Longwood University Digital Commons @ Longwood University

Rotunda Library, Special Collections, and Archives

11-25-2019

Rotunda - Vol 98, no. 12 - Nov 25, 2019

Longwood University

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/rotunda

Recommended Citation Longwood University, "Rotunda - Vol 98, no. 12 - Nov 25, 2019" (2019). Rotunda. 2234. https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/rotunda/2234

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Library, Special Collections, and Archives at Digital Commons @ Longwood University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Rotunda by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Longwood University. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. The ROTUNDA Scoping out door-buster deals since 1920

INVOKING CHANGE

NEWS PAGE 3 Panel discusses university plans to diversify its campus

FEATURES PAGE 4 Reflection on the ancestry of African-Americans in the U.S.

SPORTS PAGE 11 MBB adjusts to new change NOVEMBER 25, 2019 to major part of offense VOL 98. ISSUE 12 JESS BOGGS | THE ROTUNDA 02 NEWS TheRotundaOnline.com

EDITORIAL BOARD 2019 In SGA Swearing in of newly elected TJ WENGERT editor-in-chief officials, international ANGELI LEONG student presentation managing editor by Allison Turner | Assistant News Editor | @allisonkturner n this week’s Student [email protected] for JEFF HALLIDAY, CLINT WRIGHT, ASHLEY Government Association more information. JONES & DR. ALEC HOSTERMAN (SGA) meeting, two new In the President’s Report organizational advisers I students were sworn into office. with Haleigh Pannell, she SGA President Haleigh Pannell encouraged the senate to bring NEWS ROTUNDA STUDIOS officiated the proceedings as more awareness to the Virtual ALLISON TURNER ELLIE STUCK Executive Senator for Senate Open Forum option and urges assistant editor staff ADDIE CLARKE Relations Shauna Smyre and students to take advantage of it. A&E staff Residential and Commuter Life Virtual Open Forum is SUTTON REEKES JACOB DILANDRO Representative Ashley Webb a platform where students staff editor LIAM WELLS took the oath. can share their thoughts LEDANIEL JACKSON staff staff The students will now assume and ideas with the Senate JENN HALL RYAN CROW their roles after being sworn in without physically attending staff staff NICK LIONE and will begin their positions the meeting. Students can staff effective immediately. access the forum by going to OPINIONS AIYSHANTI GREEN Dr. Deborah Westin, director longwoodsga.com or clicking TAIYA JARRETT staff assistant editor DYLAN MCKERCHER of the English Language Bridge the link in the senate’s social DAVINA APPLEWHITE staff Program, and an international media bios. staff social media staff student, Caroline, came to In the Vice President’s Report LAYOUT Senate to share what life is like with Catherine Swinsky, she LAUREN QUEZADA SPORTS assistant editor as an international student. shared updates on the food KURT MARTIN MASON VEST Currently, Longwood has options on and around campus. editor staff international students from Swinsky said that the fruit in editor-in-chief pro-tempore MELANIE LEWIS PATRICK SANDERSON staff various countries such as Japan, the dining hall will soon be assistant editor Italy, Canada and Portugal. switched to all-frozen as it will NICK ROBINSON PHOTO Westin said the reason that no longer be in season, and they staff TAYLOR O’BERRY editor students come to Longwood are looking into getting gluten- COPY BRANDON CHEUNG from other countries is to learn free pizza options. ISABELLA CORBO assistant editor the English language, how to She added that FarmGrill is editor JACOB PUTERKO events staff staff connect with people and how to also looking into getting a bench CHELSEA MOORE CARRIE BAILEY be brave, as they are so far from to put where the condiments staff staff home. Student Caroline said were previously located to AMANDA KING KC MCALLISTER that their goals are to make new accommodate students with staff staff JESSICA PAQUETTE friends, learn to be independent disabilities. EVENTS staff and get out of their comfort The final SGA meeting of the RENEE COTTON SHANNON HENSHAW staff zone, despite challenges. fall semester will be held on coordinator JESSICA BOGGS Westin added that students Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 3:45 p.m. staff are able to help the program by inside of the Wilson Chamber BUSINESS AMBER SYKES IRIS HAMMOND staff becoming tutors or conversation at the Upchurch University manager partners. Students that are Center. SOCIAL MEDIA interested should email her at FEATURES MIRANDA FARLEY VICTORIA THOMPSON editor BRANDON CHEUNG | THE ROTUNDA staff TAYLOR JENNINGS assistant editor

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER http://tiny.cc/longwoodrotundaonline Students express their likes and dislikes about Lancer Link. NOV. 25, 2019 NEWS 03

JESS BOGGS | THE ROTUNDA

Junior, Autumn High expressing their views and suggestions to aid the 5-year diversity plan proposed by Jonathan Page from the Office of Multicultural Affairs. SGA hosts town hall on Diversity Strategic Plan by Allison Turner | Assistant News Editor | @allisonkturner

n Wednesday, Nov. 20, to be assessed regularly to see the progress the biggest challenges and areas of the Student Government and find opportunities for improvement. opportunities to focus on with regard to O Association (SGA) hosted a After presenting the plan, Page diversity, access and inclusion. Town Hall to discuss issues surrounding opened the floor for discussion. He used Page then went on to ask what could diversity on campus. questions to facilitate the conversation be done to make campus more inclusive. It was presented by Jonathan Page, co- and get students to start. They were Sophomore Timothy Holcey said, “We chair of the University Diversity council encouraged to be open and honest about could make more races and ethnicities at and the director of multicultural affairs, their opinions and experiences. things like orientation. I heard that we’re and Anthony Jackson, the Student Junior Autumn High started the the first faces that incoming students Diversity & Inclusion Council (SDIC) conversation, discussing her feelings see.” Representative for SGA. on diversity on campus. She said, The other students agreed, and they The event started with Page presenting “Longwood does a good job being also said that they should get the the 5-Year Diversity Strategic Plan, diverse, but lacks in being inclusive.” conversations surrounding diversity including the university’s President, W. High added that it is hard to get involved started sooner. They also want to ensure Taylor Reveley IV’s, goals. and find your way at first when coming that there is a more collective university- Those goals include “intensifying to Longwood. Fifth-year senior Cecil level engagement on campus. enthusiasm across all enrollment, Hayes agreed that it is harder to find your The students also want to work with reflecting diversity of America, academic groups as a freshman and that outreach is various offices on campus to include more enterprise at heart, transforming lives an area that needs improvement. diversity programs work on outreach. and camaraderie.” The students expanded on the idea that The students in attendance also want to The plan was developed from drawing it was hard for them to find their “group” work to make sure that the resources on from the campus climate survey, or “community” when they first came to campus are more accessible to students conducting focus groups, literature Longwood. They all agreed that once that need it, especially early on reviews and looking at strategic models. they got involved sophomore year they For students that would like to have Page and Dr. Naomi Johnson will be became happier and enjoyed themselves input in the plan, email Page at pageje@ presenting the plan to the University a lot more. longwood.edu or head over to blogs. Planning Committee in April 2020. Page continued with the questions, longwood.edu/longwoodudc. It will be comprised of measurable goals asking what the students felt were 04 FEATURES TheRotundaOnline.com Remembering the Loss by Ryan Crow | A&E Staff | @longwoodrotunda ake a moment to ask yourself the audience that what you can recall about the it is important T arrival of the first Africans to to continue to early America. Do you know when, recognize and fight where and how? Do you know their oppression, as “we names? are still losing talent” These questions, and their implicit through continued tragedy, hardship and heartbreak, were discrimination. explored on Nov. 19 at “Our American Following Dr. Story." Opening the program was Cantrell’s speech was student Arthur Stevens, who organized a second spiritual the event. performance by On what inspired him to organize the BASIC with “My event, Arthur said “…I felt like this is Soul Is A Ringin'." something that I could do and make it The Longwood big, while also enjoying it.” d a n c e g r o u p Also in attendance was the President FIERCE trailed COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM of the Farmville chapter of the NAACP, them with an local lawyer James E. Ghee, who was interpretive dance wrote often on the legacy of slavery and a source of inspiration for putting the set to cultural music, continuing the its effect on Black America, and this event together. theme of African American heritage. 400-year anniversary, the words of “For Arthur’s opening statements framed The next presentation of the My People” ring true as much in 2019 as the tone of the evening, calling on the evening was the showing of the short they did when they were written. audience to reflect on the story of African documentary “20 and Odd: Africans’ Wrapping up the night was BASIC American history in America with the Arrival in 1619” produced by ABC13 again, singing their final hymn with hashtag “#rememberingtheloss." NewsNow. “Melodies From Heaven” and inviting After Arthur’s brief remarks, the The documentary carried a profound the crowd to join in. Longwood gospel choir group BASIC message to the room by chronicling the When asked what she thought what took the stage for their first performance fateful events that first brought Africans message the audience should leave of the night, a gospel rendition of the to the shores of America, explaining with, BASIC President Maya Young classic spiritual “Wade In The Water," how the first American slaves were commented “…to never forget… where echoing the trials and tribulation of captured from a Portuguese slave ship it all happened, where we came from, slavery and paying tribute to African and sailed to Virginia on the English what other people went through to get American heritage. privateer “White Lion”. us to where we are today.” The Keynote Address was delivered by These arrivals were referred to in In his closing remarks, Arthur once Dr. Phillip Cantrell, who is an associate the ship’s logs as simply “20 and Odd again thanked the audience before professor of Asian, African and World Negroes” – and now, 400 years later, performing his own choice of song: the History at Longwood, specializes in we know nothing about them but their legendary “A Change Is Gonna Come” Eastern Central African studies and given Anglican names. by prominent civil rights activist and delivered his address with great respect These early captives, who toiled in the civil rights legend Sam Cooke. for the history, people and continent he New World as slaves, are the cornerstone During a post-program interview, spoke on. for black heritage in modern America, he had this to say, “I hope that people Starting from the origins of the Trans- and though their names and freedom take away the truth, the truth that our Atlantic slave trade, he gave powerful were stripped from them, they ended America has an ugly past but it is still words about the devastating effects of up leaving a legacy that transcends just that. Our America." the “constant, endemic warfare” induced generations. He continued to say, "As we move by the ruthless European slave economy Also discussed in the video was the forward to better our communities, and the estimated 12 million slaves speculated first black (and therefore, let’s not forget what we have already affected. African American) man born in North came through over time… we should Alongside dispelling some common America: William Tucker, whose be able to look back to this time and myths about slavery and the African history is mostly shrouded in mystery. have our predecessors see that we made American community, he also covered Adding his talents to the night a difference… for the better.” one of the greatest tragedies of American was student Anthony Jackson, who’s The names, faces and lives of the first slavery – the 200 years of lost potential fiery recitation of “For My People” African Americans may not be known among African Americans due to their by Margaret Walker captivated the – but after this event, it’s obvious their enslavement and systematic oppression. audience. history and legacy lives on. Ending with a warning, he cautioned Margaret Walker, a famous black poet, NOV. 25, 2019 FEATURES 05 Campus organizations are giving back this holiday season Students come together to participate in unique and charitable causes in the community by Miranda Farley | Social Media Editor | @mir4nda9 everal organizations on campus (FSSW). Other community organizations who are taking different and unique According to Faith Beach, senior participated in the event were Royal Sinitiatives to give back this holiday social work major and former FSSW Jewelz and Fresh Boyz Club.This was season. Students organized projects president, the organization held the Fresh Boyz Club’s third year putting on ranging from canned food drives to Elwood’s Cabinet Food Drive where the Feed The Community event. creating cards for residents at a local they collected canned food and hygiene Together, the four organizations retirement community or even collecting items during a tabling event on Nov. 19 fed over 600 people during the event, pajamas and books for children in need. on Brock Commons. according to Evelyn Cobb, senior and Marin Tettelbach, a graduate student “We required our members to donate President of the Phi Omicron chapter of the counseling program, organized either five hygiene items, or five canned of Zeta Phi Beta. the Pajama Program that the Graduate items or both” said Beach. The event was held at the Holiday Inn Student Association (GSA) is holding Express & Suites. The meals they served on campus. included stuffing, turkey, green beans, The Pajama Program is collecting cakes and soda. According to Cobb, the new pajamas and books for children leftover food was delivered to various of all ages from Nov. 1 until Dec. 6 to neighborhoods in Farmville. donate to children in need. The drop off “Some people don’t have the locations are: the Greenwood Library opportunity to have Thanksgiving Atrium, the Dining Hall, Hull 141 and just because of different situations like Ruffner 128 (Graduate Professional medical reasons or financial reasons Studies Office). so I think it was a way to bring the “I’ve actually had people reach out and community together as well as provide say this area (Farmville) kind of needs meals for people who need them,” said them so I’m going to see if I can get Cobb. them (the donated pajamas and books) Cobb said she hopes more of to come down here but they kind of just Longwood will participate in the future donate them in areas of need so foster so that the event can be even more care systems, homeless shelters…,” said successful. Tettelbach. COURTESY OF ROYAL JEWELZ “It’s a really great experience for The idea of this program was inspired Members of Zeta Phi Beta, Fresh Boyz Club and students to have, just to be able to by a project that Tettelbach did when Royal Jewelz gather for events to give back to engage in conversation with people that she was a Girl Scout. She wanted to try Farmville community. we’re not surrounded by every day,” said this unique community service project Cobb. on Longwood’s campus. Beach said the event had a great Cobb acknowledged the Feed The “I never really thought about the whole outcome. They were able to completely Community event as an opportunity to process of like going to bed and having fill the Elwood’s Cabinet donations step out of her comfort zone. that comfy pair of PJs that are so warm, container they were provided with and “I would say my favorite aspect of the especially around this time of year,” said had enough to fill about three of them, event… is just being able to engage in Tettelbach. according to Beach. the Farmville community where I feel According to Tettelbach, Mortar Since FSSW is a community service like Longwood and Farmville are very Board is donating books to the program based organization, they have at least separate and not very knowledgeable of and GSA is hoping to get faculty, greek one service project a semester. The each other,” said Cobb. organizations and the community to organization requires members to Another organization who gave back support the program. complete 10 community service hours to the community was the Student- Tettelbach discussed how the pajama a semester. Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). program website, pajamaprogram.org, “For next semester, we had talked The group partnered with Princeps to emphasizes the importance of a good about doing a clothes drive and donating create “comfort cards” for residents at bedtime experience for children. clothes for those who can’t afford clothes the local retirement community, The “Every child goes to bed and they don’t for the specific seasons,” said Beach. Woodland. know what tomorrow will bring… I The Phi Omicron (undergraduate) and Students were able to make cards at the think that it’s important to create that Omega Beta Zeta Chapter (graduate) Dining Hall from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. positive bedtime experience, especially chapters of Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, on Nov. 19. Students stopped by the with a pair of PJs,” said Tettelbach. Inc. participated in a community service table to hand write and create decorative Another organization that participated project called “Feed The Community cards with stickers for the residents on in a community service project recently Thanksgiving Dinner” on Saturday, their way to eat lunch. is Federation of Student Social Workers Nov. 16 from 3-7 p.m. 06 OPINIONS TheRotundaOnline.com Family Matters: Black families on screen by Davina Applewhite | Opinions Staff | @longwoodrotunda Editor's note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. ’s hit series Though they are entertaining and a whole, because positive representation "Black-ish" was often end happily, some movies have of black families means less room for ABCrecently renewed perpetuated stereotypes about black stereotyping and discrimination. for its sixth season and has received so people and black families for years. Not only is positively depicting much acclamation that the show now This includes movies like Tyler Perry’s black families in the media necessary has two spin-offs, "Grown-ish" and "Meet the Browns" and "Precious." for adults, but it’s also important for "Mixed-ish." This would often focus on black children to see. The original show has been a form families dealing with themes such as Shows that were geared more towards of representation for black people and drug-dealing, single-parenthood, abuse children, like "The Proud Family" or black families nationwide. Now that and neighborhood violence. "That’s so Raven," have such a strong there are two other similar shows with This greatly contrasts with how white impact on black youths. people of color at the It’s especially forefront, this means paramount when more representation, portraying black depicting black families on screen that families in a positive the black children light. watching can feel that For a long time, black those who look like people were just used them can have healthy as tropes and quickly relationships, too. discarded characters Representation is in television and film. fundamental because There were so many it holds the power of sitcoms starring white telling the public, it’s families but very little watchers, who and focused on families of what is important. color, and even then If a group sees they didn’t last long. that they are not Positive black being represented families finally began in the media, or to get their own COURTESY OF THEWRAP.COM even represented recognition in the The cast of ABC's show "Black-ish". negatively, it’s easy to 1970s but only truly believe that they are became popular with sitcoms like "The families were always shown to be upper not worthy of being on screen. Cosby Show," which aired from the middle-class, slightly dysfunctional It also can create the idea that there early 80s and into the 90s. and rarely focused on such heavy topics. are fewer people out there that are It’s popularity acted as a catalyst that That’s not to say that these black films similar to them, which isn’t always the sparked the production of other black aren’t iconic or don’t hold any form of case. family sitcoms. truth to them, but they do run the risk It’s important for black families to More notably, shows like "The of implanting stereotypes into the mind continue to be portrayed in a positive Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Family of the viewers. light on screen because of how the Matters" positively depict the dynamic Within the past few years, however, many, many years of oppression and of black families living in middle-class there has been a slight decline in the stereotyping have altered their image conditions and parents with higher depiction of healthy black families on to viewers. playing careers. screen. Unfortunately, the problem doesn’t These shows were effective in According to a National Public Radio just end with having healthy black portraying a healthy family but also article, there was a six-year gap between families on television and in movies. often focusing on making race and series that showed black families on Other races and diverse groups of racism a topic of discussion, which was television: "Everybody Hates Chris," families need to be shown as well. Our significant and influential at the time. which ended in 2009 and then "Black- population is diverse and the media we But, it’s not just TV shows that have ish," which began airing in 2015. absorb should show that, positively. this power to represent black families These shows have more of an impact and their dynamics. on society and the black community, as NOV. 25, 2019 OPINIONS 07

Lifeby Taiya Jarrett | Assistant Opinions Editor | @ohsoootay and Lyrics

GRAPHIC BY LAUREN QUEZADA

Editor's note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. he genre that’s harbored due to his alleged involvement in the released nearly a year and a half before millennial rappers such as 2016 fatal home invasion and robbery, the murders occurring. TYoung Thug, DaBaby, J-Cole, which led to the death of 21-year-old Furthermore, using a song as evidence Kendrick Lamar and Nicki Minaj to Ethan Walker. However, furthering to a crime that’s foreshadowed to be name a few, hip-hop is undoubtedly one that decision, while in the courtroom, connected and committed by this of the most prominent and influential was the use of lyrics and video footage individual a year later is the epitome of genres today. from the controversial single, yet, this is the criminal justice system jumping to Generating a career path that strays not a new dehumanizing adaptation of conclusions. away from the depiction of violence our court system. Now, although the alleged actions of and despair so frequently documented That’s correct, the use of lyrics as these individuals are not being justified, in rap lyrics today, the genre has supporting evidence in the courtroom the abundant use of lyrics used to evidently become the blueprint for has become heavily prominent incriminate individuals is not ethical. many to vocally maximize their past for the past two decades and will, Like every other genre, the root experiences, but at a lawful cost. unfortunately, continue to do so. Posed of hip-hop is meant to express the Gripping onto a 55-year prison under the illusion as a musical gateway black experience whether that’s in an sentence, vile lyrics launched the career to elicit past and current experiences, exaggerated fiction and/or non-fiction of Texas rapper Tay-K, yet, it also most lyrics are now being used to incriminate form, there needs to be a defined notably became his downfall. individuals, but black men in particular. line between the art and the artist. Within his 2017 hit single, “The From the lyrics of rapper Snoop Criminalizing lyrics in efforts to have Race," the 19-year-old rapper boastfully Dogg’s “Murder Was the Case” used them perceived as an incriminating recounts his criminal activity, in which in his 1996 murder trial, to today’s diary entry is completely demeaning to he admits his involvement in a 2016 millennial rapper YNW Melly’s 2017 the artist and, in a way, silences their robbery and fleeing, all while on beat. single “Murder on My Mind," lyrics are voices and minimizes their experience However, avid listeners of his music targeted as evidence, even for events that they publicly shared as an escape. were not the only ones in tune, but so that have not occurred as of yet. Coinciding, as a fan of an artist I’m was the criminal justice system. Therefore, Melly’s debacle is most pretty sure we expect nothing but Unknowingly connecting the dots for interesting as he is currently facing transparency and authenticity being the opposition, ironically the outcome the death penalty for his alleged conveyed throughout their music, so of “The Race” is exactly what Tay-K involvement in the deaths of two of his forcefully relinquishing their craft is was running away from. friends back in October of 2018, with not justice, it’s exploitative. This past year, Tay-K was found guilty the song, used as evidence, that was 08 A&E TheRotundaOnline.com

Torey Lanez gets nostalgic with "Chixtape 5"

by LeDaniel Jackson | A&E Staff | @xidjoeker500

COURTESY OF INTERSCOPE RECORDS AND MAD LOVE RECORDS.

Chixtape 5" is the latest album from performances on the track with interesting voice and witty flow. Canadian hip-hop/R&B artist impressive vocals. However, issues “The Fargo Splash” pays homage to Tory Lanez. Lanez is a popular occur when they give separate verses. Ludacris’ single “Splash Waterfalls.” artist in the industry, collaborating Lanez and T-Pain sound very similar, Lanez does a good job of meshing with "with artists such as Rich the Kid, Meek so it becomes redundant when hearing the tone of the song while talking about Mill and Joyner Lucas. them sing alone. him catching feelings for a girl. Lanez has released an abundance “Beauty in the Benz” features an Ludacris comes in and delivers a decent of music, including 17 mixtapes and amazing old school hip-hop beat verse, matching the intensity of Lanez. three studio albums. His last studio with Lanez giving a decent vocal Ludacris and Lanez are a decent duo in album “Love Me Now?” received mixed performance. He gives his description of this song and they should continue to reviews from critics and his growing the new girl Leah, who is one of make more music together. fanbase. Now “Chixtape 5” continues the main characters in skits “Luv Ya Gyal//Love Sounds” is a one of his mixtape series. on the mixtape. beautiful sounding track that features Lanez takes a classic approach Snoop Dogg gives R&B legend The-Dream. Lanez by mixing his style with classic a mediocre verse on provides an amazing performance on 2000 R&B hits. Artists such as the song which is the track with his transcendent vocals. Chris Brown, T-Pain and Ludacris disappointing since The-Dream provides backup vocals join him on this tape to give it some Lanez samples his song for the song, which creates a cushion backup. Lanez starts the mixtape “Beautiful.” for Lanez. The beat switch enhances with “The Trade” which features “The Take” samples the song more with Lanez changing Jagged Edge and Jermaine Dupri. Chris Brown’s his flow. “The Trade” sounds similar to an 2007 track Overall “Chixtape 5” delivers on all old school R&B song with “Take You aspects, bringing nostalgia back into Lanez providing interesting Down” the R&B industry. Torey Lanez does a vocals. He gives a decent and the good job of combining rap and singing performance while meshing chemistry during his performances. well with the beat. between the The skits also enhance the album by Where the song shines two artists providing a story during this lengthy is when Lanez and Jagged is very mixtape. However, the album can Edge are singing together, impressive. become a bit repetitive with certain beat which enhances the song. Brown selections on the mixtape. Jermaine Dupri gives a decent gives an performance; however it did amazing 4/5 not add anything to the track at performance AAAA all.“The Trade” is a good intro with his solo and it sets the tone for the rest verse and his of the mixtape. harmonization “Jerry Sprunger” samples with Lanez. the 2005 hit “I’m Sprung” Lanez a lso by T-Pain. Lanez and excels on the T-Pain provide amazing COURTESY OF ANTON MAK/FLICKR track with his NOV. 25, 2019 A&E 09 THE REEL LIFE Movie reviews by Jacob DiLandro | A&E Editor | @spongejay1 here are few, if any, people in the However, very smartly, they make sure believe this is her debut. Chris Cooper world who can evoke the same that from the beginning it’s clear that (“Capote,” “American Beauty”) also T emotions as Fred Rogers. Not this movie is not about Mister Rogers. delivers a career best performance as happiness, sadness, empathy or tears, It’s about Lloyd Vogel, played by Vogel’s father, and while his screen time but calmness and contentness. The Matthew Rhys (“The Americans,” may be limited, his impact is not. feeling that, for a few brief moments, “The Post”), an investigative reporter There is simply no other way to when he talks directly to you through assigned to cover Rogers for an issue on describe this film other than magical. the television screen, everything will be heroes for Esquire. Rhys makes Vogel It reaches inside you and, using Rogers, okay. The idea of taking on a film about so effortlessly relatable. He straddles pulls at a kind of longing most films a man like that seems like a daunting, the line between showing his anger and don’t have a fraction of the guts to harrowing task. Maybe even impossible. deep-rooted fears of the world, without attempt. It’s so wonderfully pure in its And yet, director Marielle Heller (“The turning him into a sad sack or a ball of motivations, just a film that wants to ask Diary of a Teenage Girl,” “Can You rage. His performance and the script if you’re okay and why you aren’t. Ever Forgive Me?") and writers Micah make conscious efforts to make sure It’s a wonderful experience, to just Fitzerman-Blue sit with Rogers and Vogel for (“Transparent,” 100 minutes and by showing “Maleficent: the impact Mistress of of Rogers on Evil ”) and someone whom Noah Harpster he touched very (“Transparent,” particularly, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”) it does more have created a film that is difficult to that the audience knows exactly what to tell us about the man than a two- describe. Does it capture the man as we the characters are feeling at all times, and-a-half-hour examination of his remember him? Yes. Does it do so with even if it isn’t strictly “realistic.” entire life ever could. The way it’s reverence and with Feeling is more important than plot, structured and the depths to which it a few details and Heller knows this. She flips the film takes what could have been a gimmick that shed back and forth between shots of Rogers of presentation are extremely admirable some light on and his show, Vogel’s life, fantastical and unique. The camera floats through who he was representations of his struggles and sets large and small, using the work of off camera? conversations between the two men. At Cinematographer Jody Lee Lipes (“Tiny Yes. times it feels almost ethereal, and the Furniture,” “Manchester By the Sea”) fantastical sequences are so abrupt and to continue to elevate the film’s ethereal surprising that they become a kind of feeling. There might not be another magic. biopic structured like it. And then there’s Tom Hanks (“Toy A calming film, one that just wants Story,” “Philadelphia”). It’s genuinely to sit with you and make you feel okay. surprising that Hanks has had a career For 100 minutes Heller, Hanks, the as long and as successful as it has been, writers and everyone involved delivers but his portrayal of Rogers might just audiences a person so wondrous and be one of his finest. The kindness and so painfully real that it makes us all empathy comes across in droves, but feel like we might one day be okay. there is a clear effort to not boil him Tear inducing, sweet, childlike in its down into just a nice guy. There are whimsy and offering enough so that conflicts and frustrations that Hanks everyone can take what they need from communicates with mere vocal timing it, it truly is “A Beautiful Day in the and facial tics that are the signs of Neighborhood.” Would you be mine? phenomenal actors. He embodies the goodwill of Rogers in the absolute best 5/5 ways and is the best part of an already AAAAA tremendous film. The supporting cast is great as well. Susan Kelechi Watson (“This is Us”) makes her film debut here as Andrea, Vogel’s wife, and melts with charm and grace. She’s such a wonderful sense COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES of heart and warmth that it’s hard to 10 SPORTS TheRotundaOnline.com Furious comeback falls short for WBB at Wofford

by Nick Robinson | Sports Staff | @longwoodrotunda

efore their matchup last defensive confidence early," said second things that Wofford was doing to us Wednesday night, the women’s year head coach Rebecca Tillett. "The that affected our personnel choices. Bbasketball team was riding high most impressive thing about the third I don’t have any concerns about our on a two-game winning streak, and quarter was how well we defended. It bench. I think that they will produce was smelling blood in the water before was fueled by our defense. You’re not for us consistently.” facing a winless Wofford Terrier squad. always going to have incredible shooting One of the Lancers who scored in However, the Terriers’ 0-4 record was quarters or nights and so you’ve got to double-figures was senior forward misleading because three of their losses have something to rely on.” Dayna Rouse. She had a double-double were by single-digits and against stiff All five starters for the Lancers scored with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Like competition. in double-figures, with the most points Tillett, Rouse was also proud of the way Further showing their potential, coming from freshman guard Anne the team never gave up and fought back Wofford began the game in top form Hamilton-Leroy with 20. The game was in the second half. hitting every 3-pointer they took in the also a homecoming for Leroy because “We just all sort of figured out that first quarter along with an 80 percent she is from South Carolina and Tillett they can’t score on us like that for four clip from the field, and led the Lancers said that she got a huge turnout from quarters. We made the decision to make 26-13. The game was played closely in her family. tough plays and to stay together and the second quarter as Wofford outscored Tillett said she learned a lot about chip away at the deficit.” Longwood 22-20, further stretching the fabric of her team throughout the Rouse said that the team could avoid their lead to 48-33 at the break. massive comeback. having to mount such a large comeback However, the Lancers wouldn't go “Each year, you’re always wondering by remaining focused from the start and away without a fight and clawed their what are the limits? Against Brown, bringing the same level on energy for all way back into the game, outscoring the we came back from down 15 and won. four quarters. Terriers 20-9 in the third quarter and Against Wofford, we came back from As one of the most decorated players cut the lead to only a single point with down 19 and made it a one-possession in program history, Rouse is no stranger 20 seconds remaining. Wofford would game. We learned that teams can’t to putting up big numbers as she is now stretch the lead to three with two free count us out when we’re down and 234 points shy of 1,000 career points throws, and Longwood would have one that’s a powerful thing to lean on from and is top five all-time in program last chance to inbound and tie with six experience.” history in field goal percentage and free seconds to go. The ball would be thrown One major issue for the team came throw percentage. into the backcourt and corralled by from their lack of bench production. “There’s that pressure on me. I just Anne-Hamilton Leroy, she dribbled Out of the 76 points scored by the have to respond to the pressure with swiftly and launched a tying 3-pointer Lancers, only two came from their consistent numbers. I have those that just came up short. The Terriers bench, which Tillett said was unusual. expectations put on me for a reason so I escaped with a 79-76 win, making “If you look over the course of the just have to rise to them," she said. Longwood now 2-3 on the still young season, our bench production is solid. The women’s basketball team returns season. It was a unique game environment in to action on Tuesday as they take on the “We knew how offensively powerful terms of how hard we had to fight to Pirates of East Carolina University in they (Wofford) were. They ate at our get out of the hole. There were some Willett Hall with a 7:00 p.m. tip. WBBWBBSHANNON HENSHAW | FILE PHOTO

Senior forward Dayna Rouse is shooting 85.3 percent from the free throw line this season. NOV. 25, 2019 SPORTS 11 MBB adjusts to new change in college basketball

by Kurt Martin | Sports Editor | @IamKurt14 hen fans enter Willett Hall for a men’s basketball game, W or any Division I men’s contest across the country, they will notice an extra line at the top of the arc. No, the 4-point shot has not been introduced to the game (even though we would love to see it), but the 3-point line has been extended to 22 feet 1 3/4 inches for all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball competition, which is also the same distance used in international competition. The decision was proposed by the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules COURTESY OF THE NCAA.COM Committee, and passed by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel in June According to KenPom.com, a site the team uses tape to measure out the of this year, according to an article from which gives in-depth details into college NBA 3-point line, which is 23 feet NCAA.com. basketball analytics, the current number 3/4 inches away from the basket at the The panel and governing body as a one team in the country, Michigan top of the arc, to better assist with the whole, made the decision based on three State, has an offensive efficiency rating spacing of the team. Its purpose is to reasons, the article said: “Making the of 114.4, which is down from a 121 create more space for Lancer players to lane more available for dribble/drive rating to end last year’s season. step into their shots or make decisions plays from the perimeter. Slowing the This rating specifically measures points off the dribble. trend of the 3-point shot becoming too scored per 100 possessions. Despite the distance change, Phillips prevalent in men’s college basketball by Longwood, which finished as the 256 said he shoots the ball the exact same making the shot a bit more challenging, ranked team in the nation a season ago, way as he did before and there wasn’t while at the same time keeping the according to KenPom, had an offensive much of a learning curve when the shot an integral part of the game efficiency rating of 99.5 at the conclusion new line was put into place. Phillips, (and) assisting in offensive spacing by of last season. Now, the team currently who had a team-high of 74 3-pointers a requiring the defense to cover more of sits at 283 in the overall rankings, and season ago, has begun this season only the court.” has an efficiency rating of 96.1. shooting 31 percent from deep, and Here in Farmville, the Longwood Aldrich said in this day-in-age of looks to up his level as the season runs men’s basketball team prides itself on college basketball, players want to shoot its course. the 3-point shot under second year the three ball and will sometimes value Senior guard JaShaun Smith continues head coach Griff Aldrich and uses it as it over a dunk. In result, the team is his record-setting career from the a major part of the offense. looking to recruit players who can shoot perspective of three point efficiency, Through six games, the Lancers threes, while doing it at a consistent and currently firing 54 percent from long sit 36th in the nation in 3-pointers efficient rate. range, which is also tops on the team. attempted with 136, and are converting Spacing on the floor is another huge From a defensive perspective, senior at a clip of just over 36 percent after key to the Lancer offense, which causes guard Jaylon Wilson said the team, as hitting 52 of said attempts. the opposing defense to guard a larger a result of the extension, has had to be Aldrich pointed to the up and down area of the floor. more talkative on the court in order nature of his team from deep this season, “If the defense only has to guard 15 to communicate where the opposing going 14-22 against Maryland Eastern feet and in, then they can just pack the players are and to clog passing and Shore and then 7-29 against Northern paint. But if the team is making threes, driving lanes. Illinois, as a possible byproduct of and then you’re having to run out and “We work on communication every a trend around the nation of lower guard threes, then we can pump fake day. So communicate for defense, offensive efficiency. you, get into the lane, pass it, pass it offense and even simple drills to make “Can you attribute that to just an again, and the defense is all of the sure we are always talking to each other extended 3-point line? The answer sudden flying around,” said Aldrich. and we always stay connected,” he said. is probably going to be that it’s not a “So, you know, extending it, all you’ve Lancer fans will have to wait for nearly direct correlation, but you would think done is added another two feet that we a month to see their team shoot from that that’s having a massive impact,” would say, you know, the defense has long range on the Willett Hall court, said Aldrich. to cover.” as they will face The Citadel on Dec. 19 Senior guard Shabooty Phillips said with a 7 p.m. start. Proud supporters of Longwood Athletics

Come try our new All-you-can-eat buffet!

Medium 1 topping Large cheese or 1 pizza with breadsticks topping pizza for $8.99 for $10.99 with coupon code: with coupon code: LWPW1 LWPW2

Now accepting Lancer Ca$h

Carry-Out, Delivery, & Dine In 237 Sunchase Blvd 434.391.1000

Order online at pizzaworldonline.com or download our app Pizza and much more!