit down.

Wa t c h C y n i c V i d e o

See FRISBEE on page 3

w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / c y n i c v i d e o

2

N EWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2014

SGA updates budget program Staff Report UVM clubs were recently greeted with change as SGA leaders innovated the way in which they perform budget allocations.

In the summer of 2013 a “core group” of SGA leaders joined together and noticed a “problem” in the way they were allocating their money to the various clubs on campus, SGA Treasurer Josh Barry said.

The new Responsibility Center of Management, or RCM model, now asks clubs to report their core mission, justify what they would be spending money on and what they need to operate successfully, Barry said.

“Josh Barry led this whole process, he’s a genius with this stuff,” SGA President Connor Daley said. “He was the one who came up with this RCM model with other SGA leaders.”

This model gives the SGA a better idea of where money is needed. Then the SGA can “fully fund what would cause clubs to have the most success throughout their time at UVM,” Barry said.

“Club leaders are really receptive to it,” Daley said.

The system requires clubs to fundraise between 5 and 15 percent of the amount that they request, Barry said.

“The only disadvantage is clubs that might not be as motivated to do the work,” Barry said.

In the old “Incremental”

Ben Plotzker Senior Staff Writer

JONATHAN POLSON The Vermont Cynic

SGA President and senior Connor Daley explains the idea of Responsibility Center of Management (RCM) in the Davis Center March 10. RCM is a new budget model implemented by SGA for UVM clubs. model, clubs would submit the same annual budget and the same amount would consistently be allocated to them even if no activity or member change occurred, Daley said.

“The old system was just that, it was the old system,” Daley said. “It was the way that things have always been done.”

The former model made it difficult for the SGA to gauge what clubs actually needed.

This allowed the student government to not listen to what the clubs needed.

As a result, all clubs had to

70%

of EXECUTIVES THINK ToDAY’S GRADS ARE NOT PREPARED. THE oTHEr 30% HaVE mET a BEnTLEy grad.

At Bentley University, we’ve developed an MBA program specifically for young professionals looking to jumpstart their career.

Our EmErging LEadErs mBa program delivers real-world experience through a Business Process Management field project, Corporate Immersion class and a 10-day international Global Business Experience — so you’ll be 100% prepared to make immediate contributions upon being hired.

To learn more, visit BEnTLEy.Edu/graduaTE

Fuel spill at theatre

do was ask for more money, and inflate their budgets, Daley said.

“The idea is to not let any more money go wasted,” said sophomore Matt Iacobucci, men’s crew treasurer.

“We use every penny every year. Crew is a very expensive sport; we have a pretty high operating budget. So that wasn’t too much of a concern, but we do have to watch out for when we’re requesting too much money,” he said.

With the change in model, budget requests are down by

over $1 million, Barry said.

“The clubs really took to the model and made it work. Having $1 million less in requests means that we were actually about to allocate more money to where it was needed,” he said. “For the first time we were actually able to allocate almost 65 percent of what clubs requested.”

Watch Cynic Video Visit us online to see video exclusive coverage of the responsibility centered management model, SGA’s new budgeting model that affects everyone in a club. www.youtube.com/cynicvideo

UVM students walking to and from campus Feb. 26 were met with a unexpected detour as an oil spill filled the roadway in front of Royall Tyler Theatre.

The CatAlert sent to the UVM community stated “Fuel Spill on the roadway in front of the RTT. Buses and foot traffic are re-routed. Avoid Immediate area until advised.”

The scene had a fuel tanker and four environmental cleanup workers in yellow hazmat suits.

“Roughly 100 gallons of oil spilled onto a concrete platform,” said Enrique Corredera, University Communications director.

The vehicle was carrying No. 6 heating fuel, used by UVM to serve about 3.7 million square feet, according to UVM Physical Plant’s energy fact sheet.

“Due to the swift actions

by Physical Plant and Environmental Health and Safety employees, assisted by EnPro, the spill was quickly contained and limited to a small area with no environmental impact,” Corredera said.

“I think it’s very irresponsible that the spill happened in the first place,” senior Tori Houston said. “I’m glad it was handled promptly, but it is concerning that the material is so hazardous.”

The Cynic Investigates drug abuse on campus: Part one

Email cites increased drug use Alexander Collingsworth Staff Writer

In an email titled “Student Wellness,” President Thomas Sullivan expressed his concern that UVM students drink alcohol and use drugs “too much.”

In an interview with the Cynic, Sullivan said that his concerns were “heartfelt” and that it seemed that excessive drinking and marijuana use were on the rise at the University.

“I have become increasingly concerned about a very real threat to the health and success of our community — specifically the degree to which our students engage in the high risk use of alcohol, marijuana [and prescription medications],” Sullivan’s email stated.

SGA senator first-year Savanna Miller said that she admired Sullivan’s sincere concern for the community.

“There’s an ambulance around my dorm every weekend,” she said.

First-year Sarang Murthy said he believed that stricter rules were not the way to go.

“Telling them it’s bad to drink will cause them to drink in a riskier manner,” he said.

“They will not enjoy a beer, they will chug it.”

The email set out the administration’s approach for dealing with the perceived threat.

Sullivan cited Vice Provost Annie Stevens and UVM’s health improvement program team with sharing the information they gathered.

The information regarded the trends and impacts of drinking and drug use with the University community.

Sullivan said he will also appoint a task force to work on fixing the perceived problem.

“Subsequently, during this semester, I will appoint a campus-wide task force of students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni to begin to address these issues broadly and effectively,” he said.

SGA president Connor Daley said that he thinks Sullivan’s concerns were valid, but that the email may have been ineffective.

“I expressed to President Sullivan that the email itself was probably not read by too many people,” he said.

In February there were about 39 alcohol related incidents on campus, according to UVM police services crime and fire log for the month.

These 39 cases included DUI’s, students possessing alcohol in their dorm rooms, disorderly conduct and public in-

toxication, according to the log.

There were about 26 cases of drug possession or apparent drug use reported by police services, according to the reports.

Sullivan has also said that there had been a “big problem” with prescription drugs in December 2013.

A recent issue of the Water Tower featured a front page open letter to Preisdent Sullivan written by senior Cole Burton. In the article Burton took issue with Sullivan’s words.

Daley said he thinks that the Water Tower article was not beneficial.

“I think the connotation that fun and excitement is totally related to alcohol and drug use is extremely disturbing and disgusting,” he said.

Sophomore Grace Yasewicz said she thinks that Burton’s letter was an unnecessary backlash against the administration’s concerns.

“When someone is reaching out asking, ‘How can we help you?’ kids take it so personally,” she said. “They fail to recognize that this is bigger than someone telling you not to do something.”

Read the full story at www. vermontcynic.com.

n ews

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2014

Protest

Students arrested in D.C. after opposing the XL Keystone Pipeline

...continued from page 1

The protest featured a march from Georgetown University campus to the White House, speeches on the implications of the pipeline and an acted out oil spill demonstration.

The protest ended with the occupation of the White House fence and sidewalk until arrest, according to XLDissent.org.

The protest urged President Barack Obama to consider his previous commitment to environmental policy and reject the pipeline’s construction, according to XLDissent.org.

The protestors were arrested on the charge of “blocking passage” and were faced with a collateral fine of $50, Sgt. Lelani Woods of the U.S. park police said.

To “block passage” means to “impede” other visitors of the area from “viewing the north side of the White House and from walking on the sidewalk,” Woods said.

“If you are going to get arrested, don’t get arrested for dealing crack, get arrested in service to the community and the planet,” Williams said.

Frisbee ...continued from page 1

“That’s the best way to get arrested.”

Canada’s National Energy Board plans to have the 263 mile long pipeline that currently carries “light crude oil” from Maine through Vermont to Montreal to now transport a heavier oil extracted from tar sands.

The line travels 1,179 miles from the Canadian province of Alberta through eight American states, according to a March 6 article from VTDigger.

Fuel derived from the tar sands extractions creates 17 percent more greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuel, according to a March 5 article in VTDigger.

The board recently hired the Canadian energy company, Enbridge, to reverse the flow of this crude oil, according to the articles.

Each day 300,000 barrels of the heavy oil would move east to two Quebec refineries.

This number is up from the previous 240,000 barrels per day that were transported in the opposite direction, according to the VTDigger articles.

The concern that most Ver-

Only two of the seven people who replied to Rackliff were active team members, BotkinLevy said.

“One of the two is currently living in Russia and the other currently lives in Burlington, but neither one was with us in San Diego,” he said.

Botkin-Levy said that because of this, he believed that the punishment should not involve the whole team.

SGA treasurer senior Joshua Barry disagreed with this sentiment.

“The whole point of a team is facing things together,” he said.

March 1 3:31 p.m.

A call came into police services about someone entering one of the cottages on Trinity Campus through a window.

PHOEBE SHEEHAN The Vermont Cynic

Protesters stand outside the White House March 2. UVM students joined with others to speak out against the Keystone XL pipeline. mont students and local residents find with the plan is that these heavier tar sand oils may lead to leaks in the 30-inch, 63-year-old, the article stated.

If an oil spill were to occur along the Vermont portion of the pipeline, the results would be devastating, said Jim Murphy, senior council member of the National Wildlife Federation in a public statement.

A spill would impact Vermont water supplies, our wildlife habitat and the tourism industry, he said.

The sanction also stated that by April 1 the team must have to host two guest speakers, one on the subject of hazing and the other on harassment.

All club members will have to attend this event and the cost will come from the team’s fundraised account, according to SGA. “I didn’t want to get anyone in trouble, but you can’t say things like that where everyone can see them,” Rackliff said.

Botkin-Levy has formally apologized to Rackliff in an email and has also sent out a statement to presidents and

WHAT’S MORE

IMPRESSIVE GRADUATES. THAN OUR STATS? OUR

At Quinnipiac University, our students are our main focus. It’s why we offer graduate degrees in fields ranging from business to health sciences. It’s also why Quinnipiac was ranked among the top master’s-level universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report and first in the northern region in U.S. News’ Up-and-Coming Schools category.

To find out how Quinnipiac can help you succeed in your career, call 1-800-462-1944, e-mail graduate@quinnipiac.edu or visit www.quinnipiac.edu/gradprograms.

1-800-462-1944 | Hamden & North Haven, Connecticut

CRIME LOG Lauren Drasler Staff Writer

The transport of this crude oil through the state “contradicts all of our state’s work on moving toward cleaner sources of energy,” Murphy said.

More than 12 local Vermont communities voted against the pipeline plan on Town Meeting Day March 4.

The towns included Albany, Barton, Glover, Hartland, Jay, Richmond, Sheffield, Stannard, Strafford, Sutton, Westmore and Wheelock, according to VTDigger.

Men’s Frisbee eam sanctioned by SGA for reported “harrassment”

And get twisted you fools.”

The emails were written from the team’s official email, frisbee@uvm.edu.

The team was attending a competition at the time that the thread of emails occurred, team captain Micah BotkinLevy said.

“Apparently the A team was in San Diego so I guess the B team, or whoever didn’t go to San Diego was emailing me back,” Rackliff said.

The email was replied to with many inappropriate comments, according to public records.

3

captains of the various UVM clubs across campus proclaiming his apology to all.

The emails were forwarded to UVM police services and are currently under investigation, according to public records.

Despite the team’s punishment, they still competed during spring break at an event with the women’s team.

UVM email correspondences are subject to the Vermont Public Records Act. The act does protect individual student information.

Education

Nursing

Elementary Secondary Educational Leadership Teacher Leadership*

Arts & Sciences

Communications Interactive Media** Journalism Public Relations

Law Medicine Health Sciences Anesthesiologist Assistant Biomedical Sciences Cardiovascular Perfusion Occupational Therapy (post-professional)* Pathologists’ Assistant Physician Assistant Radiologist Assistant

Molecular & Cell Biology Social Work

Business Information Technology* MBA** MBA-CFA® Track (Chartered Financial Analyst) MBA/HCM (Health Care Management)** MBA-SCM (Supply Chain Management) MBA/JD (Joint degree in business and law) Organizational Leadership* * Program offered only online ** Program offered on campus or online

Apparently the caller had talked to the person who was trying to enter the building and the person said to the caller that he/she had left something in the building previously.

When police arrived, officers searched the building and found nothing suspicious. However, they did lock a window that was unlocked prior to their arrival.

March 6 4:44 p.m.

Police services was contacted after an employee reported that a bat was flying around his/her office in Old Mill on Central Campus.

Police were able to locate the office, and the bat was evicted from the premises.

No further incident was reported.

9:49 p.m.

A student was expelled from a hockey game by police services due to alcohol intoxication. The student had been drinking, but was not to the level of needing detox.

He/she was asked to leave the game after an officer noticed that the student was intoxicated.

Classifieds 4 bedrooms 307 Pearl Street $2800 close to campus and downtown with parking email myr300@cs.com

Stuido 307 Pearl Street $850 close to campus and downtown with parking email myr300@ cs.com 2 bedroom 307 Pearl Street $1350 close to campus and downtown with parking email myr300@cs.com

Tommy’s Column

NOLA Mardi Gras: My crazy vacation Tommy Gambino Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, in New Orleans is like stepping into another dimension.

You get off the plane, with only the potential idea of what you’re getting yourself into.

Luckily for me, I was able to visit a few friends that go to Tulane University for this year’s celebration.

It was midnight the night before the official day when I landed, nearly impossible to get a cab, but thankfully I saw someone paying their fair and exiting a nearby cab.

With my luck I jumped right in and was greeted with a warm “NOLA welcome,” as the cabbie called it.

“Hey my friend, welcome!

This is the biggest party in the world! You’re lucky you got my cab, peoplecan wait for days ,” he said.

I chuckled and gave him the name of the bar where I was meeting my friends, “The Boot.”

The line to the bar was packed, overflowing into the house right across the street.

It seemed as if the house was a waiting room to get in line for the bar.

Streets were closed and happy people were everywhere; the tone was set.

In the crammed bar, the bouncer was shoving people in trying to maintain a certain sense of “capacity.”

No one was pushing or fighting. NOLA during Mardi Gras is a “lovely” place.

“TOMMY!” I heard someone yell my name and I was greeted by my friends.

We called it a night around 5 a.m. as we could see the sun starting to rise.

Fried Chicken sandwiches with tangy sauce, drippig in a delicious spicy, sweet, Cajun mix started off the day.

Then I arrived at a “dayger” – a day raging party – not knowing anyone, yet I left at the end with 10 random numbers of my new “best friends.”

Around 5 p.m. it was time to head over to one of the 10 parade sites where you stand drinking a few cold sodas as you watch the parade floats flow by.

Constructed in the shape of boats, these floats went by with men wearing disguises head to toe, which I was later told was “to cover up their identity.”

I had the wonderful fortune to talk to a local, whose name I didn’t catch. He explained the get-ups to me.

They cover up their identity because they are the ones who “created such mayhem in the city,” he said.

“It is the last day before lent, in the Catholic tradition. A time when everyone remembers the 40 days Jesus went into the desert. We do this to reflect upon our sins. But Fat Tuesday you go wild,” he said.

Tommy Gambino is a junior English major. He has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2012.

Launch your international career through Peace Corps service

PEACE CORPS AT UVM Tuesday, March 18

INFORMATION SESSION

4:30pm to 6:30pm Dean’s Conference Room Morrill Hall

Life

New chocolate style Hannah Lees Assistant Life Editor A new, award winning chocolate maker has arrived in Burlington and will be sure to make your mouth water.

Blue Bandana Chocolate Maker, owned and founded

by Eric Lampman has already won two “Good Food Awards” this year.

The shop moved into South End Kitchen located on Pine Street in January.

The company is owned

by Lake Champlain Chocolates but serves a very different purpose.

Lake Champlain Chocolates is a confectionary, while Blue Bandana Chocolate is simply a chocolate maker, Lampman said.

“I love Lake Champlain Chocolates, I can only imagine Blue Bandana Chocolate is amazing too,” junior Abigail Cook said.

Blue Bandana is founded on the principles of “quality, transparency, taste of place and the craft process,” according to their Facebook page.

Cocoa beans are rare in the U.S., so Lampman said he gets them, along with much of his inspiration, through his travels.

“Some of the trips have purely been exploratory— trying to learn what the state of cocoa is in the country or region, at the producer level,” he said.

“Other elements are trying to find a bean flavor profile and quality that I like, and is right for Blue Bandana Chocolate Maker,” Lampman said.

BECCA ADAMS The Vermont Cynic

A Blue Bandana Chocolate Maker employee grinds cocoa at their shop on Pine Street Feb. 27. They produce single-source chocolates.

Blue Bandana works closely with farms in Guatamala. Many of Lampman’s trips to Guatamala were to connect face-to-face with those who farmed the cocoa beans for the company.

Lampman said he hopes this model of transparency and connection to the entire supply chain will be an example for the future of chocolate making.

“It is interesting to see

Bikers swipe sidewalks Meghan Ingraham Cynic Correspondent The slender, two wheeled contraptions, known as bicycles, are taking over Burlington, Vt. “We like to see bikes as not just recreational tools but as a primary method for transportation,” said Nancy Shulz, executive director of

the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition.

“I definitely think more people should bike on campus,” sophomore Julia Ursaki said.

Ursaki said she has had a bike ever since she first came to UVM last year.

“It makes getting to class so much easier,” she said.

Biking is not only an ef-

Learn more from UVM Peace Corps representative Sierra Poske! peace.corps@uvm.edu

Peace Corps peacecorps.gov - 855.855.1961

how much goes into the making of a chocolate bar,” junior Danielle Allendorf said. “It gives you a higher level of appreciation for the product.”

Lampman said he hopes to see a new dimension of chocolate culture in Burlington, a continued participation with the world’s cocoa producers and a “positive impact at the community and farmer level.”

KRISTA CANTRELL The Vermont Cynic

First-year Jeremiah Merritt fixes his bike near Simpson Hall Feb. 20. Cycling is becoming a popular mode of transportation at UVM.

fective transportation system; it is also a healthier alternative to driving.

“Biking can reduce obesity and chronic disease,” Shultz said.

Cycling can also be a beneficial transportation alternative for the environment.

“How many transportation modes can you say use no carbon footprint at all?

Well biking has none,” Shulz said.

However, some residents complain of confrontations with cyclers.

“I’ve seen plenty of incidents where bikers ride by and almost knock someone over,” Ursaki said.

Although there are hazards involved in this activity, the benefits seem to greatly outweigh the costs, accordig to some locals.

“I don’t think that percentage of times that biking accidents occur should encourage the state to outlaw biking,” Shulz said.

“There are just too many benefits to cycling.”

S p ectac le

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2014

5

Spectacle a look through the lens Magic Hat Brewing Company hosted the 19th annual Mardi Gras parade downtown March 1. The parade began on the corner of South Winooski and Main Street and ended at Battery Park.

PHOTOS BY Drew Cooper

The Best of Burlington Every year the Vermont Cynic presents a Best of Burlington issue where we highlight the best of what this town has to offer. But we need your help.

Please fill out our survey below and write in your favorite places around town. Then please return this form to the Vermont Cynic office on the first floor of the Davis Center by Friday, March 21 or vote online at www.vermontcynic.com. Participants will be entered to win a prize.

ON-CAMPUS Best fraternity

OFF-CAMPUS EATING Best breakfast place

Best sorority

Best sandwich

Best dorm to live in

Best bagel

Best secret study spot Best professor Best on-campus bathroom Best unlimited dining Best points dining Most attractive building Best food truck on University Place

Best late night food

Best bar food Best food cart on church street

Best burger

OFF-CAMPUS ATTRACTIONS

Best thrift shop

Best beach

Best place to go if your parents are paying

Best local bookstore

Best non-profit

Best sushi

Best place to buy outdoor gear/apparel

Best farmer’s market vendor

Best ski/snowboard shop

Best up-and-coming artist

Best grocery store

Best local artist

Best jewelry store

Best ski/snowboard mountain

Best bakery

Best cheap eats Best place to go on a date

OFF-CAMPUS STORES

OFF-CAMPUS DRINKS Best coffee shop

Best piercing/tattoo shop Best pizza

Best weekly drink special

Best hiking spot Best clothing store

Best Mexican food

Best local beer Best shoe store

Best place if you’re a vegan or vegetarian Best Chinese food

Best Church Street performer

Best bar Best concert venue Best tea place

Best ice cream/creemee Your name:

Thanks for voting!

Winners will be announced in our Best of Burlington issue on stands April 2.

ARTS

Artistic alum display in DC Becca Friedlander Staff Writer

ALEXA ALGIOS The Vermont Cynic

Students dance during Springfest on the Chittenden-Buckham-Wills green April 21, 2012. The hip-hop group Atmosphere will be headlining the UPB hosted Springfest along with RAC and Tanlines April 26.

SpringFest

Atmosphere and others picked to perform

...continued from page 1

the performers would cater to a wide variety of students.

“Last year a lot of the energy was in the first two acts, and I think that this year it will be a lot of energy all the way through,” McVarish said. “We did try to get some diversity between [the acts] to try to appeal to everyone.”

SpringFest 2013, which featured MGMT as the main act, sold out before the day of the show. This year seems to have UVM students eager as

studio albums under their belt, with an eighth, entitled “Southsiders,” due to drop May 6.

“I’m like uber stoked to finally get to see my main man Slug, live and in the flesh,” junior Hunter Jakupko said.

“GodLovesUgly is pretty much the theme song to my life. Ugly people unite!”

In addition to attempting to bring something different to the concert table every year, UPB also wanted to ensure that

well, based on their positive feedback.

“I absolutely cannot wait to see Atmosphere,” sophomore Alyssandra Tobin said. “I usually hate bugs, but I love Slug and Ant.” Tickets for this year’s show are available at Flynntix.org as well as in the UVM Bookstore.

The tickets will be priced at $10 for UVM students, $20 for other college students and $30 for the general public.

BUSINESS AT RENSSELAER

WHAT’S NEXT? Have you considered The Lally School of Management at RPI for a graduate business degree? We offer five specialized master’s programs at our Troy, New York campus:

Two years removed from his time at UVM, multimedia artist Nyiko Beguin has created a portfolio that ranges in mediums from film and music to painting and photography, all while working his day job as a banker.

His stage name, NYIKO, is taken from the language of the Shangaan people of South Africa and means “gift.”

Beguin said both his art and music have developed over the years to compliment each other.

His latest album, “Always Always,” even comes with an art book attached.

Beguin’s exhibit “Erase Head” will be on display at UVM from March 11 through April 9.

The opening reception will be held March 12 in the Livak Fireplace Lounge inthe Davis Center. His work can also be found at Nyiko. com.

Vermont Cynic (VC): What can we expect to see from your work that is being displayed at UVM? Nyiko Beguin (NB): These paintings are a series of paintings that explore the concept of time and perceptions by obsolete media formats.

What is the origin of and the real function of something if someone is perceiving it in a different way? It’s mostly VHS tapes, vinyl and cassette tapes.

VC: What first inspired you to make art?

NB: I grew up in a community in southern New Hampshire with artists and I started making music at seven years old. It was not a conscious thought, it just started happening because it was available to me.

I started on a serious and time-consuming level in high school when I started repurposing plastic and other formats that aren’t standard canvas.

VC: What are some struggles you have faced as an artist?

NB: The biggest struggle is balancing being able to do artwork while also being a person who generates income for himself.

I work in banking and it’s a very different world than the art industry. The hardest thing is to tap into the creative side after spending all day in the sterile side of life.

It’s also exciting because it keeps me on my toes.

Working in that way I think is really valuable and I take some of the things I do in my day job or artwork whether it’s conscious or not.

VC: How do you think your art has changed?

NB: I think that it started out as a representation of scenes or objects that are recognizable like an animal, a person or a landscape.

It has become more abstract. I think some might be more emotional and less of replicating what I’m seeing.

VC: What has been your most challenging project?

NB: The most difficult project that I’ve ever done was a painting assignment in a course at UVM. When you create an image and then you replicate that image by painting it, it’s a great thing and I think you should be able to do it, but it’s definitely the most time consuming and the least inspiring at times.

“Erase Head” has been challenging in the time that I spend on it. It might even be more challenging to switch gears after work like that.

VC: What do you think about the art scene in Burlington? Has the community influenced your art?

NB: It’s a great art scene and very supportive to artists. [Burlington has] a lot going on as a variety of young artists that are still really exploring and then more established artists that have been in the community for many years.

I had the opportunity to intern at Burlington City Arts, which was very valuable to me as an artist and to someone working in business.

- M.S. in Business Analytics - M.S. in Financial Engineering & Risk Analytics - M.S. in Management - M.S. in Supply Chain Management - M.S. in Technology Commercialization & Entrepreneurship

$75 Fee Waived for Fall 2014 Applicants Tuition Scholarships Available Limited GMAT Fee Waivers Available PHOTO COURTESY OF NYIKO BEGUIN

lallyschool.rpi.edu | lallyms@rpi.edu | (518) 276-6565

Alumni Nyiko Beguin poses for a photo. He is a multimedia artist whose work will be on display in the Davis Center until April 9.

A RTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2014

7

Band of brothers keeping it rough Sarah Stickle Staff Writer The smell of body odor filled the air and a half-full beer can flew across the room unnoticed by crowd members as they danced and sang along with local band Rough Francis at their record release show at Arts Riot March 7.

“Grimey but classy,” senior Eric Ziegelman said of the show. “[Rough Francis] is so genuine and humble and we gave it to ‘em. These guys are doing something.”

Ziegelman said he joined the 40-person mosh pit in front of the stage for much of the show, punching the air and “thrashing with the best of them.”

Any time a mosher was thrown to the ground someone quickly scooped him or her up to safety.

Between songs lead singer Bobby Hackney Jr. called out from the stage, “ya’ll taking care of each other out there?”

Hackney classified the band as the “line between punk and rock,” referencing ‘80s hardcore and ‘60s style guitar rock as influences.

Hackney and his two

SARAH STICKLE The Vermont Cynic

Members of the band Rough Francis play at Arts Riot March 7. They are a local band formed by three brothers in 2008. Their music is inspired by the ‘80s punk-rock that their father’s band would play. younger brothers, Julian and Urian, started the band as a tribute to their father and two uncles’ band, “Death.”

Since then they have gone on to write and record their own original music.

A documentary entitled “A Band Called Death” was

released in 2012 to tell their family’s story.

“The cool thing was when all of us found out about ‘Death’ at the same time,” Hackney said.

“It was really the first time we were able to relate to each other as adults. It made the bond a lot stron-

ger,” he said.

Though only three of Rough Francis’ members are blood-related, Hackney said they’re all brothers.

“They’re pretty much the only people I hang out with,” he said.

Urian and Julian both work day jobs in the produce

department at City Market, while Bobby carries two jobs with Meals on Wheels and as a graphic designer at Seven Days.

Though Hackney has two young children and a wife at home, he said that he finds time for the “regular brotherly stuff.”

The guys from Rough Francis can often be found together grabbing a drink or supporting friends in other local bands.

While Hackney cites many important factors in the band’s dynamic and friendships, he said that being brothers is “really important.”

“We all take care of each other. We pick on each other a lot but it’s all out of love and respect. We try to do right by each other and have fun together,” he said.

Rough Francis will be touring in support of their new album “Maximum Soul Power” throughout March.

Dates and details are available at www.roughfrancis. com.

The band can also be found on the Rough Francis Facebook page and by checking out @RoughFrancis on Twitter.

Cynical Listener

“CULT” hits home Jessica Schwartz Fans of the punk-rock band Bayside were happily surprised Feb. 10 when the band decided to stream their heavily anticipated sixth studio album, “CULT,” early on Pandora Premieres.

In an interview with Hopeless Records, lead vocalist Anthony Raneri said, “CULT, in a way, is the Bayside discography without using any old songs.”

This statement is proven right from the start with album opener “Big Cheese,” introducing listeners to the familiar pounding drums from Chris Guglielmo, the shredding opening guitar solo from Jack O’Shea and catchy vocals from Raneri.

Bayside has always been able to channel their personal conflicts into their music but it is impossible to ignore the strong emotional themes in “CULT.” With songs “Hate Me,” “Pigsty” and “You’re No Match,” Raneri spills his anger into dark, yet relatable lyrics.

“Pigsty” starts off immediately with the words “Your name is dirt and I’ve got

you under my nails,” introducing a villain for fans to compare to someone in their own lives.

As the album proceeds, the anger is replaced with sorrow and understanding, especially in “Transitive Property” when Raneri sings “and when we fight there’s still a way, ‘cause you’re my rock if I’m still yours.”

Bayside keeps the album strong with “Stuttering” as a middle track, an anthem for an angsty middle-schooler, as well as a graduating college student.

At this point in the album fans cannot fathom how it could get better, but “Bear With Me” proves them wrong with clever and catchy lyrics that you end up screaming with by the middle of the song.

The band takes it down a notch with their heartwrenching track “Objectivist on Fire,” which displays the softer side of Bayside.

The album then quickly reverts back with heavy opening instrumentals and a powerful chorus in the last track “The Whitest Lie,” which will leave you wanting to immediately re-listen to the entire album.

Jessica Schwartz is a senior public communications major. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2011.

Wash Spot Laundromat OPEN 24 HOURS 7 DAYS/WK 207 Riverside Ave, Burlington Next to Newton’s Carwash, 1/2 Mile from UVM

Will match any value put on Wash Card OVER $20 and up to a $50 Match with student I.D. See website for details.

STUDENTS MUST EMAIL US FOR THE MATCH TO BE MADE TO YOUR WASH CARD High Extraction Washers = Less Dry time 8 Load Washers - $10.39 5 Load Washers - $6.19 3 Load Washers - $3.54 2 Load Washers - $2.14 Wash-Dry-Fold Service FREE Wi-Fi (bring your laptops) Accepts Credit and Debit Cards www. thewashspot.com

clean@thewashspot.com

Opinion EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Natalie Williams cynic@uvm.edu

802-656-0337

Managing Editor Taylor Feuss

cynicnewsroom@gmail.com

Arts

Aidan Dolbashian

cynicartseditor@gmail.com

Copy Chief

Elizabeth Bengel

cyniccopychief@gmail.com

Design

Aviva Loeb

layout.cynic@gmail.com

Distractions

Laurel Saldinger

cynicdistractions@gmail.com

Life

Danielle Goglia

cyniclifeeditor@gmail.com

Interim News Mike Eaton

cynicnews@gmail.com

Opinion

Josh Gachette

cynicopinion@gmail.com

Photo

Phoebe Sheehan

cynicphoto@gmail.com

Social Media Olivia Stewart

socialcyniceditor@gmail.com

Sports

Stu Laperle

cynicsportseditor@gmail.com

Video

Cory Dawson

cynicvideo@gmail.com

Web

Emma Murphy

vermontcynicweb@gmail.com

STAFF Assistant Editors Matt Blanchard, Jacob Holzman, Hannah Kearns, Sasha Kedzie, Walker Sultzbach, Erin Lucey, Madeleine Trtan, Seth Wade

Page Designers Ashlin Ballif, Alana Luttinger, Collin Nealon, Vivian Nicastro, Anita Para, Irene Sue, Emily Tenander, Carter Williams

Copy Editors Emily Bergen, Felicia Chu, Hunter Colvin, Sarah Evans, Chris Leone, Mariah Noth, Morgan Safford, Caitlin Trimmer, Kelly Westhelle

OPERATIONS Operations Manager Spencer Reynolds

cynicoperations@gmail.com

Advertising/PR Manager Katie Zimmerman

cynicalads@gmail.com cynicpr@gmail.com

Illustration by Alison Staffin

SGA budget model still needs work STAFF EDITORIAL

This year SGA updated their budget model for clubs.

The responsibility center of management model, or RCM, requires clubs to request only their basic financial needs and justify all requests.

This is done through optional budget hearings and a more detailed budget request system where clubs must thoroughly explain where funds would be spent.

Clubs are also required to fundraise a percentage of their request to curb surplus budget requests.

In the past, clubs recognized that they would only receive a portion of their overall request, so they would often ask for around three times what they needed. As a result SGA would only be able to allocate limited finances in the wrong places because of the

excessive requests.

This led to a significant portion of club budgets left unspent.

For the 2014 fiscal year, clubs requested $3.24 million, yet SGA only had $1.2 million to allocate. This year clubs only requested $2.23 million with the new budget system with the same amount of money to allocate.

The new budget model is a huge improvement upon the old system in terms of overall effectiveness, however it has the ability to negatively impact clubs on the individual level.

While the new budget model encouraged clubs to request only the bare minimum, they still only received an average of 65 percent of their request.

If clubs only requested the minimum amount of money that they need to survive as a club, yet still only received an average

of 65 percent, then their club’s functions can suffer greatly.

The RCM budget model is a great improvement from the past, but it still is far from perfect since clubs are still only receiving a portion of their needs.

Clubs justifying their budgets is also an improvement since club signers cannot ask for excessive funds without reason. However this also means that the finance committee decides what clubs need based upon their own judgment.

The Cynic appreciates that the SGA finance committee is taking the time and effort to redesign the budget model in an effort to help the clubs.

We are very excited about the changes and that clubs are receiving a greater percentage of their needs, however it is still not a perfect system and could use some work.

Cynic staff quick opinions “I’m so stoked for the iditarod.”

- Aviva Loeb Design Editor

“The stairwells in Bailey-Howe smell like a Catholic school.”

- Olivia Stewart Social Media Editor

“Chuck Norris is 74-years-old as of the tenth.”

- Josh Gachette Opinion Editor

ADVISER Faculty Adviser Chris Evans

crevans@uvm.edu

Unsigned editorials officially reflect the views of the Cynic and its staff. All 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. Send letters to cynicopinion@gmail.com

First issue free, second issue 50 cents.

The Vermont Cynic 116 Dudley H. Davis Center 590 Main Street Burlington, Vt. 05405 802.656.0337 Advertising cynicalads@gmail.com 802.656.4412

Visit our website at www.vermontcynic.com 2012 Online Pacemaker 2011 Newspaper Pacemaker

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2014

Ensnared by the Care Net Dana Burns To the average UVM student, fliers advertising the pregnancy center, Care Net, are little more than one of the countless papers that they see and soon forget over the course of a day.

Care Net is a local Vermont pregnancy crisis center, located on Colchester Avenue, according to the center’s website.

The center has a presence on the campuses of both UVM and Burlington High School.

But to those familiar with the practices of Care Net and their ties to the increasingly vocal pro-life movement, it is a grim reminder that more than 40 years after Roe V. Wade, a woman’s right to choose is still in jeopardy.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers are evangelical Christian organizations that offer free “pregnancy tests and relationship counseling,” according to Care Net’s flier.

They operate under the illusion of being legitimate health centers, on par with well-established clinics such as Planned Parenthood.

However, unlike more objective organizations, their sole purpose is to further their religious message.

Furthermore they strive and deter young women from seeking abortion, regardless of individual wishes or personal circumstance.

Thus, by nature, their interests lie not in the complete council of young women, but in the advancement of their own

social and political agendas.

Care Net is guilty of a lot more than just being biased — they spread propaganda and, worse yet, blatantly false information opposing abortion.

For example, on their website Care Net suggests a tie between abortion and breast cancer.

However they lack to provide any evidence supporting this ridiculous claim.

Fliers obtained from a Care Net facility suggest a warped and overly-moralistic stance.

It stretches beyond just the abortion debate, with some of them condemning birth control and the morning after pill, while others preach abstinence.

One flier even claims that abortion can incite “uncontrollable rage” in men.

As if that were really a viable fact about this medical procedure. It is another claim that fails to be supported by fact on the center’s website.

But what is perhaps most disturbing about Care Net is the deceptive tactics it employs to coerce young women to visit its centers.

With its “cutesy” name and the promise of “confidential and nonjudgemental” treatment, Care Net paints the picture of a safe and doting environment.

“Based on the fliers, this definitely seems like a place I would go,” first-year Michelle Marin said. “They seem very nurturing.”

The organization’s fliers pay no mention to Care Net’s religious affiliation or staunch anti-abortion stance.

This leads the average observer to believe it is a legitimate and unbiased source of help.

Care Net’s presence at both

9

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A connector of people: To Avi Kurganoff To the UVM community.

UVM and Burlington High School is telling as well.

An unwanted pregnancy can be absolutely terrifying at these already vulnerable times in a young woman’s life, making her far more susceptible to Care Net’s propaganda.

Once inside the facility, women are subject to manipulative tactics — such as required ultrasounds and readings of religious literature that instill guilt and shame in those who may consider abortion.

Through this, these types of centers seek to undercut the law and restrict a woman’s right to choose.

Abortion is not the right choice for everyone.

But for proper guidance and care during a pregnancy one should seek objective and nonpartisan health centers such as Planned Parenthood.

Of course, Care Net does serve a purpose; if you feel brave, they are a source of drug store pregnancy tests and numerous fliers that offer outdated clipart, which are a laughable read.

Dana Burns is a first-year English major. She has been writing for the Cynic since spring 2014.

Campus voices What do you think of reproductive health care in Burlington? Do women have adequate access to care?

“I think it depends on the woman. At UVM, yeah. But I’m sure recent immigrants in the North End could get more support.”

- Junior Sam Grubinger “There is a lot of misinformation — especially from organizations like Care Net. They promote their own agenda, preying on vulnerable girls who think they’re stepping into a Planned Parenthood. They’re not providing options for girls who need help.”

- Junior Briana Kohlbrenner “There is always abundant access. Doctors can connect you with services. You just have to step into a doctor’s office and ask the right questions.”

- Junior Aya Al-Namee

Two years ago our sophomore son, Avi Kurganoff, passed away in his dorm room from an unwitnessed fall which cracked his skull.

At that time, the UVM community was so supportive of our family and we wanted to take the time to write you all and let you know you are still in our thoughts and prayers.

Avi led a fuller life in his 20 years than most of us lead in 80. He also constructed such an intricate web of friendships and love.

We were told by an incredible amount of people that Avi was their friend. Everyone on campus seemed to have known him. He was a connector of people. He was a lover of the world.

We hesitate to thank people individually as there are so many who touched Avi to his core and also allowed Avi to touch their core.

But we would like to thank the UVM administration, especially Annie Stevens, who took care of both our family’s needs and then also the community’s needs when putting together a beautiful memorial service.

John Abbott, faculty advisor and UVM Outdoor Program coordinator, a great mentor and friend to Avi who bent over backwards to allow our family to experience a little of Avi’s world.

The whole social work department, both students and staff and Dewey House students.

What can we say…we know that they would say that Avi helped them grow, but Avi found his voice being with them; everyone associated with the Outing Club, a true home for Avi, and the Catamountain Classic which you honor him with.

We’re sure there are people at UVM and in the Burlington community that we have no idea of, but we are thanking everyone.

And of course, we thank all of Avi’s friends for being there as he “wandered.” UVM was the perfect choice of college for Avi. Avi would have graduated this year (although, maybe not, as he was planning to take time off and find some adventures) and we want to heartfully communicate to everyone to stay in touch with us and visit when you are in or passing through the Chicago area.

It’s a comfort for us to hear stories of Avi, meet his friends and follow them on their adventures, imagining Avi there with them.

If you were friends with Avi, please connect with us through his Facebook page.

Sincerely and with love, Judy Mendel and Jorge Kurganoff

10

d i st r act i o n s

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 , 2014

Ways to beat the winter blues Words by Taylor Feuss Illustrations by Alison Staffin

Cold winter temperatures may make you want to curl up with tea and Netflix, but sticking to a workout plan is important for both your physical and mental health.

Exercise can aid in the avoidance of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), according to the WeightLossResources website.

Cardio exercise can help reduce body fat which can lead to a more positive body image and combat stress, according to the website.

Activities like yoga increase blood flow and emphasize breathing patterns, resulting in increased energy and immunity as well as reduced tension.

Consistent exercise can help to expel toxins built up from a full season of comfort food and drink, according to the website.

Setting goals is a vital component for making positive changes in your life.

The best way to do this is by setting “specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and timely goals,” according to Me-

diaPlanet.com.

Focusing on specific goals and behaviors that seem more realistic can help keep stress at bay and keep you on track, according to the website.

Don’t keep these goals to yourself. Being able to

discuss your goals with a friend or relative can give you a system of support to encourage you to excel on your path to a better you, according to the site.

Goals aren’t met overnight, so stay positive!

The winter breeze might make you want to stay inside and hibernate.

But studies show that this can lead to the depressive mood know as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

As humans, we need natural light and fresh air

to survive. These are two of the main components for combatting SAD, according to a study conducted by Dr. Mark Servis at University of California, Davis.

Taking a daily walk or choosing to sit outside

and enjoy a meal for a bit can drastically improve depressive symptoms, according to the study.

So get outside, go for a walk or hit the mountain and enjoy the fresh air.

It may seem small but creating a productive morning routine can benefit the rest of your day.

Positive habits can give “calmness to your day,” according to Parentables. com.

You don’t need yoga

to achieve this either, just making your bed at the start of each day can help clear your head, according to the website.

“The state of your bed is the state of your head,” according to the site.

A well made bed can

help improve sleeping habits and levels of productivity, according to Parentables.com.

So take that extra five minutes to fix your sheets because the more organized you feel the better your mood can be.

Sports

Catamounts advance to quarterfinals Emma Oyomba Staff Writer The No. 7 Catamounts slid past the No. 10 UMass Amherst Minutemen 2-1 in the first round of the Hockey East men’s championship March 7.

Senior Connor Brickley finished off the pass from senior Anthony DeCenzo with no more than a minute remaining to secure the game when UVM hosted the Minutemen.

The tally broke the tie between the teams and secured the Cats a spot in the tournament quarterfinals.

Sophomore Brody Hoffman had a solid night with 18 saves.

Hoffman kept the puck out of the goal, resulting in a scoreless first period.

In the second frame, however, Hoffman wasn’t able to shut out the visitors.

After battling through a scoreless opening period, UMass took a 1-0 lead with just over two minutes into the second period.

Hoffman denied the first attempt at the goal from UMass first-year Steven Iacobellis but was not expecting UMass junior Troy Power to come in and finish the play.

The Catamounts managed to bring down the Minutemen’s momentum with a shot from junior Michael Paliotta late in the second period.

Juniors Colin Markison and

JONATHAN POLSON The Vermont Cynic

First-year Mario Puskarich gets tied up in the corner with a Boston College defender during a game Feb 14. Since two previous losses to the Eagles, the Cats managed to win four out of five recent games and punched their ticket to the Hockey East quarterfinal game March 14.

Jake Fallon assisted in the goal.

The puck rushed passed UMass goalie, junior Steve Mastalerz, to tie the score at 1-1.

The teams battled but the score remained knotted for most of the third period and

into the closing minutes.

With just over one minute left in regulation play, Vermont came up with Brickley’s game winning shot.

DeCenzo got the puck behind the UMass net and passed it to Brickley outside the left

post.

Brickley’s shot trickled into the net, under the goalkeeper.

The Catamounts return to action in the Hockey East quarterfinals from March 14 to March 16.

The tournament is a best of

three series on the road in Lowell, Mass.

UVM will face off against No. 2 UMass Lowell.

The winner will earn a spot in the Hockey East semifinals at TD Garden in Boston March 21.

Athletes’ pre-game rituals Vt. falls to Albany in

America East Semi’s

Owen Parr Staff Writer Do superstitions and pregame rituals really give athletes a competitive edge over their opponents?

Many UVM student athletes would argue yes.

Different athletes have numerous superstitions and rituals that they will practice to give themselves what they believe is that little bit of extra edge that may or may not help them come game time.

Senior Nick Bruneteau is a defensemen for men’s varsity hockey team and has a few pregame rituals that he performs leading up to game day.

“I eat the same thing every pregame meal at 1 p.m., spit on my stick twice before every game and wear the same suitshirt-tie combo on a winning streak,” he said.

When asked if he was superstitious Bruneteau said, “Yes, if something works I won’t change it and I try to replicate it the exact same way as the previous game when we won.”

Junior forward Ashley McDonald was captain of the women’s varsity field hockey team this past season.

“One thing I do before every game is look for my parents in the stands,” McDonald said.

“If I look in the stands and I can’t find them, I start to get a bit anxious and it can throw my

Owen Parr Staff Writer

JONATHAN POLSON The Vermont Cynic

Senior forward Clancy Rugg battles under the hoop against three UMass Lowell defenders during a game Feb 12. UVM won 83-58. game off a bit,” she said.

Junior Jack Leclerc, the club football quarterback, said that he is also superstitious.

“If I play a great game and I’m wearing a certain pair of socks, then I’ll definitely be wearing those same socks in the next game,” Leclerc said.

Sophomore Steven Ushakov is a member of the club hockey team.

“My pre-game rituals go back to when I started playing varsity high school hockey,” Ushakov said. “I felt the need to develop rituals that I could rely on to keep my mental focus and level of play consistent once I hit the ice.”

First-year Ian McKay, midfielder on the men’s varsity la-

crosse team said he has his own rituals before every match.

“No one can touch my stick on game days. I also am the last one to leave the locker room and the last one to stand in line during the national anthem,” he said.

Superstitions and pregame rituals span from high school athletes all the way up to the pros.

Whether these rituals are actually helping their games is up for discussion but it doesn’t stop the athletes from trying.

No matter how big or small the game, these student athletes will always be doing their routines on game day to try and get the upper hand.

Catamount basketball fans were left experiencing deja vu for the second straight season as Vermont was ousted in the America East semifinals by the University of Albany 67-58 March 9.

The No. 4 Great Danes were on the receiving end of two previous losses to the No. 1 Catamounts who were riding an 11 game winning streak earlier this season by a total 40 points.

Albany sophomore guard Peter Hooley ‘stole the show’ scoring 26 points, 22 of which came in the first half.

Senior forward Gary Johnson followed Hooley with 17 points and finished the game with 13 boards.

The Cats found themselves playing catch-up the entire game and by the end of the first half trailed 35-19.

Senior Brian Voelkel, trying to follow up his triple-double in the quarterfinals against New Hampshire, found himself in foul trouble early on.

Voelkel ended the day with just 5 points and no assists.

UVM outscored the Great Danes 39-32 in the second half but could not find a way to erase their first half deficit.

Senior forwards Clancy Rugg and Luke Apfeld led the Catamounts with 13 points each.

The upset loss to Albany is not just the end of the season for the Catamounts. They are also now forced to say goodbye to a senior class that has brought coach John Becker and this program great success in recent years.

Many of the seniors were acknowledged for their success over the years.

Voelkel earned America East defensive player of the year, while seniors Sandro Carissimo and Clancy Rugg join Voelkel on the America East all-conference first team.

Coach Becker earned the America East coach of the year award. He has led his squad to an average 20 wins per season in his first three years at UVM, according to UVM athletics.

Rugg, Apfeld and Voelkel along with senior guards Candon Rusin, Josh Elbaum and Carissimo will hang up their numbers after the National Invitational Tournament starting March 18.

After a 20 plus win season and the loss of six seniors, juniors Hector Harold and Ryan Pierson will have to pick up where the outgoing class left off.

12

S PO RTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2014

UVM attackman starts season strong Armin Milak Cynic Correspondent As the men’s lacrosse season gets underway, one senior displays leadership and passion for his team that can’t be matched.

“As a leader of this team, I feel the guys look up to me, so I want to make sure that as an individual, I do things the right way,” senior Graham Horvath said.

Horvath said he looks to solidify his role as a leader and his team’s place in the conference playoffs.

Born in Essex Falls, N.J., Horvath transferred to UVM from Hofstra University after his sophomore year.

Horvath said he saw limited field action at Hofstra and decided it was best for his career to transfer to UVM. “I’m a very outdoorsy person so naturally I felt Vermont would be a great fit,” he said.

“Everyone here is welcoming and nice, so that made it a bit easier,” Horvath said.

His first year in the green and gold, Horvath quickly became one of the team’s best attackman and most prolific scorers.

“Graham’s impact is felt everyday at practice and during games,” captain junior Andrew Buckanavage said. “He is consistently our best shooter.”

Horvath started in all 14

Their next game is against Wagner College, March 15.

Graham Horvath

#50 Men’s Varsity Lacrosse Favorite Food: Chipotle Restaurant Favorite Music Artist: Gucci Mane Favorite TV Show: “Cops” Favorite Movie: “The Notebook” Place to Live When You Are Older: By the beach PHOTO COURTESY OF EVAN ROESER

games last season. He is currently the second leading scorer on the team, having earned 31 goals thus far. Horvath is also one of the leading point earners tallying 34 total.

Yet, he said he is determined to surpass these marks while making sure his team connects and builds chemistry, something he feels is vital for their success.

“Team wise, I would like to see all the guys mesh and come together,” Horvath said.

“But more importantly, I’d love to see us make the conference playoffs.”

Horvath believes that the team has improved this season, posting a 3-3 record to date.

This included a recent three game win streak where they outscored opponents by 20 goals.

In their win against Virginia Military Institute March 5, Horvath tallied six goals and one assist to lead the Catamounts to the 18-7 victory.

Just five games into this 14 game season, Horvath has piled up 12 total points, including 10 goals.

“We know we can rely on him to bury the big shot in a close game,” Buckanavage said.

Horvath has a passion for lacrosse with what he said is a strong desire to stay connected to the game throughout his life.

“Don’t have any set plans, no set jobs, but no matter what I do, I’d like to stay connected to the lacrosse community in some way,” he said.

Horvath believes the team is good enough to reach the playoffs this year, but that it “won’t be easy.”

DREW COOPER The Vermont Cynic

Senior Graham Horvath looks to pass against Providence College Feb 22. Horvath is tied for the team lead with 13 goals this season.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Weeknights until 8pm, Open Sundays

62 Merchants Row Panera Bread Building Williston 802-872-2800

570 Shelburne Road Shaws Plaza South Burlington 802-651-1000

Like us on Facebook to learn about specials!

Like us at ‘Supercuts of South Burlington’