VOLUME 102, ISSUE NO. 24 | STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916 | RICETHRESHER.ORG | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018

MY DEAR WATSON LO-FI CHILL BEATS BRING OUT THE BROOMS Fellowships send KTRU Outdoor Show Baseball executes their seniors around to feature eclectic first C-USA series sweep the globe local music and art of the season SEE SPOTLIGHT P. 6 SEE A&E P. 7 SEE SPORTS P. 10

SPORTS Athletics introducing new mental health initiative ANDREW GROTTKAU health as a pressing issue from SPORTS EDITOR / [email protected] both experience and outside research and wanted to approach Over 80 percent of male Rice the issue in a scientific manner. student-athletes and nearly 70 percent of female student- athletes reported stress levels of [Student-athletes] have six or higher on a 10-point scale, such different demands according to a research study conducted by senior Julie Litver placed on them. and juniors Mike Otoo and Molly Tilbrook. The study, which included 96 Julie Litver female student-athletes and 54 Senior Swimmer male student-athletes, addressed Rice Young Democrats President Franz Brotzen delivers the opening remarks at an topics including stress levels, “We noticed that in a lot of the April 7 town hall on gun violence. The event featured seven political candidates. eating disorders, depression and literature, there was concern for overall happiness. As a result of student-athletes because they have charlene pan / thresher the findings, the research team such different demands placed on is creating a new system of Peer them,” Litver said. “Their mental Gun control panel lacks bipartisan speakers Wellbeing Athletic Advisors to health needs might be different address the mental health needs of than regular students. We wanted student-athletes at Rice. to tap into that to see if there was a AMY QIN also organized the event, said both “I can’t particularly blame According to Litver, the group problem with that at Rice.” THRESHER STAFF / [email protected] the Democratic and Republican Rice students for not showing up identified student-athlete mental MENTAL HEALTH CONT. ON PAGE 10 campus clubs helped reach out to since we only had Democratic Two weeks after the March candidates. candidates who are running for for Our Lives, the Rice Young office, so the event probably wasn’t UNCOVERING ATHLETE STRESS Republicans and Rice Young super appealing,” Meeks said. A study of 150 Rice athletes found that feelings of Democrats hosted an on-campus “Not a single Republican [panelist] The other side of the stress and lack of support are common. town hall addressing gun violence, came to our event, which I think is though no Republican Party aisle is too caught up the attendance problem we should PERCENT THAT FEELS PERCENT REPORTING candidates attended. trying to earn that A+ be talking about.” UNSUPPORTED BY STRESS LEVELS ABOVE The Facebook page for the April The panel was comprised STUDENT BODY 6/10 7 event stated a goal of hosting on the NRA report card. of Democrats Laura Moser, both Democratic and Republican Carol Alvarado, Steven David, elected officials to discuss Carol Alvarado Todd Litton, Lina Hidalgo and solutions to gun violence, but Rita Lucido, and independent 83 among the panel of seven political Texas State Benjamin Hernandez. After candidates were six Democrats Representive opening statements from Brotzen, 69 and one independent. the president of Rice Young Franz Brotzen and Hannah Meeks, a Hanszen College Democrats, the panel answered 56 Meeks, who helped host the event, freshman, organized a Rice Call to questions that were submitted both said they were disappointed Action event against gun violence online or prepared by the student by lack of Republican attendance on March 24 that she said was only organizers. 32 at the town hall, despite invitations attended by a little over a dozen Quiet chuckles filled the hall extended to politicians from both people. She said the Rice student when the panelists were asked via parties, according to Meeks. turnout to this weekend’s town online submission how they would female male female male Officers of the Rice Young hall remained poor, possibly as increase bipartisanship. Republicans did not respond to a result of student apathy, heavy “On our side of the aisle, we multiple requests for comment, end-of-semester workloads and look for bipartisanship,” Alvarado, Physical stresses were the biggest contributor to but former Student Association the presence of only one political the sitting representative of Texas’ stress levels, followed by academic stress President Justin Onwenu, who party in the panel. GUN CONTROL CONT. ON PAGE 2 infographic by christina tan

IN MEMORIAM Rommel Espinola, RUPD officer of 9 years, passes away in accident JAECEY PARHAM years old; he is survived by his according to Vice President for President David Leebron officer and serving the Rice THRESHER STAFF / [email protected] 9-year-old son, Cullen, according Administration Kevin Kirby. said both the police department community,” Rodriguez said. to news reports. and the entire Rice community “Rommel always came to work Espinola was a graduate have experienced a great loss in with a positive attitude and of Klein High School and Sam The only thing he Espinola’s death. would lend a hand to anyone who Houston State University; he “[Officer Espinola] served needed help. The only thing he worked as a teacher before joining loved more than the university with enormous loved more than police work was the police force. He served as an police work was his dedication for a decade,” his family. [He] stood by his wife RUPD officer for nine years. Leebron said. “He was beloved who unfortunately passed away According to RUPD Chief of family. by all who worked with him, and less than [six] months ago after Police, James Tate, Espinola is will be forever grateful for his a protracted illness. This is a the department’s first officer to contribution to the safety and tremendous loss for the Espinola have passed away while a current Clemente Rodriguez security of all in our community family, RUPD and the entire Rice RUPD employee. RUPD officer as a tireless investigator. We will community.” “We are completely miss him greatly.” A wake will be held on April 11, heartbroken over the loss of Former Interim Chief of 5-8 p.m. and a memorial service Detective Rommel Espinola,” “[He] was the consummate Police Clemente Rodriguez will take place on April 14 at 10 Tate said. “He was loved and professional — excellent in his said that while Officer Espinola a.m. Both events will hosted at courtesy rupd respected by everyone at RUPD. role as an investigator, highly was one of the most dedicated the Klein Funeral Home. Officer Rommel Espinola, Our department won’t be the respected by his law enforcement and compassionate officers in To support his 9-year-old of the Rice University Police same without him. May he rest colleagues, and loved by all,” the department, he was just son, donations can be made by Department, passed away on in peace.” Kirby said. “The Rice community as committed to being the best purchasing a ticket or sponsorship April 9 after being involved in a Espinola’s work earned him is deeply saddened and our hearts possible husband and father. to a memorial golf tournament at car accident. Espinola was 48 respect from all his fellow officers, go out to his family.” “He loved being a police bit.ly/2EhRXqt. 2 NEWS ‘Weed Freed’: Panelists debate best path to marijuana legalization

ELLIOT STAHR when they repealed it, they had to undo that, to how certain states only sell liquor through Harris said she doesn’t think all illicit THRESHER STAFF / [email protected] get more states to sign on to do away with state-owned stores. According to Harris, drugs should be legalized and made publicly prohibition. For marijuana, they just threw these methods could mitigate concerns over available. Harris also said she would support Panelists debated the best course of out a bunch of morals.” black market sales while still generating tax a commercial marijuana market over American marijuana policy as they discussed Becker said Harry J. Anslinger, the first revenue through a system that is better for prohibition but would prefer a model that the effects of legalization on the economy and commissioner of the Federal Bureau of public health. balances public health concerns as well. public health at the Rice Federalist Society’s Narcotics, was a moralist who “spread his Each of the three panelists had a different McMurtry College freshman Sanat “Weed Freed” event on April 5. BS around the country,” demanding that preference forms of legalization. Mehta said the panel addressed the issue of Solicitor General of Oklahoma Mithun prohibition of marijuana move forward. Mansinghani said legalization should marijuana legalization comprehensively and Mansinghani (Martel ’08) was the only Becker read aloud various anti-marijuana occur in one of three ways: passing legislation that the dialogue was productive. panelist who declined to comment instead quotations from Anslinger, including one in through Congress, lowering the classification “My main takeaway is that most rational of expressing support for legalization. He which Anslinger said, “Reefer makes darkies of marijuana in the Controlled Substances people agree that current federal laws said state-level efforts to legalize the drug think they’re as good as white men.” Act or overturning Supreme Court rulings on against marijuana are too strict, but people have violated the balance between state and “There is no real justification for laws interstate commerce such as the Wickard v. disagree about what sort of system to move federal authority as set by the Constitution. against marijuana or any of these other Filburn ruling. to,” Mehta said. “Some of the same people who are drugs,” Becker said. “This is a means Becker advocated for a commercial Becker said the key to changing marijuana so concerned about the fabric of our whereby the population can be controlled approach in which no substances are policy is having the courage to speak out democracy right now turn a blind eye to how and frightened into believing these things to controlled, no matter how poisonous they may about the issue. marijuana reform has been taking place just be necessary.” be. According to Becker, substances should “It’s a subject worthy of discussion,” because they like the results, even if those Katharine Harris, a fellow in drug policy only be regulated so that their packaging lists Becker said. “It’s in need of change, worthy results undermine our most fundamental at the Baker Institute, said legalization of the ingredients contained therein and people of that impetus, worthy of your courage and institutions,” Mansinghani said. marijuana has had a generally positive know what they are buying. commitment and action to get it done.” Mansinghani asked the audience to impact on state economies, raising hundreds imagine potential consequences of states of millions in revenue and creating jobs in granting licenses to behave contrary to areas such as marijuana law and production. federal law, such as if Texas granted licenses Harris also said that although teens are for citizens to buy machine guns or allowed perceiving fewer risks from marijuana use, businesses to disregard the Americans with these perceptions do not translate into higher Disabilities Act. rates of teen marijuana use. However, Dean Becker, a contributing “In Colorado, teen use now is actually expert in drug policy at the Baker Institute lower than it was prior to adult-use for Public Policy, said bigotry and racism legalization,” Harris said. were used to sway public opinion and pass However, Harris said there is a profit marijuana prohibition laws. Becker said that incentive for commercial marijuana he was in part responsible for Harris County’s businesses to encourage frequent use, which Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program, poses a public health concern. According to which gives certain eligible individuals the Harris, daily marijuana users account for over option to avoid being charged and arrested for half of total marijuana consumption. possession of marijuana under four ounces. Harris offered various solutions to these “To make alcohol illegal, they needed a concerns, such as limiting commercial sales Solicitor General of Oklahoma Mithun Mansinghani (Martel ’08), contributing expert in drug constitutional amendment,” Becker said. to nonprofit organizations or instituting state- policy at the Baker Institute Dean Becker and Baker Institute fellow in drug policy Katharine Harris debated paths to marijuana legalization at a panel hosted by the Rice Federalist Society. “They got the states to sign on to do it, and controlled sale of marijuana, which is similar tiffany yip / thresher

Gun control town hall follows march heard AR UNDcampus GUN CONTROL FROM PAGE 1 you could do whatever you want to your 145th Congressional District, said. “But partner. That is not acceptable, and that is unfortunately, I think the other side of something we need to do in Washington to the aisle is too caught up with trying protect women.” HANNAH MEEKS to earn that A+ on the [National Rifle Marcel McClinton, a student at Hanszen College Freshman FIGHT THE BULLET Association] report card. And if you have Stratford High School, said he was “Everyone on this stage, all our representatives, they people in office like that, you’ll never accused of cyberbullying after reporting have bipartisanship.” a student for threatening online posts are our employees. They work for us.” Litton, Moser and Alvarado said the fact and asked what they would do to On the need to demand gun control reform at an on-campus town hall that most Americans support universal educate administrators on dealing with background checks and some level of gun reports of violence. control provides a common ground. The “There is no excuse for an educator to MITHUN MANSINGHANI panelists also emphasized the importance punish someone for reporting something Oklahoma Soliciter General HIGH BROW DEBATE of electing responsive officials. that is potentially dangerous,” David said. Ariel Hobbs, a student organizer from “But I also think it’s really important that “Light your joint if you want to, just don’t burn the the University of Houston, asked the we fund schools, to make sure that we get Constitution to do it. panelists what they would do to close a quality educators.” Panelists debated marijuana legalization policy at a Rice Federalist Society event close a loophole allowing those with a The panelists also addressed the effect history of domestic abuse to own weapons. of gun violence on low-income, minority Moser said 46 percent fewer women and LGBTQ+ populations. TANNER REESE get fatally shot by their partners in states “Implicit bias is real. White privilege is PARKING LOT? Former Martel Senator requiring background checks for handguns. real,” Litton said. “We need to deal with Fourteen states and the District of Columbia it in an open and honest way across our “There’s actual great things that [the SA] can do here, have implemented such laws, according to community. This is the most diverse city and a bill like this really undermines the entire thing.” website Everytown for Gun Safety. in the country. We have a responsibility to “We need a federal law,” Moser said. “If work together.” On behalf of repealing Resolution #11 to ‘Recognize that Martel is not a college’ you move from [a certain state to another], This story has been condensed for print. infographic by sydney garrett you could get whatever gun you want, and Read the full story online at ricethresher.org. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 THE RICE THRESHER NEWS 3 Voting opens to raise IM sports fee to expand accessibility, cover costs

CAMERON WALLACE student workers, increased equipment costs, Standards Act in 2016, and only affected sport participation increase, resulting in more ASST. NEWS EDITOR / [email protected] and an expansion program for students with administrators of the program. games, more student workers and greater disabilities. Referee wages have increased to keep up wear on sports equipment, Frediere said. Undergraduate voting on a potential $5 According to Frediere, the increase of with rising student wages across campus, According to Engles, the IM program blanket tax increase for the Rice University $5 would raise approximately $20,000 a Frediere said. moved into the Gibbs Recreation Center and intramural sports program opened Monday year total, which Assistant Director for “I was a referee for quite a while and had doubled its sports offerings in 2009, resulting night as part of the Student Association Competitive Sports Chris Watkins has to leave because I just made more money in even more expenses. second round election. already included in future spending plans. somewhere else on campus,” Frediere said. Additionally, according to Frediere, According to SA External Vice President Watkins could not be reached at time of “So they’ve increased the starting wage, Watkins has plans to expand the IM program Maurice Frediere, the fee will cover cost publication. just because Rice pays generally above the to increase accessibility for students increases for the IM sports program SA President Ariana Engles said the minimum wage at least slightly.” with disabilities, including purchasing including a federally mandated increase in federally mandated salary increase resulted Cost increases since the last time the fee wheelchairs. administrator salary, salary increases for from changes made to the Fair Labor was raised in 2007 include a 100 percent IM Rice is a six billion dollar institution, and when you’re running something that large, you can’t just cut around the financial system.

Maurice Frediere SA External Vice President

Frediere said that if the increase is not passed, the IM sports program would not be able to accomodate students with disabilities. Frediere said most sport offerings would also likely be drastically reduced, and, eventually, major sport offerings would be cut from weekly offerings to short tournaments. According to Frediere, other methods of covering the cost, such as paying to play, would be impossible in the short term because the budget is so large and complex. “Rice is a six billion dollar institution Will Rice College faces McMurtry College at freshman flag football. To maintain the size of with a budget of hundreds of millions of intramural sports programs, the Student Association Senate passed a resolution to support dollars a year, and when you’re running an IM sports fee increase. Voting on whether to increase fees opened Monday night. something that large, you can’t just cut courtesy helen wei around the financial system,” Frediere said.

Niels Nielson, founder of Rice religion department, passes at 97

ANNA TA said in the article. “Music promotes NEWS EDITOR / [email protected] harmony, understanding, and it’s a WHERE new adventure. It helps me and I get “Sooner or later the superficial something from it.” arrogance that life or people are problems is refuted by destiny,” Niels C. Nielsen Jr. wrote in an 1961 op-ed to the He is seen by many friends Rice Thresher addressing humanistic learning. as a person who shows Nielsen passed away on March 27 at understanding and tolerance FRESH age 97. Nielsen founded the department of for religious differences and religion in 1968, and was a member of the seeks to be a bridge. Rice faculty from 1951 through 1991. He was a professor emeritus of philosophy and religious thought and an honorary associate Larry Wayne Roberts of Will Rice College. He served as chair of Book Reviewer & FAST® the department until his retirement. Nielsen’s last book of nine was “God in the Obama Era: Presidents’ Religion Nielsen grew up in Long Beach, MEET and Ethics from George Washington to California and received a bachelor’s Barack Obama.” A reviewer of the book, degree in divinity and a doctorate in Larry Wayne Roberts, wrote that Nielsen theology from Yale University. brought outstanding credentials and According to Rice News, he is survived scholarship to his subject. by two daughters, Regina and Ali. A “He is seen by many friends in the memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. various faith communities as a person on April 25 at St. Paul United Methodist who shows understanding and tolerance Church in Houston. for religious differences and seeks to be a bridge between them,” Roberts said. “I have read several of his books and have enjoyed them all. I truly enjoyed my first read and I [am] now going back through the book with a highlighter.” In his time as a faculty member, the Thresher reported on Nielsen’s part in the 1958 Senior Follies production, “singing an epic duet about the more WE DELIVER! subtle philosophical and biological points of of the ‘Follies of History.’” Nielsen, who was diagnosed with dementia, took part in a music and memory VISIT JIMMYJOHNS.COM program that was documented by a courtesy rice digital scholarship archive Houston Chronicle article. His iPod shuffled Dr. Niels Nielsen founded the Department of TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU through sermons and classical music. Religion in 1968 and stands second to the left in “Music promotes insight,” Nielsen a photo of the department in 1987. 4 OPINION STAFF EDITORIAL EDITORIAL CARTOON Necessary increase in IM sports fees The IM introduced too late for robust student input Sports The Rice University student body administers the program, should have will vote on a proposed $5 increase in begun a public conversation about Bubble intramural sports fees this week (p. 3). the need to increase fees significantly The increase will pass if at least two- earlier in the semester. While we cannot thirds of the required 20 percent turnout expect full student body participation in votes in favor. making these sorts of decisions, hastily The legislation was introduced by cramming this legislation into student Student Association President Ariana ballots during the second-to-last week of Engles at Senate on March 19. The fee classes is an unproductive way to increase will fund new equipment, increase the engagement. wage paid to IM officials and support Moving forward, a larger-scale study maintenance of all currently available IM should be conducted to gauge the current sports; should the legislation fail, all IM state of IM sports and what students want sports save basketball, soccer and flag from it. The IM sports program is explicitly cartoon by areli navarro magallón and esther tang football will be cut. for the students, and as such students The scope of the legislation raises the should know where their money is going question of why exactly this major need and have a say in what improvements was addressed so late in the semester. they would like to see in the future. Considering the nature of the student body, Despite the late notice, it’s important it is likely that a large majority of students that this resolution pass. Whether or not FIND MORE NLINE did not attend Senate or the residential one has ever played an IM sport while college government meetings that have at Rice, the program is vital to students’ at ricethresher.org occurred between the legislation’s initial physical and mental well-being. We introduction and voting — yet the increase should encourage friendly competition Not our cup of tea: Consent merits more complex from $20 to $25 would appear in every between colleges, as it is and has been an student’s bill, regardless of the student’s essential part of college culture. We urge discussions during O-Week BY RANJINI NAGARAJ AND REBECCA FRANCIS civic participation or awareness. students to rifle through their emails and Those who oversee IM finances, vote for the legislation. “Consent ... should not be a lighthearted part of O-Week when particularly the full-time IM staffer that Voting ends on April 12 at 10 p.m. sexual violence on our campus is still a major issue.”

‘Per Owlstra ad Astra’: Why Rice should choose space Corrections BY ALEX AMARI The article “Number of students kicked off campus varies by college” should have stated “Today, I believe our university benefits to an even greater extent that Sid Richardson College, not Martel College, has the highest number of students choosing to live off campus by our estimate. In the article “A new era: Lovett Hall awaits new dean from the same factors that made Rice and Houston Kennedy’s Bridget Gorman,” there were approximately 30 applicants for the dean position, not 100. choice for the moonshot speech back in the early sixties.”

OP-ED Administration must reconsider public political stances as representatives of the Rice community Rice University is first and foremost an stated mission. Dean of Undergraduates John ramifications for Rice’s promise of impartiality. debates that we strive for at Rice.” academic institution. The university exists to Hutchinson said at the Rice Unites for DACA By speaking on behalf of Rice, including its My issue with the situation is not the prepare young men and women to tackle real- event, “We demand accountability against almost 7,000 students and over 2,000 full- DACA executive order, but rather that the world problems in an objective and impartial those who would divide us and try to separate time employees, they have unintentionally university is taking an official position on manner. By cultivating an environment us into those who belong and those who crushed the ability for competing ideas to political issues. I applaud the enthusiasm my where ideas are free from prejudice and the do not belong because we do not believe it. stand on their own merits. Their statements peers have in engaging in modern political facts can stand for themselves, we can grow We do not believe it at Rice and we do not are not representative of the nuanced counter- issues. Historically, young adults have been in our ability to decipher the truth. Indeed, believe it in this country.” This quotation has proposals and opinions held by the rest of the disengaged from politics, and it is refreshing Rice’s mission statement summarizes that been published in the Thresher and widely Rice community. to see this generation challenge that trend. “Rice University aspires to [cultivate] a diverse disseminated beyond the hedges. President The diversity of opinion in Rice’s student However, political advocacy should be the community of learning and discovery that Leebron also urged the Rice community to body regarding DACA could not be more clear product of our personal capacities and not of produces leaders across the spectrum of advocate for the passing of DACA legislation in polls conducted prior to the SA Resolution official endorsements by the administration. human endeavor.” in his Sept. 5 email. 4 vote on support for the BRIDGE act, which It is my hope that President Leebron and President Leebron wrote in his Aug. 21 would continue to provide current recipients Dean Hutchinson reconsider and reverse their email, “We must resolve to engage with others of DACA temporary pseudo-legal status. The official stance on proposed DACA legislation. and to be open to the exchange of perspectives results of Hanszen College’s poll, for example, Doing so would restore the diverse community and ideas. We cannot resolve disagreements Dean Hutchinson’s and indicated that individuals in the college were of learning and discovery that has been the or build bridges by attempting to silence President Leebron’s public evenly split in their support for the BRIDGE bedrock of Rice’s excellence. others.” However, the administration’s act. Clearly, the student body is not unified recent official actions have diverged from positions [on DACA] have behind one singular response regarding Leebron’s claims and call into question grave ramifications for Rice’s DACA. The Hanszen president warned ANSON FUNG Rice’s commitment to diversity of learning that “the precedent set by representing the Hanszen College Junior [email protected] and discovery. Namely, public positions promise of impartiality. opinion of an entire campus … might lead taken by the administration on contentious to resentment, and eventually silence, from political issues such as the Deferred Action for students in ideological minorities who might Childhood Arrivals executive order, although Dean Hutchinson’s and President disagree with a piece of legislation but whose well-intentioned, conflict with the university’s Leebron’s public positions have grave perspective is necessary in the healthy, robust STAFF opinions design The Rice Thresher, the official content and length and to Drew Keller & Juan Saldaña* Julianne Wey* Editor Christina Tan Director Editors in Chief Sydney Garrett News Designer student newspaper at Rice place letters on its website. arts & entertainment University since 1916, is Lenna Mendoza* Editor Marlena Fleck Sports Designer Jasmine Lin* Ellie Mix A&E Designer published each Wednesday Editorial and business offices Managing Editor backpage Tina Liu Spotlight Designer during the school year, except are located on the second floor Shannon Klein Joey McGlone Editor Areli Navarro Magallón Illustrator during examination periods of the Ley Student Center: Business Director Isaac Schultz Editor Esther Tang Illustrator and holidays, by the students of 6100 Main St., MS-524 news photo business operations Rice University. Houston, TX 77005-1892 Emily Abdow* Editor Sirui Zhou Editor Phone (713) 348-4801 Anna Ta Editor Charlene Pan Editor Sara Lopez Marketing Manager Letters to the Editor must be Email: [email protected] Cameron Wallace Asst. Editor copy Joey Castro Distribution Manager received by 5 p.m. the Friday Website: www.ricethresher.org Greg Campo Distribution Manager spotlight Sarah Smati Editor prior to publication and must Sanvitti Sahdev Business Designer Elizabeth Rasich Editor Catherine Soltero Editor be signed, including college and year if the writer is a Rice The Thresher is a member of the sports online *Editorial Board member Andrew Grottkau* Editor Charlie Paul Web Editor student. The Thresher reserves ACP, TIPA, CMA, and CMBAM. Michael Byrnes Asst. Editor Alice Liu Digital Content Editor the rights to edit letters for © Copyright 2017 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 THE RICE THRESHER ADVERTISEMENT 5 6 SPOTLIGHT

Lucrecia Aguilar observes a lion in a tree in Tanzania. COURTESY SHANNON O’CONNOR, KARINA AGUILAR, APARNA NARENDRULA, BRANDI RANSOM, RITA NEAGLI

Upper left: Lucrecia Aguilar, Watson fellow. Lower left: Brandi Ransom, Knight-Hennessy Scholar. Upper right: Courtney Wang, Seniors win prestigious fellowships Zeff Fellow. Lower right: Jackson Neagli, Marshall Scholar.

ELIZABETH RASICH and balance their multiple cultures.” my life, I probably would,” Neagli said. meticulous preparation leading up to the SPOTLIGHT EDITOR / [email protected] The final level will be to look at how her “My career goal is to become a mediator or deadline: 12 drafts and multiple mock racial identity is perceived by those in the potential arbitrator between Chinese and interviews through the Center for Civic As graduation approaches, these seniors countries she visits. Euro-American actors.” Leadership. It also went through vetting from are looking forward to graduate school and “Part of this experience is how I am For that, SOAS is the perfect play to study, the CCL’s Danika Burgess and Baker Institute international travel. perceived in parts of Asia and the Middle according to Neagli. Fellow Steven Lewis, with whom he worked East, to gain an understanding of my “Certainly, there are other academic closely as an undergraduate. WATSON FELLOW: LUCRECIA AGUILAR multiracial identity from those who share institutions that excel in Chinese studies, In the fall, Neagli was planning on Aguilar, a Baker College senior, will be my ethnic backgrounds,” Wang said. and some in Chinese law, but the incredible attending law school after a semester- traveling to Botswana, Indonesia, the United To those ends, she’ll be meeting with a Chinese studies faculty at SOAS — many of long break, but now he plans to defer his Kingdom, Brazil and India to study big cats wide variety of people to learn from their whom’s research interest align with my own— matriculation for two years. with the Watson Fellowship, which covers experiences. make it a very special place,” Neagli said. This story has been condensed for print. one year of travel with a $30,000 stipend. “While I will seek connections with Neagli’s application went through Read the full story online at ricethresher.org. “I felt that before committing to graduate multiracial individuals and families, there school, I wanted to explore my passion for is also much I will learn about how society big cat conservation further by experiencing conceptualizes race and my own identity how this type of work is done in context,” simply by everyday interactions in these Aguilar said. “To help save big cats long communities, even if they are not with term, I need to gain a better understanding multiracial people,” Wang said. of how different cultures interact with these After the Zeff concludes, Wang plans to large predators.” attend law school in a couple of years and PARTY PATROL: Her travel will focus on understanding then practice human rights law. interactions between human and big cat populations, including how humans impact KNIGHT-HENNESSY SCHOLAR: RONDELET big cats and vice versa as well as ways BRANDI RANSOM conservationists are attempting to save big Ransom, a Lovett College senior, is among cat species. the first class of Knight-Hennessy Scholars, spotlight designer spotlight editor lovett junior “The main focus of my Watson year is to who each receive a full-funding scholarship for explore the ways in which conservation is graduate study at Stanford University. She’ll TINA L. BIZ R. BAILEY D. currently succeeding or failing at promoting continue from her undergraduate degree in a human-wildlife coexistence that benefits materials science and nanoengineering at categories: both groups,” Aguilar said. “Big cats pose Rice to get a doctorate in the same subject. a particularly challenging case, as large Ransom is particularly interested in C C- B+ predators and humans have often clashed stimuli responsive polymers and sensing. “Materials science has to take into account Look, I just wanna Why was it so Lit atmosphere (both over issues like livestock predation or ATMOSPHERE know why people brightly lit? Saw so vibe- and light-wise habitat usage.” the human interaction aspect when creating looked like they were many things I wish I lol). I enjoyed the fun This won’t be Aguilar’s first time traveling new things, and we get to play in all sorts of dressed for prom. hadn’t. energy in the room but wished it was a and researching internationally to study big fields that are necessary to make products,” ~tad~ darker. cats. She has studied wildlife conservation Ransom said. in Tanzania and spent last summer in Ransom can’t pick just one experience Belize studying jaguars for her senior thesis. during her time at Rice that shaped her into a FOOD & C A B+ The experiences showed her how much Knight-Hennessy Scholar. Tiny cups of whipped Bougie and delicious. I didn’t look for the “My friends have great personalities and I cream, no cups for food, but I heard it she loved field work as well as showing DRINK water. her first-hand the difficulty of balancing have gotten the opportunity to learn from all was good! conservation between human needs and of them to become the person I want to be,” wildlife needs. Ransom said. “They push me to be nice to After her year of travel with the Watson people. It has been my interactions with every single person over the last four years that has C- C+ A concludes, Aguilar hopes to pursue a Cool music and great shaped my priorities and my perspective.” MUSIC You know, sometimes Very fun, aside doctoral degree. I think songs can from being elbowed dancing made for an & DANCING probably maybe be 10,000 times. awesome time. ZEFF FELLOW: COURTNEY WANG MARSHALL SCHOLAR: JACKSON NEAGLI danced to without being remixed Wang, a Will Rice College senior, plans to Neagli (Brown ’17) will be pursuing two probaby. travel to Taiwan, Malaysia, Jordan, Sweden master’s degrees at the School of Oriental and Brazil to study multiracialism with the and African Studies in London over the next Zeff Fellowship, which covers one year of two years with the Marshall Scholarship. The A- B A- travel with a $25,000 stipend. Marshall funds graduate education in the INTANGIBLES @Rice pre-meds, as It was hilarious to I enjoyed some of the United Kingdom. much as the Health watch drunk people other venues more in “As someone who is half-Chinese and Museum might turn playing around in the the past, but it was half-Egyptian, I want to learn how multiracial Neagli, who spent his Rice career learning you on, I don’t think it interactive exhibits, unique to run on the individuals navigate their identities across Chinese and studying and researching is super necessary to but it also made an hamster wheel and make out on top of a already small crowd take cute insta pics at different countries,” she said. Chinese law, now hopes to gain a more large intestine model. feel smaller. the photo booth! The first level is looking at how extensive understanding of the language, legal frameworks, societal norms and history and culture of China with one perceptions shape multiracial experiences. master’s degree in Chinese law and the OVERALL C+ C+ B+ The second level will involve learning about other in Chinese studies. Neagli finished his For $20, I couldn’t I wish the theme and Fun night on the town, vibe with it. the venue jibed a bit great job RPC! :) the experiences of multiracial people and undergraduate degree in December 2017. better. how they “conceptualize their identities “If I could go to school for the rest of WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 THE RICE THRESHER SPOTLIGHT 7

ACROSS 1 Tree-hugging marsupial SUSTAINABILITY WEEK 6 Metric for measuring carbon dioxide Crossword by Isaac Schultz 9 Vulnerable layer Backpage Editor / [email protected] 10 Common battery type 11 Carbon, on the periodic table 12 The bane of new statisticians 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 To come back from behind 16 What the Earth is getting (according to science) 18 Rock with extractable materials 19 When doubled, shorthand for a tabletop game 9 10 20 H-town hub 22 Institution of 20 and 34 across 24 Chlorine, on the periodic table 11 12 13 14 15 25 Of the land 28 Middle Earth minions 29 Larger version of 10 across 30 Tech of the future 16 17 18 19 31 Americans throw out 500 million every day 34 NYC hub 35 Govt. entity slowing being destroyed by Scott Pruitt 20 21 22 23 DOWN 1 Right wing bros. 2 A city greener than any on Earth 24 25 26 27 3 Major artery 4 Log’s cousin 5 Airplane, in Liverpool 28 29 6 Phosphorus, on the periodic table 7 In company context, Pay’s best friend? 8 A holiday and a call for help 14 Pokémon GO, for example

30 31 32 33 15 Political proponents of Obama policies 17 Offshore climate changers 21 Corporation popularized by children’s truck 34 35 23 -Choo 24 A contributer to 6-across’ rise 26 This is ___ clunky crossword design 27 How one’s meat might be cooked Answers will be posted on ricethresher.org and on the Thresher Facebook page. 32 Above-average curriculum, for short 33 Northwestern state, in a postal code Bolded clues correspond to the theme.

LADIES. I’M GRADUATING (BARELY). THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE. INSTA @bren_awesome • SNAP @bren_awesome

#GetBrennanAGirlfriend ARTS 8 entertainment& 27th KTRU Outdoor Show to spotlight student and local art, music CHRISTINA TAN ART DIRECTOR / [email protected]

The normally empty Central Quad will come alive during KTRU’s 27th annual Outdoor Show by local and student music performances, interactive art projections and food trucks. In line with the radio station’s eclectic streak, the outdoor show will feature a diverse music lineup ranging from indie electronic Kay Weathers to disco pop CAPYAC to rapper Kodie Shane. In addition, the show aims to expand the presence of local art features, an effort they started last year. “We’ve started hosting a lot of events in collaboration with the Matchbox Gallery [and] wanted to use ODS as a platform to promote local art and make it more of an interactive experience, not only with music but with all different senses,” coordinator courtesy genius & mass appeal Angelo Ragan said. “A lot of [the art] is playing with light and sound and how the two interact with each other.” Rapper XXXTentacion disappoints with ‘?’ Student group Art + Engineering will be among the five artist groups featured. SIMONA MATOVIC was in older songs like “Look at Me” tuned enthusiasm about getting money. According to Ragan, a Brown College THRESHER STAFF /[email protected] and “SippinTeaInYoHood.” When he Aside from that, “The Remedy for a sophomore, the art will be mostly interactive expresses sadness, it isn’t the same Broken Heart (Why Am I So in Love)” and projected onto large screens around the ? devastation as on his first studio is a melodious display of melancholy. central quad and on the music tent. This is in released album, “17,” or his early It’s a hit among misses in the sea of trend with interactive exhibits such as those Genre: Rap SoundCloud work like “Vice City.” half-hearted sadness that defines “?.” available at the Solar Studios, the Moody There is a palpable air of Additionally, Joey Bada$$’s feature Center and Houston music festivals such as Top Track: ‘$$$’ compensation on the whole album: on “Infinity (888)” contributes to a Day for Night. Maybe he provocatively titles one of well-rounded, successful track that is “Last year, we had a little bit of art but the tracks “Schizophrenia” to make up surprisingly laid-back given its lyrical it wasn’t enough to be a cohesive part of for its mediocrity, or dedicates “Hope” hostility directed toward other rappers’ this show. This year, we wanted to scale to victims of the Marjory Stoneman lack of creativity. up and give people more reasons to come In the past year, XXXTentacion Douglas High School shooting so A notable, albeit somewhat out-of- out and watch the shows,” art director has expanded beyond his SoundCloud that the listener might overlook its place, addition to the album is the very Kaarthika Thakker said. “Since this is the following to become one of the most uninspired music and unintelligible listenable “I Don’t Even Speak Spanish first year we’ve actually done art to this controversial artists in popular music. lyrics. Nevertheless, the album is LOL.” It features three underground extent, we hope that in the future years we Despite (or maybe because of) X’s reminiscent of a botched art project Floridian artists, and the end product use the knowledge about what worked and notoriously violent reputation, his with buzzwords scribbled across it at is a half-English, half-Spanish mélange what didn’t.” latest album “?” debuted at number the last minute — it’s like he’s trying of cliché lyrics. Still, it’s undeniably Thakker, a Lovett College sophomore, one. His disjointed second studio to mislead the audience into believing catchy. If you’re the kind of person who added that the constraints of the show made release is aptly titled, as it will leave they’re missing a deeper meaning. confidently shouts all the wrong words it difficult to find diverse pieces of artwork listeners puzzled. Speaking as someone to “Despacito” or fondly looks back on that were visible during day and nighttime. who has been listening to X since well your enthusiastic off-rhythm dancing at “We worked with [artists] and looked at before his major label releases and Latin Pub Night, this is a song for you. pieces that they were working on that would has enjoyed his music (while being The album is reminiscent of If you’re a person who actually listens be cohesive with the space, the event and appalled by his real-world acts of a botched art project with to reggaeton, the song — in all its corny the other pieces,” Thakker said. “My co-art aggression), I’m confident saying that glory — will get stuck in your head director Grace Earick was essential to this “?” is weak. The album’s popularity buzzwords scribbled across regardless. part since she’s an art history major with a may stem from public fascination with it at the last minute — it’s Separating an artist from their work is lot of curation experience.” X’s assault charges or his overall edgy an often-faced moral dilemma. Conversely, Thakker said that she was most excited and reckless brand, but it definitely is like he’s trying to mislead the it seems that XXXTentacion’s audacious to see the “Silent Symphony” piece by Julian not a reflection of its quality. audience into believing public image is the driving force behind Nguyen (Will Rice ‘15). The piece is inspired “?” starts off with a spoken the commercial success of “?.” The by a study, “The Impact of Visual Stimuli on introduction, in which XXXTentacion they’re missing a deeper album has some compelling songs, but Music Perception,” which discusses the link instructs his listener to approach the meaning. that seems statistically inevitable given between the visuals of a music performance album “open-minded, feeling [his] it’s comprised of 18 attempts. The dozen and the perception of the performance. insanity, feeling [his] genius, [his] subpar tracks also set the bar low enough Like previous years, the show will also energy.” Ironically, what is lacking That said, “?” does have its that the standalone quality of the better showcase student, local and national in the 18 short tracks is feeling. In highlights. A handful of the songs are few is questionable. At the end of the musical talent. Battle of the Bands winner his previous work, X has successfully memorable and mindless in a fun way day, if X’s defining trait is being high-risk, Pickleback will kick off the show at 3 p.m. conveyed intensity. Yet when he’s — a prime example is “$$$.” You can’t his work should at least be high-reward, “Campus names like Pickleback appeal to angry on “?,” he’s not enraged like he help but bop your head to its auto- which “?” falls short of. KTRU CONT. ON PAGE 9

THE WEEKLY SCENE

CATHARSIS SHAKESPEARE COUNTERCURRENT JAPAN CINEFEST One of Houston’s strangest art festivals Support student artists on Friday at 9 McMurtry College theater will put up The The Asia Society will present a collection takes place from Tuesday to Sunday. p.m. during Cavity’s third showcase of Complete Works of William Shakespeare, of short films from emerging Japanese Installations include one composed visual and performance art. Food and an abridged parody of all of the bard’s and Japanese-American filmmakers of 1,000 questions about race and a drink will be provided, nice dress is plays, this weekend. Performance are starting at 7-10 p.m. on Thursday. performance in a Fiesta supermarket. All encouraged. April 13-15 at 8 p.m. Tickets are free. Tickets are $12 for non-members. tickets are free. Lyle’s (Lovett Basement) McMurtry College Asia Society Texas Center Various Locations asiasociety.org countercurrentfestival.org WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 THE RICE THRESHER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 9

KTRU FROM PAGE 8 headed by Ragan and his co-coordinator, The Chainsmokers are washed up people on campus to come out for specifi c Emily Foxman. Foxman had previously events that they know they’ll enjoy,” coordinated the past two outdoor shows. Ragan said. “We start building our lineup from the on ‘Sick Boy...Everybody Hates Me’ Pickleback will be followed up by top down and secured HOMESHAKE and Houston-based indie electronic Kay Weathers Kodie Shane in November,” Ragan said. “We AMELIA CALUATTI like, “I walk into the club like everybody and avant-pop Pearl Crush. The show will take input from our committee about sound THRESHER STAFF / [email protected] hates me,” and “You don’t know me/ Don’t then draw from Austin talent with hip hop distribution and favorite local bands.” you think that I get lonely?/ It gets dark artists Magna Carda and disco pop CAPYAC, Although the show is held on Rice inside my head.” expand to Atlanta-based R&B singer campus, it is historically one open to the SICK BOY The EP is a clear response to the Alexandria and conclude with nationally- entire Houston community. criticism they received in the media known indie pop band HOMESHAKE and “Ideally, [the show] should be for Genre: Electronic for being arrogant and shallow party rapper Kodie Shane. everyone. For example, HOMESHAKE is Top Track: ‘Sick Boy’ boys, but the tracks are trying too hard. “The taste at KTRU is self-described as highly accessible in terms of getting bigger Taggart’s nasal voice (which is featured ‘eclectic,’ with a feature on local music,” names that will [bring] people out,” Ragan in every song!) clashes with the dark and Ragan said. “Our lineup is very eclectic, with said. “We’re hoping that by having those acts edgy content and comes off as a spoiled anything from electronic to rap to hip hop to that people do know, they’ll stay for the local plea for pity. “Everybody Hates Me” bedroom pop, with a little bit of everything.” acts that they don’t know.” reveals their ever-so-torturing struggles According to Ragan, the process for The show is April 21 from 3-8 p.m. The In response to the scathing reviews of with fame; Taggart complains that he just choosing artists began in October and was event is all-ages and free for all attendees. their most recent album, The Chainsmokers wants to “drink tequila with his friends,” have released a jaded rebuttal with their and claims, “I’m just trying to stay normal latest EP “Sick Boy...Everybody Hates Me.” now that they know what my name is.” Clearly they’re out of touch. Somebody Oh, the poor boys. “You Don’t Know Me” should have told The Chainsmokers “if it focuses on the washed-out theme of being ain’t broke, don’t fi x it,” two years ago at misunderstood. The Chainsmokers protest the peak of their success, during the era of that the papers call them “awesome” but bangers like “Roses,” “Don’t Let Me Down” their life isn’t so great — they get “lonely.” and “Until You Were Gone.” College They remind the media that if they die, it’s friends turned DJs, Alex Pall and Andrew all on them. Seems legit. Taggart became known as the “frat bros” Lastly, “Sick Boy” describes the burden of electronic dance music for their love of of discovering yourself while living in the partying, alcohol and girls. Their beats age of social media. Taggart asks “How mixed over female vocal samples could be many likes is my life worth?” This song heard blaring at college ragers all over the is the most believable on the EP, coming country, but all of that crashed when the across as less of a plea and more of a duo decided to move in a new direction. genuine and relatable concern; it’s easy to get caught up in a narcissistic bubble when social media takes up most of your The EP is a clear response to life. Yet, the mediocrity of “Sick Boy” isn’t enough to save the EP; overall, it still the criticism they received in comes off as whiny and, truthfully, kind of the media for being arrogant gives me a headache. Sorry, but The Chainsmokers’ fi ve and shallow party boys, but minutes of fame are over — and I may the tracks are trying too hard. be the saddest about this. Don’t get me wrong, I was The Chainsmokers’ biggest fan when they developed their The fi rst hint of their transition was EDM/future bass niche. But now that “Closer,” a pop duet with vocal powerhouse they have swayed away from that with Halsey. The song focused on lyrics over underwhelming vocals and faux punk instrumentals, and even featured their fusion, the magic (and the hit singles) is very own Taggart’s vocals on the track. gone. The Chainsmokers may think that Let’s just say there’s a reason Taggart is a everybody hates them, but, frankly, in DJ and not a singer. Yet, despite some, erm, 2018, no one cares about them. interesting vocals by Taggart, the song was a smash hit, thanks to the wonders of Halsey’s immense talent and autotune. This taste of success gave Taggart too much self-confi dence though, and he has continued to sing on practically every single release since. Big mistake. Their debut album “Memories...Do Not Open” fl opped, lacking the energy of previous songs and off ering only underwhelming and repetitive pop tracks. Their latest EP “Sick Boy...Everybody Hates Me” consists of just three songs: “Everybody Hates Me,” “You Owe Me” and “Sick Boy.” They have a pop rock ** WE MOVED! ** STILL IN MONTROSE: infl uence, replacing their usual synths 2901 S. Shepherd Dr. • 713-523-8701 with head-banging drum beats. The boys BUFFALOEXCHANGE.COM • leave little off the table with blunt lyrics courtesy genius 10 SPORTS BASEBALL Baseball sweeps ODU for first C-USA series win SPENCER MOFFAT THRESHER STAFF / [email protected]

Rice’s 18-1 win on Sunday clinched a weekend sweep against Old Dominion University, as the Owls reversed their fortunes after being swept by Old Dominion in last year’s meeting. In the first game of the series, Rice recorded 18 hits for the second game in a row, following its 18 hits in a 14-9 loss to Sam Houston State University on April 3. But this time, the Owls’ pitching and defense held strong, resulting in a 9-0 win. Sophomore pitcher Matt Canterino struck out the side in the top of the second inning, setting the tone for the rest of the game. He went on to record eight more strikeouts in the contest, marking his fourth double-digit strikeout outing of the year. Freshman catcher Justin Collins said Canterino’s fastball was especially effective throughout the game. “I felt like he could have pitched a great outing with only his fastball,” Collins said. “Some of the hitters’ reactions after swings [were] comical.” Friday’s game against ODU also marked the return of junior catcher Dominic DiCaprio, who filled in as the designated martin zhang / thresher hitter. DiCaprio finished his first game back since Feb. 20 with three hits and two Sophomore third baseman Braden Comeaux finishes his swing during Saturday’s 4-3 victory over Old Dominion University. The Owls swept the Monarchs to runs batted in, which came on a two-run win their first Conference USA series of the season and move to 5-7 in conference play. Rice is now in a four-way tie for seventh place in the conference. The home run. Following another multi-hit top eight teams in the standings qualify for the conference tournament, which Rice will likely have to win to earn a spot in its 24th straight NCAA Tournament. game on Saturday, DiCaprio said it was nice to finally get back in action. seven innings, racking up seven strikeouts Sophomore pitcher Addison Moss like Rice has a chance to turn its season “It just feels good to be playing against only one walk. Graham said he was allowed only one run in the game through around in the coming weeks. baseball,” DiCaprio said. “I missed it a lot. impressed by Garcia’s poise throughout his six innings of work to earn his first win “All these people that wanted to jump I tried to be as much part of the team as the contest. of the year, and sophomore pitcher Nick off the bandwagon amidst the [struggles]; I could, but when you’re not playing you “He did a great job,” Graham said. “He Silber closed the game out with a scoreless you can’t have eight injuries and five of can’t really do much for the team.” caught no breaks when [the defense] made inning. Saturday’s starter Roel Garcia said them to impact players; that’s pretty According to head coach Wayne bad plays at the wrong time, but he was he believes the Owls’ pitching staff is bad,” Graham said. “Right now, if you Graham, DiCaprio’s return is a major boost unflappable; he was stoic.” starting to hit its stride. look at the ballclub, it’s a good ballclub. to Rice’s offense. Sunday’s game against the Monarchs “Ourstartingrotationisallsophomores, We’re not as far behind the eight ball as “You can’t take a bat like that out of saw the Owls’ record season highs in so we’ve been playing together for over a we were for the conference tournament, your lineup and expect to be as good,” hits and runs scored, as every player year now,” Garcia said. “We’re definitely but we gotta win.” Graham said. “His bat in the lineup makes in the starting lineup joined in the hit getting the rotation going and filling our The Owls go on the road this weekend a tremendous difference.” parade. Junior shortstop Ford Proctor spots up. Our team chemistry is definitely to take on Middle Tennessee State Saturday’s game against ODU was a and sophomore third baseman Braden coming together.” University for a three-game conference more competitive matchup than Friday’s Comeaux led the charge, both finishing The Owls now have a record of 15-19 series. They are currently in a four-way tie game, as the Owls eked out a 4-3 victory. with three hits in the game. The game on the season and 5-7 in conference play for seventh in the C-USA standings. The Sophomore pitcher Roel Garcia started ended after seven innings on a mercy rule, and still have about another month left in top eight teams in the conference qualify for the Owls and gave up only two runs in finishing the Owls’ 18-1 victory. the regular season. Graham said he feels for the conference tournament. Student-athletes to implement well-being initiative environment for student-athletes. any mental health or wellbeing issues. thing, people who would be interested MENTAL HEALTH CONT. FROM PAGE 1 “The physical demands of sport will The team has the approval of the athletic and really passionate about it,” he said. Litver, Otoo and Tilbrook conducted drain you for the classroom and the department to begin implementing the Once selected, they will be trained the study as an independent sociology mental demands of the classroom will program in the fall. Otoo said he is hoping by the Rice Wellbeing and Counseling research project. All three are student- drain you for your sport,” Litver said. “It’s to have a group of PWAAs representing Center, according to Otoo. The PWAAs athletes: Litver is a swimmer, while a vicious kind of cycle where student- the entire athletic department. will report to two or three Head PWAAs, Otoo and Tilbrook are on the men’s and athletes are being drained physically and “We might try to expand the program who will host meetings with them every women’s track teams, respectively. that affects their classroom performance in the future, but as of right now, our couple of weeks. The group’s findings come from and then mental draining affects their goal is for at least one per team,” Otoo A representative from the Rice surveys sent out to female student- physical performance. That came up in said. “That’s something that’s pretty Wellbeing and Counseling Center athletes in the spring of 2017 and male our focus groups.” achievable.” will oversee the Head PWAAs. Litver student-athletes in the fall of 2017. The The research team used their results said while it would be ideal to have a 150 athletes surveyed are about half of to come up with a plan to combat the counselor specifically trained to help the total student-athlete population issues that came up in their study. One We’re not ask ing the student- student-athletes, the PWAA system is the at Rice. Litver, Otoo and Tilbrook also especially jarring statistic to Litver and next best option. conducted focus groups to get more in- Otoo was that while over 60 percent of athletes to be counselors for “We’re not asking student-athletes depth information on responses. student-athletes reported that they would their teammates. to be counselors for their teammates,” The results indicated that among go to teammates, friends and family for Litver said. “It’s more bridging the gap student-athletes, physical pressures support, only about 12 percent said they Julie Litver between athletes and the resources the were the largest contributors to stress would go to therapists or counselors. Senior Swimmer university has for them.” levels, followed by academic pressures. 57 percent of female athletes and 46 Litver said she is happy the research Additionally, nearly 70 percent of male percent of male athletes said they would team and the athletic department have athletes indicated they “frequently” or not go to Rice’s Wellbeing Center; some All PWAAs will be juniors and taken a proactive approach to student- “almost always” felt tired or had low expressed concern about being asked to seniors, and they will go through both athlete mental health instead of waiting energy. Among female athletes, nearly a leave Rice due to mental health issues. an application and interview process. until it is too late. third said they “almost always” felt tired For this reason, the research team said Otoo said he is hoping to select people “It’s happened before, a suicide of a or had low energy. they are planning to establish a system who will embrace the chance to be role student-athlete,” she said. “We’re trying Over half of males and nearly a third of Peer Wellbeing Athletic Advisors, models for younger athletes. to not get to that point. We want to have of females said they felt unsupported analogous to Rice Health Advisors in the “Our primary plan is to reach out precautionary measures to have every by the student body. Litver said Rice’s residential colleges. These PWAAs will to people we know from personal safeguard, every resource available to difficulties can create a dangerous be trained to talk to teammates about experience would be good at this sort of students so we never get to that point.” WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 THE RICE THRESHER SPORTS 11

MEN’S TENNIS Rutledge adjusting well to new leadership role I wasn’t really seeing eye to eye with the one of the younger guys for almost three coach and some aspects of the team,” years and then suddenly become one of Rutledge said. “I chose to transfer to Rice, the co-captains of the team,” Rutledge said. into a very good tennis program and a stellar “Now, I have to teach the new guys the ways, academic school. For the past two years, it’s what to learn after every match and how to been everything I wanted.” get better.” Rutledge finished his first year at Rice According to Rutledge, despite having with an 18-5 singles record, as well as a such a young group of players and a 9-15 10-6 doubles record with partner Jake record, the team is looking to win the C-USA Hansen, who has since transferred to tournament. Cornell University. His achievements that “It looks like we will be seeded in the year included closing an upset against No. middle of the pack at conference,” Rutledge 16 University of South Carolina and being said. “Having won the tournament two years named Conference USA athlete of the week. in a row, we expect nothing less than to win. However, a number of players from the We are going to go out and play to win.” men’s team left after the 2016-17 season, and According to Rutledge, to accomplish Rutledge was one of the few that stayed. those goals, the team needs to gain more experience. “A lot of the younger guys played in international junior tournaments, so they I have to teach the new guys know how to compete and play tennis. the ways, what to learn after However, the college tennis atmosphere is completely different,” Rutledge said. every match. “Everyone is improving, and the freshmen are staying healthy. They are focused Eric Rutledge and they got the right mindset to keep Sophomore Tennis Player improving for the next four years.” Sophomore Eric Rutledge is one of the few holdovers from last year’s tennis team. As a co- captain this year, he has compiled a 19-11 singles record, including an 11-4 record at the No. Despite a few setbacks this season, 1 singles position. Though the team is just 9-15 on the season after winning the conference Rutledge said he still has set plenty of high championship the last two years, Rutledge said the Owls are still aiming to win the C-USA title. “I stayed because, for my goals, the goals for himself. Rice tennis team is a good fit,” Rutledge “This season, I had hopes of being sirui zhou / thresher said. “I enjoy the coaches and my ranked one of the higher guys in teammates. And with the academic side Conference USA and earning a bid in the MICHAEL PRICE Florida State University. of things, I think it will set off with good NCAA Singles or Doubles Tournament,” THRESHER STAFF / [email protected] Rutledge played high school tennis at opportunities after college.” Rutledge said. “Unfortunately, a few All Saints’ Episcopal School in Fort Worth, With the majority of the team gone, injuries have set me back. I have two years Despite being a member of the Rice tennis Texas, and was once ranked fifth in the the Rice men’s tennis program had to start left, and my ultimate individual goal is to team for just two years, redshirt sophomore nation by Tennis Recruiting Network. He nearly from scratch and recruited five be an All-American and ranked one of the Eric Rutledge has proven to be one of the signed with Wake Forest University and freshmen for the new season. According top-16 in the country.” team’s most valuable assets. Currently, redshirted his freshman year. However, to Rutledge, working with the young team Up next, the Owls will face Southern he has a 19-11 singles record, including unsatisfied with the program, Rutledge said is almost entirely different from any other Methodist University at the George R. victories against players from powerhouse he started searching for other options. team he has played for in the past. Brown Tennis Center this Sunday. The first schools like Louisiana State University and “I enjoyed my first year at Wake, but “It’s a difficult transition when you are match is set to kick off at 11 a.m. 12 BACKPAGE THE RICE THRESHER WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018

Goofus gives his prospie alcohol, tells him Gallant takes his prospie to the Kinda that Owl Days is the best time to get laid, and Sketchy show, gives him a warm glass takes him to Pub. of milk and tucks him into bed. But not before a bedtime story about how great the residential college system is.

Gallant believes the SA can be a vehicle for positive change, and Goofus writes bogus Student strives to make the body a useful tool Association bill such as “To for undergraduate representation. Declare the 2017-2018 Session of *Note: this was an actual piece of SA Senate a Marvelous, Awardable, legislation which included lines such Relevant, and Timely Exercise as “Whereas, Our ability to work in Leadership,” furthering the together as a senate and group of generally-held understanding that friends should be recognized.” Tis is SA ofcials do very little for those who is in charge of … well, nothing, I who voted for them.* guess. Whatever!

Goofus wears a wine-red toga commando Gallant wears compression shorts under his style, and emphatically defecates while bedsheet so as not to ofend, and tells the declaring “Brown is shit, shit is Brown.” Brown kids they’re nice people.

Gallant realizes that the system is Goofus charges all students not perfect, but makes an efort to $13,750 for room and board, provide older and un-renovated but randomly assigns some colleges with certain perks – I students to glorifed closets while don’t know, price cuts, better Wi- others get rooms with Tempur- Fi – allowing students to at least Pedic mattresses and personal pretend that living in Hanszen Goofus pushes dope on the side to fund Gallant works for Testmasters,™ with bathrooms. College is all right. his unhealthy addiction to boba. hourly rates starting at $25/hr, allowing him to help out local students while responsibly funding his addiction to boba.

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