Volume 55, Issue 15 by The USD Vista

TheUSDVISTA

Volume 55 Issue 15

Thursday, March 1, 2018

On Newsstands Weekly

◆ The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Diego since 1968 ◆

Coach Lamont Smith arrested Smith was arrested on three domestic violence-related charges following a team trip to San Francisco Anderson Haigler Sports Editor Following the conclusion of the Toreros’ best season since 2008, the University of San Diego’s men’s basketball head coach Lamont Smith was arrested Sunday morning at Oakland International Airport on three domestic violence-related charges. Smith, 42, was traveling home following his team’s win against the University of San Francisco when he was arrested. According to records released by the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department, officers were dispatched to the team’s hotel late Saturday night after reports of a domestic violence incident. The alleged victim’s relationship to Smith is unclear, though he is married with two children. The alleged victim told police she was intimately involved with Smith, and was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 10 News San Diego reported that Smith was released on $115,000 bail, and is facing charges in San Francisco of domestic violence, assault with force likely to commit great bodily harm, and false imprisonment. USD released on Monday the following statement regarding Smith’s situation: “Yesterday we were informed of the arrest of Lamont Smith, head coach of the men’s basketball team. Considering the serious nature of the charges, this morning we placed Coach Smith on administrative leave until further notice. The university has initiated an investigation. Our values as a faith-based institution call upon us to proceed with justice and compassion. Our prayers are for all those who are impacted by this situation. Assistant Coach Sam Scholl has been appointed acting head coach for the entire post-season, effective immediately.” Saturday’s regular season

Smith, who is in his third year as USD’s men’s basketball head coach, led the team to a 18-12 record this season. He is currently on administrative leave. Photo courtesy of USD Toreros/Twitter

finale against USF marked the end of Smith’s third year as USD’s head coach. His arrest tarnishes an otherwise productive campaign for the Toreros. This season saw the Toreros go 18-12 (9-9 WCC), the program’s best in nearly 10 years. In his tenure as head coach, the program has shown signs of steady growth in the right direction, and the team’s record reflected that. This incident, however, leaves USD basketball in a precarious situation. With just a week remaining until the West Coast Conference tournament begins in Las Vegas, Smith’s future at USD, as well as the future of the basketball program, is unclear. Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Athletics Bill McGillis stated that the university is not taking the investigation lightly. “This is a very serious matter,

and it was something that we needed to deal with immediately, and address in an appropriate way, and I think we’ve done that,” McGillis said. “Now it’s a matter of allowing the investigation to take its course, and then being responsive at the conclusion of that investigation.” McGillis declined to comment on the scope of the investigation and what it might bring. “I wouldn’t want to speculate on (the length of the investigation), or on what the outcome might be,” McGillis said. “I think investigations of this nature can be very fluid, can take twists and turns along the way, and so I just wouldn’t speculate on the length. It’ll take as long as it needs to take.” Acting head coach Sam Scholl, who played basketball at USD with Smith during the 1999-2000 season,

said that he briefly spoke with Smith following his arrest. “We had one conversation with the staff and him last night,” Scholl said. “He just encouraged our coaching staff that we were prepared, that we were ready, and that again, we have some strongwilled guys that are going to be ready to perform.” Senior forward Cameron Neubauer stated that he and his teammates were shocked by the incident. “I mean I think anybody who knows him and knows what the allegations were was taken aback at first, and was shocked and in disbelief,” Neubauer said. However, both Scholl and his players were adamant that they are ready to put the issue behind them and compete in the WCC

Championship. “I just think it’s a situation where in the last 48 hours there’s been some real-life things that we have to handle,” Scholl said. “Now that it’s happened, we will work through it together, we’ve talked with each other and grown, and now we have a chance to move on, and go play and do what we are all here to do. I think that yeah, it was a rough situation, but we’re all gonna get through it, and we’re gonna be good from it. We’re going to come together even tighter, lock arms even harder, and go out and take advantage of a special opportunity.” With or without Smith, USD will take on third seed Brigham Young University in the second round of the West Coast Conference Championship on Saturday, March 3 at 1 p.m.

A voice for transgender students Dialogue continues regarding representation and accommodations for transgender students

The saying goes that college is an opportunity to discover oneself. For some students who identify as transgender, the opportunity to find oneself during these years can be impactful, yet can also lead to

various challenges. Senior Baby Hood considers the freedom of college as a reason why she realized her assigned gender was not the gender with which she identifies. “Because you are away from some of those engrained ideas from parents and religion, college was the first time I had the freedom to explore those things and learn terminology and be around other queer people,” Hood said. “It was refreshing to go to college and meet

people who identify in so many different ways, and that helped me discover who I was.” Hood said she is confident in who she is and was willing to find resources on campus to assist in her transition. However, she understands that for students who are not as confident in their identities, finding the resources available on campus may be difficult. “I think that (Residential Life and Title IX) should be marketing

themselves so that they could do more by being more public about the services that they do provide,” Hood said. “I had to ask around for these services to be provided, whereas someone who wasn’t as comfortable — especially for people who were questioning their gender, or uncertain, or they are not out — it would be much more comfortable if these services were more public with what they did.” At the University of San Diego, there are resources on campus to

assist transgender students such as the Title IX office in Maher Hall room 101. Helen Kaiser Smith, Deputy Title IX and Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Coordinator, explained the responsibilities of the Title IX office. “Our office oversees the university’s compliance with Title IX,” Smith said. “Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in institutions that

Transgender accommodations

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Highlighting black mathematicians

Art and activism at the MCASD

USD nearly upsets #7 Gonzaga

See Opinion, page 5

See Feature, page 8

See A&C, page 9

See Sports, page 12

Lilyana Espinoza News Editor Angelo Tharp Contributor

See News, page 1

WWW.UOFSDMEDIA.COM ◆ @THEUSDVISTA

See Accommodations, Pg 2

The USD Vista

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March 1, 2018

NEWS

Transgender accommodations Students seek an increase in support and outreach for students who identify as transgender

A map of where students can find gender-inclusive bathrooms is located on the Title IX webpage.

Accommodations from Pg 1 receive federal funding. Even though USD is a private institution, students use financial aid and so we are recipients of federal funding. Title IX also covers cases of sexual misconduct. Sexual harassment is a form of sex-based discrimination, so that is why we work with students who are impacted by sexual violence, whether that is sexual harassment or sexual assault.” Smith continued to explain Title IX’s specific relationship in helping transgender students. “We work with students who are transgender and non-binary,” Smith said. “Title IX has been extended to apply to students who fall within those categories, to make sure that they are free from discrimination

Smith said. “There is no checklist or plan that we will always execute when we have a student who comes into our office. But some typical offices we would work with would be Residential Life, if the student is seeking any type of housing accommodations, the Registrar’s Office and ITS if they are pursuing a change to their name. We have also worked with different academic offices such as reaching out to professors if a student would like to go by a certain name that isn’t their legal name.” Smith said she believes that students are starting to take more advantage of the resources available because more students are coming in to the office seeking help. “I am not sure if the number of students who identify as transgender and non-binary is

“It was refreshing to go to college and meet people who identify in so many different ways, and that helped me discover who I was.” -Baby Hood at the university and connecting them with resources and facilitating accommodations for them so they are able to continue on in their education and feel comfortable while they are doing that.” Smith explained that the Title IX office works with various departments on campus depending on what kind of help the student is seeking. “Our work with the students are shaped by what they would like,”

increasing, but I think if anything students are becoming more aware of the resources and accommodations that are available to them,” Smith said. “And then they may be more willing to access those.” Brandon McCreary, assistant director of Residential Administration, discussed the process of housing assignments. “There aren’t any specific policies that are laid out specifically

for transgender students when it comes to housing,” McCreary said. “The main policy that I think applies is our Intervisitation Cohabitation Policies: where we place all of our students, based on their (assigned) sex and gender, into housing. And for us that comes from information that is filtered in through our main university system, that is filtered down into our housing system, and that comes, originally, from the common application.” McCreary explained the accommodations regarding Title IX and housing for students who wish to change their gender on the common application. “With the changes to the common application — if a student identifies differently than their birth gender, that gets flagged for admissions when they apply and gets passed onto the Title IX office,” McCreary said. “Our Title IX director can reach out to those students and see what USD can do to support them and specifically what does that mean for housing, and then they can connect me with those students.” Theology and Religious Studies professor Evelyn Kirkley is the advisor of PRIDE on campus and believes that some students who identify as transgender face a challenge when it comes to reaching out for assistance — the need to disclose themselves in order to get help. “If you specify the kind of housing you need and want, (the university) will do their best to get it for you, but the issue is always having to disclose why you want (different housing),” Kirkley said.

Rita Srekais/The USD Vista

Smith responded to this issue of students seeking help but not wanting to disclose their situation. “The Title IX Office publishes

said. “If a student arrives here in September and has identified as one sex on the application and then there is a sense of personal

“Students who have questions about resources and accommodations through Title IX are welcome to contact our office to gather information about their options without disclosing their gender identity.” -Helen Kaiser Smith information on its website for students interested in seeking support, resources, and accommodations,” Smith said. “Our office also presents to various students and employees across campus so the campus community knows that our office is a resource. Students are not required to share information with our office in order to receive assistance. Students who have questions about resources and accommodations through Title IX are welcome to contact our office to gather information about their options without disclosing their gender identity.” Luke LaCroix, director of residential administration, stated that all of the residential staff are trained as allies of diversity for those students who are hesitant to ask for help. LaCroix mentioned that timing is a difficult factor to combat when helping students who identify as transgender. “Something that is out of our control is timing and understanding the developmental process,” LaCroix

development, and they have an identity difference later on, it could be like mid-November. So space for that student to be in a place where they feel comfortable is really based on availability. In the event that they want to move spaces, timing is good. If a student enrolls at USD and they contact us, or self identify on the common app, then we have more opportunity to meet their needs and connect with them.” A change in identifying with a different gender was made with the adoption of the banner system, according to LaCroix. “The university has adopted its banner application so that students can change their identified sex,” LaCroix said. “And we work with students who are within those circumstances who might want to live based on that (preferred gender). I think that was a big change. And I think this is an opportunity to work with students and meet with them individually, to ensure we are meeting their needs as well as their identity.” Kirkley recognized that people

Volume 55 Issue 15 need to be more open in how they approach transgender students rather than having narrow-minded ideas. “There are so many rigid gender

referred to was the limited genderinclusive restrooms on campus. She stated that the restrooms are not easy to locate and some are locked outside of business hours.

“In the time that I have been here, awareness that we have transgender students has certainly increased. The policies and practices around transgender students has not caught up to the number of transgender identified students who need those policies to be changed.” -Evelyn Kirkley ideas of what it means to be a specific gender and if only we can be a little bit more open, encourage people to express their gender however they want, not assume we know someone else’s gender, and being okay with not knowing,” Kirkley said. Kirkley shared that when she first came to USD in 1995, the LGBTQ+ community had to meet in secret and call a specific number to find the location of the meetings off campus. Back then no one came out and identified with that community, but she stated she has seen progress at USD. “In the time that I have been here, awareness that we have transgender students has certainly increased,” Kirkley said. “The policies and practices around transgender students has not caught up to the number of transgender identified students who need those policies to be changed.” One of the policies Kirkley

This makes the simple concept of going to the restroom a challenge for transgender students to feel comfortable. An activist group on campus, Pee in Peace, aims to establish gender-inclusive restrooms on campus in all buildings and to bring visibility to transgender, gender nonconforming, and gender non-binary students. Currently there are seven

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NEWS

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Maher Hall, Guadalupe Hall, Pardee Legal Research Center, and the Student Life Pavilion. However, some students want to see more accommodations such as greater advertising within the university for the transgender community and gender inclusive bathrooms in all buildings of campus. Junior Brandon Orzolek, cocoordinator of Pee in Peace, spoke about the group’s goals to give a voice to the transgender community on campus that, although small, is still important to recognize. Besides implementing genderinclusive restrooms in all buildings on campus, Pee in Peace hopes to incorporate single-stall restrooms on campus with different signs. These are currently labeled as family restrooms and Pee in Peace wants to change the signage so the restrooms are adequately advertised to transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender non-binary students. The dialogue between Pee in Peace and the administration is currently ongoing regarding this issue.

“I know that we are always open to hear feedback from our students, so if (a space on campus) is something that they were interested in we would certainly be considering that.” -Helen Kaiser Smith gender-inclusive restrooms on campus located in the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Mother Rosalie Hill Hall, Founders Hall,

Orzolek noticed a need for voices to speak up if change is wanted. “When I got to USD I felt really

Current all gender-inclusive restrooms on campus carry the sign for a family restroom. Cameron Fruehe/The USD Vista

(left) out on this campus,” Orzolek said. “I did not feel comfortable. I did not feel that it was a socially welcoming environment. It was extremely challenging to find my place here and for quite some time I was thinking I was going to transfer. I started looking at schools to transfer to. And then I thought if I give up what is going to change? We need voices like mine and voices like the students and faculty who work with me to enact change on this campus. If people like that on campus leave, it will never become a better place.” Orzolek shared that he carries

Baby Hood winks at the camera at the annual Supreme Drag Superstar show.

The USD Vista Tayler Reviere Verninas - Editor in Chief Elisabeth Smith - Associate Editor James Douglas - Managing Editor Kaia Hubbard - Copy Editor Rita Srekais - Art Director Max Escutia - Assistant Art Director

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The USD Vista

Photo courtesy of Baby Hood

Editorial – 619.260.4584 Business – 619.260.4714 www.uofsdmedia.com ◆ @TheUSDVista Cameron Fruehe - Photo Assistant Douglas Horn - Distribution Editor Bailey Marie Donnelly - Finance Manager Adnan Hassan Nouh - Advertising Manager Gina Lew - Student Media Advisor Marie Minnick - Operations Advisor

USD’s mission and vision statement in his wallet to remind him what USD finds as its vision for the future. The vision statement is, “The University of San Diego sets the standard for an engaged, contemporary Catholic university where innovative changemakers confront humanity’s urgent challenges.” Orzolek believes that USD gives more attention to other communities on campus, while the LGBTQ+ community has not received the same regard. “It seems like the university doesn’t acknowledge us,” Orzolek. “Other communities have a formal space on campus. It is frustrating and seems narrow-sighted. Bringing back up the idea of a contemporary Catholic college. Where is that? Confronting humanity’s urgent challenges as changemakers. Where is that? Are we not an urgent challenge?” Smith responded to this idea regarding the lack of recognition for the LGBTQ+ community. “Students are welcome to contact our office with their feedback,” Smith said. “Our office is happy to work with students to identify and carry out initiatives that foster a more inclusive, supportive community.” Smith shared she wants more feedback from students if a space on campus is what students want. “I would have to speak with students who identify in that community and hear from them and what their thoughts are,” Smith said. “I know that we are always open to hear feedback from our students, so if (a space on campus) is something that they were interested in we would certainly be considering that.” Accommodations for students who identify as transgender exist and administration welcomes anyone in need of assistance to reach out. There are students on this campus who want more accessible help, and the hardships those students who identify as transgender face can be minimized with a continued dialogue.

The USD Vista publication is written and edited by USD students and funded by revenues generated by advertising and a student fee. Advertising material published is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an expressed or implied endorsement or verification of such commercial venues by the staff or University. The USD Vista office is located on the fourth floor of the Student Life Pavilion in room 403B. All inquiries should be sent to: The USD Vista 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 The first copies of the newspaper are complimentary, all copies thereafter are a 25 cents charge. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego or of its student body. Letters to the Editor can be submitted to The USD Vista office. Letters should be limited to 300 words and must be signed. For identification purposes, USD identification numbers and writer’s year must be included in the letter. The USD Vista reserves the right to edit published letters. Any content sent to the editor will be considered for publication unless otherwise stated.

The USD Vista

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March 1, 2018

OP I N ION

MySDMobile as a vital resource The app provides students with various tools to ease their school experience Taryn Beaufort Opinion Editor University of San Diego students rely on technology as a vital tool in their personal and educational endeavors. As part of this trend, USD developed its own app, MySDMobile, which allows students to access class and campus information at the tap of their fingers. Junior Sofia Sanchez relied heavily on the app this past semester as a form of payment at the on-campus dining locations. “I use it to pay for food all the time — it’s great,” Sanchez said. “I forgot my ID card at home this year, but I haven’t needed it once since I can just pull up my card on

check class schedules and stay up to date with the tram routes. Sanchez found one feature to be especially helpful while she navigated her class schedule at the beginning of the semester. “Besides being able to pay with it, the app has been most helpful whenever I get a new class schedule,” Sanchez said. “I like that it has the professor, the location of my class, and even the roster so I can see if I know anyone in that class going in.” Sanchez also complimented how easily accessible the app is. “The app has been perfect for those on-the-go moments,” Sanchez said. “There have been so many times that I quickly needed to look up my professor’s office hours or their contact info,

“I like that it has the professor, the location of my class, and even the roster so I can see if I know anyone in that class going in.” -Sofia Sanchez the app.” Once users download the MySDMobile app, Toreros log in with their credentials and have access to a variety of features. One feature available is their student ID card, which allows them to pay and check-in to events. They can also

and instead of having to search through the whole USD website, I’m able to find it within a few taps.” Although Sanchez only uses a select few of the app’s features, there are numerous others that could be just as helpful to Toreros. “I think the way the app is set

up right now is good,” Sanchez said. “There are certain things I don’t use, but it could be incredibly useful to another student. The uses of the app are very unique to each individual student.” Junior Jamie Fisher is indifferent toward the MySDMobile app. “I have the app downloaded on my phone, but I never really use it,” Fisher said. “There is nothing on it that is all that useful besides maybe being able to check my class schedule during the first couple weeks of the semester.” Fisher said that the one time she relied on the app, the feature she wanted to use didn’t work. “There have been times when I am frantically trying to find my professors’ office hours so I’ll check the tab on the app,” Fisher said. “But for most of my professors they don’t even have their hours uploaded on the app so all it says is ‘office hours unavailable.’ It’s a little frustrating because what is the point of having that feature if it’s not even going to be correctly updated.” The MySDMobile app has a set of four features on the bottom of the app that allow quick access for Toreros. Students can check what on-campus events are occurring, the hours for on-campus services, office hours, and safety contacts.

“I think it’s pretty smart that USD provides quick access for emergency contacts,” Fisher said. “They give you the option for an emergency and non-emergecny numbers, as well as your own personal emergency contact.” However, senior Mallery Kiefus hopes that the app would be more technologically advanced to fit her needs. “I would prefer something more engaging that will actually

information I need,” Kiefus said. “If they could add an email tab and a Blackboard tab to MySDMobile, it would save me a lot of unnecessary clicking.” Recently, the MySDMobile app added a new thumbrint recognition feature that makes it more convenient for students to log in. “It has become so much easier to use since they added the option to use Touch ID to sign in,” Kiefus

“It’s frustrating having to sort through several different apps to get all the the school-related information I need.” -Mallery Kiefus keep me up to date with what’s going on around campus,” Kiefus said. “We get a million emails about things going on around campus, but if the information in my emails were organized within the app I may be more inclined to look through it.” Trying to balance schoolrelated information can become chaotic for Kiefus, which led her to thinking the app could use some improvements. “It’s frustrating having to sort through several different apps to get all the school-related

said. “If I was walking or trying to multitask while trying to sign in, it was always hard because I would have so many typos. But now, all I have to do is touch the home button and I have access to all my stuff.” The daily tasks of being a Torero, like paying for food or checking class schedules, are simplified. USD provides students with a useful resource through the creation of the MySDMobile app. While some students find the app to be a vital resource, not all students might agree.

MySDMobile app

A student uses the student ID feature on MySDMobile to pay for her lunch at La Paloma. Cyrus Lange/The USD Vista Have an opinion? Write a Letter to the Editor to be considered for publication in The USD Vista. Contact vistaeditor@sandiego.edu for more information. The views expressed in the Opinion section are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.

Max Escutia/The USD Vista

Volume 55 Issue 15

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OPINION

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The USD Vista

Get ready, get set, swipe

Today’s romantic culture includes the use of dating apps to find a potential partner Luke Garrett Contributor Much has changed over the past decade with the genesis of smartphones. The heavy influence of the internet has transformed the romantic college experience, particularly in how students communicate. The days of phone calls and letter writing are fading and being replaced with swipes, matches, and potential meetups. Tinder, one of the more popular apps for students to start their romantic experiences. First-year Mary Smith shared why she thinks people use Tinder. “I am not a fan of Tinder at all,” Smith said. “The majority of my friends look to Tinder as more of a joke. More than anything people who use Tinder are probably looking for someone to hook up with. I actually know people who make joke Tinders just to mess with people.” For Smith and her friends, Tinder is an app for giggles and laughs, rather than for actually meeting people. She expressed discomfort toward the app when used to meet others. “I don’t think online dating is the way to go,” Smith said. “It is a looks-based dating website, which makes me uncomfortable because there is much more to a person

Day, an assistant professor at the Franciscan School of Theology, presented a brief lesson on various romantic traditions of previous generations through a sociological and theological lens. She ended with an emphasis on the particular quickness of the current romantic culture brought on by Tinder. Day made clear she had no moral objections with the current romantic state, but encouraged students to think about and understand it. In an effort to do so herself, she spoke on the pros and cons of Tinder. “It accommodates a busy lifestyle,” said Day. “Everyone is busy right now. It prevents people from being socially isolated. Whereas they might say, ‘I am too busy to get out there.’ It provides a way to meet people. What it risks is judging someone very quickly, because it is so quick. It encourages a dating mindset where we are moving too quickly. We are throwing away people who we would have otherwise enjoyed.” After Day’s presentation, she gave a few personal thoughts on how best to use Tinder and navigate the current romantic culture. “I would encourage people to be honest,” said Day. “The fear and anxiety of rejection is increasing. The one thing to do is to be very

“I think that’s why nothing comes from it because there is no substance ... It’s not a serious way of actually meeting someone.” -Gianna Peterson than their profile picture and that can be so deceiving.” On Tuesday, Feb. 13, University Ministry held their monthly Spirituality is Served on the topic of Tinder, titled Beyond Swiping and Hookups: Dating and Relationships. Maureen K.

clear with your feeling.” Although Smith uses the dating app as a form of entertainment with her friends, she acknowledged that some may want no part of it at all. “From my experience, the Tinder culture is not that big,”

Tinder gives users the option to either swipe right in hopes of a match, or swipe left, saying no to a potential match. Cameron Fruehe/ The USD Vista

Smith said. “And, if a person does have a Tinder they are usually pretty embarassed about it and don’t want to admit they have it.” First-year Gianna Peterson echoed Smith’s sentiment. “I don’t think I would have ever downloaded (Tinder) without my friends,” Peterson said. “I feel like it’s a place where people find who they think are attractive. And I think that’s why nothing comes out from it because there is no substance … It’s not a serious way of actually meeting someone. When you choose someone from their looks you don’t know anything about them.” Peterson concluded with the pitfalls of Tinder, one being the potential for app users to create façades for themselves in order to get a match. “It is really easy to talk to someone online,” Peterson said. “You can totally make up a story for yourself or whatever you want. I

don’t think it’s the same as finding someone in real life or from preestablished friendship.” Peterson mentioned one of the negative aspects that comes with Tinder is the confidence users gain from hiding behind a screen as opposed to interpersonal interactions. “Most conversation-starting messages I’ve received on Tinder are normally flirtatious compliments and stuff,” Peterson said. “Things people would never say to someone the first time they were having a conversation in real life, people act way more straight forward. I get messages like, ‘You’re hot’ or have guys straight up ask for nudes.” Junior and Tinder user Andy Caton offered a different take on Tinder, with a more positive perspective. “I think (Tinder) plays a role in meeting up,” Caton said. “(It) keeps things more casual, generally.

It aids the casual atmosphere because most people who are on there aren’t looking for something serious.” For Caton, users of Tinder seemed to be on the same page in their romantic interests — wanting a more casual meet up. “I’d say it’s a good place to meet people,” Caton said. Views regarding Tinder vary across college campuses throughout the the United States, much like the ones given by USD students. Some stories are tragically comical, some tremble worthy, and others beautifully sentimental. Tinder, like any technology, remains simply a tool, in which results reflect its users and context. The burden of a romantic relationship still remains on the people it involves, whether love messages are sent through cursive letters, landline telephone calls, or swipes on Tinder.

Tinder is a location-based social app, allowing students to search for a potential mate near them. Photo courtesy of freestocks.org Have an opinion? Write a Letter to the Editor to be considered for publication in The USD Vista. Contact vistaeditor@sandiego.edu for more information. The views expressed in the Opinion section are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.

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THE USD VISTA

Volume 55 Issue 15

MARCH 1, 2018

The 2018 Winter Olympics skated to an end on Feb. 25, and Olympians have experienced enough laughable, inspirational, and memorable moments to provide some heat in the cold and windy city of Pyeongchang, South Korea. Some of the younger USA Olympians broadcasted their experiences at the games through comical social media posts, in addition to Team USA earning some medals that have been unattainable for years. Whether Toreros enjoy watching figure skating or curling, the Winter Olympics seem to always be a landmark source of entertainment.

Big g

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Shaun White wins his third Olympic gold medal in men’s halfpipe snowboarding.

USA wins first women’s long track speedskating Olympic medal in 16 years.

Pho to Co ur te sy

USA women’s ice hockey team wins the Olympic gold medal for the first time in 20 years.

Kikkan Randall and Jessie Diggins win USA’s first women’s cross country skiing Olympic medal (not to mention, they got the gold).

Gus Kenworthy, freestyle Mirai Nagasu made skier, and Adam Rippon, history by successfully figure skater, are the landing a triple axel first two openly gay for Team USA, the first Olympians. female figure skater ever to do so.

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Gold Silver Bronze Total Norway Germany Canada

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r e O t n l i y m W p 8 i 1 c s e r v v 0 O i e w n : 2 A

14 14 14 10 11 8

11 7 10

39 31 29

United States of America

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FEATURE

THE USD VISTA

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

opinions t n e d u St

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Favorite Winter Olympic event Figure skating: Biathlon: Maureen Cobile, junior Nicholas Roferos, first-year “I love figure skating “My favorite sport is when they because the athletes make ski, ski, ski, have to stop, and everything look flawless then shoot, shoot. I don’t know and easy when in reality what it’s called. It shows how recreational ice skating intense, in the moment, and (the) is a challenge for me. In concentration you have to have. addition, not only do they The amount of physical exertion look beautiful but the and mental focus you have routines themselves are to have is astounding for any beautiful as well.” human.” Curling: Lord Mark Bautista, first-year “I like curling because it’s the highest form of beauty. It’s so intense, yet so elegant.”

ments o m t ies

Photo Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

17-year-old Chloe Kim tweeted about wanting some ice cream while Norway’s curling team she was competing wore a different pair of colorful, patterned pants for women’s half-pipe every day of competition. snowboarding. She went on to win the gold medal. 17-year-old Red Gerard overslept after a Netflix binge, Adam Rippon of USA figure skating tweeted his way lost his jacket, cursed on live through the Olympics, television, and still won the thanking his haters for gold medal for USA in men’s getting him to where he is slopestyle snowboarding. today. Leslie Jones was flown out to the Pyeongchang to help commentate the Olympics, due to her apparent love for the events.

Screenshot of Chloe Kim/Twitter Screenshot of Adam Rippon/Twitter

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Spread by Rita Srekais; Content by Celina Tebor

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THE USD VISTA

Volume 55 Issue 15

MARCH 1, 2018

Big g

e m mo

e Olympics h t f o n ts

Shaun White wins his third Olympic gold medal in men’s halfpipe snowboarding.

USA wins first women’s long track speedskating Olympic medal in 16 years.

Pho to Co ur te sy

USA women’s ice hockey team wins the Olympic gold medal for the first time in 20 years.

Kikkan Randall and Jessie Diggins win USA’s first women’s cross country skiing Olympic medal (not to mention, they got the gold).

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FEATURE

THE USD VISTA

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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Screenshot of Chloe Kim/Twitter Screenshot of Adam Rippon/Twitter

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Spread by Rita Srekais; Content by Celina Tebor

The USD Vista

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March 1, 2018

F E AT U R E

Black representation in math Professor creates website to tell the untold stories of past and present black mathematicians Celina Tebor Feature Editor When one thinks of a mathematician, an image of Isaac Newton, or Albert Einstein, or Blaise Pascal might come to mind. There are a variety of renowned mathematicians, more than people can imagine. But of the many mathematicians, the majority are white males. Candice Price, Ph.D., a mathematics professor at the University of San Diego, is trying to change the culture of who a mathematician is — or can be. Price, along with three of her colleagues from different universities, created the Mathematically Gifted & Black website in February 2017 in honor of Black History Month. Price was partially inspired to create the website after she saw the movie “Hidden Figures,” which tells the story of three African-American women who served an important role in NASA during the 1960s. Price had never heard of their story before and was shocked, seeing as she herself is a black female mathematician. “I thought about how many stories I know now that people won’t know in the future,” Price said. “Black mathematicians are thriving and creating this great community, but their stories will be lost because no one ever asked about it or interviewed them.” After being inspired by “Hidden Figures,” Price wanted to find a way to celebrate black mathematicians in both history and the present like the movie did. She did not know how she could accomplish this until she discovered a website called Lathisms. The website highlights a different person who is of Latin American or Hispanic descent and in mathematical sciences every day during the month of September in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. This also inspired Price to make her own website highlighting African Americans in mathematics, calling it Mathematically Gifted & Black. The USD Mathematics Department of Mathematics provided a monetary donation towards supporting the site. In the first year of the website, Price and her colleagues highlighted and shared the stories of a different black mathematician every day during February in honor of Black History Month. The website included their pictures, backgrounds, current jobs, and their outreach to the community. The website also contains historical information about black mathematicians, providing information such as the first black mathematician and the first and only African-American member of the National Academy of Sciences, David Blackwell. This year, the website continues to highlight someone every day during Black History Month, but also includes groups of graduate students, which the website calls ‘Rising Stars.’ Price believes it is important to emphasize these students on the website, because they can serve as role models to the younger generations. “As a graduate student, you’re supposed to focus on your work,

but there’s a call to you as an underrepresented student in mathematics to help pave the way for others behind you or to just be a representative for others to see,” Price said. Senior Jasmyn Sosa-Houston is an electrical engineering major and a mathematics minor who struggles with the lack of representation of women of color in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in college. “I’m half black, a quarter Latina, and a quarter white,” Sosa-Houston said. “Typically, as a woman of color in STEM, I don’t hear about or see other people of color in STEM.” Additionally, Sosa-Houston believes the minimal representation of people of color at USD can be damaging to students of color. “I think that the fact that there’s

Price not only wants the website to celebrate black excellence, but also to serve as a place of representation for anyone who is black and has thought about becoming a mathematician. In her early life, Price did not realize that the representation and lack of diversity discouraged her from following her dreams. “I didn’t see myself as a mathematician,” Price said. “I didn’t look like any of my professors. I had zero — at the moment — black professors of mathematics. For me, I had already shut the door on that because I didn’t see myself there. I think it’s important for those who are underrepresented to see themselves in these positions, because we should be in those positions.” Sosa-Houston also works in

“I didn’t look like any of my professors. I had zero — at the moment — black professors of mathematics. For me, I had already shut the door on that because I didn’t see myself there.” -Candice Price not a lot of people of color on this campus adds a burden to people of color,” Sosa-Houston said. “College is already hard in itself, and if you’re not surrounded by people with similarities to you, it makes it harder to relate to people.” She believes that Price’s Mathematically Gifted & Black website is an important step toward creating more representation for African Americans in STEM. “It’s nice to see other people of color,” Sosa-Houston said. “It’s comforting to see that other people are doing that and knowing I can do it. Even when people of color are represented in the media, it’s typically not a positive representation. It’s showing people of color in a positive light and as academics. If more people did this, it could make a bigger difference.”

the Mathematics Department in addition to her minor in mathematics. During her four years at USD, she has noticed a startling lack of people of color within the Mathematics Department. “I think there’s a lot of underrepresentation for people in STEM,” Sosa-Houston said. “Out of the small few in STEM, they’re mostly white. I’ve seen a few Hispanics and I haven’t seen any black people recently. We have a board showing graduates since 2014 and I haven’t seen any black people.” There not only seems to be a lack of diversity in the Mathematics Department at USD, but in the institution as a whole. In fall 2017, only four percent of undergraduate students at USD identified as African American, according to federal reports. Since 2002, that number

has only increased by two percent. African Americans received just 6.5 percent of all STEM bachelor’s degrees nationally in 2012-2013, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Price does not want Mathematically Black & Gifted to only be a website for AfricanAmericans. Price stressed the importance of its value to everyone, no matter what ethnicity they are. She wants to normalize the idea of people of color in mathematics through the website. “It’s not only important for African Americans, for Latin, Latino, Latinx, Hispanic people to see themselves, but also for us to be seen by the majority population,” Price said. “So that it isn’t a secondary glance of, ‘Really, you do that?’ It’s an, ‘Of course you do that. There’s lots of people like you who do mathematics.’ To sort of change the culture, and what people picture when they think of a mathematician.” Recently, the American Mathematical Society (AMS) included the Mathematically Gifted & Black website in their monthly notices, which highlight important news in mathematics. According to Price, the AMS is one of the biggest mathematics societies in the United States and the majority of mathematicians are members, know members of, or attend conferences that are supported by the AMS. So when the society offered to highlight the website in its notices, Price was ecstatic. Price knew her article was going to be included in the notices, but did not realize the entire issue would be surrounding black mathematicians and Black History Month. When she found this out, she was in awe. Price believes the AMS celebrating black mathematicians is a powerful step that will help with the goal she is trying to accomplish with the website. “When we saw the whole thing come together as a celebration of

black mathematicians, it fills you with a sense of pride that you’re that visible, because people don’t know that we’re here,” Price said. “I think it’s so easy to be in a department, or be in a school, where there are none (people of color), and you don’t even realize how many of us there are. Or to be a graduate student in a program where you’re the only black graduate student, and you feel very isolated and alone.” In February 2018, Price was also nominated for the 2017 Woman of Impact Award at USD. The Women’s Center gifts the award to one undergraduate student, one graduate student, one staff member, one faculty member, and one administrator each year. The Women’s Center website states that “a Woman of Impact is one who lives principles of social justice. Through her work, activities, and relationships she supports others in finding voice, developing skills for transformation and understanding who they are called to be. Her community is not merely a place in which she exists; it is a place she actively improves.” For Price, receiving the nomination filled her with a sense of pride to know that people noticed her encouraging and helpful qualities. “One thing that’s really important to me is that I show all of my students that I do care about them, that they are important to me, that they have the ability to do mathematics with the skills that they bring to the classroom,” Price said. “I really try to work hard to be supportive of all of my students, regardless of gender identity (or) race.” Price hopes to make strides in representation within the Mathematically Gifted & Black website for the future. With her goal of helping students believe they belong in the classroom, regardless of who they are, Price will continue to strive for a welcoming and encouraging setting, both inside and out of the classroom.

Only four percent of USD students identified as black or African American in fall 2017, and the Department of Mathematics continues to advertise diversity. Cameron Fruehe/The USD Vista

Volume 55 Issue 15

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ARTS & CULTURE

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The USD Vista

A RT S & C U LT U R E

Art and activism at the MCASD Breaking down walls at the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown San Diego

Emma Heflin Contributor Cesar A. Cruz, a Mexican-American activist, once said, “Art should comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comfortable.” Art and activism often go hand in hand. While the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego doesn’t have a Banksy or a naked statue of Donald Trump, this is especially true of their latest exhibit — Border Performances: Art and Action in the Public Domain. First-year Stephanie Maeda described her perspective on the latest exhibit during her visit to the museum. “The exhibit was a great way to capture emotion and express it to others,” Maeda said. “The mixed mediums of art represent a diverse background of individuals. It reflects a huge amount of mindset differences.” The exhibit showcases several props and art pieces used in public demonstrations last December against President Trump’s border policies. These public demonstrations, held in both Tijuana and Balboa Park, confronted the public with questions about border policy. The art, inspired by today’s problematic U.S.-Mexico relations, is a striking visual representation of the

resources and space for artists. Created by students from both Mexico and San Diego, the exhibit is a collaborative work by the team known as Collective Magpie. Their exhibit contains prototypes of the border wall, visual representations of what it means to experience privilege, and a sculpture of a border patrol officer. Border Performances makes the relationship between art and activism very specific to the San Diego community. It also embodies the Museum of Contemporary Art’s mission to form a binational community within the San Diego/ Tijuana area. The artists and Collective Magpie have a goal of uniting people from all walks of life through diverse forms of visual art. Past projects have addressed issues such as immigration and environmentalism, and their activist art has led to several collaborative works between universities in both San Diego and Tijuana. Collective Magpie allowed students to decide how they would like to address the border through art, and the resulting exhibit is a product of trans-national collaboration. The art exhibit portrays the story of modern border relations. Representations of border wall prototypes funded by the U.S. government

“The mixed mediums of art represent a diverse background of individuals.” -Stephanie Maeda reality of America’s border politics. The museum, located downtown at 1100 Kettner Blvd., is dedicated to presenting art from 1950 to the present day, educating the public on contemporary art, and providing

are on display, making a political stance seem like a reality. Viewing the various and colorful prototypes inspires viewers to consider the consequences of such a project. Another portion of the exhibit

Speech bubbles demonstrate the meaning of privilege.

Photo courtesy of John McNicholas

The border patrol agent, which can be seen at the museum, watches over the exhibit.

stares at the observer with a great unblinking eye — it is a border patrol agent whose head is a large paper-mache eyeball. In front of the agent, a Mexican passport is opened. It seems to say the eye of the state is always watching, much like the “Big Brother” figure from Orwell’s famous dystopia. On an opposite wall, speech bubbles drawn in stark white and black define the concept of privilege, asking observers if they have taken a family vacation in the last year, if they speak English, and if the border is simply a tourist attraction.

Collectively, the art is a provocative example of activism in regard to an issue relevant to the area. These visuals bring to mind important problems that the San Diego community faces today. The activist focus of the exhibit encourages visitors to consider their privileges which are often taken for granted, such as easy movement across borders and fluency in the English language. Maeda commented on the issue regarding the border. “Some people have the privilege to cross the border whenever they

Photo courtesy of John McNicholas

choose, and others are constantly scrutinized,” Maeda said. The exhibit makes these contentions manifest in physical form, encouraging viewers to consider what the United States is attempting to accomplish with a border wall. The exhibit is an example of unity within the San Diego/Tijuana community, in a sense counteracting the divisive politics durimg this time. Border Performances is on view to the public until March 5, and the entire museum is free to visitors under 25, making it an ideal afternoon stop on a trip downtown.

The original performance directly confronted the public about border patrol policy. Photo courtesy of John McNicholas

The USD Vista

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March 1, 2018

Levity is the soul of wit A review of The Old Globe’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest”

Cyrus Lange Photo Editor From its inconspicuous opening moments to its humorous and climactic conclusion, The Old Globe theater’s production of Oscar Wilde’s famous comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” left nearly nothing to be desired. Though it is a difficult task to do justice to one of the greatest works of post-Enlightenment comedy, the Old Globe’s production team was up to the task. The cast successfully adapted to the American stage the work of a playwright who once claimed that America’s most abundant drygoods were novels. Though evidently a play about assumed identity and escapism, Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” also functions as a beautifully constructed mockery of the pretentious English ruling class of the playwright’s era. The play is a cultural deconstruction that has remained relevant in the modern day, when equally ridiculous and insidious elitism still pervades every social sphere. Wonderfully portrayed by the cast, this social relevance was on clear display throughout director Maria Aitken’s production, aided to no end by the skillful comedic timing and execution of the cast. With notably accomplished supporting performances by Kate Abbruzzese as the sheltered and demanding Lady Gwendolen, and Rodney Gardiner as the secular-

curious reverend Canon. However, the strongest and most dynamic performance was undoubtedly delivered by Christian Conn playing the coquettish, entitled aristocrat Lord Algernon, whose indomitable energy and irreverent dialogue provided the setting spark of each scene, and the momentum that drove the whole of the production. Senior Lyanne Dalieda who attended the comedy commented on Conn’s acting. “Algernon was funny even when I couldn’t understand what he was saying,” Dalieda said. Conn’s performance was pivotal to the Globe’s rendition, especially due to the fact that the character of Lord Algernon — much like Lord Henry in Wilde’s novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” — is an example of one of the many author-surrogate characters present in Wilde’s work, clearly identifiable by their considerable wit and inexhaustible inclination for epigram and paradox. Beyond the impressive performances, however, the scenery and costume designs were beautifully constructed and utilized by the cast, who benefited from choreography of movement and utilization of depth and space. From an interior apartment, to an exterior garden, to a musty library, the colors and compositions of the sets were excellent. Dalieda observed, referring to a point in the production where the interior and exterior are momentarily

Actress Jane Ridley (left) and actor Rodney Gardiner (right) perform in “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Photo courtesy of The Old Globe

combined in a way both unique and unexpected, a detail which illustrates the clear care that was put into production, from design to execution. “The bush props were neat, and pretty,” Dalieda said. “They

slide across the stage.” ”The Old Globe’s production managed to carry the many genius elements of Wilde’s original work in a way that does them great justice. From Wilde’s satirical socioeconomic commentary to his

simple and hilarious epigrams, the essence of the original lives on in the Globe’s production, making it well worth viewing. “The Importance of Being Earnest” is playing at The Old Globe theater through March 4.

Now taking art and comic submissions SPRING 2018 SEMESTER

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Available at the University Center Ticket Office. Price includes a $15 University subsidy. Current, valid college student picture ID required. No replacements for lost, voided or stolen stickers.

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For more information email:

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Volume 55 Issue 15

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SPORTS

The USD Vista

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SP ORT S

Toreros hold off Orange County USD beats professional soccer team Orange County Soccer Club by a score of 1-0

Eric Boose Contributor The Torero men’s soccer team played their first match since November on Saturday, a preseason friendly game against Orange County Soccer Club of the United Soccer League (USL). The Toreros got the better of the professional team in a hard-fought win, 1-0. The visitors from Irvine came to San Diego on the heels of a 4-2 win against California State University, Fullerton three days earlier. The Toreros had not won a game since defeating UCLA 3-1 on “Seamus McFadden Night” — Oct. 22. The Toreros were also without the seniors who played in the fall, including midfielder Leon MuellerWiesen (who watched from the stands) and goalkeeper Thomas Olsen, who was recently drafted by the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer (MLS) in January. Orange County featured a former Torero – midfielder Christian Duke (‘12) who began his career with Sporting Kansas City in the MLS. The game started with both sides fitting the expectations that come with a college team facing off against a professional club. Orange County — nicknamed the Blues — began the game on the front foot, pressing the

Toreros’ defensive line. Midfielder Paul Ramlow said that Orange County had a good mental game. “They have a good philosophy of soccer,” Ramlow said. “We had some problems keeping the ball, and I think it was a good opponent for us to defeat.” The Blues gained some early scoring chances thanks to defensive errors, but sophomore defender Henry Lander and sophomore goalkeeper Connor Hountalas each denied the visitors on multiple occasions. As Orange County struggled to finish their chances, the Toreros began to find ways through the visitors’ defense. First-year winger Reuben Dass used his speed to create multiple chances for the Toreros from the right-hand side of the field. Halfway through the first half, the match opened up, with both teams playing well when in possession of the ball and counter-attacking after winning it back. For all of the chances both teams had in the first half, the first 45 minutes of play ended with the score tied 0-0. At the beginning of the second half, the momentum was clearly with the Toreros. Both teams made wholesale changes at halftime, and San Diego’s replacements caused problems for the Blues’ defense. The Toreros’ created a few early chances, but struggled to get shots on goal, with long

USD junior midfielder Gustav Brandt scored the lone goal in the game, leading USD to a 1-0 victory.

balls from Lander and first-year defender Aaron Frey sailing just over the first-year forwards Allen Luhrs and Ernesto Truqui. The hosts finally broke the deadlock about five minutes into the second half through junior midfielder Gustav Brandt. Orange County’s goalkeeper kept the ball at his feet too long, and Brandt poked the ball away and into the back of the net. After Brandt’s goal, the match leveled back out, with the Blues pushing for an equalizing goal. Around 65 minutes into the match, fatigue appeared to set in for players on both teams. Orange County created more scoring opportunities as the match continued into its

closing stages, with the visitors getting shots on goal thanks to corner kicks and free kicks. As Orange County committed more players forward looking for an equalizing goal, the Toreros were gifted more chances to score on breakaways. The Blues’ goalkeeper received a yellow card for taking down Truqui around 40 yards from goal, as the first-year had nothing but grass between himself and the net. Truqui got another chance around five minutes later, as he received the ball with just the goalkeeper to beat, but Truqui’s shot rolled just wide. The Toreros survived a late flurry of shots thanks to Lander and first-year goalkeeper Matt

Eric Boose/The USD Vista

Wiher to hold on to the 1-0 lead The Toreros’ win on Saturday is their second against Orange County SC, as USD defeated the USL team 4-0 two years ago. The game offered USD players experience against professional players, as well as an opportunity to get on the field and play a full game amid spring training. Ramlow, who was playing in his first ever match for the Toreros, said that he enjoyed it. “It was special for me. Our focus was to play our game and to have a little bit of practice.” The matchup against Orange County Soccer Club proved to be a positive one for the Toreros, as they continue to prepare for the fall NCAA soccer season.

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The USD Vista

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March, 1 2018

USD nearly upsets #7 Gonzaga Despite leading for almost half the game, the Toreros came up short against the Bulldogs, 77-72

Anderson Haigler Sports Editor Though the University of San Diego men’s basketball team is currently embroiled in controversy following the arrest of their head coach, the team played a meaningful final regular season home game against Gonzaga University last Thursday. Last season, the USD men’s basketball team played Gonzaga twice. They lost both games by a combined 94 points. This year, the Toreros have fared much better. While they still have yet to knock off perennial contender Gonzaga, they lost two close games, including Thursday night’s game against the Bulldogs. In a game that featured seven lead changes, USD hung with seventh-ranked Gonzaga until the final buzzer, and led for more than 17 minutes of the contest. While USD’s efforts came up short, losing 77-72, the game represented another step forward for a program that is certainly on the rise. Redshirt junior Isaiah Pineiro and first-year Yauhen Massalski started the scoring early for the Toreros, each posting nine points in the first half. USD kept it close for the beginning of the half, but things started to heat up for the Toreros as halftime drew nearer. With slightly less than five minutes to play, a three-pointer from junior Olin Carter III evened the score at 27. Thirty seconds later, another deep three from the junior guard gave Toreros the lead, 30-27. The Toreros maintained this lead as the half wound to a close, and entered halftime ahead 37-34. In a nationally televised game on ESPN2 in front of a sell-out crowd of over 4,700, the Toreros put the Bulldogs through their paces early on. USD head coach Lamont Smith spoke about the atmosphere in the Jenny Craig Pavilion (JCP), which featured USD’s student section, The Bull Pit, decked out in all white. “This is college basketball, and when you talk about the top teams in our league, that’s what it feels like when you’re on the road,”

Smith said. “I love what we were able to do tonight with the whiteout, I love how our fans showed up and supported our young men. Hopefully we can generate some buzz as we bring this group back next year and continue to try to fight, and put out a great product.” As play began in the second half, the Toreros continued their success against Gonzaga. Redshirt junior Isaiah Wright led the way for the Toreros offensively, scoring 12 of his 14 total points in the second half of play. With just over 18 minutes to play, the Toreros’ lead swelled to eight points over the Bulldogs. From here, though, things began to get more difficult for the Toreros. Fast-paced play saw USD’s lead dwindle to just one point, before Gonzaga took a 59-58 lead. USD held onto their lead for nearly the entire half, not trailing until there were under five minutes to play in the game, and they would ultimately have to come from behind in the end. In those last five minutes, the Toreros battled to keep it close. On his way to a game-high 21 points, Carter III drained several key three pointers to keep the Toreros in the game, but it would not be enough. The Toreros had their chances, but seemingly questionable foul calls hampered USD’s comeback efforts down the stretch. A deep three from Carter III made it a one-possession, 7067 game with 26 seconds to play. But, the Bulldogs finished strong

Redshirt junior Isaiah Wright drives past a Gonzaga defender. Wright scored 14 total points in the game. Photo courtesy of Thomas Christensen

on the line for the guys so that we could get a team win. At the end, we couldn’t get any stops. They’re good at winning games down the stretch, and we just couldn’t pull through at the end. A loss

“I think that we’ve proven that we can play with anybody. We just gotta be able to make some critical plays to beat these teams, because at the end of the day, they don’t beat themselves.” -Coach Lamont Smith and won by a score of 77-72. Carter III discussed his team’s play in the final minutes of the game. “I was just trying to do whatever I could to bring my team closer to get a W,” Carter III said. “I’m just trying to give my all and make sure that I’m putting everything

like this definitely burns, but you just have to take it as a learning experience. We need to look at the tape and see what happened in the second half where we let them take the lead, and make sure we’re ready next time we come out.” Despite the loss, Smith spoke

The game was a sellout with a crowd of over 4,700 in the JCP. The USD Bull Pit went all-out, featuring a white-out theme. Photo courtesy of Thomas Christensen

about how his team showed poise against the Bulldogs. “I liked our team and how we battled,” Smith said. “I thought from start to finish, we fought. I had three keys going into the game that I thought were crucial: points in transition, points off the glass, and points off turnovers. I thought that in the first half we didn’t do a good job with the turnovers and the secondchance points, and I thought that was the difference in the game.” While Thursday night’s game went down in the standings as a loss for the Toreros, it may have more value than just the final score. For USD, it could serve as a statement that they are a team to be taken seriously. “I think that we’ve proven that we can play with anybody,” Smith said. “It sounds like I’m being a broken record in terms of moral victories and all that, and we’re not really into that. But I think (the game against Gonzaga) gives our guys an understanding of the things that we have to do to be able to knock one of these teams off. We’re so close, but you have to make those critical plays because every possession matters if you want to be able to beat a team like Gonzaga. We’re right there. We just gotta be able to make some critical plays to beat these teams, because at the end of the day, they don’t beat themselves.” Isaiah Wright shared his coach’s sentiment. “I think where we’re at right now is we know we can compete with the best teams,” Wright said. “We gotta figure out a way to get over the hump and make winning plays at the end.” As for the rest of the season, only the West Coast Conference (WCC) championship in Las Vegas remains in the Toreros’ schedule. The WCC championship may offer the Toreros another shot at upsetting top-ranked Gonzaga. When asked if he would be looking forward to the potential matchup, Olin Carter III replied “Definitely.” Coach Smith placed an emphasis on his team moving forward, and focusing on the

upcoming games for USD. “We’ve gotta turn the page quickly,” Smith said. “We have to be prepared to wipe this away and move on to the next one really quickly. I just want to keep playing, against whomever it may be.” Smith may not get that chance. Following his arrest on three domestic violence-related charges during the team’s trip to the University of San Francisco, his future at USD is uncertain. He is currently on administrative leave as the university conducts an investigation into his arrest. The Toreros can only hope to turn the page on Smith’s legal troubles and avoid distraction as the tournament approaches. According to a statement from the university, Assistant Coach Sam Scholl has been appointed acting head coach for the remainder of the season. Scholl, who played basketball at USD from 1998-2000, is in his third season as assistant coach. He was a teammate of Lamont Smith during the 1999-2000 season. USD begins the WCC championship on March 3 when they take on third-seed Brigham Young University at 1 p.m. In their last meeting with the Cougars, USD won, 75-62.

UP NEXT FOR THE TOREROS:

WCC Championship Las Vegas, Nevada

#6 USD vs. #3 BYU Saturday, March 3 @ 1 p.m. The W.tv