ONE-HUNDRED-TWENTY-FOUR YEARS OF EDITORIAL FREEDOM Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Ann Arbor, Michigan
michigandaily.com
ADMINISTRATION
Students aid in new president’s transition Schlissel met with campus leaders to discuss leading issues on campus
MCKENZIE BEREZIN/Daily
Engineering freshman Caleb Glover speaks with LSA Junior Ashley Burnside, chair of the LGBT Issue Commission, at Gayz Craze at Palmer Field on Sunday.
Gayz Craze shows support for LGBTQ community Annual event draws array of student organizations By EMMA KERR Daily Staff Reporter
Gayz Craze returned to campus for another year Monday to promote education and com-
munity for LGBTQ students and their allies. Organizations, performance groups, faith groups and students gathered on Palmer Field, creating a showcase of resources, support and acceptance for the LGBTQ community on campus. The event, which had a theme of “M Go Pride,” included free food, music and volunteers ready to direct and inform students.
LSA junior Michael Bourke, organizer of this year’s Gayz Craze, said both incoming and returning students can enjoy and benefit from both University and student-run resources, and one of the goals of Gayz Craze is to introduce students to these opportunities. “We want this to be a gateway to them to show that this University is inclusive and provides
By MICHAEL SUGERMAN Daily Staff Reporter
The Michigan Daily is publishing an article each day this week to cover the start of University President Mark Schlissel’s first semester. He will be formally installed as the University’s 14th president during a day of inauguration festivities Friday.
resources to students that need them. It’s sort of a Festifall targeted toward LGBTQ resources.” In its seventh year, Gayz Craze drew a variety of performance groups including EnCore, Sinaboro, Amazin’ Blue, Dance 2XS, funKtion and Michigan Sahana. LSA senior Michelle Jendry, a volunteer for the event, has attended Gayz Craze since her See CRAZE, Page 3A
Familiarize yourself with campus; meet new people; move to a new home in a new city. Apparently, the experiences of a new president and a first-year student are not so different. Since starting his new job in midJuly, Schlissel has been busy preparing for the school year. In the last few weeks, he has met with a group of student leaders and opened his
home to University students and parents for introductions, pictures and ice cream. E. Royster Harper, vice president for student life, said both August gatherings demonstrate the president’s desire to be visible and involved in student activities. “I think he is going to continue that tradition of being engaged with students,” Harper said at the Aug. 28 open house. “He’s been really clear (about that).” Schlissel launched the initiative to improve his administration’s relationships with students with a small roundtable of representatives from the University’s largest student organizations on Aug. 20. Organizations present included Central Student Government, the Black Student Union, The Michigan Daily, Hillel and Students Allied for Freedom and Equality. CSG President Bobby Dishell, a Public Policy senior, said Schlissel’s newness has been a key driver behind his push to engage with students. He added that student leaders See SCHLISSEL, Page 3A
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
SCIENCE
Shokar steps down from VP position
Professor appointed to lead research consortium
CSG vice president resigns to undergo medical treatment By SHOHAM GEVA Daily Staff Reporter
LSA junior Meagan Shokar, Central Student Government vice president, announced in a statement Friday afternoon she would be stepping down from her position in CSG. Shokar was elected last winter by the student body, along with her presidential running mate, Public Policy senior Bobby Dishell, for the 2014-2015 academic year. The statement, released on social media, cited an injury and resulting treatment plan as the reason for the decision, and thanked the student body and University administration for their support during her time in CSG, as well as Dishell for his understanding. In an interview Saturday, Shokar said she is disappointed to be stepping down from
the role, but wants to ensure her replacement can be fully dedicated to the role’s responsibilities, both in terms of time and physical ability to get the job done, which she said she is unable to do at the moment. “At this point, I’m taking my life back to basics,” she said. “And that means classes, and my treatment, and there’s not really much else I can do right now.” Both Shokar and Dishell indicated in a separate social media announcement that they would like to see LSA senior Emily Lustig succeed Shokar. Lustig was a co-chair of Make Michigan, the party Dishell and Shokar ran with in the CSG elections. She has also served as the chair of the CSG Campus Safety and Security Commission for two years. “She’s always cared about CSG, especially about the students in general, in so many ways and so much,” Shokar said. “She’s just an extraordinary leader, and I’ve just been See VP, Page 3A
AMANDA ALLEN/Daily
School of Education Senior Jon Nafso waits for LSA senior Arhum Shahab to take his place to battle at the UMOJA festival hosted by the Black Student Union on Sunday in the Diag.
UMOJA Fest encourages campus cultural awareness Student orgs. join forces to highlight campus diversity By NEALA BERKOWSKI Daily Staff Reporter
University students were given a taste — and sight and sound — of other cultures Monday at UMOJA Fest, a day-long event dedicated to promoting cultural awareness through traditional food, music, and dance. Several student organizations
dedicated to cultural awareness, including the Black Student Union, the South Asian Awareness Network, the Native American Students Association, the Michigan Latin Assembly and the Persian Students Association, collaborated to provide an opportunity for students to see cultural diversity on campus firsthand. The event featured free food, drinks, dance performances and carnival games, and was open to all students and members of the Ann Arbor community. The Swahili word “umoja” translates to “unity,” reflecting the partnership of these groups in put-
ting this event together. BSU Vice Speaker Geralyn Gaines, an LSA senior, said the UMOJA Fest is a way for students to become more culturally aware. “It’s really easy to get lost in your own sheltered community,” Gaines said. “Just to open up your eyes and to see maybe I should try this food, or this dance looks really cool, maybe I should talk to somebody about it, or just to give people an opportunity that they may not have had otherwise during Welcome Week.” LSA senior Parisa Soraya, presiSee UMOJA, Page 3A
NOT THIS TIME
Committee on Space Research selects Fisk as group’s first American president By IAN DILLINGHAM Daily News Editor
As tensions continue to escalate following the United States’ and European Union’s economic sanctions against Russia, the scientific community appears immune to the effects. Engineering Prof. Lennard Fisk was elected president of the Committee on Space Research at its 40th assembly in Moscow this August, making him the first American to hold the position. He is the Thomas M. Donahue Distinguished University Professor of Space Science. Fisk will serve a four-year term as head of the organization, which facilitates international scientific cooperation in space research. Historically, a European member has served as president while one American and one Russian member have filled the two vice president See RESEARCH, Page 3A
Michigan crushes Appalachian State in rematch of ‘07 upset
» INSIDE
WEATHER TOMORROW
HI: 82 LO: 57
GOT A NEWS TIP? Call 734-418-4115 or e-mail news@michigandaily.com and let us know.
NEW ON MICHIGANDAILY.COM ’The Strain’: Simultaneously terrifying and funny MICHIGANDAILY.COM/BLOGS
INDEX
Vol. CXXIV, No. 129 ©2014 The Michigan Daily michigandaily.com
NEWS......................... 2A OPINION.....................4A A R T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A
SUDOKU.................NONE CL ASSIFIEDS..........NONE S P O R T S T U E S DAY. . . . . . . . . .1 B
News
2A — Tuesday, September 2, 2014
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Welcome Week gives a Taste of Michigan
420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1327 www.michigandaily.com PETER SHAHIN DOUGLAS SOLOMON
Editor in Chief 734-418-4115 ext. 1251 pjshahin@michigandaily.com
Business Manager 734-418-4115 ext. 1241 dougsolo@michigandaily.com
Newsroom
News Tips
734-418-4115 opt. 3
news@michigandaily.com
Corrections
Letters to the Editor
corrections@michigandaily.com
tothedaily@michigandaily.com
Arts Section
Editorial Page
arts@michigandaily.com
opinion@michigandaily.com
Sports Section
Photography Section
sports@michigandaily.com
photo@michigandaily.com
Display Sales
Classified Sales
dailydisplay@gmail.com
classified@michigandaily.com
Online Sales
Finance
onlineads@michigandaily.com
finance@michigandaily.com
EDITORIAL STAFF Katie Burke Managing Editor Jennifer Calfas Managing News Editor
kgburke@michigandaily.com jcalfas@michigandaily.com
SENIOR NEWS EDITORS: Ian Dillingham, Sam Gringlas, Will Greenberg, Rachel Premack and Stephanie Shenouda ASSISTANT NEWS EDITORS: Allana Akhtar, Yardain Amron, Hillary Crawford, Amia Davis, Shoham Geva, Amabel Karoub, Thomas McBrien, Emilie Plesset, Max Radwin and Michael Sugerman
Megan McDonald and Daniel Wang Editorial Page Editors Students learn about Greek Life at the annual Welcome Week event Taste of MIchigan on Sunday at Palmer Field. (VIRGINIA LOZANO/Daily)
ON THE WEB... michigandaily.com MUSIC
Grande album
FILM
Woody Allen
BY ADAM THEISEN
BY JACOB RICK
Ariana Grande’s new record My Everything hit stores this month. The album includes the radio hit “Problem” and control room collaborations with David Guetta and Zedd. Grande formerly starred on several Nickelodeon shows.
“Magic in the Moonlight,” Woody Allen’s newest film, is a period drama set in the 1920s. The movie stars Colin Firth, who plays a magician famous for exposing fraudulent performers, and Emma Stone, who plays a young psychic.
FESTIVALS
MUSIC
BY ARIANA ASSAF
BY BRIAN BURLAGE
San Francisco music festival Outside Lands included performances by the Arctic Monkeys, Capital Cities, Macklemore and Disclosure. The festival occured in Golden Gate Park.
Songs often have the power to evoke moments, moods and periods from the past. This list looks at five songs good enough to stand the test of time.
Outside Lands Timeless songs
CAMPUS EVENTS & NOTES
THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW TODAY
Panhellenic SIBS kickoff Support for sorority forum WHAT: Incoming Black Students WHAT: Students interested in Panhellenic sorority recruitment this fall can ask questions and meet members from each sorority. WHO: Office of Greek Life WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Michigan League Ballroom
will kick off the year by pairing incoming freshmen with upperclassmen mentors. WHO: Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs and Trotter Multicultural Center WHEN: 4 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Trotter Multicultural Center
Innovate Blue Bash
Observatory viewing night
WHAT: Innovate Blue will kick off the school year and its new initiative to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. The event will celebrate the collaborators, innovators and entrepreneurs. Food and music will be provided. WHO: Innovate Blue and Maize Pages WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. WHERE: The Diag
WHAT: Students will have the opportunity to watch the stars from the Detroit Observatory. The event may be canceled depending on the weather. WHO: Department of Astronomy and Bentley Historical Library WHEN: 8 to 9:30 p.m. WHERE: Detroit Obseratory
1
The Japanese government urged civilians to stockpile toilet paper, the Associated Press reported Monday. The reasoning: When toilet paper runs out during national emergencies, people are more likely to clog working toilets with tissues.
2
College football is back and the Wolverines rolled by Appalachian State on Saturday, but the guys on the gridiron might not be the best team on campus. That title belongs to the women’s cross country team. >> FOR MORE, SEE SPORTSTUESDAY
3
opinioneditors@michigandaily.com
SENIOR EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS: Aarica Marsh and Victoria Noble ASSISTANT EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS: Michael Schramm and Nivedita Karki
The National Institutes of Health will begin its first human trial to test several Ebola vaccinations, ABC News reported Monday. The vaccine performed well during primate testing. The latest outbreak of the virus has killed 1,552 people.
Greg Garno and Alejandro Zúñiga
Managing Sports Editors sportseditors@michigandaily.com
SENIOR SPORTS EDITORS: Max Cohen, Alexa Dettelbach, Rajat Khare, Jeremy Summitt and Daniel Wasserman ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITORS: Lev Facher, Daniel Feldman, Simon Kaufman, Erin Lennon, Jake Lourim and Jason Rubinstein
John Lynch and Akshay Seth Managing Arts Editors
jplynch@michigandaily.com akse@michigandaily.com
SENIOR ARTS EDITORS: Giancarlo Buonomo, Natalie Gadbois, Erika Harwood and Alex Stern ASSISTANT ARTS EDITORS: Jamie Bircoll, Jackson Howard, Gillian Jakab and Maddie Thomas
Teresa Mathew and Paul Sherman Managing Photo Editors
photo@michigandaily.com
SENIOR PHOTO EDITORS: Patrick Barron and Ruby Wallau ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITORS: Allison Farrand, Tracy Ko, Terra Molengraff and Nicholas Williams
Carolyn Gearig and Gabriela Vasquez Managing Design Editors
design@michigandaily.com
SENIOR DESIGN EDITORS: Amy Mackens and Alicia Kovalcheck
Carlina Duan Magazine Editor
statement@michigandaily.com
DEPUTY MAGAZINE EDITORS: Max Radwin and Amrutha Sivakumar STATEMENT PHOTO EDITOR: Ruby Wallau
Mark Ossolinski and Meaghan Thompson Managing Copy Editors
copydesk@michigandaily.com
SENIOR COPY EDITORS: Mariam Sheikh and David Nayer
Austen Hufford
Online Editor
ahufford@michigandaily.com
VIDEO EDITORS: Paula Friedrich and James Reslier-Wells SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR: Brianne Johnson
BUSINESS STAFF Madeline Lacey University Accounts Manager Ailie Steir Classified Manager Simonne Kapadia Local Accounts Manager Lotus An National Accounts Manager Olivia Jones Production Managers Nolan Loh Special Projects Coordinator Jason Anterasian Finance Manager The Michigan Daily (ISSN 0745-967) is published Monday through Friday during the fall and winter terms by students at the University of Michigan. One copy is available free of charge to all readers. Additional copies may be picked up at the Daily’s office for $2. Subscriptions for fall term, starting in September, via U.S. mail are $110. Winter term (January through April) is $115, yearlong (September through April) is $195. University affiliates are subject to a reduced subscription rate. On-campus subscriptions for fall term are $35. Subscriptions must be prepaid. The Michigan Daily is a member of The Associated Press and The Associated Collegiate Press.
WANT TO JOIN THE DAILY?
We have four mass meetings over the next few weeks.
STOP BY 420 MAYNARD ON
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 AT 7:30 P.M.
WE’RE LOOKING TO HIRE IN ALL SECTIONS NEWS, SPORTS, PHOTO, OPINION, COPY, ARTS, DESIGN, VIDEO & ONLINE
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
CRAZE From Page 1A freshman year, and said the sense of community around this Welcome Week event is unlike any other within the LGBTQ community. “This is such a great event, especially for a lot of the younger people here at the University who are coming from a place that may not be very supportive. I was one of those people, and it was an amazing experience to be able to see how large this community is,” Jendry said. “I feel really connected to the people here, and for the people who may just be becoming comfortable with themselves, to see all of the student organizations be accepting of them is really great.” Junichi Shimaoka, coordinator of liaison services at the University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, was a representative at the “Do Something” display put on at the event by CAPS. Shimaoka said Gayz Craze is an opportunity for CAPS to spread hope to new and returning students, emphasizing that 24 percent of students have had thoughts of suicide in the last two months, and that this number is larger within LGBTQ communities. “We all know someone who has been touched by suicide,” Shimaoka said. “We want to try to reduce the stigma and create more of a sense of hope. Students within the LGBTQ community are very open to talking about mental issues and trying to promote a positive message.” Summer LaPointe, an LSA freshman, said she saw Gayz Craze
UMOJA From Page 1A dent of the Persian Students Association, said the collaborative effort provided a way for the cultural groups on campus to get to know each other. One of the day’s many performances featured a traditional Native
as an opportunity to get to know the LGBTQ community on campus. “I’m pansexual, so an event like this is really exciting for me,” LaPointe said. “I am really glad that this is happening. Back home, my parents are really strict, so I wouldn’t have been able to go to an event like this before.” Similarly, LSA sophomore Alex Ingraham said he volunteered at the event to reach out to students who might not be aware of campus possibilities. “In my high school, we wouldn’t have something like this, so I think it’s something that’s important to be promoted and to bring this kind of education to students,” he said. This year, organizers added a wider range of organizations, including groups that wanted to express their support of members of the LGBTQ community, such as the Society for Women Engineers, Blood Drive United, Beta Theta Pi, Ross Out For Business, Forward on Climate, CAPS, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, K-grams, the Secular Student Alliance, Lord of Light Lutheran Church, Advocates for Mental Health and Students for Choice. SAPAC and CAPS both had large displays centering on self-esteem. “It’s a big tradition now. The thing we did this year is we decided to bring in more organizations. Instead of just having a few LGBTQ organizations, we’re opening it up to a lot more organizations, making it an event that is inclusive to everyone as it should be. We have a longer lineup of performances, more entertainment,” Bourke said. “Personally, I went last year and met all of my best friends there.”
American drum performance by the Miskwaasining Nagamojig, meaning “Swamp Singers” in Ojibwe. This nonprofit group aims to preserve and revitalize Ojibwe, a Native American language. “I think a lot of the audience enjoyed it; they were very interactive,” said University alum Jasmine Pawlicki, a former member of the Native American Student Association. “Maybe if we had been louder
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
VP From Page 1A so privileged to work with her.” In an interview Friday, Dishell said Lustig is the clear choice to fill the position. “She’s incredibly well-versed in CSG, has worked on a variety of successful initiatives, I’ve worked closely with her in the past both in high pressure situations and also low pressure situations,” he said. “She’s a great writer, great messenger and just gives a really great perspective that’s very different from mine on all sorts of events that happened on campus and things that come up during the year.” In a statement on Facebook, Lustig thanked Shokar for her dedication, passion and hard work in CSG, and stated that she would be proud to assume the role. Dishell said they chose to issue the announcement and related statements on social media because of the nature of the decision. “It’s a personal issue, and we went ahead and made a statement,” he said. “There’s various medias in which we make statements, and as you know, social media is one way to go on the record about something, so that’s why we decided to go that way.” To officially replace Shokar, Lustig will first be vetted by the CSG Executive Nominations Committee, which will make a recommendation to the full CSG Assembly. She will
or had speakers we may have drawn more people, but I don’t know how often people get to hear pan-tribal music at the Diag.” LSA junior Kidada Malloy said she came to the festival to support the Black Student Union and to meet new students. “It’s important because it brings together students from different backgrounds and communities,” Malloy said.
then need to be approved by the Assembly with a simple majority vote, according to CSG interim counsel Justin Kingsolver, a Law School student. The vote on Lustig’s confirmation could occur as early as the first CSG meeting of the year on Tuesday. Dishell said there was an internal vetting process with several candidates prior to the choice to put Lustig forward for the position. He said he learned of Shokar’s decision to step down relatively recently, but he added that he felt there was enough notice. “It was somewhat recent, but not something that’s been going on for a very long time,” Dishell said. “It’s not a big secret we’ve kept.” Both Dishell and Shokar have worked on several initiatives for CSG during the summer, including the Night Owl bus route and the Wolverine Support Network, which focuses on supplementing mental health resources on campus. Both initiatives came from the running mates’ campaign platform. Shokar said she plans to remain involved in an advisory capacity with CSG to whatever extent she’s able to, notably with the Wolverine Support Network project. Dishell said he didn’t anticipate any delays in the initiatives despite the transition, and added that Lustig has previously been involved in much of their planning and implementation. “(I’m) fully confident in Emily’s abilities, and very sad to see Meagan go, but looking forward to continuing to work hard for the student body,” he said.
Although many student groups put on cultural events, Gaines and other members of the BSU said there should be more initiative from the University to promote these events. “The BSU has been doing this for a long time but that’s just something we decided to do,” Gaines said. “I think if the University put forth more effort of having events like this it would not be up to the students to do it.”
SCHLISSEL From Page 1A are some of the best people to help the new president become acclimated to the University. Dishell added that an important goal will be to strengthen the administration’s ties to the initiatives of CSG and other organizations — for example, the Night Owl bus route — to help sustain new student services and resources. “One thing I’ve learned … is that there’s a lot of great ideas, but if someone isn’t incredibly passionate about it, unless you really institutionalize it, three years will go by and the program will be gone,” Dishell said. BSU Speaker Arnold Reed, an LSA senior, said the meeting indicated an effort to further open up communication across all facets of the University — an effort he thinks will help improve campus climate and increase connectivity among all types of University resources. “The administration has been very proactive this year in terms of reaching out to us,” Reed said. “I think especially after last year, they’re really making a conscious effort to say, ‘Hey, what is it that we can do for you?’ If what has been going on here lately carries on to the school year, it’ll be an amazing year.” Reed said his biggest concern, which he and others brought up in the meeting, is that while the University has a set of incredible opportunities, it lacks “one thread that really unifies, or unites or lets everybody know all
In the past year, a host of student organizations have demonstrated a desire for increased discussion about race on campus. The BSU launched the #BBUM movement through Twitter in November to share experiences of being Black at the University and raise awareness on issues of race and diversity on campus. The campaign expanded to a nationwide conversation, extending to other universities.
of these things.” LSA junior Becca Levin, Hillel’s Israel cohort chair, said it will be necessary not only to give students a greater awareness of the University’s vast resources, but also of one another. “I really think that Michigan promises from the beginning that it will make a big school small, and I think that Michigan sticks to that … everyone finds their niche,” Levin said. “The flipside of that is that, as we get further in our careers as Michigan students, we sometimes don’t branch out of our groups, and so there’s a lot of amazing people on our campus that we don’t meet.” She called for some kind of extracurricular avenue that students can use to both meet new people and sit down to discuss difficult issues on campus. LSA senior Tala Dahbour, a SAFE co-chair, said she hopes the meeting was “just the beginning.” “We’re hoping that President Schlissel continues meeting with us … as marginalized students on campus, we’ve never really had that platform to be heard, and we appreciate any time that the University invites us to speak with them.” At Schlissel’s open house, Harper said the informal lunch with student leaders is far from an anomaly; rather, it demonstrates Schlissel’s desire to learn from the University community. “We were teasing him because he just moved into the house this morning,” she said last week. “Students are moving in and unpacking, you’re moving in and unpacking … doing the same.”
The administration considered the concerns raised by the movement and facilitated a dialogue that resulted in a plan to renovate the existing Trotter Multicultural Center and search for a building space closer to Central Campus in the future. Though future events have not been set in stone, the groups involved in UMOJA Fest plan to have more collaborative events throughout the year.
Opinion
4A — Tuesday, September 2, 2014
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
PAUL SHERMAN | PODIUM BLOG: POLICY MATTERS
Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@michigandaily.com PETER SHAHIN EDITOR IN CHIEF
MEGAN MCDONALD and DANIEL WANG EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS
KATIE BURKE MANAGING EDITOR
Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily’s editorial board. All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors.
W
A year of lasts
hen August ends and summer nights quietly fade into autumn mornings, I think of going home. Summer to me has always been a different kind of existence unto itself. Growing up, when school ended my friends and I would say our goodbyes, exchange small tokens of our friendship and pre- JULIA addressed envelopes for the ZARINA letters we promised we’d write (but never did), and board planes destined for every corner of the world. We were going home, our parents told us, to the countries we associated more with a passport cover than an inherent sense of belonging. Home was a vague and nebulous concept, ever changing in location and in definition. In the summertime, home was where the distant relatives insist you eat more food, I decided. When summer ended and the evenings of visiting family members of uncertain relation were replaced with dusty afternoons playing soccer after school, the definition was different. Home was where the friends were. As third culture kids, we came from places all over the world, trading our jeans and dishdashas for school uniforms and smoothing our accents that had become textured with our parents’ languages over the summer into softer, unplaceable English. I imagined our return to school not as a resolute homecoming, but as a trip driven by fate and forecast towards one of many inevitable destinations, just as the tides are indiscriminately turned to shore but quickly run back out to sea and to other faraway coasts. We were searching for home in the in-between places. Looking in the spaces on the map separating where we lived and where we were from, in the time difference dividing our new lives from the ones we left behind, and in the translation between an elegant thought in our own language and the bulky and awkward reality of it expressed in another one. Home was an idea, a place I thought I would find one day in its entirety, established and unchanging and requiring little building or input on my behalf. Then, suddenly, there was Michigan. Ann Arbor in early fall is wild and full of possibility, like a summer evening before a storm, the way the air crackles with electricity, frightening and exhilarating all at once. Here, we were all faced with infinite beginnings that
M
were entirely new and entirely our own. In the first few weeks of school, every new friend, every class, every mass meeting and every trip to South U Pizza is filled with the endless possibility of adventure — an opportunity to define yourself, to become the person you want to be, to find your passion or the just-as-important best slice of latenight pizza, shared loudly with people you have the sudden and irrepressible urge to become impromptu best friends with. You may not find fame, you may not find the person you will spend the rest of your life with, you may not even find half your classes until a week or two into the semester, but what you will find in the searching is a home and a family, perfect in their imperfections. I found my home in the physics class that changed the way I think about the world and my family in the faces of the people I shared 2 a.m. dance practices with in Mason Hall, punch drunk from exhaustion and consumed with a complete and limitless sense of belonging. Home is heartbreak, it is challenging and questioning the institutions that shape your experience, it is mistakes and failures, it is bombing a blue book exam and surviving to tell the tale, and it is the people who somehow make every tear worth it. This year is a year of bittersweet “lasts.” My last Welcome Week. The last first day of school. The last time I’ll dance on stage with the people I love in front of a crowd of 4,000. And with each of these occurrences comes the growing realization that we’ve all built homes here. I watch football now, not because I particularly “get” it yet, but because I’m addicted to the feeling of ownership and belonging that comes with standing in a maize-and-blue sea of 115,000, screaming with a passion you never knew you had. I’ve Gone Blue. I’m tearing up in the Diag. I’m feeding the squirrels. I’m spending these last few warm lavender nights sharing unasked questions, secrets, and fears of the future with the kind of friends you make not just out of convenience, but the selfless kind you do crazy and beautiful things for just to make them as happy as they make you. Michigan is a nostalgia for a time that hasn’t passed yet. And when we do leave, we leave a home of our own; a home we will carry with us always. A home that has offered us everything and inspires in us gratitude for the places we have come from in equal amounts, with excitement for new beginnings in the places it will take us. It is a home we make, just as much as it helps make us. — Julia Zarina can be reached jumilton@umich.edu.
For others
y mom and I sat up in the stands with dozens of other proud family members as Marquette University’s faculty gave speech after speech welcoming the new freshman class. For these new students, this was the beginning of what someone has undoubtedly told them will be the best four years of their lives. But not everyone on campus was celebrating. VICTORIA Recently, Marquette alum NOBLE James Foley had been brutally killed by Islamic State militants. The video of his beheading had been made public worldwide, and people from every corner of the earth watched as a life was taken. Yet, arising from this tragedy was one of the most powerful arguments for higher education that I’ve ever heard, anywhere. One of the speakers at the freshman convocation centered some of his remarks on Foley’s death. Yet his focus was markedly different from the media refrain of (justified) disgust and outrage. Instead, his speech centered on the work Foley was doing before his kidnapping. Foley’s murder was a horrifying tragedy, but he died using his position and skills to inform others of the conditions in the Middle East. He lived his life for others. Sitting in that crowded gym, full of my little brother’s new peers and their parents teeming with pride, I began to understand what education — something that I’ve now spent about 16 years on — is all about. And it isn’t about me; it’s about everyone else. In our competitive academic world of cutthroat classes, demanding assignments and intense pressure to prepare for the so-called real world, it’s difficult to think about anyone but ourselves. After all, only so many people can ace that curved class, get into a top-tier grad school or get hired by Goldman Sachs as a summer intern. Helping others? That just might allow someone else to steal away that cool internship you’ve been coveting. But here’s the thing — we can’t be selfish with our education. As students at the University, we constitute an incredibly prestigious minority — not because we go to college here, but because we
go anywhere at all. In our microcosm of pressure and success, glamour and money, it may seem like just about everyone except Bill Gates goes to college nowadays. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Last year in the United States, only 33.5 percent of 25-29 year olds held a bachelor degree. Furthermore, in a global context, the attainment of a college education is even less widely dispersed. As of 2010, about 6.7 percent of the world’s population held a college degree, an improvement since 2000. We are some of the most privileged people in the world. We have the opportunity to learn. We are generally safe. We have clean water, ample amenities, a variety of affordable food options and plenty of consumer goods. And yet, with all of these incredible resources, there is something missing. Our education is totally useless unless it becomes a tool to improve the lives of others. We have the ability to learn the necessary information to create solutions to the world’s problems. And none of us can do it alone. To move forward, we need each other. And I guess that’s the point of all that reading, studying, paper writing, problem set solving and model building. By maximizing our opportunities to learn here, we are giving ourselves the ability to really improve the lives of others later on. We’ll be equipped to go out and address, expose, solve or otherwise improve serious problems and situations in our world. But more importantly, we’re required to care. Whether it be about a targeted people halfway around the world or a little brother going off to college, there is someone, somewhere, who can benefit from you, from me, from whoever. And whether we care about our families, a geopolitical issue or anything else, it is our passion, interest and sensitivity that make the real difference. I probably won’t be flying to Syria as a professional photojournalist to help educate others on the struggle of a people — mostly because I’m not a photographer. But I do have other skills that I can use to build toward a life serving others. We all have skills, and we’re learning them here, at the University. When we leave Ann Arbor, we’ll get to decide what kind of life we want to lead. For me, the choice is very clear: a life for others. —Victoria Noble can be reached at vjnoble@umich.edu.
Don’t do stupid s*** I remember having a discussion with one of my friends in Paris about American foreign policy. On a warm spring day in the City of Lights she asked me, “What should Obama do to protect American interests abroad?” I thought I could summarize it in a couple of words: “Don’t Do Stupid Shit.” And that’s what this administration has attempted to do. Up until recently, the American public hasn’t complained too much about President Barack Obama’s foreign policy more or less. It appears, however, that this is starting to change. According to a poll released by The New York Times last week, 58 percent of Americans disapprove of Obama’s foreign policy, in light of the recent actions of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria in Iraq, particularly as ISIS advances on Baghdad. The Washington Post and FiveThirtyEight have posted similar findings. This policy presents a confusing conundrum for Obama, as Drezner found: “Indeed, if one digs into the NYT/CBS poll, one finds that majorities of Americans support the specific steps that the Obama administration is proposing on Iraq. Fifty-one percent support sending in advisers to the Iraqi military, 56 percent support the greater use of drones, (I didn’t know whether to get rid of the oxford comma since it’s a quote, but there’s one here)and 77 percent do not support sending in ground troops. Nevertheless, 52 percent of Americans disapprove of the overall Iraq policy. Indeed, the striking pattern is that when Americans are asked about concrete policies, majorities tend to support the administration’s position. When asked about overarching policy towards Iraq, or towards the rest of the world more generally,
majorities now tend to dislike what the administration is doing. In other words, foreign policy is the new Obamacare when it comes to polling.” This frustration is surprising in that the President has followed through on his promises and has attempted to clean up the messy policies that have hurt America over the past decade. I will not ignore the faults in his policy (the sequel to “The Fault in Our Stars”). Syria and Egypt have been a mess to say the least. All of the leaks that have occurred over the years have created tensions between the U.S. and its allies (namely the NSA leaks). The Ukrainian crisis has put strains on already cool relations with Russia. And the revelations of drone strikes in Pakistan and Yemen haven’t helped either. In spite of these blunders, Obama has delivered on his word. Some have called it the “Don’t Do Stupid Shit” Doctrine. In other words, the President is trying to revive relations with American allies and adversaries as opposed to sending in the ground troops. Let’s look at his accomplishments. With the exception of some military advisors helping to train military and police forces in both countries, he pulled most American forces out of Iraq and Afghanistan. The development of a new trade treaty (the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) with Europe that could be very beneficial for both the U.S. and the EU is underway. While talks have been shaky recently, the U.S. and Iran were able to make an important first step towards a nuclear agreement. Even if the P5+1 talks fail, Iran is weaker than ever. Of course, Seal Team Six successfully tracked down and killed Osama Bin Laden. In today’s changing global
environment, the US is not going to easily achieve all of its objectives. Drezner raised another point that is worth sharing: “The thing about American foreign policy is that even the best foreign policy outputs do not necessarily translate into the best outcome, because the United States, for all its superpowery-ness, is not actually an omnipotent deity. In the case of Iraq, there are a lot of other variables at play besides U.S. foreign policy outputs: Maliki’s poor leadership, the neighboring situation in Syria, the Kurdish desire for an independent state, Gulf funding of ISIS and Iran’s sway over the Maliki regime.” The point is that certain “outputs” are out of America’s control, and Obama alone cannot be blamed for that. Furthermore, even though the U.S. wouldn’t like to admit it, Washington needs to adjust to the times. Fareed Zakaria in his book The Post American World referred to the “rise of the rest” and the creation of a multipolar world. With the rise of new powers such as China, India and Brazil, in addition to nations such as Germany, global leaders have been able to develop their own independent foreign policies based on their economic power. More factors today will be out of America’s control, and Obama is preparing America for that reality. At this point in time, it is hard to tell what Obama’s foreign policy legacy will hold and what the consequences of his policies will be. For now, this administration is just being realistic and adjusting to the times, which is something America needs to do sooner rather than later. Hopefully, I will not have to use “Don’t Do Stupid Shit” when I next talk to my Parisian friend. Paul Sherman can be reached at psherm@umich.edu.
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Jaekwan An, Berry Belmont, Edvinas Berzanskis, David Harris, Rachel John, Nivedita Karki, Jacob Karafa, Jordyn Kay, Aarica Marsh, Megan McDonald, Victoria Noble, Melissa Scholke, Michael Schramm, Matthew Seligman, Paul Sherman, Allison Raeck, Linh Vu, Meher Walia, Mary Kate Winn, Daniel Wang, Derek Wolfe INTERESTED IN CAMPUS ISSUES? POLITICS? SEX, DRUGS AND ROCK’N’ROLL? Check out The Michigan Daily’s editorial board meetings. Every Monday and Thursday at 6 p.m., the Daily’s opinion staff meets to discuss both University and national affairs and write editorials. E-mail opinioneditors@michigandaily.com to join in the debate.
MELISSA SCHOLKE | PODIUM BLOG: FEMININE CRITIQUE
Perpetual works in progress As I pressed the “End Call” button on my phone, the memory resurfaced amidst surging worries about exams. It was one of those memories I originally assumed was perhaps too irrelevant to catalog within the chaotic confines of my mind. Yet, I’ve learned those “forgotten” snippets of nostalgia often sting the most. Immediately after the conversation with my best friend, I stared at the powdery mountains accumulating outside my window and recalled an interaction from two years ago with my former art teacher, a woman I still admire to this day. After offering me a wonderful and under-appreciated compliment about the drawing I was working on, my teacher worriedly asked if her words had made me uncomfortable. Easily discerning the perplexed look plastered across my face, my teacher explained I tended to look down and cringe whenever she complimented me. My best friend confirmed I possessed this meek and self-deprecating demeanor with him as well. I never meant to dismiss their kind words. Rather, I was always self-conscious about my work, and I assumed each piece could’ve been improved in some way. I’ve always detested scenarios where I could feel the blistering rays of the spotlight upon my skin, but I couldn’t believe I’d actually reached a point where I was
recoiling from words of praise. Little progress elapsed over the past two years. The same supportive friend from that high school art room futilely tried to congratulate me and offer streams of accolades for the first piece I wrote for The Daily. He zealously encouraged me to keep pursuing my writing aspirations, and he was one of the first people to convey how proud he was. Yet, I regressed to my worn-out strategy for receiving praise: Deny. Deny. Deny. I volleyed excuse after excuse to belittle my achievement. While my confidence may be lacking, low self-esteem unacceptably plagues an extensive amount of women in society. The Atlantic writers Katie Kay and Claire Shipman confirm the clichéd belief women are our own worst critics in their article “The Confidence Gap.” In fact, women undervalue their capabilities and talents to such a detrimental extent these doubts create a gap in confidence between women and men in the professional world. Women negotiate their salaries four times less than men, and when women do garner the courage to ask for a raise, they often request 30 percent less money. Therefore the confidence gap helps to widen the already hefty pay gap we are fervently trying to combat. However, money isn’t the only crucial issue regarding the “Confidence Gap.” Ironically, one of
most disappointing details is the fact women’s doubts are blockading them from opportunities and careers they deserve — or are even overqualified for. According to The Atlantic article, women fixate on perfectionism. For men, a mistake may go unnoticed or be regarded as an uncontrollable circumstance. If women fumble in the slightest, we attribute the mistakes to an internal flaw or a lack of ability. Consequently, we refrain from embarking on new opportunities or following life-long passions. For example, if a woman doesn’t possess all of the desired skills when applying for a raise, she won’t apply. Yet, a lesser-qualified man with more confidence definitely will. As a feminist, I hate to perpetuate any stereotypes, but I must begrudgingly admit a sizeable amount of women do tend to overthink. I’m a classically trained over-thinker who excels at doubting herself. Perhaps this makes me a tad biased, but I fully understand the inhibiting effects of doubt and perfectionism. With every compliment deflected or challenge avoided, we — as women — trick ourselves into believing we are perpetual works in progress. We accept the lies. Our fear of failure is so paralyzing we surrender before we even start. Melissa Scholke can be reached at melikaye@umich.edu.
CHECK US OUT ONLINE Keep up with columnists, read Daily editorials, view cartoons and join in the debate. Check out @michdailyoped and Facebook.com/MichiganDaily to get updates on Daily opinion content throughout the day.
News
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
NEWS BRIEFS DETROIT
Vice President Biden says workers deserve ‘fair share’ U.S. workers deserve a “fair share” of any improvement in corporate profits, Vice President Joe Biden told hundreds of Detroit-area union members Monday during the first of three Labor Day stops in the city. A job is “about your dignity. It’s about your place in the community. ... You can’t do that unless you get a fair wage,” Biden told the crowd gathered on the grounds of the former Tiger Stadium ahead of organized labor’s annual parade Monday. He stuck with populist themes, criticizing corporate pay and companies that leave the U.S. for lower taxes. Workers don’t want a handout, said Biden, adding: “Just give them a chance.”
MILWAUKEE
Obama renews push for raising minimum wage President Barack Obama renewed his push for Congress to raise the minimum wage Monday in a buoyant accounting of the economy’s “revving” performance, delivered on behalf of Democrats opening their fall campaigns for the midterm congressional elections. “America deserves a raise,” he told a union crowd in Milwaukee, vowing to keep a hard sell on Congress in much the way he once courted his wife. “I just wore her down,” he cracked. Timing his push to Labor Day, the traditional start of the autumn campaign, Obama aggressively drew attention to recent economic gains, setting aside past caution on that subject.
WASHINGTON
House and Senate panels warn of threat from Islamic State fighters Leaders of the House and Senate intelligence committees on Sunday prodded President Barack Obama to take decisive action against what they say are growing threats from Islamic State militants on U.S. soil. The lawmakers, one Republican and one Democratic, offered bipartisan pressure on the White House to turn back the hazard of Islamist fighters who have taken control of vast swaths of Syria and Iraq. Those militants now are looking toward the United States or Western Europe for its next targets, lawmakers said. Without offering specifics on any threats or suggestions how to confront them, the lawmakers said Obama soon needs to develop a comprehensive strategy to crush the fighters.
BERLIN
German chancellor supports arming Kurdish fighters Chancellor Angela Merkel has told lawmakers that it’s in Germany’s interests to arm the Kurdish fighters who are battling Islamic extremists in Iraq. The government decided Sunday to send 16,000 assault rifles, millions of rounds of ammunition, hundreds of anti-tank weapons and several armored vehicles to forces fighting the Islamic State group, breaking with Germany’s previous reluctance to send weapons into conflicts. Merkel on Monday told a special session of parliament the decision was “very carefully weighed.” She said German officials faced a choice between “taking no risks, not delivering (weapons) and ultimately accepting the expansion of terror” or supporting those fighting the extremists. —Compiled from Daily wire reports
Tuesday, September 2, 2014 — 5A
Schlissel makes first remarks in new student event Annual convocation welcomes freshmen to the University By JENNIFER CALFAS Managing News Editor
When University President Mark Schlissel approached the podium in the Crisler Center for the first time in his new role, he was in good company. In front of a crowd of several thousand freshmen at the New Student Convocation on Friday, Schlissel delivered his first formal remarks to University undergraduates. Immediately, Schlissel told the University’s newest batch of students that they, like him, face the challenge of adjusting to a new environment. “This evening, we begin our Michigan journey together,” Schlissel said. Schlissel’s speech came between performances by student groups and several other addresses, including comments by CSG President Bobby Dishell, a Public Policy senior; Ted Spencer, associate vice provost and executive director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions; and E. Royster Harper, vice president for student life. Schlissel began by addressing the obvious: As the 14th University president, he, like the thousands of new freshmen, has a lot to learn. After his first few months, however, he already has some advice to give. “Have you figured out the UGLi? If not, you will soon,” he said. “Learning the culture of the Michigan community is a little confusing at first, but soon none of this will phase you.” Throughout his speech, Schlissel lauded students for
their academic and personal accomplishments that led to their decision to attend the University. He emphasized the value of a University education, encouraging students to make the most of the academic and extracurricular resources offered. “Drink from the academic fire hose that is Michigan,” Schlissel said. “Learning at a research university … presents you unique opportunities to discover, be entrepreneurial and intellectually restless.” Harper echoed Schlissel’s remarks by highlighting the ability of students to make their own mark on the University — which she strongly encouraged. “The University is a very special and constantly evolving place; it’s your universe,” Harper said. “You need not leave it or take it as it was when you entered. We expect you to make a contribution to the University and the world.” In his speech, Spencer said the class of 2018 was the “strongest” class to have ever entered the University — a characteristic that has typically been associated with each year’s incoming class. Though the class of 2018’s enrollment data will not be officially revealed until October, Spencer said the freshmen are “very diverse with strong representation of racial, ethnic and religious class.” Before closing his first set of remarks to undergraduate students, Schlissel quoted Mary Oliver, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, to pose a question for students to carry throughout their careers at the University. “‘Tell me: What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’” Schlissel recited. “The answer begins here and now.”
ALLISON FARRAND/Daily
LSA freshman Emily Pielack greets University President Mark Schlissel and his wife, Monica Schwebs, at the historic President’s House Thursday.
President’s open house draws over 1,000 students Students line South U. to meet the University’s new president By CLAIRE BRYAN and YARDAIN AMRON Daily Staff Reporters
Thursday was a sunny afternoon fit for ice cream and, conveniently, University President Mark Schlissel was serving. Students and parents lined South University Avenue and the hallways of the newly renovated President’s House for a chance to grab a snack and snap a picture with the University’s new president, who assumed office in July. Students were informed about the event via e-mail the day before the event on Aug. 27. At the back of the residence, Schlissel and his wife, Monica Schwebs — who moved into the historic residence at 815 S. University this week — greet-
City Council to discuss zoning, affordable housing at meeting Councilmembers will also discuss use of ridesharing companies Tuesday The City Council will meet Tuesday to consider resolutions concerning zoning and ridesharing companies. The Council will discuss the operation of Uber and Lyft companies in Ann Arbor, as well as a fund transfer in support of a continuing affordable housing effort and various zoning proposals. Resolution: City Administrator to negotiate with ridesharing companies Councilmembers Sabra Briere (D–Ward 1), Sally Hart Petersen (D–Ward 2) and Christopher Taylor (D–Ward 3) have announced their sponsorship of a resolution that would recommend that City Administrator Steve Powers negotiate operating agreements with companies such as Uber and Lyft following last month’s discussion regarding taxi ordinance
changes. This resolution lists specific parameters of such companies’ operation within the city of Ann Arbor, including specifications for acceptable drivers, required driver background checks, required reports from ridesharing companies to the city and a minimum insurance coverage of $1 million. Last month’s approval of taxicab rates will also be given final consideration. Resolution: Transfer of $729,879 to West Arbor affordable housing project In support of the West Arbor Section 8 rent-assisted housing project, the Council will be voting to appropriate necessary funds to fill a shortfall in the project’s budget of $16,564,370. The Ann Arbor Housing Commission is requesting aid from the Council to make up the $729,879 difference not covered by the Michigan State Housing Directory Authority and low-income tax credits.
Council approved the project on June 3 of last year, but this additional transfer would come from its affordable housing fund, which currently has a balance of $1,580,799. Resolutions: Zoning The Council will also be voting on various changes to zoning, including approval of the Gift of Life project and the demolition of 20 homes on North Maple Road in order to construct a public housing apartment complex. Gift of Life is a non-profit organization that seeks to improve people’s quality of life by encouraging quality organ and tissue donation. Consideration for the Gift of Life expansion was postponed on Aug. 29 and will be given initial consideration at Tuesday’s meeting. This project concerns the use of $10.5 million to add a three-story building to the existing Gift of Life research facility in Ann Arbor, which is contingent on the changes made to zoning laws.
Americans detained in North Korea call for U.S. intervention Washington sends representative to negotiate release PYONGYANG, — North Korea (AP) — North Korea gave foreign media access on Monday to three detained Americans who said they have been able to contact their families and — watched by officials as they spoke — called for Washington to send a high-ranking representative to negotiate for their freedom. Jeffrey Fowle and Mathew Miller said they expect to face trial within a month. But they said they do not know what punish-
ment they could face or what the specific charges against them are. Kenneth Bae, who already is serving a 15-year term, said his health has deteriorated at the labor camp where he works eight hours a day. The three were allowed to speak briefly with The Associated Press at a meeting center in Pyongyang. North Korean officials were present during the interviews, conducted separately and in different rooms, but did not censor the questions that were asked. The three said they did not know they were going to be interviewed until immediately beforehand. All said they believe the only solution to their situation is for a U.S. representative to come to
North Korea to make a direct appeal. That has often been North Korea’s bargaining chip in the past, when senior statesmen including former President Bill Clinton made trips to Pyongyang to secure the release of detainees. North Korea says Fowle and Miller committed hostile acts which violated their status as tourists. It has announced that authorities are preparing for the trial, but has not announced the date. In Washington, National Security Council spokesman Patrick Ventrell said, “We have seen the reports of interviews with the three American citizens detained in North Korea.”
ed guests in the backyard at the end of a long receiving line. People strolled around the green, sampling maize & blue cookies, an assortment of ice cream bars and cider from stations staffed by University Catering. A shorter line offered a chance to sig n the 2-footthick President’s House guest book. The constant stream of guests kept Schlissel tied up for the event’s entirety. “We think this is probably the most people who have ever come,” said E. Royster Harper, vice president for Student Life. “A lot of new students, transfer students, international students, a few juniors and seniors, but really a lot of first year students and parents.” In previous years, President Emerita Mary Sue Coleman hosted similar open houses after the New Student Convocation, which will take place on Aug. 29 this year. Though the date change landed in the middle of dorm move in, the
RESEARCH From Page 1A positions. “When the Cold War ended, that restriction was lifted, but there were a number of traditionalists that believed it should remain that way and so it’s taken a while to actually elect an American,” Fisk said. The International Council of Scientific Unions founded COSPAR in 1958, one year after the Soviet Union launched its first satellite into space. Since then, the committee has worked to encourage the exchange of scientific knowledge, even during periods of intense geopolitical conflict. “Interestingly enough, I was actually elected in Moscow, because that’s where the meeting was being held this year, at a time when one could say, perhaps, that the Cold War was coming back a little bit,” Fisk said. Relations between the United States, Russia and the E.U. have been severely strained following Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, which belonged to neighboring Ukriane. The friction intensified in July after a commercial passenger jet — Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 — was reportedly shot down over Ukraine, an act widely believed to be the work of pro-Russian separatists using weapons supplied by Russia. Investigations into the crash are ongoing. “In fairness to COSPAR, and I think appropriately, at the meeting in Moscow the geopolitical situation was not an issue,” Fisk said. “COSPAR simply rises above those things.” Several weeks into his tenure, Fisk said he is learning to balance his responsibilities as head of the committee with his other roles. In addi-
student turn out still exceeded that of Coleman’s final open house last year. “He wanted this event early so he could meet students while they have time and to meet parents who are still here,” Harper said. Schlissel has spent the recent weeks touring campus to meet with members of the community in advance of his presidential inauguration, which is scheduled for Sept. 5. At the exit, Engineering senior Erin Aldernik said, “It was nice to shake his hand, take a picture with him, get some free food. I’m excited to see what he does.” Music, Theater & Dance freshman Matt Sina and his parents were pleasantly surprised that a school as large as the University would host such an event. “I definitely know that he doesn’t’ have to do this, so I genuinely appreciate it,” Sina said.
tion to teaching a graduate course titled “Space Policy and Management,” which teaches students policies between the United States’ and the international space community, he serves as chairman of the board of Michigan Aerospace Corporation, a company he founded with Paul Hays, another former Space Science professor. Fisk, however, is no stranger to taking on multiple roles. After spending the early part of his career at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, he moved to the University of New Hampshire, where he was eventually appointed vice president for research and financial affairs. In 1987, Fisk returned to NASA as the associate administrator for space science and applications. During his six years in that position, he said he was always working to increase international cooperation among scientists. “It’s something that has been a part of my career for some time, the concept of international cooperation,” Fisk said. “It’s something that I feel very strongly about.” Fisk added that improving scientific cooperation through groups such as COSPAR may help settle international conflict on a political level. He referenced the role of Roald Sagdeev, the scientific advisor to Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev at the end of the Cold War, who helped to bridge the divide between U.S. and Soviet space scientists. “The scientific contacts that took place (at the end of the Cold War) between the Soviets and the Americans, particularly in space, I believe had an important impact on how the Cold War ended — peacefully,” Fisk said. “I think that can be always the case — using science to bridge geopolitical differences.”
Visit us at michigandaily.com!
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
News
Tuesday, September 2, 2014 — 6A
Leaders rally downtown Ross begins new initiative to startup growth for increased K-12 funds encourage New financial Educators, officials and residents criticize Snyder for education policy By ALLANA AKHTAR Daily Staff Reporter
Ann Arbor education and local government leaders joined with residents Thursday to advocate for increased funding for the city’s public schools. Held in Liberty Plaza in downtown Ann Arbor, the rally highlighted statewide budget cuts on K-12 and higher-level education and the declining reputation of Michigan public schools. The speakers at the event, which was hosted by Michigan Teachers and Allies for Change, included Linda Carter, president of the Ann Arbor Education Association, Jeanice Swift, superintendent of Ann Arbor Public Schools, Rep. Jeff Irwin (D–Ann Arbor) and Lisa Brown, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor. Last week, Education Week published a nationwide report card last week comparing education within states. Michigan ranked eighth in the country for K-12 education quality, 38th in elementary reading and middle school math and 40th in overall high school graduation. Citing this report, Swift, the Ann Arbor Public Schools superintendent, expressed her frustration with state legislators and criticized them for failing to prevent this deterioration. “While we’ve been having a meltdown into mediocrity with regard to how we fund public education, other states have mobilized and moved ahead of us,” she said. Carter, the president of the
AAEA, echoed this sentiment, inviting legislators into classrooms to assess the declining condition of public schools. Encouraging protesters to sing along to her rendition of a workers’ union anthem, she rallied the crowd of fellow educators to take a stand against budget cuts. “This is unacceptable,” Carter said. “We’re not going to take it anymore.” Though M-TAC, the host of the event, is non-partisan, event moderator Quinn Strassel announced the group’s support for Mark Schauer, the Democratic opponent to Rick Snyder in the upcoming gubernatorial election. Irwin, the state representative, castigated Republican legislators in the state for the decline of its public schools. Many Democrats, including Mark Schauer, the Democratic candidate for governor, have criticized Snyder for presiding over massive cuts in education funding. Though Snyder increased funding for education in the fiscal year 2015 budget plan and has increased state funding for K-12 schools over the course of his tenure, classrooms have been receiving less money, largely due to lapses in federal stimulus money. According to an analysis by The Detroit Free Press, state funding for K-12 education in 2011 — the final budget submitted by former Gov. Jennifer Granholm — was $10.7 billion. In fiscal year 2014, Snyder called for an $11.4 billion state allocation to K-12 education. However, many Democrats have criticized the Snyder administration for failing to compensate for the loss of federal stimulus money. Irwin criticized the state’s move to privatize public school-
ing, saying charter schools are proven to perform worse than public schools. Many Republicans have advocated expanding charter school options as a method for improving education in the state. Irwin called on voters to “take back the house” by electing Democratic representatives to the legislature. Brown, too, faulted Republicans for decreasing education funding and channeling funds to allow corporate tax breaks. She outlined some of the points in Schauer’s education plan, which includes standardizing class sizes and eliminating budget cuts. She also encouraged protesters to take to the streets and social media to encourage more people to vote in the upcoming election. “This is about giving every child in Michigan a world-class education and bringing a brighter future for all of our kids,” she said.
LOVE NEWS? SO DO WE. COME TO 420 MAYNARD AND HELP US MAKE A NEWSPAPER. #RUSHTMD
resources, mentoring rolled out for 2014 By MICHAEL SUGERMAN Daily Staff Reporter
The Ross School of Business and the College of Engineering unveiled their newest entrepreneurship venture, the Desai Family Accelerator, on Aug. 19. The program aims to do more than incubate student startups, like many current University programs do. Instead, it will seek to advance projects during their early stages. The financial resources and mentorship provided by the program are available to students, faculty and external companies.
The Business School’s Samuel Zell & Robert Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and the College of Engineering’s Center of Entrepreneurship will manage the program together. “This Accelerator is a great example of two world class programs coming together,” said CFE Executive Director Tom Frank in a statement. “Most successful startups have multidisciplinary backgrounds.” The program will provide financial resources, mentoring by faculty and University alumni and office space at Pillar Technology, a consulting firm located in downtown Ann Arbor with a focus on developing companies. The investments in the program will provide funding for entrepreneurial ventures. The Accelerator is sponsored
by the Desai Sethi Family Foundation—founded by Business alum Bharat Desai ’81—and the William Davidson Foundation. Desai is also the co-founder of IT company Syntel. The latter institution, founded by Business alum William Davidson ‘47, is based at the University and emphasizes economic education and consulting services. Desai said in a statement the Accelerator is a direct reflection of the DS Family Foundation, bringing together education and entrepreneurship in “perfect harmony.” “(T)his initiative will provide a boost to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and encourage the establishment of new and innovative ventures in Michigan,” he said.
Israel calls on neighbors to help rebuild Gaza and disarm Hamas Fragile truce holds after two months of intense conflict
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and several Arab countries should work together to rebuild the Gaza Strip while disarming Hamas militants who rule the territory, Israel’s finance minister said Sunday. The remarks by Yair Lapid come almost a week after Israel and Hamas militants reached a truce after almost two months of fighting that devastated parts of Gaza. “We need a regional conference, with the Egyptians, the Saudis, the Gulf States,” Lapid, a member of the centrist Yesh Atid party, told reporters in Jerusalem. “That conference should
focus on one thing, ensuring the rehabilitation takes place alongside demilitarization,” he said. It is unclear how he foresaw the group demilitarizing Gaza as Hamas has vowed it will never give up its weapons. Nor was it clear how responsive Arab countries, some of whom like Saudi Arabia have no formal ties with Israel, would be to such a conference. Lapid did not say if any countries had been consulted about the idea. “This is a stupid demand, and no one among the Palestinian people would agree to such a thing ... our weapons are used to defend our people, and this right was granted by heaven and human laws,” said Mushir al-Masri, a Hamas spokesman in Gaza. Hamas and other Gaza militants fired 4,591 rockets and
mortars at Israel during the fighting. Israel’s military says it struck 5,226 “targets” in Gaza. The two sides are set to hold indirect talks in Egypt next month on key disputes that remain unresolved. Meanwhile Sunday, Israel announced the expropriation of about 1,000 acres of West Bank land in a step that could help clear the way for construction of a new Jewish settlement. The Israeli military made the announcement Sunday in accordance with a government edict. It said the directive was made at the end of a military operation in June that searched for three Israeli teens who were abducted and killed by Hamas militants. The Hamas kidnapping and murder of the teens sparked a chain of events that led to the 50-day war.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Arts
FILM REVIEW
‘Sin City 2’ bores Frank Miller’s latest a lousy example of film noir By SEAN CZARNECKI Daily Arts Writer
I appreciate the right kind of crazy in a person, and there is plenty of crazy in “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.” The black- C and-white CGI is gaudy, the Sin City: A nudity is brazen, the one- Dame to liners pile on Kill For and the gore At Quality 16 spills. It is loud and tasteless, and Rave but taste isn’t Dimension the point. It is not elegant and never claims to be. Absurdity means everything in a neo-noir universe like this, where the poker chips
stack as high as cities, chivalry is punished, and the lines that are drawn are always crossed. Attitude is everything. Unfortunately, Frank Miller’s latest dreamscape — however nasty, however wicked — never reaches that same level of insanity its predecessor had, which made it an unqualified success. “Sin City” was a novelty back in 2005 when it was released. Freed from the normal boundaries of taste, you got the sense Miller was reveling in the opportunity to adapt his characters for the big screen, with co-director Robert Rodriguez (“Machete Kills”) adding campy touches all his own. The stylized CGI visual palette of high contrast black-and-white, coupled with unapologetic violence and sexuality, appealed to our fascination with crime. Benicio Del Toro’s (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) turn as the undead Jackie Boy was inspired. Bruce Willis’ (“G.I. Joe: Retaliation”) self-paro-
dy of the grizzled cop he plays so often earned smart laughter. But you won’t find such inspiration in this installment. It would not surprise me if we look back on “A Dame to Kill For” as the end of an era of this kind of visual style. “A Dame to Kill For” is divided up into four separate stories, each of them about as good as the other, and each following a single protagonist. Marv (Mickey Rourke, “The Wrestler”) is out killing frat boys. Johnny (Joseph GordonLevitt, “Don Jon”) is an arrogant card player who plays a risky game against Sin City’s most powerful politician, Senator Roarke (Powers Boothe, TV’s “Deadwood”). Dwight McCarthy (Josh Brolin, “Men in Black 3”) is a private detective haunted by his past, and drawn back hopelessly into the schemes of his old lover Ava Lord (Eva Green, “300: Rise of an Empire”). And finally, Nancy Callahan (Jessica Alba, “Machete”), in despair, in the madness of revenge,
is out to kill Senator Roarke for the untimely end of the man she loved, John Hartigan (Willis). Like the original, “A Dame to Kill For” owes much of its appeal to its ensemble cast. You get the sense this movie is a costume party and its actors come dressed “to the nines.” Christopher Lloyd (yeah, dude, like Doc Brown from “Back to the Future”) makes a cameo as a doctor who shoots up heroin before every operation. (It’s how he’s got those steady hands.) It’s a brilliant high point of the movie; if only there were more moments like it, with that same outrageous humor. The actors seem to be having fun, but for all the noise, it was repetitive and I ended up just being bored. The amnesia-prone Marv serves as a convenient metaphor: lumbering, ponderous, hungover, constantly re-tracing his own steps. My political awareness has grown since I was thirteen, when I first saw “Sin City” and the “awesome” factor was all that mattered. It’s time now to acknowledge the series’ conflicts with its treatment of women. I do understand Rodriguez and Miller are treating their subject matter tongue-in-cheek and that they parody and follow the “exploi-
Tuesday, September 2, 2014 — 7A
DIMENSION
Like a Black Widow baby.
tation” tradition of the ’70s and ’80s — films like “I Spit on Your Grave.” I understand also they wanted to create capable women that are dangerous, who weaponize their sexuality and punish lechery. These are women who like sex. They are confident in their bodies. Still, at the same time these women empower themselves, they are limited. While Miller and Rodriguez play with male gaze, they want to titillate their audience with these women’s bodies. They avoid some sexisms and fall hopelessly into others. In short, they want to have their cake and to eat it, too. We have to think about that contradiction. This is not to con-
demn nor defend the series. This is just to think about that conflict, because of how important it is in today’s culture. The death of Lauren Bacall, who starred alongside Humphrey Bogart, throws the influence of film noir into sharp relief. Haven’t we all wanted to sit smug as hell in a wreath of cigarette smoke, in the slants of light coming through the window shades? Can’t we brood in the shadows? If only to put our noir “hats” back on, “A Dame to Kill For” might be worth the trip. For me, thinking back on how good the original “Sin City” was, and how lousy this one is as an example of noir — it’s just depressing.
Arts
8A — Tuesday, September 2, 2014
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
FESTIVAL REPORT
FYF: Growing pains and rising bands California festival celebrates its eleventh year running By ARIANA ASSAF Daily Arts Writer
Until this weekend, I had never been to a music festival that’s younger than I am. Then I was introduced to FYF, the baby of the festival world. At just 11 years old, FYF is characterized in part by similar muddled uncertainties and growing pains that plague the pre-teens of this generation. And at only two days, it has yet to grow quite as much as more senior festivals. But, like the 11-year-old kid everyone hopes to have, FYF is smart, ambitious and eager to learn and please. Before the festival really got going on Saturday afternoon, everyone had just about had it with its disorganization. People waited up to two hours to pass the security checkpoints, a sign that this youngin’ didn’t know exactly what it was getting into with its increased popularity and larger venue. FYF started in 2004 with just one day of shows in a few rooms of L.A.’s The Echo (before it was The EchoPlex). By 2009, after trying its hand at two and three day events, FYF went back to one day and moved to the L.A. State Historic Park with the fanatical, outlandish and downright out of this world amazing Black Lips headlining, making me wonder why I didn’t know about it then … I guess I was too young. As of 2012, the festival seems to have settled on two days, but this was its first year at the L.A. Sports Arena and Exposition Park. Fortunately, lines had cleared by about 5:00 p.m. and organizers responsibly sent out an apology notification the next day, plus an apology email about a week after the festival. But then there was the matter
of actually seeing the performers. Our plan was to start with Chet Faker in The Arena, but it was at capacity before he even went on. I’d never experienced an indoor stage at a festival and was excited to try it out, but unfortunately never made it in. Instead of waiting around to see if we could squeeze in later on to catch Caribou or DJ Harvey, we turned to Albert Hammond Jr. — known to me as a vital member of The Strokes, who headlined the whole festival — in his smart starry button-up and burgundy pants, to cheer us up. We made it to the main stage in time for his last song and a reminder that we’d see him tomorrow with Julian and Fab and the whole gang, right where he belongs. I say “where he belongs” because while I think it’s great that members of The Strokes have developed as solo artists for their own sake, I still wish they would have toured Comedown Machine for my sake. Even though the album itself wasn’t mind blowing, at least I could have seen them together. And I wish they would keep making that forevery-occasion-to-make-it-themost-special-of-occasions music together like they used to. That was the music that I grew up with, guiding me through the horrors of adolescence, falling asleep to when nothing else could clear my head. I had high hopes for them before the novelty of their 2011 album Angles had begun to wear off, but that eventually turned into nostalgia when Comedown Machine was released in 2013 — sans tour — confirming that they would never be the same band that created the gem that is Is This It again. But, I digress. The rest of Saturday was a world of discovery: seeing Little Dragon, Slowdive, Tycho and Interpol for the first time was fantastic individually and enlivening as a whole. FYF may be a slightly scatterbrained 11-year-old, but an 11-year-old that knows where it’s at when it comes to curating
a lineup. Little Dragon is a rather little-known band with a magical lead singer who should be more popular than she is (and likely will be soon). She has the endearing stage presence of Taylor Swift minus the constant boy drama, and a unique sense of style that contributes to her overall charm. Performing in L.A. for the first time in 20 years, Slowdive certainly attracted tried-and-true fans that were excited by its appearance. Lead singer Rachel Goswell’s “I’m in an indie band and trying to appear angelic” expression mostly translated into a boring look, but nevertheless they sounded great and a rousing drum solo to close the set left fans elated. Scott Hansen of Tycho and his bandmates looked wonderfully comfortable on stage together, so much so that I had the sense we as the audience were almost intruding on a private practice. They pulled off their set with flying colors, enhanced by a beautiful impromptu visual set that included short clips of surfers just doing their thing among stunning scenery. Once Phoenix took the stage to close the day, everybody really seemed to wake up. Kicking off with “Entertainment” immediately got everyone singing along. And when they got to “Lisztomania” a few songs in, almost everyone screeched like star-struck tweens. People seemed inspired to let their goofiness show. Thanks to the group of girls surrounding me, however, I realized I must not be the Phoenix fan I thought I was. While they recited every lyric like life-giving anthems, I was standing there relieved when “Trying To Be Cool” finally came on and I could actually join in. Phoenix is definitely one of those bands that sound just as perfect live as they do recorded, a major reason I enjoyed them so much despite not always being able to sing along. Plus, you really get a sense of their uniqueness watching them perform that
just isn’t accessible in a recording. Instead of making an all-day event out of Sunday as well, I slept late and rolled into FYF as the sun was going down, just as Built to Spill was closing their set. I was instantly drawn into their song and I was sad that the one I heard was the last. For the rest of the evening, the band came up in many attendees’ list of best performances. The first artist I actually saw was rapper Earl Sweatshirt. I felt especially accomplished when I discovered that he graduated from a nearby LA high school at the same time I did. But all kidding aside, he maintained an essence of maturity despite being a relatively young artist. “Chum,” arguably one of his most popular songs, deals with identity issues and tense parental relations, which really seemed to speak to everyone in the audience. Earl definitely knows how to put on a show while mixing in deeper messages. Later on, Haim took the main stage for the kind of jam session usually only found at house parties. In fact, one of the sisters told the crowd stories of the “epic” celebrations they used to throw as high schoolers living in the Valley. I’ve been listening to Haim a lot lately, and find their songs take on a much different feeling recorded versus live. On Spotify, the music is nice and crisp. You can even listen to them having a perfectly polite conversation about the making of their album Days Are Gone. But live, Haim is loud, raw and full of solos and anecdotes that make the whole experience incredibly lively. The girls are an absolute joy to watch together; you can tell they’re used to working with each other’s styles, which makes the music flow that much easier. Then, the band ended with a shout out to the weekend’s headliner, and all hell broke loose. Judging by the sheer number of band t-shirts that could be seen throughout the weekend, it’s safe to say that there was no lack of love
for The Strokes. I felt this love firsthand when thousands of people literally charged forward, sweeping me up in a human stream moving straight for the stage. In classic rockstar fashion, they came on about 40 minutes late (very possibly because Julian was still sobering up), giving me time to reflect on the anxiety I had been feeling about seeing them. Questions like “What if they don’t sound the same as they used to?” and “What if they only play songs from Comedown Machine?” plagued my mind for days leading up to the festival. That anxiety started melting away when Julian, with his greasy/shaggy hair and I-don’t-give-a-fuck strut started singing “Barely Legal.” The set continued with “Welcome to Japan” and “Automatic Stop,” and I realized I had nothing to worry about. They knew what we wanted, and they were going to give it to us. Their ultra-clear and often poignant lyrics unfortunately inspired many tone deaf but die hard fans to belt along with them. After a bit of shuffling I found a relatively quite place to watch, but I had to wonder … when did The Strokes start attracting such intensely vocal fans? Maybe it has something to do with how Julian sings. Not just his voice, but the way he leans forward and squeezes the microphone, like he’s working really hard to get everyone to understand (it worked). Maybe it’s how he addresses the crowd but then decides he doesn’t want to talk, simply saying “I love you guys.” Well Jules, we love you too. But I came to a realization throughout their performance: I no longer love them the same way I did when I was sixteen. I don’t need them as much anymore. 1251 was the code on my phone for the longest time, and I even toyed with the idea of including lyrics to “Someday” on my personal yearbook page,
but all the words I wanted to use wouldn’t fit. Working my way through any given album of theirs used to make me feel progressively better after a shit day. Now, their songs coming up on shuffle is more like a surprise visit from an old friend: lovely, but not the same. Seeing them live is almost the same thing. It’s a great time and it’s liberating as ever and it makes you feel the way you want to feel all the time. Not to mention that there’s such a novelty to it. The Strokes don’t just perform with the frequency of any other touring artists. But they’re not touring artists, and I’m not 16 anymore. They were amazing just like they always are and I’ll love them like I always have, but I have to start coming to terms with the idea that they very well may never be the same band who created Is This It again. FYF was a weekend of exploration, and it was a weekend of growth. I saw a lot of bands I hadn’t seen or hadn’t heard before, and as you read, I saw one I have a whole lot of feelings for. Before going to FYF, I sort of just saw it as something different to do for a weekend and noticed that a lot of the crowd used it as a temporary alternative make-out location. But besides being a reason for Angelenos to use public transportation (there’s a metro stop just outside the venue) or an excuse for girls to wear either wine bras or no bra at all, it’s a wonderful way to step away from mainstream music to find out where all those Top 100 hits start, and why. The amount of talent and potential at FYF is hard to overestimate, and I’d bet money that some of those little-known bands playing at noon on Saturday will be closing shows in a few years, singing to swarms of people who need them just as much as they need the people.
Arts
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Tuesday, September 2, 2014 —9A
TV NOTEBOOK
‘True Blood’ ends after seven-year run Flagship HBO series remains #TrueToTheEnd By ALEC STERN Senior Arts Editor
Spoiler Alert: if you don’t want to know how “True Blood” ends, do not continue reading. On Sunday, August 24th at 10:10 p.m., “True Blood” met the True Death. After seven years, the HBO series finally resolved the Sookie Stackhouse saga, and with it, the love story at its center. And it was one hell of a ride. Based on Charlaine Harris’ 13-book “Southern Vampire Mysteries” series, “True Blood” premiered quietly in the fall of 2008. But before long, the Anna Paquin-led drama became HBO’s most popular series since “The Sopranos.” (It now sits comfortably as the third most watched program in the premium cable network’s history, behind the mafia drama and fantasy behemoth “Game of Thrones.”) Capitalizing on the late 2000s vampire craze — and our obsession with supernatural love triangles — “True Blood” ushered in a new era of genre series in this “golden age of television” we are living in. While the series might never have earned any recognition from a particular Academy (other than some technical awards and love for its unrivaled opening credits), “True Blood” built on previous hits like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and paved the way for countless shows. There are traces of “True Blood” all over television — in wonderful series like “Hannibal” and “American Horror Story,” and not-so-wonderful ones like “Hemlock Grove.” “True Blood” was hatched from the mind of Oscar winner
Alan Ball (“American Beauty”), but like a portion of the show’s audience, the series’ maker ditched it after season five — an admittedly too-over-the-top religious and political allegory which introduced Roman and Lillith, and reintroduced Russell Edgington and Steve Newlin. By and large, it was shaky at best. But over the last few years, final season included, Ball’s replacement Brian Buckner was able to bring “Blood” back. (Maybe not to the soaring heights of seasons one or three, but to a place where it certainly finished its run on the upswing.) Years in the future, “True Blood” might still be remembered for its oft-fluctuating quality, and its series finale interestingly followed a trajectory similar to that of its seven seasons: a strong start, followed by a confusing midsection, capped off with a satisfying closer. Particularly, Jessica and Hoyt’s impromptu marriage — which consumed a healthy portion of the episode — was the clear misfire. For a series known for consistently subverting the ideas of traditionalism, “True Blood” ’s finale was, well, rather traditional. “I might be a vampire, but I’m also a girl,” explained Jessica in the episode’s most headscratching scene in which it’s revealed that Bill’s baby vamp has always dreamed of her wedding day, and that Bill himself has always wanted to walk his daughter down the aisle. Really, “True Blood?” As the finale’s running time clicked away, instead of celebrating the craziness or the sexiness or, most notably, its refusal to submit to the notions of what it means to be “normal,” the out-of-nowhere nuptials constructed a narrative reminiscent of any show other than “True Blood” — that a man’s only worth
HBO
“Why do you smell so good?”
is in fathering children and that girls sit around all day gushing about veils and bouquets and honeymoons. But like seasons six and seven, the finale’s final act delivered. In the end, when Sookie chooses to remain a faerie, she chooses to finally accept who she is. She chooses herself. And just like that, “True Blood” roared back. Like “Six Feet Under,” Alan Ball’s other HBO series, “True Blood” wisely chose satisfaction over spectacle, as we were given a peek into the futures of every character — Eric and Pam running both a successful corporation and Fangtasia, Sarah Newlin suffering at their hands and just about everybody else coupled and happy, with Sookie pregnant
and married. (To whom we will never know, but that isn’t really the point.) In its final hour, “True Blood” was something it never was — safe. But while “safe” would have been a deal-breaker for a season finale, it made for a surprisingly sweet series ender. Of course, many will remember the final scene between Sookie and Bill, in which together the pair stake Bill, dousing Sookie one last time in vampire guts. The scene is classically “True Blood,” and incited the reel of similarly classic scenes that is currently playing through my mind like a greatest hits album — its fantastic series premiere, Sookie running through the cemetery for the first time, Godric’s death, Pam turning
Tara, Jason and Jessica’s first love scene accompanied by the music of Taylor Swift. That Sookie-BillEric fever dream threesome. Was “True Blood” perfect? Of course not. It never quite knew what to do with Lafayette, it spent an excessive amount of time focused on werewolf culture and there was a season five Iraq war/smoke monster storyline that is just as bad as it sounds. But all told, I will always have a special place in my heart for “True Blood.” As the finale fastforwarded through years of the character’s lives, I couldn’t help but think about my own — about how fast time goes, about the past seven years and about the people I’ve experienced “True Blood” with. If it sounds like I’m giving
too much weight to a series that at one point had a secret faerie nightclub storyline, I probably am. Or maybe it was the episode’s Thanksgiving-set ending. Or its title, simply “Thank You.” But in those closing moments, I was thankful. I was thankful for this silly, scary, quirky, sometimespoignant, always-entertaining comic book of a show that didn’t give a shit about what it was or who it was. It was just itself. So with that, I raise a glass of O Positive to you. To the vampires and the faeries (and the shifters, werewolves, werepanthers, maenads, ifrits, witches, Lillith, Billith, demon babies, Hep-V vamps and everything and everyone else). Thank you, “True Blood.”
10A — Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Advertisement
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
SportsTuesday B
The Michigan Daily | michigandaily.com | September 2, 2014
RUBY WALLAU/DAILY
OVER THE MOUNTAIN M I C H I G A N
5 2 ,
A P P A L A C H I A N
S T A T E
PAUL SHERMAN/DAILY
1 4
PAUL SHERMAN/DAILY
RUBY WALLAU/DAILY
U-M’S BEST TEAM
n The football team drew more than 106,000 fans on Saturday, but the best team in Ann Arbor might not have drawn more than 100. SportsTuesday, Page 5B
DEV1N FUNCHESS
n Devin-to-Devin will be Michigan’s most lethal offensive weapon, and more things we learned from Saturday’s win. Five Things, Page 2B
SportsTuesday
2B — September 2, 2014
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Five Things We Learned: App. State Appalachian State an inferior opponent, but plenty to observe By MAX COHEN Daily Sports Editor
Entering Michigan football’s season opener against Appalachian State, there were numerous questions about how it would respond to last year’s mediocre 7-6 season. With new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier making his debut, the offensive was a mystery. Though Michigan likely didn’t display the full breadth of its offense in the 52-14 rout of the Mountaineers, some things can be gleaned about the team from the victory. 1. Devin to Devin is the next big thing: It started on Michigan’s first offensive play, an 11-yard screen pass from fifth-year senior quarterback Devin Gardner to junior wide receiver Devin Funchess. The chemistry between Gardner and Funchess was evident throughout the entire first half. The duo combined for seven receptions — three of which were touchdowns — and 95 yards in the half. The Mountaineers had no match defensively for Funchess, perhaps best displayed on his third touchdown catch. Gardner threw the pass to the back of the end zone, where Funchess made the catch over the outstretched arms of defenders. Wherever Gardner threw the ball, Funchess caught it. The pair cited improved chemistry and extra work in the offseason as the key to their success.
RUBY WALLAU/Daily
Devin Funchess became the first Michigan receiver to record three touchdown passes in a season opener, doing all the damage in the first half on Saturday.
Last season, graduated wide receiver Jeremy Gallon was Gardner’s favorite target. It appears the role has transferred to Funchess, the converted tight end, this season. 2. Norfleet will finally be a regular part of the offense: For two years, junior slot receiver Dennis Norfleet has displayed tantalizing shiftiness and speed for Michigan as a punt and kick returner. He appeared sparingly on offense, though usually in specialized packages and formations. Norfleet was listed as the team’s starting slot wide receiver before the season, but it was unclear how he’d be used. Saturday, Norfleet was
part of many of the Wolverines’ offensive packages, catching three passes for 30 yards. Michigan coach Brady Hoke commended Norfleet’s blocking after Saturday’s game. Monday, Hoke said Norfleet has matured dramatically since last season, leading to the extended playing time. “He just is one of those infectious guys that has great energy, and you want a guy like that on the field,” Hoke said.
press more: Throughout the offseason, Michigan’s defensive players emphasized that they wanted their defense to be more aggressive. It manifested in the season opener when the cornerbacks covered the receivers off the line of scrimmage. They pressed frequently at the line of scrimmage, helping shut down Appalachian State’s passing game. The Mountaineers passed
It appears Jeremy Gallon’s role has tranferred to Funchess.
3. The cornerbacks will
for 127 yards in the game at a rate of just 3.8 yards per pass. Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said Monday that the new strategy stemmed from a lack of aggressiveness the coaching staff noticed in last year’s game tapes. Mattison said he expects cornerbacks pressing to be a staple of his defense, but admitted it could be problematic against strongarmed quarterbacks, such as Notre Dame’s Everett Golson. Still, expect the strategy to be prominent as the season progresses. 4. The offensive line is still in a state of flux: After the debacle of the 2013
season, Michigan’s offensive line was the team’s biggest question mark going into the season. The line got the job done in the season opener, but how it will look in the future is unclear. Fifth-year senior Joey Burzynski started at right guard, but was relieved by redshirt sophomore Kyle Kalis in the first half. The offensive line was more effective once Kalis was inserted. Hoke said Monday that he doesn’t yet know who will play the position in the next game, but that he had a plan. He didn’t care to divulge that plan to the media. There is a similar conundrum at the center position. Redshirt junior Jack Miller started and played the entire time the starters did. But redshirt junior Graham Glasgow returns from suspension for the Notre Dame game, putting the position in flux. Glasgow started nine games at center in 2013 while Miller started four. Once again, Hoke said he has a plan for incorporating Glasgow, but didn’t want to share how or if he will incorporate Glasgow with the media. 5. Very little: Though the early returns were positive, the season opener should be treated as what it was: a game against an inferior opponent. Michigan dominated last year in its season-opening win last season, too, a 59-9 victory over Central Michigan. The win wasn’t indicative in any way of the rest of the 7-6 season, which included close calls against lowly Akron and Connecticut. Notre Dame has served as a traditional benchmark for the Wolverines early in the season. Much more will be known about just how competitive this Michigan team is in one week.
Nussmeier finds success on sideline Gardner: Funchess Coaches impressed FOOTBALL
could be ‘M’ legend
by Gardner, frosh starters
By ALEJANDRO ZÚÑIGA Managing Sports Editor
By ALEXA DETTELBACH Daily Sports Editor
It doesn’t take much to make Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner happy. Against NOTEBOOK Appalachian State, it was first-year offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier’s presence on the sideline that put a smile on Gardner’s face and was one of the first things the fifth-year senior mentioned after the game. “With Doug being on the sideline I think it helps with situations because (he was) able to talk to (Gardner) between series and make some adjustments,” said Michigan coach Brady Hoke Saturday. Hoke later added Monday: “With the whole offense, I think it’s important. I’ve said it before, for Devin, (and) it being their first year together. I think overall, their communication and the communication with everybody else was positive.” Nussmeier was animated on the sidelines — to the point where Hoke had to pull him back and make sure he didn’t wander onto the middle of the field. His active style contrasts with former offensive coordinator Al Borges, who conducted the offense from the booth. And everyone is adjusting — and benefitting — from the change. “Having coach Nuss on the sideline was great too, because he got to really sit down and explain on the white board to us and fix it, instead of being up in the press box and talking to us through the headset,” said junior wide receiver Devin Funchess. Funchess, in particular, benefited from Nussmeier on the field as he exploded for three touchdowns and 95 yards in three quarters of play. ‘NOT
TOO
BIG’:
Both
PAUL SHERMAN/Daily
Quarterback Devin Gardner completed 13-of-14 passes, receiving sideline guidance from coordinator Doug Nussmeier.
defensive coordinator Greg Mattison and Nussmeier pointed to their respective starting freshmen as poised in their first college football games. Mason Cole, the first true freshman to start at left tackle in program history, struggled on a couple plays, most notably giving up a sack in the second quarter. But save for a few plays, Cole looked like a seasoned veteran and generated praise from his coaches. “I thought Mason did a nice job,” Nussmeier said. “Nothing’s too big for him. He’s a young player and we knew going into the game there would be some things that happened, and obviously the one sack that occurred, but its not about the sack, it’s about how you react to it “I thought he did an outstanding job, very focused very level-headed, (he) played a great football game.” Meanwhile, prized freshman cornerback Jabrill Peppers
played in several defensive series as the nickel corner and also appeared as a punt returner. An ankle injury kept him in the locker room in the second half, but he did enough to impress Mattison. “It wasn’t too big for (Peppers),” Mattison said. “I was very impressed with that part of it. If you watched him early and pregame and how he acts, and all that, he was just like I thought he’d be. The couple of tackles he made that’s what I thought I would see … He’s going to bring it.” Peppers ended the game with two tackles and had one punt return for six yards. ABSENTEES: Everyone can breathe easy, Peppers should be able to play Saturday. Following the game, Hoke said Peppers will be ready, but retracted a bit Monday after he sat out practice Sunday. “He’s been in here all morning getting treatment (and) he’s working hard to get better,”
Hoke said. “I don’t think he’ll be a question mark, I think he’ll be ready to play.” Sophomore safety Delano Hill, who broke his jaw in camp, is also set to go for Saturday, according to Hoke. He’ll join a young crop of safeties that includes junior Jarrod Wilson and three sophomores in Jeremy Clark, Dymonte Thomas and AJ Pearson. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Graham Glasgow is returning from his one-game suspension for operating a vehicle while visually impaired. Hoke didn’t give much insight into his plans for introducing Glasgow back into the line rotation repeating, “we have a plan.” Glasgow is also glaringly absent from the depth chart, but a week of work in practice could shuffle things around.
For more football news Check MichiganDaily.com throughout the afternoon
Junior Devin Funchess is Michigan football’s newest No. 1, a uniform number given to an exclusive group of Wolverines wide receivers. On Saturday against Appalachian State, Funchess lived up to his new designation, hauling in three touchdown passes and seven receptions total for 95 yards. In the process, he became the first Michigan receiver in the program’s 135-year history ever to catch three scores in a season opener. And Monday, senior quarterback Devin Gardner offered his opinion on Funchess’ talent and potential. “He can probably be the best receiver to ever play here,” Gardner said at his press conference. One reporter replied,
BY THE NUMBERS
Wide receiver Devin Funchess
“That’s a pretty big statement,” to which the quarterback asserted, “Yeah, it is.” Michigan has fielded a slew of talented receivers, from Braylon Edwards — the last to wear No. 1 — to Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard, to singleseason receiving yards leader Jeremy Gallon. Following Gallon’s graduation, Funchess has become Gardner’s top target. Saturday’s performance was his first three-TD game. Funchess’ combination of his 6-foot-5 frame, soft hands, speed and power make him a force to be reckoned with, one that Appalachian State coach Scott Satterfield said would create matchup issues for every team in the nation. And if Gardner’s prediction is correct, Funchess will become another household name joining the list of greats who have worn No. 1.
IN THE HISTORY BOOK Players to wear the No. 1
3
Kipke
Touchdown catches Saturday against Appalachian State, setting a program record for TD receptions in an opener.
A nine-time letterman in football, basketball and baseball, he captained the 1923 national champion squad.
7
Carter
Total receptions Saturday, all in the first half. Rested during the fourth quarter.
Held several ‘M’ records when he graduated, including TDs and yards.
95
Terrell
Total receiving yards Saturday.
The first receiver in Wolverine history with mulitple 1,000-yard seasons.
1
Edwards
Number of touchdowns created by back-breaking stiff-arms.
Set a Michigan record in games of 100plus receiving yards.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
SportsTuesday
September 2, 2014 — 3B
Recruiting update Green, Smith star against App. State
FOOTBALL
By MAX COHEN
By JASON RUBINSTEIN Daily Sports Writer
The 2015 Michigan football recruiting class is ranked No. 20 in the nation by ESPN. The Daily looks at some of the performance of the Michigan commits: Brian Cole, athlete: Saginaw Heritage (Mich.) vs. Saginaw Arthur Hill (Mich.) Ranking: ESPN (139) Scout (40): Cole caught three passes for 71 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 91 yards and a score, showing why he’s Michigan’s top-ranked prospect. Darian Roseboro, defensive tackle/running back: Lincolnton (N.C.) at South Point (N.C.) Ranking: ESPN (165) Scout (151): Michigan’s newest commit played a vital role on both sides of the ball, registering 10 tackles and running for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Michael Weber, running back: Cass Tech (Mich.) vs. Oak Park (Mich.) Ranking: ESPN (169) Scout (104): Weber’s talents were on display in Cass Tech’s comeback win over Oak Park, rushing for 150 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries. Weber’s best play came when he shot through a
hole for a 70-yard touchdown. Tyree Kinnel, safety: Wayne (Ohio) at Lincoln (Ohio) Ranking: ESPN (192) Scout (152): Kinnel tallied six tackles in Wayne’s 40-0 victory over Lincoln. Grant Newsome, offensive tackle: The Lawrenceville School (N.J.) vs. Steinert (N.J.) Ranking: ESPN (242) Scout (215): Newsome played well in his team’s scrimmage against Steinert and laid a punishing block during a punt return. Darrin Kirkland Jr. , linebacker: Lawrence Central (Ind.) at St. Ignatius (Ohio) Ranking: ESPN (266) Scout (114): Kirkland put on a show in his senior debut, registering 17 tackles, a fumble recovery and four tackles for a loss. Alex Malzone, quarterback: Brother Rice (Mich.) vs. Brother Rice (Ill.) Ranking: ESPN (NR) Scout (184): Malzone started his senior season with a bang, throwing for 363 yards and four touchdowns en route to a 40-34 win. Malzone is looking to lead Brother Rice to its third consecutive state championship.
Daily Sports Editor
After De’Veon Smith sprinted into the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter of Michigan’s trouncing of Appalachian State, he celebrated with his teammates briefly, enjoying the customary head taps and body bumps. But then he ran along the back of the end zone toward the sideline, where Doug Nussmeier waited. The new offensive coordinator and the sophomore running back embraced. Nussmeier’s arrival was supposed to rejuvenate Michigan’s running game, ineffective for the majority of the 2013 season, and the early returns were overwhelmingly positive in the 52-14 victory. The Wolverines rushed for 350 yards behind a more effective offensive line. Starting sophomore running back Derrick Green and Smith each surpassed 100 yards on the ground, the first Michigan duo to accomplish the feat since 2007. Green finished with 170 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries, while Smith contributed 115 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. Both yardage totals were career highs. “De’Veon, he would rather
run you over than play tag, or try and make you miss,” said Michigan coach Brady Hoke. “And Derrick’s got a little combination of both.” At first, improvements in Michigan’s running game were negligible. Green’s first three rushes gained a total of three yards. It took Smith’s arrival late in the first quarter to get the ground game going. The offensive line provided a hole on his first carry, and he took advantage, gaining 15 yards. But Green rebounded in the second quarter, contributing runs of 19 and 59 yards. The 59-yard scamper was one of three rushes of 55-plus yards for the Wolverines. Green broke another long one for 62 yards in the third quarter, and Smith contributed a 61-yard run in the second quarter. Running backs coach Fred Jackson tells Green and Smith that he considers them a 1-2 punch, and the pair says they respond by receiving motivation from watching the other succeed. “When he breaks a long one, I want to break a long one,” Green said. In addition to crediting improved blocking from the offensive line and wide receivers (Smith gave the offensive line an
RUBY WALLAU/Daily
De’Veon Smith looked every bit a No. 1 back against Appalachian State.
“A++” grade), Smith said Jackson was instrumental in the rushing performance by constantly reminding both running backs of their mediocre Michigan debuts throughout the offseason. But Saturday’s game against an inferior opponent shouldn’t necessarily be projected onto the rest of the season. The Wolverines found success on the ground early last
season, rushing for 242 yards against Central Michigan in the season opener. Later in the year, Michigan netted negative yardage in consecutive weeks. Next week’s game against Notre Dame will be more telling about the progression of Smith, Green and the offensive line. But for two young running backs lacking success at the collegiate level, Saturday was a start.
SportsTuesday
4B — September 2, 2014
‘M’ claims weekend split, crushes SMU 4-4-3 formation pays dividends in first win of year By MINH DOAN Daily Sports Writer
After the Michigan men’s soccer team’s season opener Friday, the mood was somber and quiet. The players cooled down alone, 0 SMU quietly 3 MICHIGAN reflecting on the disappointing game they had just lost. On Sunday, the mood surrounding the postgame routine was a little bit different. “Everyone was devastated about Friday, not only in the loss but how we played,” said senior midfielder Marcos Ugarte. “(On Sunday), the intensity was higher from everyone.” Unlike their game 48 hours before, the Wolverines came out with much more passion and energy, and they walked away from the U-M Soccer Stadium with a 3-0 victory over Southern Methodist (0-2). This time, the 4-3-3 formation that coach Chaka Daley implemented at the beginning of the season to become more offensive did exactly what it was supposed to: score goals. And it didn’t very take long, either. After just five minutes of play, freshman forward Ahinga Selemani collected the ball just inside the 18-yard box before heel flicking a pass into open space
right outside of the six-yard box. It was there that Ugarte collected the delivery and curled a leftfooted shot past the Mustangs goalkeeper to put Michigan (1-1) up by one. But it was the second goal that showed how dangerous the 4-3-3 can be. Junior forward James Murphy, playing in his new role in the midfield, dribbled into the center of the pitch before dishing a through ball to an overlapping Ugarte. With an extra player in the attacking third due to the formation, Ugarte was able to find wide-open redshirt junior Colin McAtee, who powered a header past sprawling SMU goalkeeper Michael Nelson. “With three forwards, you always want to have good wide play,” Daley said, “and you want guys crashing the box. We want to see if we can get a numerical advantage and be tidy and composed enough to put the ball away.” McAtee added one more goal in the 75th minute by beating two defenders outside the Mustang penalty box and slotting the ball into the near corner. But despite everything rolling on offense, freshman goalkeeper Evan Louro and his aggressiveness couldn’t be outshone. In his collegiate debut, Louro made just three stops, but each was more spectacular than the previous. Louro’s last save came in the 44th minute when Mustang Colten Habecker made his way behind the defense via a through ball. The moment Habecker crossed the 18-yard line, Louro
charged out and sprawled to the pitch to smother the ball. While there were many positives to the game, the Wolverines struggled in the first half with defensive positioning, but a halftime talk with Daley pulled the defense back together for a solid finish. “(The defenders) are still getting used to playing with each other,” Daley said. “Sometimes, it’s hard to know who is playing what role, and we sorted that out at halftime.” But at the end of the day, the Wolverines’ defense held, the 4-4-3 showed promise, and Michigan accomplished exactly what it sought.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Frosh Louro solid in debut Keeper records shutout in first appearance By JAKE LOURIM Daily Sports Editor
Evan Louro found out the news Saturday night, fewer than 24 hours before game time. The Michigan men’s soccer coaches told the true freshman goalkeeper he’d be starting his first career game the following day against Southern Methodist. Could he even sleep after that news? “Oh, yeah,” Louro said. “Like a baby.” Not much shakes Louro’s confidence, according to Michigan coach Chaka Daley, and nothing did Sunday, either.
“The intensity was higher.”
LUNA ANNA ARCHEY/Daily
Redshirt junior Colin McAtee scored in Michigan’s 3-0 rout of SMU on Sunday.
His assertiveness earned him a shutout and gave the Wolverines their first win of the season, 3-0. The 6-foot-3 native of South River, New Jersey has come in and made the goalie position a competition with Adam Grinwis — a fifth-year senior, three-year starter and captain. He has done it with poise, calmly leading a more experienced back line that surrendered just nine shots, three on goal. He has done it with good decision making, punching corner kicks out of the box to dispel scoring chances. And he has done it with fearlessness: In the 44th minute, SMU forward Colten Habecker slipped past the defense, took one touch and then another that was just a tad too strong. Louro came off his line and smothered the ball, deflecting it off to the side. After the game, he unveiled a red mark the size of a softball on his upper arm. It was clear nothing shook Louro, not even the challenge of his first start at U-M Soccer Stadium. “As a freshman, he’s extremely confident,” Daley said. “He’s got a lot of experience. He’s not really like your true freshman. He’s got enough experience that he’s more like a junior, which is great for our group and for the guys in the back. He brings a calmness about him, a maturity.” Louro has been on different U.S. national teams since 2009 and is now a member of the U.S. Under-20 team. So the 1,348 fans on hand Sunday in Ann Arbor didn’t shake him, nor did the effects of Friday’s 1-0 upset loss to Florida International. “I don’t really get nervous,” Louro said. “Maybe before the game, but as soon as I’m in the
game, I don’t think about it and I’m just tuned in.” Grinwis, who has played more than 5,000 minutes and made 235 saves in 58 career starts, figured as the starter coming in. But Louro hasn’t hesitated to contest the spot, just as he didn’t hesitate in salvaging a split on the weekend for Michigan. Daley said the two keepers were about even heading into the weekend. After such a short preseason, he is still evaluating the position and may either rotate them based on the game or opponent or pick a clear No. 1 option. “We wanted to give them both a game to see the differences, strengths, weaknesses,” Daley said. “But we also played two very different games as a group. So it’s still hard to tell in my opinion, because we were much more prepared and focused as a collective group (on Sunday) than we were Friday.” The Wolverines play one game each of the next three weekends, so with splitting the contests not an option, perhaps a starter will emerge. At the very least for Louro, he’s learning from Grinwis in his first season. “I learned a lot from Adam because he’s a senior and he’s been around the block,” Louro said. “(Assistant coach Jhojan Obando) has been working with both of us, and it’s good to get that competitiveness in training. But at the end of the day, whoever coach chooses to go out, we know they’re going to do a good job.” After two strong defensive performances on the weekend, the competition is just that — a competition. But Louro showed with his play Sunday that he won’t back down from anything.
“He brings a calmness about him, a maturity.”
Not even close: Michigan crushed on California trip By BRAD WHIPPLE Daily Sports Writer
The West Coast has held a hex over the Michigan women’s soccer team for most of coach Greg Ryan’s tenure — and it continued to plague the Wolverines this weekend. For the first time since 2011, the Wolverines 0 MICHIGAN (2-2) were 5 SAN DIEGO shut out in back0 MICHIGAN to-back 3 S.D. STATE matches. Friday, San Diego dealt Michigan its first loss of the season in a 5-0 onslaught. The Wolverines couldn’t rebound Sunday, when they were blanked 3-0 by San Diego State. “I don’t think it’s tough to respond to losses like these,” Ryan said. “We hit our bottom against San Diego, and I don’t think we’ll play that poorly again this year. … Friday, we didn’t represent Michigan. We didn’t represent anybody.” Michigan’s downfall stemmed from an inefficient offense, which has struggled to finish its chances early in the season. But this weekend, it fought to even create those opportunities. After taking 37 shots in their opening homestand last week, the Wolverines mustered just four shots on goal in California. “Coming onto the road, you’re in completely different circumstances, and this is such a young team,” said junior midfielder Corinne Harris. “We were put in a situation where we’re not as comfortable, and it affected us.” Friday night against San Diego, Michigan gave up its first goal of the season just three minutes into the match off a crossed ball. The Toreros (1-2-1) continued to take advantage of what Ryan called a “lack of effort” and rampant disorganization, notching two more goals before the end of the half. Sophomore goalkeeper Taylor
Bucklin made only one save in the first half and was taken out for the second half. Freshman Megan Hinz and junior Maddie Clarfield shared time in the net, but each gave up another goal. “That was really the first time we got overwhelmed right away,” Harris said. “Their intensity was so high, and we didn’t come out ready to meet that. … We’ll never let that happen again.” In Sunday’s game, San Diego State (2-1-1) outshot Michigan 19-8 and put 13 shots on goal. It took 11 minutes for Harris to take Michigan’s first shot, but according to her, she felt the team had good possessions and created high quality scoring opportunities. Harris took half the team’s shots but was unsuccessful in getting one past the keeper. “Corinne has had a fantastic start,” Ryan said, “but the one thing she has to do is score goals. She’s getting chances, and I’m really proud of how she’s played, but at the end of the day, she’s got to put the ball in the back of the net.” Nearing the end of the first
half, Aztec forward Meggie Gulczynski scored on a free kick that flew above the hands of Bucklin. Adding insult to injury, in the final 30 seconds, sophomore midfielder Anna Soccorsi accidentally headed the ball into Michigan’s goal. With San Diego State sitting comfortably with a two-goal lead, Hinz replaced Bucklin, who had made eight saves in the first half. In the 87th minute, the Aztecs collected a rebound off a corner kick and knocked it passed Hinz from three yards out. “The only chances that went in for San Diego State were not good chances,” Ryan said. “They were silly goals: an own goal, a ball that’s easily savable and a late corner kick when I have all the subs in.” Last year’s Wolverines, who reached the Elite Eight, never suffered a weekend like this. This year’s team, which Ryan said can’t be compared to its predecessor, has the same goals for the 2014 season. But there’s still a long way to go.
FILE PHOTO/Daily
Corinne Harris and Michigan couldn’t score and were blown out in California.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
SportsTuesday
September 2, 2014 — 5B
SPORTSTUESDAY COLUMN
D
The best damn team on this campus
EXTER, Mich. — The best team on campus sets up a locker room at two picnic tables under a gazebo. There are no showers or expensive training rooms. You probably GREG haven’t or GARNO won’t see their home course. The coach of the best team on campus rides his bike while he works. He wears a windbreaker with a ball cap, but you wouldn’t recognize his face. His best runners are just over five feet. You probably wouldn’t think twice if they walked past you on the Diag. The best team on campus is ranked first in the nation and could win its first national championship in program history. But you might have gone the rest of the year without ever knowing a thing about them. And they wouldn’t care. Because the best team on this campus has never been in the spotlight. And it won’t act any differently now that it is. The Michigan women’s cross country team, after all, isn’t a team that brings in TV money or draws large fan bases. Cross country itself has never attracted attention, because why would anyone want to watch a three-mile race when they could watch people hitting each other? Most often, fans watch runners go by for a fleeting moment, and then silence. In the Wolverines’ only home meet of the season — albeit, more a scrimmage than invitational — the men’s and women’s teams might have collectively drawn about 100 people. Most of them were parents.
ALLISON FARRAND/Daily
The Michigan women’s cross country team is ranked No. 1 in the country, yet few people follow their season. Garno sheds some light on the upstart program.
They won’t have an opportunity to run out in front of 100,000 fans screaming with the marching band playing, nor will they have to worry about their reaction after a bad race. But they do hug their parents, find friends and laugh with teammates after the race. There won’t be interviews from ESPN on camera or a feature writer from Sports Illustrated asking about their life history. There won’t even be the pressure of winning the next race because almost all races are non-scoring until the end of the season. That won’t make a difference, because the best team on campus knows nothing else. Instead, they know how to run fast and what it takes to
win. “It’s just attention to detail,” said coach Mike McGuire. “Acting on what we’re talking about. It’s easy to want to be good. The tough part is actually following through on it. It’s more than just the two or two and a half hours that they’re in practice on a daily basis.” So McGuire’s team runs its first meet of the season against itself even if there are no fans, aiming to pack up together,
not just race all out. They run through the first mile together, then break away. With 200 meters to go, sophomore Erin Finn, the reigning Big Ten Athlete of Year and Freshman of the Year, was cruising to a firstplace finish. But junior Shannon Osika was in an all-out sprint behind her until she eventually caught up with 50 meters to go. There were no lines of fans along the finish line, and Finn
The coach of the best team on campus rides his bike while he works.
didn’t hear the crowd pointing out Osika closing on her. When Finn did recognize her competition, the pair met stride for stride to an actual photo finish. Neither girl knew Osika won, though. They hadn’t seen results after their race. They cooled down with everyone else in the next step toward winning the national championship. “Each of them can make the other one better, and they all have strengths that others can feed off of,” McGuire said. “The big thing is that they get along really well. We have a good balance between being competitive and being harmonious.” These are the things that help make the Michigan women’s cross country team the best on the campus. Of course,
it also helps Kings of Cross that it returns NCAA Rankings its top-10 runners after 1. Michigan finishing 2. Oregon fourth in the 3. Florida State nation last 4. Stanford season. And 5. Georgetown a coach in his 6. Michigan St. 23rd season 7. Arkansas who has led 8. Colorado his team to 9. Iowa State five top-six 10. Virginia finishes and three straight regional titles in the last decade. Coaches took note, and voted them as the No. 1 team in the nation — the first time in program history. But you can probably guess how they reacted to that distinction. “It’s pretty cool, but rankings don’t mean much,” Osika said. “Once we start racing, actions speak louder than words.” Added McGuire: “It’s a prognostication, not a coronation. They know there’s work to be done.” Or senior captain Brooke Handler: “We just talk about trying to follow the process and do everything we can to get where we need to be in November.” This team may not win the national championship this year, and that’s OK, because they’ll come back next year to go through the same process. And you likely won’t pay attention to them next year. But this year, if only for this season, know that the best team on this campus is running by, and their coach is following on his bike. Garno would love to talk about his own cross country career at ggarno@umich.edu or on Twitter: @G_Garno. And of course, if you’re looking to follow the women’s cross country team, the Daily will have coverage.
Intrasquad meet competitive By JUSTIN MEYER Daily Sports Writer
ALLISON FARRAND/Daily
Junior Shannon Osika has won three consecutive Michigan Opens, capped by Friday’s win over teammate Erin Finn.
Osika claims Mich. Open By JAKE LOURIM Daily Sports Editor
As far as competitions go, Friday’s Michigan Open was little more than a tune-up for the No. 1 women’s cross country team. “It’s easier to get competitive with a red shirt or a green shirt than it is with my own teammates,” said senior captain Brook Handler. But the Wolverines looked just fine competing against their own maize shirts. Junior Shannon Osika and sophomore Erin Finn took each other right down to the wire, finishing with identical times of 17:01.5. One final push put Osika past the finish line a split second sooner, giving her a third straight Michigan Open title. Finn had the slimmest of leads for most of the race, but Osika pushed her the whole way after the two broke away from the pack. “We don’t really look at it like competition,” Osika said. “Nobody’s trying to beat each other on the team, it’s more just pulling each other along. It’s nice to have that motivation.” Handler said the plan going
into the race was to stay together as a team for the first mile. Almost all of the 29 Wolverines competing did that, and then the top runners separated themselves. Handler finished 34 seconds behind the leaders — an uncharacteristically large deficit for Handler, according to coach Mike McGuire. According to McGuire, Osika, Finn and Handler formed the team’s lead pack at camp, which ended Thursday. “Each of them can make the other one better, and they all have strengths that others can feed off of,” McGuire said. “The big thing is that they get along really well. We have a good balance between being competitive and being harmonious.” Fifth-year senior Taylor Pogue and redshirt junior Anna Pasternak followed the top three with times of 17:45.4 and 17:51.9, respectively. Just over 50 seconds separated the top five runners, a time McGuire said he would like to trim down to 40 seconds over 6K. Nineteen of 32 runners were Wolverines, including the top 10 finishers. The rest were unattached.
While McGuire hopes to improve the depth from Friday’s meet, he also wants to maintain Finn, Osika and Handler as three of the nation’s best. The trio finished 30th, 56th and 64th, respectively at the NCAA Championships last year, helping the team to a fourth-place finish nationally. Junior Taylor Manett, another returner from last year’s squad, was 57th at the NCAA Championships. The returning talent earned the Wolverines a preseason No. 1 ranking this year. “The ranking is calling a lot of attention,” McGuire said. “We have more depth than we’ve had in the last couple years, but you get to the national meet, front running is important. We feel we’re starting to develop front runners.” Though the No. 1 ranking is Michigan’s first in program history, the team is slow to bring it up early in the season. Whether they acknowledge it or not, the Wolverines have one of the best returning contingents in the nation. And as Osika and Finn proved Friday, they’ll be pushing each other every step of the way.
DEXTER, Mich. — First-year Michigan coach Kevin Sullivan made it clear to his runners before Friday’s Michigan Open that he didn’t want them to push the pace. For the 22nd-ranked Wolverines men’s cross country team, the sole home event of the season represented little more than a tuneup and a convenient setting to get used to pre-race jitters. But sometimes, boys will be boys. In the final meters of the nonscoring, intrasquad 5K, junior standout Tony Smoragiewicz was clear of the pack and being cheered toward the finish line, but fellow junior Mason Ferlic was closing fast. Smoragiewicz, not to be surpassed, used his best box-out maneuver to keep Ferlic at bay to barely pull off the win. Smoragiewicz, who competed as an unattached runner, finished in 15:19.8, just eight-tenths of a second ahead of his teammate. Ferlic, a first-team All-American in 2013, couldn’t contain a smile when he talked about getting edged out of first place. “(Smoragiewicz) wanted to
win there at the end,” Ferlic said, “but it was all in good sport. We were trying to tell each other, ‘Don’t race at the very end.’ It was supposed to be a workout. Obviously, though, it’s just fun to be competitive.” The rest of the meet was somewhat uneventful as the team stuck to Sullivan’s advice, chugging toward the finish line in a large pack for much of the race. The upcoming season, though, should provide plenty of fireworks. The drama started in the spring when, after second- and third-place finishes in the Big Ten the past two seasons, former coach Alex Gibbs was released. The decision reflected the Wolverines’ poor performance in distance track and field events, but it still seemed to take some runners aback. “It was a tough change for me before I got to know (Sullivan),” said redshirt junior August Pappas. “I was pretty close with my old coach, so it wasn’t easy. But I’ve been really impressed with how smoothly everything has gone, how calm and composed coach Sullivan has been with the change. He’s impressed, I think, all of us with his level of professionalism and focus.”
Added Ferlic: “It’s been a smooth transition. Obviously, a lot of the guys really liked coach Gibby, and it was a little rough at the beginning, but coach Sullivan has been great. He really took the time to learn us as a team.” Sullivan, a former standout distance runner for Michigan, now has the challenge of equaling past success in cross country while delivering better results in the spring season. That task comes with the additional hurdles of coaching a team with little championship experience and only one senior. Friday, the Wolverines did see a promising performance from redshirt freshman Austin Baumgarten, who finished the race in fourth with a time of 15:24, but the competition for roster spots is still thick and the clock is ticking. “I didn’t want (the Michigan Open) to turn into a race where guys were racing for spots nine through 12,” Sullivan said. “We’re going let the next few weeks play out and determine who are our fittest guys.” And Sullivan returned to solving that puzzle immediately following the finish, lining the team up for post-race sprints.
ALLISON FARRAND/Daily
Tony Smoragiewicz pulled off a win in the Michigan Open, boxing out Mason Ferlic to claim the intrasquad event.
SportsTuesday
6B — September 2, 2014
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
App State: The good, bad, ugly Finally, ‘M’ can begin to heal By MAX COHEN and ALEXA DETTELBACH Daily Sports Editors
Each week, the Michigan Daily football beat will pick out the good, the bad and the ugly from Saturday’s game. The Good: After an offseason full of questions about Michigan’s offensive line, the unit responded in the season opener, creating holes that allowed Wolverines’ rushers to gain 350 yards on the ground. The much-maligned unit allowed just one sack of fifthyear senior quarterback Devin Gardner, who completed 13-of-14 pass attempts for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Devin Funchess was unstoppable in the first half, catching seven passes for 95 yards and three touchdowns. Appalachian State had little answer for Funchess’ size and it showed. Wherever Gardner threw the ball, Funchess caught it, defenders be damned. Defensively, Michigan shut down the Mountaineers, allowing just 127 passing yards. Even the Wolverine special teams got involved in the scoring when redshirt freshman linebacker Mike McCray blocked a punt which sophomore linebacker Ben Gedeon returned for a touchdown. The Bad: Michigan coach
Brady Hoke was disappointed by the lack of playmaking by his defense. The Wolverines recorded only one sack and forced zero turnovers. Though the lack of big plays on defense was inconsequential because of the margin of Michigan’s victory, the Wolverines will need more out of their defense in future games. Another cause for concern was the ankle injury freshman cornerback Jabrill Peppers suffered in the first half. Peppers made two tackles in his Michigan debut and returned one punt for six yards, but didn’t come out of the locker room for the second half.
Peppers showed a hint of his elusiveness on the punt return, but Wolverine fans wouldn’t get to see any more of the prized prospect. Hoke said the removal from the game was strictly precautionary and he fully expects Peppers to play against Notre Dame. The Ugly: After a strong afternoon behind center for Gardner, Shane Morris took the reigns for the last series in the third quarter. But it was ugly for the sophomore. On his second pass of the 2014 season Morris dropped back in a play-action pass and threw it down the right sideline for soph-
omore wide receiver Amara Darboh. Morris, locked down on the receiver and the Mountaineers’ Dante Blackmon keyed in and grabbed the interception on the three-yard line. Morris took the field for just one more series, a sevenminute drive that stalled on the one-yard line and resulted in an 18-yard field goal. The second-string quarterback has garnered offseason praise from his coaches, but looked less than promising against Appalachian State’s back ups. Morris finished the game 3-for-5 with 37 yards and one interception.
Notre Dame: Once again, Michigan is facing the Fighting Irish under the lights, and this season the rivals will match up in South Bend. In the last scheduled meeting between the two teams, Notre Dame will be missing key players due to academic dishonesty. Miami (Ohio): Michigan has defeated the RedHawks in all five of their meetings. The teams most recently matched up in 2008 in what was Rich Rodriguez’s first win as the Wolverines’ coach. Michigan struggled to put Miami away until Brandon Minor ran for the Wolverines’ final score in Michigan’s 16-6 victory. Utah: The Rich Rodriguez era began against the Utes on Aug. 30, 2008. Utah took a 15-point lead midway through the third quarter and hung on, 25-23. The close loss earned respect later in the season as the Utes beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and finished as the country’s only undefeated team. Minnesota: It’s the oldest trophy game in FBS college football, even if it’s not very competitive. The Wolverines
and Golden Gophers have fought for the Little Brown Jug since 1909, and Michigan holds a commanding 73-24-3 series lead. The jug was left behind in Minnesota in 1903 after the Gophers rallied for a late 6-6 tie. (Those were the only points allowed by the Wolverines all year.) The jug isn’t little (it’s a five-gallon container) and originally was white, not brown. Rutgers: Despite boasting 280 years of college football between them, the Scarlet Knights and Wolverines have never met. Rutgers hosted the first-ever intercollegiate football game on Nov. 6, 1869, against Princeton in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights won, 6-4, but lost the rematch the following week. Meanwhile, Michigan played its first game 10 years later against Racine in Chicago. Penn State: Last season’s version of the matchup was a four-overtime affair that tested the health of everyone’s heart. Now, both teams return for another matchup at night. This time, the Wolverines take on a squad with just 11 seniors and new coach James Franklin replacing Bill O’Brien. In the third year of their sanctions, the
Nittany Lions are playing with fewer scholarship players where the offensive line has taken one of the biggest hits. Penn State has time to adjust, though, and the team that shows up midseason could be different than the one starting the year. Michigan State: The rivalry for the Paul Bunyan Trophy has tilted in the Spartans’ favor in recent years. Michigan State has won five out of the last six matchups between the teams. It could be difficult for Michigan to reverse the trend this year playing at Spartan Stadium for the second consecutive season. Indiana: Little defense was played in last year’s meeting between the teams when Michigan beat the Hoosiers, 63-47 at the Big House on Oct. 19. The Wolverines will be coming off of two difficult divisional games against Penn State and Michigan State, so avoiding a letdown could be key. Northwestern: The Wildcats seem to have had Michigan’s number the past few years. Threes years ago, the Wildcats held a lead in Evanston before falling apart in the fourth quarter. Two years ago, the
made stops on defense and the momentum carried over. This time, the Wolverines punted once all game. While it was nowhere near the level of being the fifthranked team in the nation, Michigan still shined. The first quarter and a half was the Funchess show, but the rest belonged to sophomore running back’s Derrick Green and De’Veon Smith who both topped 100-yards rushing. “All offseason everybody’s been talking about how App State came in here and beat you all in 2007,” said Appalachian State coach Scott Satterfield. “You dadgum right they were determined. We knew that from the minute our AD said we were playing Michigan, so they’ve been eager for this one — the fans and the players — and they played like it.” The new-look offense was dynamic, racking up over 500yards and seven touchdowns, and the revamped offensive line looked competent. Michigan’s starting defense held the Mountaineers to 19 yards passing in the first half. But those who remember 2007 know it was special teams that made history. So, going into the opener, it was special teams that Michigan coach Brady Hoke emphasized and he resorted to showing his team the infamous blocked kick throughout camp as motivation. “It definitely inspired us on special teams,” said senior defensive end Frank Clark. “When you show that all of camp and you show it leading into the week, you have no choice, but to go in there and do what you’ve got to do.” So, one missed 48-yard field goal aside, the special teams did their job and Michigan helped put a Band-Aid on a longstanding wound. 34-32 can now say what it should’ve seven years ago: 52-14. No one will forget 2007, but a dominant victory Saturday begins a healing process seven years in the making. And even those fans that entered the stadium skeptical in the morning smiled because this elusive victory was finally had. Finally.
While no one will forget 2007, it’s finally time to move on.
PAUL SHERMAN/Daily
The Michigan football team dominated Appalachian State from start to finish, but there were some negatives.
Breaking down the football schedule By DAILY FOOTBALL BEAT
F
inally. At 9:41 a.m. Saturday morning ESPN’s College GameDay did a feature on the 2007 Michigan-Appalachian State game, a 34-32 Mountaineers win. But by 12:30 that same afternoon, the city of Ann Arbor was finally ALEXA ready to DETTELBACH move on. For the last seven years the name “Appalachian State” has left Michigan fans with their heads buried in their hands. Now they can begin to peek up. While no one will soon forget 2007, it’s finally time to move on. And it took less than a quarter into the 2014 season to begin the healing process of quite possibly the biggest college upset of all time. Two precision passes from quarterback Devin Gardner to Devin Funchess, erased memories of blocked kicks from seven years ago. And that was only the first quarter. The Devinto-Devin show had fans on their feet and creating new memories of playing this small team from Boone, N.C. Up to hours before kickoff people criticized this matchup. And nothing spoke volumes of disinterest more than the crowd 34 minutes before the game. It was full come kickoff, but it was clear that fans were begrudgingly coming to this one. What do the Wolverines have to gain by playing the Mountaineers again? You’d think the Athletic Department would want to eradicate all memory of 2007. And if they win, it’s because they were supposed to, and if they don’t? Well, that’s not important anymore. But everyone can agree that by the time Funchess caught his third touchdown, a ridiculous over-the-helmet, back-of-theend-zone catch, there was little to criticize and a lot to commend. From start to finish things were different from 2007. Last time, Appalachian State blew open the game with a 21-point second quarter — this time it was Michigan’s turn at three touchdowns before the half. Last time, the Mountaineers
Wolverines needed a late effort in the waning minutes to force overtime and pull out the win. Last year, they needed a lastsecond field goal to hang on for the win. All that said, the Wildcats will be without several key pieces, including running back Venric Mark. Maryland: Welcome to the Big Ten, Maryland. Like Michigan, the Terrapins are looking to rebound from a 7-6 season and have a long road to do it. The two teams will face off on the tail end of Maryland’s brutal sixgame stretch that includes Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan State. Ohio State: The Buckeyes will be without star quarterback Braxton Miller, but given that his replacement will have a full season to grow, Michigan should still see the dominant team it saw last season. Ohio State lacks Carlos Hyde and its powerful run game and also lacks skill at cornerback. But Urban Meyer is 24-2 in his two seasons. Last year’s thriller, middle fingers and broken foot behind them, this year’s game could have more meaning if the Wolverines can handle a manageable schedule.
Dettelbach can be reached at adettel@umich.edu and on Twitter: @asdettel.
THE MICHIGAN DAILY TOP-10 POLL Each week, Daily sports staffers fill out ballots, with first place votes receiving 10 points, second-place votes receiving nine, and so on.
2. ALABAMA: Nick Saban wants you to be nicer to Lane Kiffin. He’s a good coach and there is absolutely no evidence to the contrary.
3. OREGON: The Ducks could have smoked Quack pre-game and still beaten South Dakota.
5. OKLAHOMA: OU is the winningest program in college football this side of WWII, but its 32-point win over Louisiana Tech might be the biggest feather in their cap yet.
6. AUBURN: Shon Coleman beat acute aclymphoblastic leukemia in 2010 and started at left tackle for Auburn on Saturday. That’s awesome.
8. MICHIGAN STATE: The Spartans played a team called the Cocks, but we would never joke about that.
9. OHIO STATE : The Buckeyes beat Navy, 34-17, but Navy SEALs shot Osama bin Laden. Who’s the real winner?
1. FLORIDA STATE: Dan Snyder didn’t go to FSU, but he still stopped by for the photo op with Chief Osceola, who is not a caricature at all.
4. GEORGIA: Justin Verlander didn’t go to Georgia. Neither did Kate Upton. Still…wow.
7. TEXAS A&M: Minus Johnny Football, the Aggies buried the Cocks down south and slipped into our Top 10.
10. STANFORD: Andrew Luck went way too early in the Daily’s fantasy league, much like Stanford was ranked too early.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
SportsTuesday
September 2, 2014 — 7B
After ‘07, defeat means more to Mountaineers By ALEJANDRO ZÚÑIGA Managing Sports Editor
In 2007, Appalachian State shocked Michigan in Ann Arbor, 34-32, in what is recognized as one of the greatest upsets in college football history. That team wasn’t led by current quarterback Kameron Bryant or running back Marcus Cox. It was a different Appalachian State, one manned by Armanti Edwards and Dexter Jackson. The 2014 Mountaineers, making their FBS debut, were no match for the Wolverines on Saturday, providing little resistance as Michigan rolled to a 35-point halftime lead and an eventual 52-14 win. And because of Appalachian State’s history in the Big House, this one meant a little bit more. “I can just imagine how the guys in ‘07 (felt),” said defensive lineman Ronald Blair. “We tried not to look so far back into ‘07. This isn’t the team from ‘07. “We just tried to put our own stamp on it, and it didn’t end the way we wanted it to.” The small contingent of visiting fans did their part, donning shirts and pins that read, “Been there, beat that.” But these Mountaineers couldn’t stop Devin Gardner (13-of-14 passing, 173 yards), or Devin Funchess (three TDs), or Michigan’s running backs (336 yards). “Those things happen when you play good teams,” Bryant said. “When you play a team like Michigan, you don’t get those mistakes. You’ve got to play almost a perfect game.” Appalachian State’s struggles were systematic as much as they were a product of facing a superior opponent. Michigan’s defense employed tight, man-to-
man marking, and Bryant had been prepped by his coaches to face a zone system. Last year, Bryant and the Mountaineers thrived on quick throws out of the shotgun and picking up yards after the catch. The Wolverines’ corners, though, disrupted the rhythm and bought enough time for the defensive line to burst into the backfield. The result was an Appalachian State offense that managed just 74 yards in the first half. Bryant finished the game 8-of-19 for just 58 yards. “This game was not what (Michigan) had shown all last year,” said Mountaineers coach Scott Satterfield. “Why they did that, I don’t know.” As Satterfield explained earlier in the week, many members of his current team committed to Appalachian State in part because of the 2007 upset, which stunned
the college football world and landed the small school from Boone, North Carolina on the cover of Sports Illustrated. It marked the first time a Division I-AA (now FCS) team beat a ranked opponent from Division I-A (now FBS), derailing Michigan’s national championship hopes before they could really begin. But in Saturday’s rematch, the Wolverines asserted their dominance from the opening kickoff, and the 2014 Mountaineers couldn’t replicate their predecessors’ magic of 2007. “Heck yeah, that was in (Michigan’s) minds the whole offseason,” Satterfield said. “What else do they hear? 2007, App State came and beat you guys. That’s all they’ve heard. You’re dadgum right they were determined.”
PAUL SHERMAN/Daily
Michigan rolled to a 35-0 lead at halftime, squashing hopes of a 2007 repeat.
ALLISON FARRAND/Daily
Sophomore middle blocker Abby Cole had 46 kills and 10 blocks, earning herself a spot on the All-Tournament Team.
‘M’ takes two in Arkansas By JACOB GASE Daily Sports Writer
The Michigan volleyball team has plenty of talent and experience in its starting six this season. Except half of it didn’t see action this weekend. With junior outside hitters Ally Davis and Kelly Murphy out with injuries and senior setter Lexi Dannemiller sitting out the tournament due to an “internal rules” violation, coach Mark Rosen started two freshmen and a junior setter with only one career start. The youth and inexperience led to mixed results in the first regular season action as the Wolverines rolled past Stephen F. Austin and Tennessee State before dropping their final match to Arkansas in five sets. After taking the first set against the Razorbacks, Michigan was overwhelmed by the best opponent it faced all weekend. Arkansas’s blocking game closed down the Wolverines’ attacks and caused the young team to make unforced errors. They committed nine errors in the second set and 10 errors in the third set, ultimately losing both and handing the Razorbacks all
the momentum. “We probably should have won that match if we had a little more experience and were a little more consistent,” Rosen said. “(Arkansas) is a good team, there’s no question about it. But I think we’re better than them. I think we had a chance to win that match.” The Wolverines rallied to force a fifth set, but they were unable to finish off the Razorbacks, as they fell 17-25, 25-23, 25-15, 19-25, 15-11. The loss doesn’t mean Michigan didn’t find any positives over the weekend, though. “I’m really proud of our team,” said sophomore middle blocker Abby Cole. “I think we have a lot of heart, and we began to show that.” Cole was arguably Michigan’s most dominant player over the weekend, riding some career performances to a team-leading 46 kills as well as 10 blocks. Her performance over the weekend landed her on the AllTournament team. Joining her on that team were junior libero Tiffany Morales — who combined with fellow junior libero/defensive specialist Lindsey Lerg to hold down the
back court with 83 total digs — and junior setter Carly Warner, who did a remarkable job (126 sets, just one attack error) filling in for one of the best setters in the country despite her inexperience. “(We need to) stay steady and consistent,” Cole said. “We have a lot of talent, and we fell short in the Arkansas match because we just kind of hit a wall.” Michigan (2-1) downed the Ladyjacks and the Lady Tigers in four and three sets, respectively, losing the only set to Stephen F. Austin by two points. For most of the weekend, the lineup’s youth infusion appeared effective enough to pull off the clean sweep. The two freshman starters, defensive specialist Caroline Knop and opposite hitter Katherine Mahlke, slid comfortably into their roles. Knop, a natural libero playing on the outside because of injuries, finished the weekend with 23 kills and 31 digs. Mahlke nearly matched her, picking up 20 kills and 28 digs in her first three collegiate matches. Freshman outside hitter Adeja Lambert established herself as a legitimate attack threat on an injury-depleted bench, recording 29 kills.
8B — September 2, 2014
SportsTuesday
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com