THE
IRON BLADE
Vol. 60, No. 4
In This Issue:
Empty Bowls Event Page 2
School record 10 goals Page 3
Winkles hits for cycle Page 3
Tennis update Page 3
Students Speak Page 4
SINCE 1955
60 Years of Ferrum College News
March , 2016
Little Women the Musical by Patrick Duggan After two and a half months of preparation by the theater department, Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic "Little Women" came alive on the Sale Theater stage March 17-20. Despite delays in receiving scripts and pressure to premier the show before Easter Break, freshman Fox Yates, who played the leading role of Jo, was proud of the final product. “It went really, really well,” Fox said. “Some people from Averett University came and watched the show, and they were really Photo Courtesy of TaJon Olmo impressed. Other than Marmee is speaking with her four little women about their fathers escapades. a couple line mess-ups, got to this school I wanted to be a Ritorto said. “The way musicals are there was really nothing wrong with manager for the baseball team. One written for the Broadway theater, the show, and the energy was really of the people who got in the way of they put a lot of money into the scene good. I was surprised to see how that was a person who checked my changes and how scenes flow from well it all come together in the end, facebook and said it was unladylike one another. Most modern musicals because for a little while there I was for a woman to curse as much as I have mechanical sets; sets change in pretty scared.” do. Women are expected to be well the middle of songs. With our limited "Little Women," first published kept.” budget and with the structure of the in 1868, is a fictionalized account of Aside from the feminist mes- story it was a challenge to keep that Alcott’s own life and considered a sage, Yates shares many things in energy while doing it on a much key work of 19th century feminism. common with Jo, both in personality smaller scale. Sometimes the audi“At the time the book was pub- and circumstance. Specifically, Yates ence can be dazzled with the beauty lished, it was really something new,” used her own experiences with death of the set changes. In this show, it’s said Sue Spataro, who directed the to channel the emotion Jo feels when all about the story, not the spectacle.” show’s music. “It broke all kinds of she loses her sister. Despite the challenge, Spataro traditions, like the traditional female “I’m really good at all of the was pleased with the end-result and role of being wife and mother.” Di- anger and sadness,” Yates said. “One proud of the progress she saw in rector Guiseppie Ritorto felt it was a of our first lessons in theater was to the cast members leading up to the poignant story that could find reso- pull emotions from actual events premier. nance in the theater department’s that have happened in our lives. I “I’m very happy with the way mostly-female student body. connect with the song 'Fire Within it turned out,” Spataro said. “All the “We have a lot more women We,' which is about the death of Jo’s performances were excellent and we in our musical theater program, so I sister. I lost a really dear friend of got really good feedback. I saw all wanted to find a vehicle that could mine to suicide when I was twelve, of the actors make incredible growth use them all,” Ritorto said. “Louis and I was the first person who found throughout the process, and all of Alcott was one of the first feminists, him, so I pulled the memories that I them stood out in their own way.” and in her writing she pretty much have of him and his mother talking Now that the nightly rehearsals says 'F.U.' to the stereotypical idea to me after his death, and it really got and constant preparation have come of what a woman should be. It’s in me into the state of mind that Jo was to an end, Yates is sad to be distanced the story. I haven’t shied away from in when she lost her sister.” from the friends she grew close to that at all.” Director Guiseppie Ritorto fol- during the process, but exciting to Yates found both the story and lowed the blueprint from the Broad- continue her work as an actress next her character highly relatable to her way production of "Little Women," semester. own struggles as a young woman on which first premiered in 2005. Mim“I was honestly considering the verge of adulthood, and says she icking the structure of the musical transferring my first semester,” Yates saw familiarity in Jo’s struggle with without the budget required to create said. “But I’m so glad that I stayed female gender-identity. visual spectacle proved difficult for in here and met all these fantastic “Like Jo, I’m pretty tom-boyish Ritorto and the rest of the cast, and people that I was working with. We as it is,” Yates said. “I don’t like forced them to focus on developing were all crying the last day of the things other girls like. I’ve played substance rather than style. play. I don’t know what to do with baseball all my life, and when I “This is a modern musical,” myself now that it’s over.”
Page 2 - THE IRON BLADE - March, 2016
AROUND CAMPUS
Ferrum Hosts Seventh Annual Empty Bowls
Ferrum fraternities and sororities and community volunteers. Most were handSunday, March 13, Ferrum College made by Ferrum College's Art Club and and the Art Department hosted the sevArt Department. Senior Taylor Scott, leadenth annual Empty Bowls fundraising ing several volunteer sessions for Empty event in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room. Bowls at Ferrum, said “It’s a great event. The event started at 11 a.m. Attendees It’s good to see the college helping Ferrum were there bright and early to donate Elementary.” towards the Panther Pack program and Local artist from around the commuget their own bowls. The Panther Pack nity donated some original art pieces to an program is a fundraiser dedicated to supauction for Empty Bowls. The piece that plying a full year of meals every weekdrew the highest bid was an oil painting, end for more than 60 students at Ferrum titled “Summer,” created by Cheryl MackElementary. ian. Other art pieces that were auctioned The event started seven years ago included a platter by Ron Sutter; a handand has seen an increase in donations and made merino wool and silk hat and scarf Photo Courtesy of Cameron Taylor volunteers, who dedicate themselves to Volunteers pose at the Empty Bowls event: Jamie Anderson (sophomore); by Dawne Wright Beasely, daughter of the positively affecting their community. Nell Deniz Isik (junior); Jasmine MoreJon (sophomore); Emily Anderson late Reverend Wasena Wright. A free(sophomore); David Eichelburger (art professor); Francisco Flores Fredericksen, former PTO president of form bowl with a whale design created by (sophomore); Taylor Scott (senior). Ferrum Elementary, and current potter of David Eichelberger,a professor of art at Ferrum Elementary, Marcie Altice, who passed the Blue Ridge Potters Guild, has been Ferrum college, was also auctioned. away recently. “She was amazingly dedicated with the program since its initial start. “No Eichelburger, head of empty bowls here to the children of our community,” says Nell child wants to go home hungry,” says Nell. at Ferrum College, wanted to draw in more Fredericksen. To remember her dedication, a This year students by charging $10, rather than the full donation bowl, created by Nell, was given to Empty Bowls price of $15. Students did attend, and one, her husband, Sam Altice, which raised $85 in was dedicated Katherine Sessor, commented on the bowls, donations. to remembering saying, “There are so many different sizes and This year’s event had a wide variety of one of the origicolors that it’s hard to make a decision on the bowls to select from. Locals and Ferrum stunal co-founders one I want.” The event raised more than $5,000 dents picked from about 600 bowls. Some of of the Panther with the bowls and the auctioned art pieces. the bowls were donated by local potters, Girl Pack program The money raised, however, did not exceed last Scout troops, the Blue Ridge Potters Guild, year’s total of $6,000. Photo Courtesy of Nell Fredricksen and principle of by Jeremy Gibson
E-Terms Give Students A Chance to Explore
by Jeremy Gibson E-term or Experiential Term is an opportunity for students to get a hands on idea of a variety of core required courses while at the same getting an experience off campus in their ideal career field. E-term
courses include but are not limited to liberal arts, speaking and writing intensives. Internships are also available. This year E-terms are available for a number of courses, such as ART 217, an introduction class which will
S TAFF Staff Writers, Photographers, and Other Contributors Kaitlin Roeper, Hunter Ferguson, Deniz Isik, Patrick Duggan, Emily Anderson, Morgan Brown, Cameron Clark, Jeremy Gibson, and TaJon Olmo
Letters Policy and Publication Details: Opinions expressed in The Iron Blade do not necessarily reflect those of Ferrum College administration, staff, faculty, or students. The Iron Blade is published every week during the academic year at Ferrum College, Ferrum, Va. It is designed on Apple computers and printed at JS Printing in Montgomery, Ala. Material may be reprinted with the advisor’s written permission. To contact The Iron Blade, call 365-4304 or e-mail iblade@ferrum.edu. The crest on page one was designed by alumna Sandy Southard (’04) in 2005 and updated and colorized in 2009 by Glenn Thompson.
Join the Staff The Iron Blade is always looking for students who are interested in journalism, photography, or design. If you desire to contribute to The Iron Blade by being a writer, photographer, editor, or designer, please contact Tim Thornton at tthornton@ferrum.edu.
travel to Mexico, or the ESC 208 course heading to Ireland. On campus E-terms for those who want to stay local include HIS 303, which will tour the eastern United States, exploring historic sites along the coast, as well as BUS 207, which will travel locally around the county and state. Credits and costs for E-terms vary from course to course. Depending on the location and details the E-term has to offer, the variation in costs and credit are great but can be managed by students themselves. Each E-term course has specific scholarships designed for more students to attend. Scholarship amounts range as high as $4,000. Previously intended for students who would be graduating the following year, the three weeks of any E-term course will better prepare these students for real life situations and experiences for in intended major. However, the E-term has evolved so anyone in any year of school can attend. Chris Rogers (senior) took his e-term course his freshman year with the radio practicum, which was held in Ferrum's media house for free. Recollecting his experience, Rogers said, “ I had a good experience because it was a small group with hands on practice. Being a senior now I really appreciate the opportu-
nity instead of scrambling around in the last semester.” However, not everyone is lucky enough to take the course for free. Kendall Herndon (senior) is taking her first E-term the summer of 2016 here on campus but is paying just about $1,600. “I hope to have a good experience with Professor David Nicholson; even if I am here partly for my summer,” says Herndon. Sarah Crow is the director of the E-terms program and has been since its start in 2007. Crow, who is in charge of the financial resources for E-terms, is also in charge of course selection for every school year. “E-terms are an emersion into one’s chosen topic experiencing nothing else but your major whether on or off campus is the most fun thing you’ll do and the fastest three weeks ever,” Crow said. E-Terms do not begin until the first week of May. However, signing up for courses begins at the start of the spring semester. So go sign up now or ask your advisor for more information in your chosen field. Recent E-term destinations have ranged from course to course. Recent travels include Bradford (England), Belize, Ireland, Mexico, Europe (Amsterdam, Belgium, Paris) Germany, Austria, and the Virgin Islands.
Page 3 - THE IRON BLADE - March, 2016
SPORTS
Baseball: Winkles Hits For the Cycle Women's Lacrosse: by Cameron Clark One of the hardest things to accomplish in a baseball game is one player hitting for the cycle. Hitting for the cycle means that one player hit a single, double, triple, and home run in a single game. The Cincinnati Reds have been in the major leagues since 1882 and have only had nine players hit for the cycle. The Reds have played 21,773 times since 1882 that averages out to a player hitting for the cycle every 2,419 games. Senior Austin Winkles accomplished that feature in a game played on March 1 against Lynchburg College. “That game I was just seeing the ball well at the plate,” Winkles said. “Everything seemed to slow down for me that day.” Winkles came to bat in the second inning with a single and the score of 2-0 for the Panthers and blasted a two-run home run doubling the lead over Lynchburg. It was Winkles’ first home run of the season. In the sixth inning of the game Winkles hit the ball to left center field and hustled all the way to third base to get his third hit in the game. When he got back to the dugout Winkles said “All the boys were telling me no matter where I hit it to try and turn it into a double.” This was when Winkles realized he had an op-
portunity for history on the diamond. Winkles in his final at-bat doubled to left field to complete the cycle. “I knew it was a big thing and not an easy thing to do,” Winkles said. He has raised his batting average over 100 points since that game. “I have a lot more confidence since that game,” Winkles said. “It’s helped me perform better.” He was also named to the DIII baseball team of the week on March 8. Winkles said, “It was a great feeling being named to this team and it made me proud to know that the hard work was paying off.”
by Cameron Clark and Hunter Ferguson MENS LACROSSE – Through 10 games the team is 4-6. Dustin Browning (senior) thinks it can get a lot better. “We haven’t reached our full potential yet, the sky is the limit on how good we can be. We just need to start playing like we believe we can.” Browning said. Being right in the middle of a five game road stretch, finishing the season strong is a top priority for the Panthers. “We focus on one game at a time. As long as we take care of business day to day, finishing the season strong and post season play will come,” said Browning. Notable statistics: Ryan Tessler (junior) 17 goals & 12 assist, Tyler Fullem (sophomore) 13 goals & 9 assist, Marcus Boyer (senior) 10 goals & 9 assist, Koby McMahon (freshman) 54 saves. MEN’S TENNIS – Ferrum’s team is 6-4 through ten games, while going 4-3 so far in the conference. Ferrum has 8 matches left, three of them being USA South conference matches. WOMEN’S TENNIS – The team has started this season 0-9. The ladies have nine matches left, with six of them being USA South conference matches. Their next match is at Sweet Briar College (2-5) on March 25th. GOLF – The team started its season on March 7 in Dataw Island, South Carolina. The team, as a whole, finished the tournament 8 out of 12 teams. The team’s best finish was Brandon Bailey (junior), who finished tied for 24. Jekyll Island hosted the team March 18-20 for their second spring tournament. They finished 16th out of 30 teams. Bailey finished fifth as he shot 3 under par for the tournament. Keegan Howver (senior) said, “The winter hitting so hard caused us to be rusty in the first event of the spring but the talent in the starting
five has a lot of potential for the rest of the spring events and conference. The team’s next event is scheduled for a trip to California as they participate in the West Cup in La Verne, California, starting on March 28. BASEBALL – The team was predicted to finish fifth in the USA South conference this year. Methodist University was predicted to win the conference this year. Methodist traveled to Ferrum for a weekend series on March 5 and left on March 6 after losing three consecutive games to the Panthers. The team is 16-8 in the season and is 7-2 in the conference so far on the season. Ferrum hosted 11 ranked Frostburg State on the 15. The panthers defeated the nationally ranked Frostburg State 17-7. With this 7-2 conference record, the Panthers hold first place in the USA South. Junior Dillon Weaver said “We started off a little slow but are playing as a team and things are coming together both offensively and defensively very excited for the rest of our season.” Jo Stickney leads the team with a .369 batting average, while Austin Winkles leads the team in home runs with five. Jake Perkins leads the pitching staff in wins with a 5-1 record. SOFTBALL – The team started the season with an 8-8 record, going 5-5 in the conference. Mika Smith (senior) said, “Our record so far has shown that our season is going pretty well. We have faced a lot of adversity this year as a team and still have a lot of room to grow but my teammates have proved that we are able to overcome things that we are unable to control and I’m confident that we as a team will continue to get stronger.” Notable statistics: Amanda Roberts leads the team with a .385 batting average. Logan Barbour is the power hitter for the panthers, leading the team in home runs with three. Courtney Rudd has 35 strikeouts in 35 innings and a 2.12 ERA.
Photo Courtesy of Ferrum Athletics
Senior Attacker Ties School Record with Ten Goal Game by Hunter Ferguson The women's lacrosse team has begun the season with a 3-7 record, starting the conference games 1-3. Their most recent contest was a 4-16 loss at Piedmont College. In a recent game against Hollins University, Julianne Bove (senior) scored a career high and school record, 10 goals. “As a team, we are growing and learning, we have a very diverse group. Since pre-seaon, everyone has gotten a lot better and we have great potential the end the season the right way. Personally, I’ve had to step up since our last senior class left. It’s been hard sometimes because I’ve never been guarded the way I am now. My individual success and accolades don’t mean anything without the team’s success,” Julianne said.
Austin Winkles (senior) rounds third base.
Spring Sports Mid-Season Round-Up
Julianne Bove (senior), #21
Photo Courtesy of Ferrum Athletics
There are only six games left in the regular season until the USA South tournament starts. So the last few conference games are vital for the lacrosse team. “We need to have everybody give it their all, that’s what the seniors want from everybody, every game, regardless of what year they are,” Julianne said. Notable Statistics this season: Julianne Bove (senior) 37 goals & 10 assist, Haley Overstreet (junior) 11 goals & 8 assist, Audrey Ramsey (sophomore) 14 goals & 4 assist, Graceanne Gershner (junior) 95 saves.
Page 4 - THE IRON BLADE - March, 2016
STUDENTS SPEAK
Anthony Konieczka (junior)
Adrian Brocks (freshman)
Tyler Seal (senior)
Q: What would you change about Ferrum? A:It's mindset. Everyone always looks at it in a negative way. Q: Why? A: It's an amazing place, everywhere you go will have its nicks but I love it here.
Q: What would you change about Ferrum? A: Get rid of the teachers. Q: Why? A: So it could be run by just students.
Q: What would you change about Ferrum? A: I wish they would let parties go on a little longer without shutting them down. Q: Why? A: Sometimes there isn't much else to do, so we need the parties.
Jess Rowsey (senior)
Anthony Francis (senior)
Nick Sink (freshman)
Q: What would you change about Ferrum? A: The food options for sure. There aren't enough of them. We don't need two Papa Johns. Q: Why would you change that? A: Instead of a second Papa Johns, we need another franchise, maybe something healthier. Other schools have a lot of other options.
Q: What would you change about Ferrum? A: Give the freshmen better advice and more prerequisites to lead them in the right direction better. Q: Why? A: Too many people are dropping out, this would help the retention rate.
Q: What would you do to change Ferrum? A:The food places should have more professional/fulltime workers instead of student workers so they can be open a little bit longer; instead of closing at 9:30 P.M. Q: Why? A: Students themselves can't work that late because they have class, but full-time non-student workers can.
Joshua Sanders (freshman)
Greg Hicks (freshman)
Darrin Carter (senior)
Q: What would you change about Ferrum? A: The student rotation of classes due to the lack of professors or student interest. Q: Why? A: They should offer smaller class sizes so they don't have to fill up the room.
Q: If you could change one thing about Ferrum what would it be? A: I would add a bar. Q: Why? A: There's not much to do here.
Q: What is one thing you would change about Ferrum? A: Building upgrades around campus for sure! Q: Why? A: Not any of the old lakeside buildings have AC and in the Y, the ceilings leak in the gym.