10 Distraction Masthead
WHAT’S INSIDE THE GUIDE
34 Don’t Worry, it Says
By Analicia Santaella
By Morgan Golumbuk
By Rori Kotch
By Melissa Mallin
5 The American Dream 7 Fans’ Home Base
8 Best Sports Club Deals 9 Festival Chasing
By Amanda Wood
40 Inside the Huddle By Patricia William
END NOTES
44 If You Could Spend a Day
With a Professional Athlete
IN THE LOOP
10 Jersey Girls By Morgan Golumbuk 11 Renaming A-Rod Field: A
34
Low-Fat
10
Home Run or Strike Out? By Marchesa Bergman
12 Blurred Lines: Campus
Marketing Reps By Emily Eidelman
13 Eat Hard, Play Hard
By Lyssa Goldberg
By Lexi Williams
20
14 Life on the Edge
SPORTS
15 Pay for Play By Will Gretsky and Janmarco Santiago
16
16 Catching Up With
Shane Larkin By Patrick Riley
17 Social Media Playbook By Kevin Ramseur 18 The Tallahassee
Chronicles
By Patrick Riley
FASHION
20 Knockout
5
By Allison Baer, Marissa Bell & Gabrielle Mottaz
26 Fashion at Your Fingertips By Vivian Braga
27 Chic on the Street By Gabrielle Mottaz
MAIN EVENT
28 The Duke of the Gables By Kristen Spillane
GET A DAILY DOSE OF YOUR FAVORITE MAGAZINE AT DISTRACTION MAGAZINE.COM
CULTURE
FASHION
MUSIC
SPORTS
FOOD
The Sports Issue
STUDENT LIFE Distraction
1
Letter from the Editor
december 2013
distractionmagazine.com
IF YOU HAD YOUR OWN TEAM, WHAT WOULD YOUR MASCOT BE? Editor-in-Chief _Ivana Cruz Executive Editor_Raquel Zaldivar Managing Editor_Alexandra Solano Assistant Managing Editor_Devika Boodhoo Art Director_Megan McCrink Photo Editors_Karli Evans & Rori Kotch Assistant Art Directors_Kacie Nelson & Rachel Watkins Assistant Photo Editor_Melissa Mallin Digital Imaging Specialist_Kelly Smith Copy Chief_Jessica Swanson Assistant Copy Chief_Alexa Pappas In The Loop Editor _Trevor Maxim Sports Editor_Patrick Riley Assistant Sports Editor_Kristen Spillane Fashion Editor_Gabrielle Mottaz Assistant Fashion Editors_Allison Baer & Marissa Bell The Main Event Editor_Rachel Kliger Public Relations Manager_Andrea O’Neal Assistant PR Manager_Marika Abe Business Manager_Vanessa Le Faculty Advisor_Randy Stano DISTRACTIONMAGAZINE.COM Editorial Coordinator_Raquel Zaldivar Online Managing Editor_Nicole Vila-30Web Master_Matt Ross Music Blog Editor_Hyan De Freitas Fashion Blog Editor_Alyssa Jacobson Photo Blog Editor_Melissa Mallin Student Life & Culture Blog Editor_Molly Canfield Features Blog Editor_Taylor Duckett Marchesa Bergman, Writer Emily Eidelman, Writer Morgan Golumbuk, Writer Lexi Williams, Writer Lyssa Goldberg, Writer Vivian Braga, Writer Amanda Wood, Writer Patricia William, Writer Kevin Ramseur II, Writer Will Gretsky, Writer Analicia Santaella, Writer
CONTRIBUTORS
Janmarco Santiago, Writer Ian Thompson, Photographer Josh Rhinehart, Photographer Celeste Escotet, Photographer Kristi Townsend, Photographer Melanie Johnston, Photographer Zach Beeker, Photographer Elisabet Aguirre, Designer Claudia Fernandes Hernandez, Illustrator Victoria Diaz, Illustrator
When it comes to contributors, we’re not picky. Whether you’ve found your niche in a bio book, you’re notorious for doing “nothing” at the comm or business school, or you’re halfway into your college career and still wave that “undeclared major” flag, we want to hear what you have to say. Distraction is written for students, by students, and covers the full spectrum of student life here at The U. If you want to get involved with us or have any questions, email our editor-in-chief, Ivana Cruz, at i.cruz3@miami.edu and she will get you in contact with the right people. The magazine is produced four times per year, twice a semester. City Graphics and NU-PRESS Miami printed 6,500 copies of the magazine on 8.5 x 11 inch, 60-pound coated text paper 4/4. The entire magazine is printed four-color and saddle stitch bound. Most text is nine-point Minion Pro with 1.8 points of leading set ragged with a combination of bold, medium and italic. All pages were designed using Adobe Creative Suite 6 software InDesign with photographs and artwork handled in PhotoShop and Illustrator. For additional information please visit distractionmagazine. com. Questions and comments can be mailed to 1330 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, dropped into SAC Student Media Suite, Suite 202A, or emailed to i.cruz3@umiami.edu. All articles, photographs and illustrations are copyrighted by the University of Miami.
WE LIKE YOU
Sports are like religion. Athletes are venerated like gods; to many, Sunday Night Football is equivalent to Sabbath day; worshippers meet in stadiums around the world and chant cheers like hymns and sometimes in extreme moments of need, stands become the best place to get knee-bound and pray. With the decline in religious attendance in the last five years, the concurrent rise in sports spectatorship is no surprise. But this may not be such a bad thing. After all, we all need something to believe in, to feel like we are part of something larger than ourselves. And sports do just that. They are an escape from everyday problems and worries and an opportunity to identify with a team. There are few stronger moments of faith and belonging than when you are screaming, “C-A-N-E-S, Canes!” together with 80,000 people who share your same passion and love, as your team is up 2116 in the fourth quarter. So we set out to honor all things athletic by dedicating an entire issue to sports, something we had never done in the past but were enthusiastic to tackle. To highlight our very own adulated athlete we looked into the football team, who up until the Florida State game was carrying an undefeated season, and Kristen Spillane sat down with starting running back Duke Johnson in “Duke of the Gables” (page 28). And to honor an athlete from the past, Patrick Riley spoke with NBA drafted but currently injured Shane Larkin in “Catching up with Shane Larkin” (page 16). But sports are not just about the player and the field. “Don’t Worry, it Says Low-Fat” (page 34) reveals the truth behind diet foods and deceitful labels. “Jersey Chasers” (page 10) speaks truth to the under-the-covers cult following many athletes have grown accustomed to. Sports are undeniably part of our lives in one-way or another. So even if you’re not sure what Stephen Morris’ latest stats are or when was the last time our Men’s Basketball team beat their conference, go ahead and be a fan for an hour or two. It’ll be good for your moral and social life and even better, for your spirit. Sincerely,
ABOUT US
2
Distraction
Masthead
Ivana Cruz
T
THE COVER: SPORTS. ALL DAY. EVERY DAY.
photo_karli evans. design _megan mccrink and rori kotch. photo illustration_kelly smith. Sports may be a specific genre, but within it are hundreds of different kinds of activities. To illustrate that, Distraction brought in athletes of all kinds to be photographed and combined in a graphic illustration. The gear and positions modeled ranged from track & field to dance, football to
swimming and baseball to weight lifting. All, however, equally demonstrating that there is more to sports than talent and competition. It takes passion, sweat and dedication to play. And all those things are exactly what this issue is all about. A special thanks to all the models.
THE PHOTOSHOOT: The Sports Issue
photo_rori kotch.
THERE WERE 11 MODELS TOTAL AT THE SHOOT, INCLUDING SENIOR WILL WALDEN.
ON AVERAGE, 150 PICTURES WERE TAKEN PER MODEL. HERE, JUNIOR ALYSSA KARAS DOES A ROND DE JAMBE.
CO-PHOTO EDITOR KARLI EVANS SHOT THE COVER, WHICH TOOK TWO HOURS AND 45 MINUTES.
COMMENTS TO DISTRACTION FREE
Shipping on any purchase with coupon code:
CANES “As an out-of-towner, an article like ‘Locals Only’ is a great way to familiarize myself with local spots and events that I would have never known about otherwise. Some great shots of the Trans Am didn’t hurt either!” -Derek Combs, Graduate Student
www.Cat5BoatShoes.com
“I liked the guide section because it gives me really good reviews of where to go in Miami. The fashion
section is also one of my favorites--I loved the black and white photos. You guys are always pushing the boundaries.” -Cindy Ferreiro, Junior “I really enjoyed the mascots story. Obviously we’re first, but I like how the writer gave a humorous description for each one.” -Elan Aleman, Senior
“Distraction gets my attention because I have a personal connection to some of the contributors so I open it and look for people I know.” -Daniel Moubayed, Sophomore HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT THIS ISSUE? EMAIL IT TO FEEDBACK. DISTRACTION@ GMAIL.COM
The Sports Issue
Distraction
3
4
Distraction
The Guide 01/31/14
01/31/14
01/31/14
01/31/14
the
G THE GUIDE
THE AMERICAN
VE., E, FL 88
DREAM words_analicia santaella photo_karli evans & rori kotch. design_megan mccrink.
There is nothing more representative of the American dream than a juicy, all-beef burger. Here are six burger joints that will redefine the burger you already love.
SHAKE SHACK
Shroom Burger, Shack Burger, Smokeshack Burger, SHAKE SHACK
Shake Shack’s burgers are already known around campus to be among the best. Thin enough to bite into with no mess, yet still tasty and delicious, most people devour this burger within seconds. It’s almost as if the cheese, burger, and bun melt together into a warm, savory unforgettable explosion of flavor. You can double stack it, triple stack it, hold the lettuce, ask for double signature Shack sauce, opt for crisp wavy fries and, of course, a shake or custard of the day. The possibilities are endless. 1450 S Dixie Highway, Coral Gables, 786-470-3701; www.shakeshack.com The Sports Issue
Distraction
5
the
G
FOOD
THE GUIDE
WHAT’S IN A BIG MAC?
My Childhood Dream, LOKAL
WIth as many fancy burger options there are to try in Miami, there’s nothing like the fast food classic. Many wonder what’s in the world famous Big Mac from McDonalds. Here is a breakdown.
SESAME BUN
The G.O.A.T., ONEBURGER
PICKLES
LETTUCE
King James Burger, ROK: BRGR
ROK: BRGR CHOPPED ONION
CHEESE
With 17 signature burgers, Rok:Brgr gives you the ultimate burger experience, allowing you to create your own and enjoy an array of comfort food-style side dishes like mac n’ cheese and sweet potato fries. This staple burger spot mixes the best combinations of fresh ingredients like fontina Italian cheese melted over short ribs in a red wine reduction sauce. If you want a taste of Miami, opt for the mouth-watering Cuban burger made with stewed, shredded meat held together by Swiss cheese and served with crunchy potato chips. If you’re going in a group, order some equally delicious sliders to share. But if you’re going solo, make sure to go for the truffle fries, topped with parmesan cheese. Trust us, you’ll rave about them for days. 5800 SW 73rd St., South Miami, 305-663-6099; www.rokbrgr.com
ONEBURGER BURGER PATTY
SESAME BUN
This quaint local spot may be small, but it packs a foodie punch. Its menu ranges from traditional beef burgers to baby burgers, chicken and turkey burgers, vegetarian burgers and even seafood burgers. Oneburger has something for everyone. We recommend you try the Caprese Burger with tomato, mozzarella and pesto, topped with aged balsamic spread. Make it a combo and add some onion rings or yuca fries. Best of all, they deliver for free. 367 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, 305-529-5555; www.oneburger.com
LOKAL LoKal, a Coconut Grove staple whose name stems from the German word for restaurant and meeting place, exceeds all burger expectations. Using only the freshest
6
Distraction
The Guide
ingredients from quality Floridian farmers, dairies, and brewers, LoKal redefines the meaning of “local.” One of the highlights of their extensive menu is their “The Lokal” burger, made with grass-fed beef covered in homemade honey mustard, Florida tomatoes and Homestead avocados (only provided when in season, as the menu makes sure to indicate.) Plus, eating here is an ecologically-safe decision: Lokal is the first restaurant in Miami to use 100% clean, renewable energy sourced from wind and solar power. 3190 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove, 305-442-3377; www.lokalmiami.com
BURGER & BEER JOINT If the burgers at Burger & Beer Joint don’t satisfy your appetite, then we don’t know what will. And if you’re looking for a unique taste, look no further. B&B has a goat cheese and marmalade burger that is like none other, and it even offers foodies a rare ahi-tuna burger. B&B is sure to have a quality burger on their menu for all your burger cravings, and if it doesn’t, just create your own! Plus, this place gets bonus points for their mushroom fries. 900 S Miami Ave., Mary Brickell Village, 305-523-2244; www.bnbjoint.com
LATIN BURGER TRUCK The Latin Burger Truck made the brilliant idea to pair fresh avocado slices with a savory beef patty. Their “In the Beast” burger combines a beef patty with pulled pork. But the customer favorite, the Macho Burger, is also a great choice. The macho mixes caramelized onions and avocado for an ideal blend of flavors and textures. Follow @LatinBurger on Twitter for daily location, 305-917-5963; www.latinburger.com
the
TO DO
G THE GUIDE
FANS’ HOME BASE words_morgan golumbuk. photo_celeste escotet. design_megan mccrink.
LITTLE HOOLIE’S
TOM’S NFL
DUFFY’S SPORTS GRILL
Can’t find a spot at the Rat to watch your favorite sports team play? Check out this list of Miami’s best sports bars for a great game day alternative.
MILLER’S ALE HOUSE Wildly popular with Heat fans, and often too packed to sit during game days. Miller’s Ale House in Coral Gables is the quintessential Miami sports bar. A loud and rowdy local favorite on Miracle Mile, the Ale House has drink specials that rival any other. Take your $2 shot of Cuervo Gold as you watch your game on the TVs inside the circular bar or sip on a $3 Captain and coke in one of the spacious booths. 101 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 305-444-3600; www.millersalehouse.com
BUFFALO WILD WINGS Asian Zing, Mango Habanero and Jammin’ Jalapeño are just a few of the 16 signature sauces available at Buffalo Wild Wings at Sunset Place. They have five seasonings to choose from when it comes to how you want your wings, and they’ll give ‘em to you boneless too, if that’s your preference. With massive TVs in the bar and even more around the restaurant, every seat is the perfect place for finger-licking, football-watching perfection. 5701 Sunset Dr., Ste. B-13A, South Miami, 305-668-0911; www.buffalowildwings.com
SANDBAR SPORTS GRILL Most UM students have never seen Sandbar
Sports Grill in the daylight. Its claim to fame might be the infamous bar where many inebriated co-eds make their dancing queen debuts on Thursday nights. Unbeknownst to most, Sandbar has one of the most impressive sports-watching setups in the Grove. A pulldown projection screen streams the biggest game of the night, while other TVs play anything from NASCAR to music videos. 3064 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, 305-444-5270; www.sandbargrove.com
Mississippi River). And imagine that, because of the three-hour time difference, your game doesn’t start until 11:30 p.m., meaning you’re probably counting sheep by kickoff. Your best late-night sports-watching option: Flanigan’s. Belly up to the bar and order a pitcher of beer (or a mug of steaming coffee) and some midnight mozzarella sticks—and don’t rush, you’ll have plenty of time to order more before the bar closes at 5 a.m. 2721 Bird Rd., Miami, 305-446-1114; www.flanigans.net
TOM’S NFL CLUB
DUFFY’S SPORTS GRILL
Craft beer. Now that’s something you don’t see everyday, especially not in Miami. But it’s the drink-of-choice at Tom’s NFL Club. With over 75 bottled beers – some of them from local breweries – Tom’s is the epitome of the true American sports bar. They even offer a “Craft Beer Social” on the last Thursday of every month where beer connoisseurs sample craft beers from all over the country. The joint plays everything from football games to rugby matches on their high definition plasma TVs. If that doesn’t win you over, remember that they’re known for strong pours of their $3 well drinks. 5001 NW 36th St., Miami, 305-888-6022; www.tomsnfl.com
It’s brand-spanking-new, with ongoing 2-for-1 drink specials, and it hosts hockey watch parties. Duffy’s Sports Grill is set to be the new king of Coconut Grove sports bars. Duffy’s has a 39-page drink menu to choose from, which includes a variety of cocktails that are part of the 2-for-1 deal. Go for the game, stay for the drink specials and repeat to kick start a new game day tradition. 3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, 305-648-2200; www.duffysmvp.com
FLANIGAN’S Imagine that you’re a Chargers fan (or really a fan of any other team that’s playing west of the
SPORTS GRILL If you’re looking for the “Best Wings in Miami”, look no further. Miami New Times gave Sports Grill this prestigious title, and the evidence is in its flavor. For something new, try their special Worcestershire-washed grilled wings. If you’re looking for something with a little more heat, get your wings “Dale Style” for a taste of Sports Grill’s special “Miami Heat” sauce. Watch the Heat, taste the Heat, it’s a win-win regardless of the score. 10005 SW 72nd St., South Miami, 305-598-2227; www.sportsgrillmiami.com The Sports Issue
Distraction
7
the
G
STUDENT LIFE
THE GUIDE
movements. The price may seem steep, but this price includes access to more gym equipment, group practices and hands-on coaching from trainers that teach some of the group classes. The Crossfit club practices at a gym off campus called Peak 360 and practice times are generally different from one member to another.
SAILING CLUB
Crossfit Club member Jenny Lopez practices lifting weights. The Crossfit Club schedules meetings/group workouts on Sundays.
BEST SPORTS CLUB DEALS
words_rori kotch. photographer_melanie johnston & ian thompson. design_megan mccrink.
Have you ever felt adventurous and wanted to try a new club sport? Well, Distraction’s got your back. You may not have known it before, but some of the best sports club deals are offered right here on campus.
QUIDDITCH TEAM It’s Harry Potter fever in UM’s Quidditch team. With about 35 active members, the Quidditch team doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Dues for the club are $25 for active members who participate in tournaments. In order to be an active member and play in tournaments, you also need to participate in fundraisers and practices which are held three times a week. Each semester, the Quidditch team participates in two to three tournaments, which are allexpense included (for active members). The team also participates in regionals in the spring and the World Cup. Last year, the team even played an additional tournament in LA against USC and UCLA. Members must pay for their own uniforms, but brooms, hoops and balls are included. Even if you’re not looking for the commitment of a team sport, being a part of the Quidditch club is only $15 which includes getting to participate in the club’s social events and a free t-shirt.
8
Distraction
The Guide
Whether you already know how to sail or you want to learn how to sail, the UM Sailing Club can help you do both. The club is broken down into two sections: learn to sail, which is for beginners, and race team, for moderate to advanced sailors who would like to compete. Dues for learn-to-sail members are $50 a semester. It includes a minimum of three day-long sailing clinics with in-water and out-of-water lessons. And because sailboats only seat two people, you are essentially getting your own private sailing lesson. The club hosts brief lectures about sailing theory and sailing strategy (called learn to sail chalk talks) every other week. When beginners progress and become more comfortable sailors, they are invited to join the race team. Dues for the race team are $100 a semester and members of the race team are expected to practice at least once a week for three hours, and those practices are held three days a week. Race team members have opportunities to attend regattas and races within Florida and even larger races outside of Florida. The club also holds fundraising and social events which all members are invited to attend.
SCUBA CLUB The scuba club is the fifth largest student organization on campus with about 300 members. There’s a $65 fee for membership for a year (or $40 for a semester,) and members are only required to have their own mask, fins and snorkels. Everything else can be rented from the club for the low price of $30. If you’re looking to get open-water certified, the scuba club can help you do that, too. At the beginning of the semester the Open Water Dive Instructor Charlie Matthews, comes to the first scuba club meeting and signs people up to get certified (but don’t be late, the list fills up fast!). You must be a member of the club in order to be certified through the club’s instructors. The Open Water certification costs $220 in addition to $90 for your final open water dives and club dues. Gear rentals for dives are separate for each individual outing.
CROSSFIT CLUB Ripped guys and girls walking around on campus making you feel bad about your string bean arms? Chances are they’re in the Crossfit club, a haven of buff and brawny men and women. Returning members of the club pay $150 a semester. For new members, dues are $250 for the first semester because it’s required that new members take a few private, one-onone classes to learn some Olympic lifts and
Senior Kaelyn Lynch explores life underwater in Davis Ledge. The Scuba Club goes diving almost every weekend.
the
MUSIC
G THE GUIDE
Music Park in Live Oak Florida. It’s a bit of a drive from campus, but it’ll definitely be gas money that was well spent. Taking place from Feb. 14-16, Aura Music and Arts Festival will include the sounds of Lotus, Papadosio and Conspirator, which features Marc and Aron from the Disco Biscuits. Tickets are on sale now at www.auramusicfestival.com.
SOUTH FLORIDA FOLK FESTIVAL This festival takes place Jan. 18 and 19 at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale. Artists are yet to be announced, so we’re waiting on the edge of our seats for an official lineup. The focus will be on traditional folk music and other acoustic styles. Tickets are on sale now at www.southfloridafolkfest.net.
Tortuga Music Festival is held on the beach and attendees are allowed to bring lowrise beach chairs to relax on. One of the headliners from last year was Lynyrd Skynyrd.
FESTIVAL CHASING words_melissa mallin. photographer_josh rhinehart. design_megan mccrink. Whether you’re looking to expand your music horizons or to just have a good time with friends, Distraction has compiled a list of the top music festivals to jam out at.
HOLY SHIP! Come aboard the MSC Divina and experience a three-day cruise that visits not one, but two private islands in the Bahamas. The event takes place Jan. 9-12. Once on board, party with your favorite electronic DJ’s like Skrillex, Duck Sauce, Flosstradamus, Diplo and special guest Pharrell Williams. But be warned, this event sells out fast so it’s best to put your name on the wait list. Even if it comes to that, at least if you’re on the wait list you’ll get the information you need in order to get registered first and purchase tickets for next year. www.holyship.com
TORTUGA MUSIC FESTIVAL Sponsored by Rock the Ocean, this festival aims to raise awareness about marine conservation by bringing together music with a good cause. It’ll also be a great place to pick up other like-minded conservationists outside of UM’s RSMAS. The event takes place on April 12 and 13 at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. Artists include Kenny Chesney, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sister Hazel, Jake Owen, among others. Tickets are on sale now at www.tortugamusicfestival.com.
SUNFEST This festival is a smorgasbord of musical genres and takes place from April 30 to May 4 in
downtown West Palm Beach, along Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway. Tickets are currently not available, but check online starting in early January on sunfest.com. Previous performances boast legendary artists like Mac Miller, Slightly Stoopid, Morgan Page, Snoop Dogg and Barenaked Ladies. www.sunfest.com
ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL If you missed it this year, don’t worry--there’s always next year. Presented by Insomniac, the Electric Daisy Carnival visits Orlando for two days sometime in November every year at Tinker Field. Extraordinary art installations and carnival rides make this festival truly magnificent. Previous performances have included Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Porter Robinson, Afrojack and more. Keep clicking refresh at www.electricdaisycarnival.com for more information.
TAMPA BAY BLUES FESTIVAL If you love dancing to saxophone beats, this festival has your name all over it. Taking place on April 11-13 at Vinoy Park on Tampa Bay’s shores, the festival’s artists have yet to be announced, but bank on seeing performances from Jonny Lang, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Great Southern. Needless to say, it’s time to start planning that road trip. Tickets go on sale soon and can be found at www.tampabaybluesfest.com.
AURA MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
U DJ’S YOO ECK OUT H C T NEED at laying
p Js are en them en’t se nd-coming D v a h u a p If yo u y. these clubs, blow you awa to sure
M JAY COS
IC
r from produce Porter ld o r a e m fro 19-y support b. You mic is a Jay Cos ho has gained Adventure Clu book e w c d a n K F a U on ella the for free n, Krew Robinso nload his music can dow Cloud. d or Soun
ID DESTRO
ownlink cision, D KJ Sawka, x E h it w er oration drumm level by A collab er Pendulum ew n a to m r and fo takes dubstep renching beats at w e Destroid st-paced, gut- wnload for fre fa o pairing drumming. D e with liv .com. Destroid
KILL PAR
IS
, ill Paris wn as K uses on giving o n k o aker, als . He foc d Corey B dubstep beats He has gathere ion s . e vil e c a e P fr x r lu fo produ F ee on ic away rancis, his mus from Dillion F his music for fr t d r a o wnlo supp illex. Do ud. and Skr k or SoundClo o o b e Fac VAL
U JIMMY D & T N A R G omore DANIEL nd soph s, they’re k Grant a
niel e boo nior Da ic itting th When ju uval are not h rid of electron . They b ts Jimmy D g a musical hy and bass bea d n m producin d melodic dru ekka and Gra ud. M lo n house a ed at Club 50, sic on SoundC y u la m p e ir v e ha Check th Central.
This festival takes place at the Suwannee The Sports Issue
Distraction
9
IS THE 7TH FLOOR STIGMA STILL ALIVE AND HUMPING? It’s the song that started it all: the “7th Floor Crew Rap.” Written and performed by former UM football players, the song helped generate Mahoney 7’s reputation. MRC7 residents tell us what they think about the stigma’s relevance today.
JERSEY GIRLS words_morgan golumbuk. photo_karli evans. design_kacie nelson.
I woke up alone in Durand Scott’s bed on a Saturday morning. Curled up under billowy white sheets in the corner of the former UM basketball player’s king-sized dorm crib, I awoke to find myself completely alone. But this story isn’t about me; it’s about my friend, Sarah* from freshman year. She was an even better “friend” of Durand’s. One Friday night, Sarah convinced me to accompany her over to Durand’s room in Mahoney. She had been drinking. Heavily. Afraid something would happen to her on the walk over - and to myself on the way back - I agreed to third wheel. (coaxed by Sarah’s promise that no funny business would happen between her and Durand under the sheets while I was with them). I had the privilege of taking half of the 6’5” basketball star’s king-sized bed all for myself as he, Sarah and I struggled to choose a movie to watch from his towering collection. Though I don’t know for sure what happened on the other side of the bed that night, I have a feeling my bedfellows didn’t catch the end of the movie. Behold, the Jersey Chaser. The term refers to girls, like Sarah, who only lust for guys on a sports team (also referred to as “cleat chasers” or “groupies”). “Jersey chasers won’t always show up at football parties or events where football players are because they are more subtle than that,” former UM football player Chris Dunckel said. “You can often pick them up in the Grove. The way they say, ‘You’re on the football team?’ is a dead giveaway.” Football recruit assistant and UM senior Lauren Gorney explained that it’s not all about the allure of the jockstrap. For some girls, it’s the fame factor. “Jersey chasers pursue athletes for the bragging rights or fame that they may think
10 Distraction In the Loop
they get from being associated with the athlete,” Gorney said. “If they never end up officially dating an athlete, the most the jersey chaser can hope for is to one day turn on ESPN and say ‘hey I hooked up with him back in college.’” In his years as a college football player, Dunckel has developed his own findings: the more destined a player is for the Hall of Fame, the more jersey chasers that player will attract. In the emblematic documentary about the University of Miami football team’s rise to fame, ESPN’s Films “30 for 30: The U,” former UM offensive lineman Leon Searcy spoke about the perks of being on an athlete’s arm, reminiscing about his time at the university. “I’m a sophomore in college getting into all the major clubs, getting VIP treatment,” Searcy said. Some girls, look for a little more depth than just that lightweight jersey knit. These are girls that actually end up dating college sports stars, not for the fame and glory, but for the athlete’s intrinsic qualities. “Finding someone that has so much passion for a sport, like yourself, is hard to find,” former UM women’s soccer player Shannon Caspar said. “It’s easier bonding and relating to someone with similar qualities.” And those qualities aren’t always necessarily internal. “I like black guys and the majority of the black guys at UM that are attractive are football players,” former UM student Priscilla Greenidge said. “I don’t go after or choose athletes, it just happened that way.” Whatever the true reasons may be, there are clearly facets of hooking up with athletes that keep jersey chasers running for the fields. “I actually find [jersey chasers] pretty amusing,” said Katherine Sneed, UM junior and girlfriend of University of Michigan fullback Joe Kerridge. “Most successful relationships
“The seventh floor crew stigma doesn’t exist the way it did in the early 2000s in my opinion. That was a once in a lifetime thing, and will probably never happen again.” - Matt Levin, sophomore, current resident “That reputation doesn’t exist on Mahoney 7, at least from what I can tell. To me, it’s just another floor.” - Annabelle Green, junior, current resident “They put up floor signs that said ‘MRC .... Floor’ and so ours read ‘MRC 7th Floor’ and within hours someone wrote ‘crew’ in sharpie next to it. I thought it was hilarious. I think the reputation exists but it’s not actually practiced.” - Marissa Falcone, junior, former resident with athletes are with people that don’t treat them the way jersey chasers do.” Once my old friend Sarah played the whole entire field (or court), she saw the absurdity of her ways. “Being a jersey chaser is a bad idea if you want any athlete to take you seriously,” she admitted. “They don’t want someone who has been with everyone.” Such wise words from a seasoned chaser should help to turn baby chasers away from the tunnel vision of numbered jerseys and ESPN limelight. But, hey, if the cleat fits… *Name has been changed to ensure privacy.
The Alex Rodriguez baseball stadium has a capacity of 5,000 spectators.
RENAMING A-ROD FIELD
A HOMERUN OR STRIKE OUT?
words_marchesa bergman. photo_karli evans. design_kacie nelson. Of the many sports arenas the University of Miami possesses, the most controversial has been The Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field. Alex Rodriguez might be known as one of the most prolific baseball players to take the field, but those successful accomplishments have been fouled by admitted steroid use. As of late, debate about whether campus should continue to keep his name on the park has been hotly contested. In the early 1970s, UM did not have a baseball field to call its own. With a future College World Series team far outranking its field, Coach Ron Fraser decided to take matters into his own hands and help UM get its own “field of dreams.” George Light, an eager Hurricanes fan, stepped to the plate with the money necessary for the venture. It was then decided to name the new, state-of-the-art
JON JAY
ALEX CORA
While at UM, he was a part of the College World Series teams in both ‘95 and ‘96, earning a title game in 1996.
If
Rod A-
G ets Be n c
he
d. .
.
Holds the National League record for errorless streaks by a centerfielder.
field in honor of Light’s son Mark, who had muscular dystrophy. The field was retrofitted again in the 1990s but was given a facelift when the New York Yankees All-Star donated nearly $4 million in 2009. Rodriguez’s gift was noted as the largest gift ever given to the baseball program. Interestingly enough, Alex Rodriguez never even attended the University of Miami. When Rodriguez was a senior in high school, he signed a letter of intent to play at UM. Before he set foot on campus, however, Rodriguez was selected in the first round of the 1993 Major League Baseball draft. Rather than graduate with a UM degree, he decided to don a Seattle Mariners uniform. The rest is history. In response to the fact that we still have Rodriguez’s name on our field, campus has been divided. While some students couldn’t
RON FRASER Coach Fraser led the Hurricanes to a total of 12 College World Series.
care less and prefer to focus on his past achievements, others have called to have his name stricken from campus. Avid Red Sox fan and former Hurricane batgirl Krissy Mitchell strongly supports Rodriguez’s name being taken off the field. “I think he’s a disgrace to the game of baseball and his name disgraces our baseball field,” she said. “We should separate from Alex Rodriguez,” senior and print journalism major Matt Ciabattari said. “From the legal aspect, this lends a negative connotation to college baseball. It also gives [kids] who come to college games a negative idea.” The idea that an athlete can use steroids and still have a baseball field named after him is not an idea that anyone wants to promote. Law school student and 2012 UM grad Gary Gonzalez disagrees. Gonzalez was on the baseball team for two years and was one of the first players to use the new facilities when Alex Rodriguez Park first opened. “I think he’s been very generous as a supporter of the baseball program and as a great strength in baseball,” Gonzalez said. He doesn’t have a problem with the proballer and believes that Rodriguez has made amends for past steroid usage. Gonzalez added that he doesn’t think it promotes any agenda to keep his name on the field. Whether the plan to keep A-Rod’s name on campus strikes out or not, the opinions on campus are equally divided. The Sports Issue
Distraction 11
BLURRED LINES CAMPUS MARKETING REPS SACRIFICE PAYCHECKS FOR EXPERIENCE
words_emily eidelman. illustration_victoria diaz. design_ivana cruz. Every time a UM student walks through the breezeway or checks his or her graduating class’ Facebook group, there is always a comment from a campus marketing representative promoting a product or service to the collegiate masses. Students have quickly become the voices of various companies on campus (from College Humor to Apple, Disney to Red Bull, and everything in between). These companies rely on their reps for campus marketing and public relations, but sometimes provide little money or perks in return for their reps’ hard work. Nevertheless, students continue to get involved despite the unfair discrepancy. Toppel Career Center’s Executive Director Christian Garcia has seen students have both positive and negative experiences as campus reps. Toppel is usually in favor of these jobs if they are student-oriented. Garcia reminds participants to ask themselves how much the company is willing to help them succeed.
TOP FIVE
COMPANIES TO REP FOR
Apple reps work around 15 hours a week hosting workshops and performing demos. They get a free Macbook Pro and are paid $10 per hour.
12 Distraction In the Loop
“Only communicating with one email (such as internshipcoordinator@company.com) is not [a sign of] a company with your best interests at heart,” Garcia said. “Look for a company that will give you a contact person to not only help you succeed as a representative, but will also teach you more about the industry.” Sophomore Tyler Neely is a campus rep for Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. He has a personal connection with the company’s owner, who is helping Neely succeed within the company and is also teaching him about the business. “I personally work with the owner of the company and he’s a great guy,” Neely said. “I have help whenever I need it. All campus reps are well communicated and have a strong say in future products that the company releases.” Every student, however, doesn’t experience such strong communication, or any communication at all. Fifth year biomedical engineering student Chris Fernandez was a rep for Total Frat Move. The company announced Chipotle reps create social media pages and connect with campus organizations. Students make $1500 per year regardless of success.
Mountain Creek reps sell ski passes on campus. They are given a free season pass, and they make $10 commission for every pass sold.
a job description whose responsibilities included using their campus rep Facebook group to raise money for a TFM-produced feature film about Greek Life. Students across the country were upset with the process, to the point where TFM stopped responding to their questions and complaints, according to Fernandez. Sophomore Abraham Hammer is a rep for Fancred, a social media app connecting fans of the same sports teams. Hammer has a company contact that he attempts to Skype twice a month to share results and receive feedback; however, this contact gives mostly negative feedback and no helpful advice. “The communication isn’t there,” Hammer describes. “They are always disappointed in me, and yet they never have ways to help me be more successful.” Fancred’s basic requirement for Hammer is that he gets as many students as possible to download the app. The company also gives him outrageous requirements like assigning Hammer to approach the UM Athletic Director himself and convince him to download and use the app. Being the only rep on campus makes these tasks very difficult, Hammer admitted. Fernandez was not told about his job description until a month after being hired. TFM did not give him any memorabilia, such as stickers or koozies, to give out; he was even restricted from disclosing the company’s name during his duties. “I definitely felt exploited,” Fernandez said. “They wouldn’t let us use the company’s name in our fundraisers, and yet we still had to give them all of the money we made. All of the reps found it to be very stupid. Don’t make college students your minions to collect money for you.” While some campus rep jobs are a great way to get a foot in the door, Toppel urges students to be careful when applying. Assigning campus reps to complete unreasonable tasks does not make for a strong representative position. Selling company items or raising money without any compensation is not in the best interest of the student either, Garcia says. “Make sure the position is a careeroriented one,” Garcia said. “Ask yourself, what’s the ultimate payoff? Is it worth my efforts?” Red Bull reps work with Wiiings team to provide campus with Red Bull. They give out free drinks all over campus.
Victoria’s Secret reps host tailgate parties, Bra Bashes and workout classes. They receive free VSPINK clothing and a year-long salary.
EAT HARD, PLAY HARD words_lyssa goldberg. photo_rori kotch. design_ivana cruz.
The ability to eat 6,000 calories of food in a day – without worrying about what it’ll do to your waistline – sounds like every person’s dream. But for a Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman, downing that many calories each day is not just reality, but a necessity. While a distance runner on the track-
FOOTBALL, TRACK & FIELD, SWIMMING AND DIVING ARE FOUR SPORTS WHERE ATHLETES EATING PLANS ARE IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY ON GAME DAY OR AT MEETS.
and-field team may want lean muscle with as low a fat percentage as possible, an offensive lineman is at his best when he’s gaining more mass. Any of these goals can be met with a carefully crafted eating plan, broken down by the hour and with calories calculated to a tee. Nutritionist Tony Musto works with the
COMMON DIET BREAKDOWN
20%
Protein Intake
20%
Low Fat Intake Carbohydrate Intake
TRACK & FIELD MEAL PLAN PRIOR TO MEET:
Pasta
Hours Prior
Bagel
APPROXIMATION OF CALORIES CONSUMED PER DAY FOR DIFFERENT FOOTBALL PLAYERS 5,000 - 6,000
60%
Hours Prior
Hurricanes football team and other student athletes one-on-one on their diet plans, which includes what to eat, how much, when and how often. Distraction is here to guide you through all the numbers and give you a look at the mind-blowing diets of these expert eaters.
Hours Prior
Banana
Hours Prior
Gatorade
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN 6,000 K WEIGHT GAIN MEAL PLAN: Meal One - Breakfast: 3 egg omelet, 3 pancakes with syrup, banana and 2 glasses of fruit juice (1,100 calories) Meal Two - After Practice Snack: Bagel with jelly, 2 muscle milks and a banana (1000 calories)
4,000 - 5,000 3,000 - 4,000
Offensive Lineman Linebacker Wide Receiver
1,000
BASEBALL IS A SPORT WHERE THE ENERGY EXPENDITURE IS LOWER SO THEY DON’T HAVE TO WORRY AS MUCH ABOUT MEETING HIGH CALORIC INTAKES.
10,000
A PRE-GAME MEAL FOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS CONSISTS OF: • Mashed potatoes • Rolls • Grilled chicken breast • Lean tenderloin • Salad • Green beans or string beans • Various fruit juices • Pasta with red sauce
Players are responsible for filling up their own plate in 60-20-20 proportions.
Meal Three - Lunch: Loaded deli sandwich on sub roll, glass of fruit juice and 2 oatmeal cookies (1300 calories)
Meal Four - Snack: Wendy’s small chili and 2 baked potatoes (810 calories) Meal Five - Dinner: 4 cups of pasta with red sauce and 2 chicken breasts, 2 dinner rolls and a side salad (1200 calories)
Meal Six - Before Bed: 16 oz. chocolate milk blended with a banana and peanut butter (620 calories)
The Sports Issue
Distraction 13
Yousef Alsayed said. “At the same time, we are very accepting of new people. We’re always willing to share tricks and ideas with each other.” Alsayed, along with Betancourt and a few other club members, meet at least three times per week to train. On their off days, they focus on strength training in the gym. “When you’re just working out in the gym, you do the same things over and over again,” said Betancourt. “With Parkour, we take the strength we gain in the gym and put it to use.” Former gymnast and martial artist Michael Greene, enjoys parkour because it allows him to incorporate the discipline of his past experiences with the freedom of choosing what tricks to do and where to do them. Greene, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, began practicing parkour only two years ago when he first came to UM. “Even though parkour is all about having fun, if you don’t have the technique, you’re not going to succeed,” he said. Not only will you look like a total noob, but you could also be seriously injured. Parkour is extremely dangerous when not practiced properly, which is part of the reason why COSO did not approve it. Betancourt, however, explained why the risk is worth it. “The point of parkour is to build up your skill level and improve every time,” he said. “And once you’re able to nail a trick you’ve been working so hard at, you begin to see things differently. Like, if I can jump off of that roof, then why can’t I ace my next exam?”
Freshman Yousef Alsayed works on his Parkour moves behind the Hecht-Stanford dining hall.
LIFE ON THE EDGE
words_lexi williams. photo_melanie johnston. design_rachel watkins. illustration_victoria diaz. You’ve probably seen them on campus near the freshman dining halls, though you may not have known who they were. Dudes in sweatpants plunging over cement walls and bouncing off of tables or light posts are somewhat hard to miss. These guys make up Prism Parkour, UM’s unofficial club dedicated to doing things normally reserved for superheroes and cartoon characters. The discipline of parkour developed from French military obstacle training aimed at teaching soldiers to move swiftly and efficiently. It became globally popular as a recreational activity in the late 1990s. UM’s own Parkour club began in 2010, when Kim Bremer, now a senior, and recent graduate Joshua Romeo teamed up to make it a “thing.” Unfortunately, the Committee on
Student Organizations chose not to approve their request to become an official club. However, only requiring a pair of sneakers and a place to practice, parkour doesn’t really need any funding. Thus, the Parkour enthusiasts carried on without recognition from COSO. “Parkour is about moving through your environment as fluidly as possible,” senior criminology major Corey Betancourt said. “When you really get serious about it, the movements become second nature.” This semester, Betancourt has stepped up as the group’s leader. While the club has dwindled down to only a handful of guys that practice regularly, they are working on spreading the word about what they do. “The parkour world is a really tight community,” freshman marketing major
PARKOUR FOR NOOBS
(Don’t try this at home, kids. Or do. That’s kinda the point.)
KONG VAULT
Run straight forward. Jump up and place hands shoulder-width apart on obstacle. Lift hips up, tuck feet in and push off, directing feet to where you want to land.
14 Distraction In The Loop
PRECISION JUMP
Start with feet together and knees bent. Jump up, pushing legs off the ground and swing arms forward. Midair, tuck r legs in and land on the object with knees slightly bent.
DROP AND ROLL
Point toes so that balls of the feet hit the ground first, with knees slightly bent. When feet touch the ground, move into a diagonal roll to spread the shock of landing throughout the body.
PAY FOR PLAY? words_will gretsky and janmarco santiago. photo_karli evans. design_rachel watkins.
>> EFF YOU, PAY ME
>> DO THE MATH
The NCAA is like the mob and student athletes are their cash cows. Just like in “Goodfellas” when Joe Pesci and Ray Liotta give hell to those who don’t pony up, the NCAA continues to terrorize the people that keep them in business. “Eff you, pay me” is their mantra. It’s time to turn the tables on Joe Pesci, Ray Liotta and the NCAA: start paying student athletes. According to Joe Nocera of The New York Times, the NCAA rakes in nearly $800 million each year. Head coaches Mack Brown (Texas) and Nick Saban (Alabama) each earn over $5 million per year. Rick Pitino makes more as the Louisville basketball coach than he did when he was the coach and president of the Boston Celtics. Even here in Coral Gables, it is difficult to calculate the millions of dollars the university made when our football team simply didn’t lose. The 13,877 Division I college football players earn a grand total of $0. But that doesn’t stop the NCAA from exploiting them. RG3 can appear on the cover of the newest NCAA video game that sells for $60, but even when
The recent outbreak of NCAA violations by student athletes seeking money from outside sources has led many people to believe that student athletes should be compensated for their athletic services. Many media members, former players and fans try to justify these athletes’ behaviors by arguing that they are young students sacrificing their bodies to earn excessive amounts of money for their respective schools. Yet those same people seem to neglect the fact that athletes are on full scholarships. And even those who aren’t still enjoy benefits worth hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. Granted some athletes are not in school for four years and many are not on full scholarships, but let’s do the math for those who are. According to the University of Miami’s website, the average cost of tuition without room and board is $42,852 per year. Multiply that by four, assuming that each student athlete will only attend the university for four years, and you end up with a total of $171,408. The average yearly price for room and board, which many student athletes require because they are not from Miami, is another $12,314. That number multiplied by four equals a total of $49,256. Another factor that many seem to disregard is the fact that
PRO
a college athlete’s likeness is used, no college athlete will ever earn a dime. These players receive a miniscule stipend on the weekends that couldn’t adequately feed a child, but yet NCAA President Mark Emmert has the audacity to scold programs and players for accepting a free meal. Playing a Division I sport is a full-time job. And if a school, a coach and the NCAA can profit off of student athletes, there should be compensation. But that will never happen because it would affect the NCAA’s precious bottom line: if they can continue to profit from students who are sacrificing their bodies for their schools for free, then they will. This system may not affect the 10 percent who make it professionally, but it’s an endless carousel of exploitation for all the others. When Liotta goes into witness protection at the end of the movie, he reminisces about the wise-guy lifestyle and how good they had it: getting whatever they wanted with all the regular schmucks wishing they could be like them. Well, the regular schmucks are getting tired of these wise guys screwing up. And now it’s the athletes’ turn to embrace that mantra, “Eff You, Pay Me”.
these student athletes are receiving elite athletic training from professional coaches, as well as physical therapy and counseling. According to a Forbes article by Jeffrey Dorfman, “football and basketball players pay $2,000-$3,000 per week for similar training leading up to their pre-draft workouts.” So let’s assume that the average price for this kind of training is $2,500 per week. If we then consider that students are in school for about 16 weeks per semester, that means that student athletes receive about $320,000 in athletic training over a four-year period – and this does not even include their summer training programs. After adding up all these numbers we can conclude that student athletes who are on full scholarships receive benefits of approximately $540,664 over the span of four years. Yes, these athletes are putting their health on the line for their schools, and yes, they are generating millions, if not billions, of dollars on a yearly basis. But while they may not earn any physical payments, they do receive hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of services for free. So should we pay student athletes? The numbers say no.
CON
The Sports Issue
Distraction 15
Distraction: You get drafted by Atlanta but then end up in Dallas when the Hawks and Mavs trade picks. Take us behind the scenes. At what point did you know when you would be drafted and where you would actually end up? Shane Larkin: About a minute before I actually got drafted, my agent texted me saying that I was next. I actually found out that I was being traded maybe five minutes after I heard my name called. The original thought was that I was going to Atlanta and I was very excited. Atlanta is close to Miami, I was really excited and then I was doing a couple of my interviews and […] one of the guys said: ‘How does it feel to be going to Dallas?’ I was kind of confused because I thought I was going to Atlanta, so I pretty much found out from one of the radio guys that I was going to be traded to Dallas. D: Were you nervous walking up to the stage to shake David Stern’s hand? SL: I was nervous, but at the same time, the only thing I was really nervous about was hoping that I didn’t fall and bust my face on the floor. But it was like a sigh of relief, because up until that moment, from April 28 when I declared for the draft, I really didn’t know my future. I mean, you go work out for all these teams and you hope that they like you enough to pick you, but you really have no clue when or who is going to take you.
CATCHING UP WITH
SHANE LARKIN words_patrick riley. photo_zach beeker. design_elisabet aguirre.
In an exclusive interview, Distraction sat down with former Hurricanes basketball star Shane Larkin and asked him about his experiences at the draft, his ankle injury, what he misses most about college and more. 16 Distraction Sports
D: Single coolest thing about being at the NBA draft? SL: Just the picks and the whole process. There is so much anticipation in the room and our draft was extremely crazy because nobody knew who was going first, nobody knew who was going second, third; there was so much up in the air that nobody was a clear-cut favorite going into the draft. So it was just a wild night. People went to places that nobody expected them to go. D: So then you enter your last practice before you head to the summer league in Las Vegas and you break your ankle. What went through your head when it happened? SL: I didn’t think I had broken it, because after I got off the floor, I walked up into the training room. I just thought I had a pretty bad sprain. I thought I was still going to go to Vegas, but our trainer was like, ‘We might want to just go get an X-ray before we get on the plane.’ So I take my bags with me expecting to go meet the team at the airport. After the X-rays they told me I had a broken ankle. […] So [the doctor] told me I was going to have surgery in a couple of days. And it just all came at me very fast so I was very emotional. I remember crying, not because of the pain, just because you finally make it to the NBA, you’re finally living your dream and then just for something to set you back the way it did,
it just was a traumatic moment. The whole team had left, so I was in the hotel room by myself for a couple days. I was just talking to my dad and he was just telling me to look at it as another obstacle. [He] told me to get all of my anger out. And when I can finally get out there and try to prove my worth as the 18th pick of the draft, just to remember how I felt when I broke my ankle and use that as motivation to go out there and play the way I always have played. D: There is only so much rehab one can do each day, how did you keep busy these past three months? SL: Just a lot of film. […] I’m just watching a lot of film on J.J. Barea and Jason Kidd, seeing how they maneuvered the ball on the offense, why they were so great in the championship season and how I can compliment the offense with my game the way they complemented it with their game. D: What was your first impression of Dirk Nowitzki? SL: Initially, I thought Dirk was going to be more quiet. He’s from Germany so I thought he would have like an extreme accent, he would be quiet, wouldn’t really joke around, stuff like that. But Dirk is the complete opposite. He is always saying stuff, always talking junk to everybody, just … pretty much the life of the locker room. D: Favorite player growing up? SL: When I was younger A.I. [Allen Iverson] was my guy. I was A.I. everything. I had A.I. shoes, headbands, wristbands, socks, everything. He was one of the best little guys to ever play in the NBA, but he had the heart of a lion. He went out there and played like he was 6’9’’ and just dominated the game at his size, so that’s one of the reasons why he’s one of my favorite players. D: Durand Scott is playing in Spain, Julian Gamble in France; is it hard to keep in touch with your former teammates at UM? SL: Me and Jules talk, not every day like we used to when we were in school, but we talk every other week or something like that. So me and him stay in constant contact. And I talk to D-Scott every once in a while. They’re both doing well. I know Jules is averaging like 18 and 11 over there. So he’s probably going to move up over there, trying to come back next year. D-Scott I heard he’s doing pretty well over in Spain. I know he loves it in Spain – beautiful women over there, a beautiful place. So they’re both doing well and they both like where they’re at in their careers. D: What do you miss most about college? SL: Probably just my teammates and the school atmosphere. I didn’t like going to class, I’m not going to lie. But anything else about college I miss.
THE SOCIAL MEDIA PLAYBOOK WHO TO FOLLOW: Chad Ochocinco
As much as he has gotten himself into trouble by trying to twist and turn the NFL rules, he has consistently been one of the best athletes to follow. He may not be the most politically correct players, but that’s exactly what the world loves about him.
Tim Tebow
words_kevin ramseur. photo_karli evans. design_elisabet aguirre. Social media has quickly become one of the biggest off-the-field issues in collegiate and professional sports. Despite its intended purpose of promotion, networking and entertainment, people who are in the spotlight continually get themselves into trouble due to profiles on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For instance, Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, a University of Michigan booster, mentioned a 2015 verbal commit on Twitter and had to be reprimanded for a minor NCAA violation. Upon research, it has become evident that social media infractions in college athletics generally involve recruiting violations and NCAA regulations. In late September, Syracuse University put itself at risk of committing a social media violation for the third time in two years by tweeting about a player who had yet to sign a letter of intent. The NCAA has very strict rules regarding tweeting about prospects or contacting them via private messages. These regulations vary based on what sport the athlete is being recruited to play. In recent years, it has become more apparent that colleges and universities need public relations teams and social media policies in order to prevent athletes and staff members from harming the program. After Johnny Manziel tweeted, “[Expletive] like tonight is a reason why I can’t wait to leave college station…” there was an uproar that lasted the entire summer. At the University of Miami, coaches give their teams general guidelines to refrain from talking negatively about the University or using foul language. This benefits the players, because it helps them adjust to the real world, where businesses search athletes’ social media accounts to determine whether they would like to hire them or not. The work force calls for people to adhere to societal standards, but most college students and student athletes do
not think of potential consequences as they broadcast what is on their mind to the World Wide Web. When asked for comments, UM’s athletic department declined to comment on their policies and would not allow any student athletes to speak on this topic. In general, most players agree with the policies because they understand that it protects them from public backlash. However, some situations call for a better explanation of what can and cannot be done. For example, former Miami Hurricanes defensive back Ray-Ray Armstrong posted pictures of his girlfriend’s hotel room during the summer of 2012. As innocent as it sounds, this girlfriend owned a public relations firm, and when the University of Miami learned of this, Armstrong was dismissed from the football team soon after. The best policy for an athlete, especially in college, is to keep things simple: tweet positive messages, appease the fans every once in a while and talk about your sport. Who does this? The savior of Miami basketball: Shane Larkin. This past year, he gained a huge following on Twitter and sent out positive messages after wins, which his fans loved. In addition to that, he retweets nice comments from his followers, and even answers some questions. These same principles apply to athletes in professional sports, as they receive more media attention than the average college athlete. These guys are not allowed to post on social media 45 minutes before, or 45 minutes after games, and have to be conscious of things like team sponsors, endorsement deals and contract issues. Thus, some athletes have reservations of showing their personality on the internet, which is not always the best way to go either. In the end, the best thing a collegiate or professional athlete can do is to be mindful of what he or she does in public, and learn from the mistakes of others.
What is a sports article without a shameless Tim Tebow plug? On Twitter, Tebow is relentless with his religious beliefs and his motivational tweets and videos. On Facebook, he enjoys sharing with all his friends and fans his philanthropy.
LeBron James
Now that LeBron has begun his run of eight championships, he has once again blossomed into a beloved person in most circles, and is having fun on Twitter and Instagram. If you followed him throughout this summer, you learned that he has been working on a rap career – a comedy of sorts.
Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush is one of those guys everyone likes, good-looking, humble and flashy on the gridiron. He does it big, and that’s what makes all the amazing people and places that are part of his lavish lifestyles so interesting to watch on his Instagram.
Floyd Mayweather
Everyone knows that Floyd Mayweather is arguably the most boisterous athlete in the world. Now, if you take all of that pride, gambling and cockiness and put it into 140 characters or less, you get one of the most entertaining Twitter accounts there is. What’s better than watching a guy talk trash as he gambles away tens of thousands of dollars on a whim. The Sports Issue
Distraction 17
THE
Road trips are as essential to the college experience as all-nighters and cheap beer. Thus, I knew I had to make the trip up to Tallahassee to watch my beloved Canes take on our arch rival, the Seminoles. Here is what transpired:
“A
TALLAHASSEE C words & photo_patrick riley. design_megan mccrink.
FRIDAY 3:18 p.m. And so it begins. My buddy Max, his roommate Chris and I cram into a 2004 Hyundai Elantra and pick up my roommate and good friend from home, Andi. As we crawl down U.S. 1, Dan LeBatard reminds us how hopelessly overmatched UM is and how FSU will make short work of the Canes. “We’ll see,” I think to myself. 3:31 p.m. After a solid 13 minutes in the car, inching down the asphalt hell that is U.S. 1 on a weekday afternoon, it is already an approximate 115 °F. The Miami weather is apparently oblivious to the fact that it’s November. 3:46 p.m. Max, a big proponent of the “slamming the breaks at the last possible moment” school of driving, just gave somebody the finger as we continue to be stuck in traffic purgatory. Vegas set the over/under at 31 ½ for the trip. I’m taking the over. 4:05 p.m. Second near-death experience courtesy of Max’s insane NY-style driving.
5:25 p.m. I flash the “U” at an FSU fan we’re passing. Clearly annoyed he gives me a sarcastic thumbs-up. Yup, we’re those guys. 5:56 p.m. A spirited Tallahassee discussion flares up. Max calls it a dump and Chris says “it’s not what you expect” which leaves me puzzled. We Google the population (186,000, in case you were wondering). 8:29 p.m. The last two hours featured me driving and an animated debate about whether “F**kin’ Problems” by A$AP Rocky featuring Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar is in the top 10 all-time best rap songs. I say no. Max says yes. So I proceed to introduce him to Mr. Shakur and “Hit ‘em up” claiming that that’s what rap should sound like and that it might even be No. 1. 8:41 p.m. Enter our first Cracker Barrel experience, complete with the first disapproving looks by some FSU-clad customers. 8:42 p.m. Chris proclaims that he might eat breakfast the rest of the weekend. He may be on to something. 8:44 p.m. We all order breakfast. 9:24 p.m. Back on the road and the first gun shop billboard in sight. Florida – the more
18 Distraction Sports
north you go, the more south it gets. 10:45 p.m. Torrential downpour and lightning. A storm is coming. That’s a good omen for tomorrow, right? I like to think so. 10:46 p.m. There is an 87 percent chance our car was just struck by lightning. This trip is starting to feel like Homer’s Odyssey. 10:50 p.m. Violent rain showers start. I’ve never experienced this kind of weather engulf our car. Andi: “I can’t see anything.” Never something you want to hear the driver say.
SATURDAY 12:14 a.m. Against the will of the gods, we do finally make it to Tallahassee and proceed to collapse on our Best Western beds while I try not to picture how many sweaty truckers have slept here before us. Good night world. 6:03 a.m. Waking up at six in the morning is never fun. But it’s especially rough when the room temperature is comparable to a frozen Tundra. The question of how cold/warm the room should be is the root of 99 percent of roommate feuds. 6:07 a.m. Of four college kids in their early-20s not one brought toothpaste. Talk about fueling the stereotype.
6:15 a.m. As we walk to breakfast, an FSU fan asks us if we’re suicidal. We’re dressed head to toe in orange and green. Might as well be.
7:03 a.m. We arrive at GameDay. There is no feeling like walking through enemy territory in the pitch black and then being surrounded by a sea of garnet and gold. It’s a mixture of chestpuffing defiance and sheer terror. 8:42 a.m. Lots of country music. I mean A LOT. 8:47 a.m. A solid hour of hearing the chop and we’re already close to blowing our brains out. 9:00 a.m. Here. We. Go. ESPN College GameDay finally starts. 9:10 a.m. Chris is making us very unpopular with the locals with repeated digs at FSU. We may get killed today. 9:15 a.m. After more than two hours of waiting and 15 minutes of actual broadcast, we’ve had enough of GameDay. We decide to instead explore the campus. 9:27 a.m. I urge everyone who plans on attending an away game to venture into the home team’s souvenir shop. Customers and employees alike stared at us like we were zombies. It’s quite an experience. Bonus points for asking where the UM section is.
The spectacle that is ESPN’s College GameDay consists mainly of waiting.
“A PERFECT STORM OF TWO UNBEATEN TEAMS...”
E CHRONICLES 9:43 a.m. Chris is hammered. I am not quite sure how it happened but this should be good. 10:26 a.m. Chick-fil-A. Ten bucks for four meals. Andi is in heaven. 10:45 a.m. Buying beer at Target turns into a 10-minute discussion of whether a cold Key Stone Light 12-pack is better than a 24-pack of warm PBR for the same price. We get both. 11:05 a.m. Our next stop: a sports bar called BJ’s. As an opposing fan in a college town like Tally you really feel like the main attraction wherever you go. Everyone has a comment. Everyone feels the need to give you his or her two cents – both good and bad. And all of it is awesome. 4:10 p.m. After a much-needed nap we make our way to the stadium and are now tailgating on top of a parking garage. Welcome to Tallahassee, ladies and gentlemen! 6:03 p.m. The last two hours featured some fierce games of cornhole, delicious shish kebabs and smooth tequila shots. All courtesy of Virgil, a UM alum from the 80s who took us in like lost puppies and once again proved that it’s a Canes family, not a nation. 7:26 p.m. After navigating through hordes of FSU fans we arrive at our seats. One look around me almost takes my breath away. This is unreal. I can’t believe I’m here.
8:12 p.m. It’s pretty intimidating to see a whole stadium do the war chop. I can only imagine the butterflies the players must feel. 8:30 p.m. FSU’s first touchdown. It’s like letting air out of a balloon. My fellow Canes and I are deflated. 8:39 p.m. Have you ever stood next to a Boeing 747 when it takes off? That’s how loud it is. 8:56 p.m. Allen Hurns catches a beautifully thrown Stephen Morris pass for a touchdown. 7-7. Pure bliss. Voice gone. 9:47 p.m. The Canes score again to cut the deficit to 21-14. Halftime. Believe. 10:39 p.m. FSU 35 – UM 14. So much for believing. At this point I think my hands have attached themselves to my hips. Total disbelief. Not just because of the score, but because I forgot how much this can hurt. 10:53 p.m. It’s the start of the fourth quarter, the Canes are down by 21 and yet, I can’t stop thinking about some miracle happening. 10:59 p.m. Morris throws a pick. I feel empty. My face is now buried in my hands.
A record number of 267 people were ejected from the FSU v. UM game at Florida State’s Doak Campbell Stadium.
11:02 p.m. I’m sitting down for the first time. It’s the unofficial white flag. 11:08 p.m. As the Canes are hopelessly overmatched (Damn you, LeBatard!) and trail the Seminoles by 24, Max goes: “We’re going to beat them in the ACC championship.” The endless optimist. 11:14 p.m. We left. I never leave games early, but this was too much. I have yet to see Miami beat Florida State in my time at UM. I am 0 for 4. The thought alone makes me sick. But no time for sulking. Not yet. First we have to take the walk of shame back to our car – head down, no one speaking a word. We’re not even retaliating as FSU fans taunt us. We are broken.
SUNDAY 12:02 a.m. We get back to the hotel. I sink down on the couch, close my eyes and try to soothe my pounding headache. Maybe even forget this ever happened. 9:18 a.m. “Rise and shine,” Max and Chris drone. For a second everything is okay. Then I
remember what happened. Ugh.
9:24 a.m. Max tells me that Duke is out for the season with a broken ankle. Sometimes the sports gods think it’s funny to kick you when you’re down. 11:52 a.m. We’re back on the road again and take our first meal of the day at Ker’s Winghouse near Gainesville. Andi is so enchanted by the drop-dead gorgeous waitress that it took him a solid five seconds to decide whether he wanted more water. It goes without saying that the clientele of this place is mostly male. 6:26 p.m. Finally, the last leg of our trip includes some napping, a few driving substitutions and some liberal interpretations of the speed limits. Then, over 48 hours after we left – home at last. The pain of the loss has still not completely left my body. But it is slowly being replaced by a feeling that one can best equate with hope. Maybe Max is right. Maybe we’ll have our revenge in the ACC championship game. After all, I can’t go 0 for 5. I just can’t. The Sports Issue
Distraction 19
Who says feminine can’t be bold and tough? Chunky accessories and bold shapes make all the difference when putting together a killer outfit. So strap on your highest heels, put on a brave face and assume your position as a reigning champion in style. photo_karli evans. style_gabrielle mottaz. style assistants_ allison baer and marissa bell. model_marika abe. hair & makeup_lucia abuin. design_gabrielle mottaz.
20 Distraction Fashion
On Marika: Bralette; Lush, The Dressing Room. Pants; American Apparel; American Apparel Stores. Necklaces; Nordstrom, Nordstrom Stores. Boots; Timberland, Model’s Own. The Sports Issue
Distraction 21
On Marika: Top; Nordstrom, Nordstrom Stores. Leggings; Olivaceou, The Dressing Room. Spiked Necklace; Monc Boutique. Long Chain; Nordstrom, Nordstrom Stores. Boots; Timberland, Model’s Own.
22 Distraction Fashion
On Marika: Top; Rehab, Monc Boutique. Shorts; SCD, The Dressing Room. Necklace; Monc Boutique. Booties; Victoria’s Secret. The Sports Issue
Distraction 23
On Marika: Top; Rehab, Monc Boutique. Shorts; Mink Pink, Nasty Gal. Boots; Victoria’s Secret.
24 Distraction Fashion
On Marika: Bralette; American Apparel, American Apparel Stores. Pants; Hot and Delicious, Monc Boutique. Necklace; Nordstrom, Nordstrom Stores.
The Sports Issue
Distraction 25
words_vivian braga. design_gabrielle mottaz. illustration_claudia fernades hernandez. If you’re passionate about fashion, chances are you have already downloaded a few fashion related apps for your phone. It seems as though every day a new shopping app is launched into the digital fashion market. Nowadays, with a mere touch of your fingertips you have access to an entire new wardrobe (even if it’s just during your lunch break). Through these apps you’re able to view new trends and products but also have access to sales, special discounts and reviews. Although many argue that nothing can replace trying on an outfit and standing in front of the fitting room mirror, app shopping is an asset to girls who don’t have time to go to the mall. Plus, we spend most of our times on our phones anyway. (It takes time to figure out exactly what to wear!) The best part is that many of these apps offer varied options: purchase items through your phone, call the product’s store, reserve them for same-day pick up and even help track products down online at nearby stores using the phone’s GPS . “I wasn’t a big online shopper until I downloaded Nordstrom’s app for my phone,” freshman Stephanie Valente said. “I found it so practical to browse through my favorite store anywhere and not have to actually go there.” Shopping apps are great for buying products and selling them. Many of these apps have the option to photograph items that were abandoned in your closet for the last decade and put them on sale online. That way, you can even gain a little money to upgrade with a trendy new outfit. Most of the apps do not charge shipping for purchases above a certain price and offer no tax and exclusive sales and promotions to its users. Some might even say it’s becoming a better deal than actually scouring the sale racks at stores. This fashionable innovation has been a
26 Distraction Fashion
at your
app for that
words_gabrielle mottaz.
great resource not only for style inspiration, but to also create a unique experience with the swipe of a finger. Besides the infinite shopping capabilities, these apps can incorporate your own clothes with their items on sale and give you access to your favorite high fashion catalogs. Whenever you’re busy, these apps have you covered for your next shopping trip!
Never let your location hinder your shopping addiction. Take style to-go with these fashion apps. All you need is a smart phone and some internet connection. APP: Chic Feed COST: Free. Features: Chic Feed takes all of your favorite fashion bloggers in one trendy app. Browse the lookbooks of these fashion gurus and share via Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. APP: Rue La La COST: Free. Features: Rue La La started as a website that offers exclusive sales that expire in 24 hours. With the new app members have access to limited time sales anytime APP: Shop Style COST: Free. Features: Shop Style gives us the ultimate guide to online shopping. Browse by trend, shop the latest sales and save your favorite for later. For a shop-a-holic this app is the ultimate guide to the world wide web. APP: Gilt COST: Free. Features: Gilt has secured its place as the number one designer discount app. Use it to shop their limited time sales on the go. Users are even granted access to “mobile only” sales. APP: The Fancy COST: Free. Features: This app opens the door to a new world full of cutting edge gadgets, interesting knick knacks and (of course) clothes and accessories to die for. Think of it like the Pinterest of all things trendy.
ON THE words & design_gabrielle mottaz. photo_karli evans. design_gabrielle mottaz.
Whether its combat boots or suede loafers, University of Miami students always put their best foot forward. Catch up with a few of this season’s best dressed students and see what they have to say about personal style, fashion and despicable trends. Natalia Ramirez Freshman, Mechanical Engineering An all black get-up is always a chic option. Natalia’s NY&Company slacks paired with an American Apparel leotard have a sophisticated, yet classy look. Adding a print to the outfit gives it a more playful feel, and her DSW boots are perfect for the fall. This fall, try adding a twist to your most basic outfit with great accessories.
Natalie Goenaga Senior, Broadcast Journalism Natalie is dressed to impress in a chic layered ensemble. She sports a blouse from Topshop, long Nordstrom vest, bold House of Harlow pendant, Zara shorts and Topshop boots. This trendsetter finishes it off with a pair of Ray Ban aviators. Layer a long vest or sweater over shorts for a fall look suitable for hot weather.
Stephany Leal Junior, International Studies Vintage pieces are always a great way to spice up an outfit. Stephany loves to rock this skirt that her Mom passed down to her. She pairs it with a “Double Zero” flowy top, an Anthropology scarf, and a pair of biker boots she got from Nordstrom. She says her least favorite trend is the high-low skirt but she is always open to trying new things when it comes to fashion.
Pamela Yinda Junior, Electronic Media When asked what her favorite item in her closet is, Pamela said her gold chains. Here she pairs her prized possessions with an edgy Calvin Klein vest and a pair of comfy Top Shop leggings. Her look is tough but her lace top gives it a soft feminine touch.
The Sports Issue
Distraction 27
THE
OF THE GABLES words_kristen spillane. photo_rori kotch & zach beeker. design_megan mccrink.
A duke is defined as a male holding the highest hereditary title or as fists raised in fighting attitude. Wether the definition had something to do with it or not, a better name could not have been given to the University of Miami running back Duke Johnson. A hometown superstar and one of the best recruits of all time, Johnson is the epitome of a Miami Hurricane.
28 Distraction Main Event
Duke Johnson runs drills before the game against Wake Forest University. The Sports Issue
Distraction 29
Duke Johnson dodges Wake Forest’s Interline Backer Mike Olson and runs towards the Miami end zone. Johnson is known for his dynamic cutting abilities while running.
T
hrough the iconic smoke runs number eight. His compact 5’9,” 196-pound frame of muscle is an opponent’s worst enemy and a linebacker’s nightmare. He’s a hometown hero who takes the main stage at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The eight ball tattooed on his shoulder and number on his back allude to the game of pool where the eight ball represents the last man standing. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Duke Johnson. Born with the gift of athleticism, Johnson was named after his late father Randy Johnson Sr. and was nicknamed “Duke” after his maternal grandfather, William Howard “Duke” Coleman. When his father lost his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), his mother Cassandra Mitchell became the then 14-year-old’s biggest fan. From a fun, lively kid, grew a talented athlete through the local youth football program. “My first position was as a linebacker,” said Johnson. “Then one game, my team needed a touchdown at the end of the game. My coach put me in on offense to run a reverse and I scored. And ever since then, I’ve been a running back. Duke the running back!”
High School Duke Johnson, runningback, and Coach Al Golden talk over a play during practice before the game. Johnson and Golden planned each play of the game carefully.
30 Distraction Main Event
‘Duke the Running Back’ found his superstar stride at Miami Norland High School and led the team to a 14-0 finish and state Class 5A championship in 2011 while earning national attention. Johnson was ranked as
the No. 1 and No. 5 running back prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com—a few of the nation’s major high school recruiting sites-respectively But what caught the attention of then Norland running back coach Tim Everson was not Johnson’s blinding speed and athletic agility. “I first met Duke Johnson, he was in the 10th grade, and from that point we just built a bond,” Everson said. “And let me tell you something: he is a class-act kid. He is humble, he is ‘yes sir, no sir, no ma’am, yes ma’am.’ He is that kind of guy.” Johnson considers Everson the coach he has learned the most from and can always trust him to give an honest opinion, even when it’s not pretty. “I still have to hear his mouth after every game about what I did wrong and what I could have done better,” Johnson laughed. “But I enjoy it a lot because I know I always have someone that’s not just going to pat me on my back but someone who’s going to tell me when I messed up and what I did wrong and what I could have done better.” When he heads into the locker room after a game, Johnson will have five or six text messages from his former coach waiting for him. “He gets my negatives before my positives,” Everson said. For example, Everson once sent something that read: “Hey man, none of the trash talking, get back to the huddle, that isn’t you.” Everson, the father of three daughters, considers Duke to be the son he never had. “Every weekend he’s here, and we don’t just talk about football, we talk about life in general,” Everson said. “I could talk about him all day, he is my inspiration,” Everson, “I’ve been doing this for 26 years, coaching, I have never seen a running back that I fell so much in love with, on and off
the field.” You’d think that being likened to NFL greats Chris Johnson and Willis McGahee, playing all twelve games as a true freshman for The U and having arguably the greatest freshman season in Miami’s history could get to your head. No sir, not this kid. The sophomore football star runs for touchdowns surrounded by a stadium-capacity crowd, but gets a little bashful when recognized at a restaurant. “What you see on the football field is what you see off the field,” Everson said. “I don’t think anyone’s seen him throw tantrums, or slam a helmet…those cameras are going to catch everything you do,” Everson added.
TEAM FIRST Johnson could easily adopt the diva persona that is all too common in today’s sports community. But even when the numbers prove his value, Johnson believes his greatest contribution to the team is far above himself. “Just make plays when the time comes, whatever the team needs at the moment,” Johnson said.
“The sophomore football star runs for touchdowns surrounded by a stadiumcapacity crowd, but gets a little bashful when recognized at a restaurant.” While Johnson did not come right out and say it, everyone senses his presence as a leader, beginning with his days at Norland High School. “When Duke talks, people listen,” Everson said. “He leads by example and everyone knows it.” Even off the field and out of uniform, Johnson is surrounded by his ‘Canes family. Johnson has a brotherly bond with the running back group from all the time they spend practicing together. Being a Miami Hurricane is no easy time commitment. Johnson shares a friendship and a dorm room with Ereck Flowers, his teammate and friend since high school. The only drawback to rooming with the 6’6” 315-pound offensive lineman? “It’s kind of hard to move around the room,” Johnson joked. He shoulders his share of team responsibility in the challenges of the group, never settling for less than the best. And through it all, he cherishes every minute.
RUNNINGBACKS Is Johnson on a path to join the greats? He’s got big shoes to fill. Here are some of NFL’s top running backs hailing from the U.
CHUCK FOREMAN: A five-time ProBowl player, Foreman was drafted in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft as the 12th pick by the Minnesota Vikings (1973–1979). He also played for the New England Patriots (1980). From 1970-72 at UM, Foreman played in 33 games recording 1,646 yards in 350 attempts, averaging 49.88 yards per game. Foreman was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.
OTTIS ANDERSON: Drafted in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft as the eighth pick by the St. Louis Cardinals (1979–1986), he also played for the New York Giants (1986– 1992). Anderson was selected to play in two ProBowls in his professional career. As a Hurricane (1975-78), Anderson recorded 3,331 total yards in 691 attempts with one touchdown in his 43 collegiate games. Anderson averaged 77.5 yards per game. Anderson was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of fame in 1990.
Edgerrin James: A four-time ProBowler, James was drafted in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft as the fourth pick by the Indianapolis Colts (1999–2005). James also played for the Arizona Cardinals (2006–2008) and the Seattle Seahawks (2009). From 1996-98 as a Miami Hurricane, James ran 2,960 yards in 28 games and scored 32 touchdowns in his name. James was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of fame in 2009.
CLINTON PORTIS: Drafted in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft as the 51st pick by the Denver Broncos (2002–2003), Portis also played for the Washington Redskins (2004-2010) and was named to two ProBowl teams. From 1999-2001 at Miami, Portis ran 2,523 yards, averaging 81.4 yards per game, and recorded 20 career touchdowns. “It’s exciting. It’s fun just doing it with the group of guys that I’m doing it with now,” Johnson said. “Everybody has the same mind set and the same goal and the same competitiveness. Everybody wants the best for each other, the team and for the program. So we go out there everyday and do what we have to do, we don’t really concern ourselves with things we can’t control, and we just work hard everyday.”
NUMBERS GAME As of the Wake Forest game, Johnson has accumulated 823 rushing yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry with six rushing touchdowns. After the Wake Forest match up on October 26th, Johnson became one of just 19 running
backs in the program’s history to surpass the 1,600-yard mark. With 169 rushing yards on a career-high 30 carries and two touchdowns in the game, Johnson passed Chuck Foreman, Don Bosseler and Warren Williams on the alltime rushing list to move to 16th of all-time. In his first season at UM as a true freshman, Johnson racked up the accolades. Johnson was named the 2012 special teams Player of the Year, ACC Freshman of the Year, ACC Overall and Offensive Rookie of the Year by reputable sources including the ACSMA, ACC coaches, and Sporting News. Johnson was among league and national greats as part of the 2012 All-ACC first team, Freshman All-America team and the 2012 AllAmerica second team. But Johnson has more on his mind than just the statistics and the records. As his The Sports Issue
Distraction 31
Duke Johnson underwent ankle surgery on Monday, November 11. Johnson was out for the rest of the 2013 season.
mentor stressed, football is only one part of the dynamic young man’s life. “I always tell him, my job is to make sure you get your college education. I don’t want anything from you except a degree that said you finished college. And what ever happens with sports, that’s fine. But you gotta have something to fall back on. That’s what we always talked about,” said Everson when Johnson visited his Miami Gardens home. Above all, Everson emphasizes the importance of service over self. “So you can always give back to the community, any way you can.” He shoulders his share of team responsibility in the challenges of the group, never settling for less than the best. And through it all, he cherishes every minute. “It’s exciting. It’s fun just doing it with the group of guys that I’m doing it with now,” Johnson said. “Everybody has the same mind set and the same goal and the same competitiveness. Everybody wants the best for each other, the team and for the program. So we go out there everyday and do what we have to do, we don’t really concern ourselves with things we can’t control, and we just work hard everyday.”
HEARTS ACHING, BONES BREAKING With possibilities abound, Johnson embodies the Hurricane mantra established by head coach Al Golden. Just take it one game at a time. Because, sometimes, that’s really all you can do. Hearts stopped across Hurricane nation when Johnson crumpled backwards on a rush attempt late in the third quarter of the 41-14 loss to Florida State. With each gut-wrenching replay, the sense of dread and realization grew deeper. Miami finally released the news that no one wanted to hear – Johnson would miss the remainder of the season with a broken ankle and undergo surgery. The No. 2 rusher in the ACC and fourthranked in the country in all-purpose yards would not return to the field in 2013. “He has a great personality, he’s resilient, and he’ll be back better than ever,” Golden said. Johnson is now recovering from his successful surgery. He expressed gratitude to his Twitter following of fans, family and friends: @DukeJohnson_8: “I really appreciate all the love and prayers that I received over the past week, Thank you I need every bit of it. “ In times of triumph, ability and talent can take you where you need to go. But it’s moments like these, when the true competitor and the will to succeed shine brighter than any learned skill. Like the tattooed reminder on his shoulder, the eight ball, Johnson will give it all he’s got until he is the last man standing.
32 Distraction Main Event
823
total yards
KICK
122
MOST TOTAL YARDS IN A SINGLE GAME
DUKE
total yards
in attempts
RETURNS
380 13 ON
JOHNSON's NICKNAME IS AFTER HIS GREAT GRANDFATHER, William HOWARD "DUKE" COLEMAN
JR 6
the initials on johnson's jersey that signify johnson's father's name, randy johnson Sr.
1 19 of
runningbacks in program history to surpass the 1,600 yard mark.
DUKE'S FULL NAME
2013 SEASON RANDY MICHAEL THADDEUS JOHNSON JR.
FOUR RECEPTIONS. 77 TOTAL RECEIVING YARDS.
RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS The Sports Issue
Distraction 33
34 Distraction Main Event
words_amanda wood. photo_rori kotch. design_kacie nelson.
The Sports Issue
Distraction 35
As the nation’s health continues to decline and the debate over national health care intensifies, sticking to healthy habits is more important and even more difficult than ever. Our obsession with oversized portions and fried foods has taken its toll. Obesity and heart disease rates have always been and continue to be at the top of the nation’s biggest problems. A major contributor to heart disease is obesity, which the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ) is now categorizing as an “epidemic” sweeping the nation. Although we have already seen the first decrease in obesity in recent years due to health movements like Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign that promotes health awareness for kids, it’s clear that we still need to change our eating habits. The irony is that most of us are completely aware of the risks of unhealthy eating. We’ve heard of the benefits, both physical and mental, that come from fueling up with wholesome foods. We understand that being mindful about health from a young age will significantly improve our lives in the long run. Yet every year, we seem to continuously struggle with the unlimited junk food available, the Freshman 15 and the ever-present battle between convenience, cost and nutrition. Why is eating healthy so difficult? The issue is multi-faceted with factors like cost and convenience playing key roles in the matter, especially for college students. As many processed foods are heavily subsidized, the prices of packaged and junk food tend to be lower than the prices of more nutritious choices. If that seems hard to believe, consider the average UM student’s weekly dilemma: Whole Foods or Publix? Ashley Falcon, assistant director of wellness at the Patti and Herbert Wellness Center, says these price differences can make it difficult to stay healthy. “Healthy products that you find in a Whole Foods or health stores are almost taking advantage of people trying to be healthy college because they come at a freshman gain premium,” she said. By simply walking about 5% of their body fat into a Whole Foods, we can see what Falcon means. (roughly 10 lbs.) Items like eggs and produce in their first cost 50 cents to a dollar more at Whole Foods and semester those higher costs can add up quickly. Many students, like senior Priya Partridge, have expressed frustration over trying to stay healthy while living within their means. “I do my best to eat healthy but honestly,
1/4
36 Distraction Main Event
THE TRUTH ABOUT SUGAR SUBSTITUTES SPLENDA
STEVIA
AGAVE
CORN SYRUP
Splenda, Stevia, agave, honey, cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup; you’ve probably heard the names. As high-sugar foods dwindled in popularity, companies have been quick to jump on the low-sugar bandwagon. Now companies have opted for sugar replacements in order to maintain signature flavors while catering to the low-sugar craze. Marketing on both sides of the sugar debate has created more confusion than ever around the substitutes, making it difficult to understand what to eat and what to avoid. Some substitutes undergo more processing than others. “Go with cane sugar or a raw sugar versus straight high fructose corn syrup.
Choosing the
least processed
substitute, like honey, is the way to go.
Sweeteners can actually make you crave sugar even more. When the ingredient is in everything you eat, your body can easily get accustomed to having it.
Aspartame [found in Splenda] breaks down into many components, one of which is
formaldehyde.
When in doubt, lower your consumption of all sweeteners, but if you’re going to have them, stick to the pure stuff like honey and pure cane sugar. Your body will thank you.
as a college student with a limited amount of time and budget, I don’t freak out if I slip up and eat some processed or fried foods,” Partridge said. Convenience is also a key factor in eating healthy since not every UM student has a car to go buy groceries on a whim. “Buying healthier options may not be easier or cheaper than stopping by a fast food restaurant to get a quick cheap meal,” junior Max Schlesinger said. “If you have a meal plan it’s so easy to go and pick the healthier options when you have everything in front of you. However, when you live off campus or don’t have a meal plan, it’s a bit tougher.” Amy Goodner is an exercise physiology major who lives off-campus. She has noticed a different challenge when trying to eat healthy on a budget. “It’s not necessarily that healthy food is more expensive but it goes bad faster than processed foods, so it’s harder to eat all of it and get all of your nutrients in a timely fashion,” she said.
Certainly one of the challenges of living away from home is cooking for one person. And when you can’t eat everything in the fridge before the expiration date, it’s easy to end up throwing away costly groceries. However, you don’t have to have a lot of free time and cash to make healthy choices. “Stick to the basics: if it’s easier to buy the mainstream products that are more affordable, then choose the healthiest option among them and control your portions as you’re eating them,” Falcon said. She also advises not to let healthy processed foods fill up your pantry simply because they’re sold at health food stores. “You have to ask yourself: Are they actually healthier than something less expensive?” Falcon said. “I think that you have to decide, ‘What am I aiming to get out of it?’ and ‘Is this really meeting my goal?’ People get frustrated and say ‘I spent two hours at the grocery store’ don’t even look at those [processed] products if they don’t meet whatever goals they set for themselves.”
One large apple contains approximately 116 calories, while an average granola bar contains 190-200 calories. Enter another issue in the quest for a healthy lifestyle: how much time do we really need to spend on eating healthy? How important is it to stick to guidelines like the ones described in “Project MyPlate,” a program run by the United States Department of Agriculture that helps families plan out meals. According to Falcon, the key is moderation. Though it’s important to be mindful about what you’re eating, calculating and recording every ounce of nutrients you consume isn’t realistic or even necessary. “Unless you’re an athlete or someone that has a health condition that requires you to crunch the numbers like that, there’s really no need for it,” Falcon advised. She also cautions that there has been an increase in anxiety over eating healthy as more people have become aware of their unhealthy habits and have tried to change. “As soon as people start obsessing over numbers, it becomes an unhealthy obsession, and we definitely do see that,” Falcon said. Students echoed Falcon’s strategy of mindful eating. Goodner insists that you don’t have to be a health nut to stay fit and be healthy in college. “I do think it [eating healthy] is important, but I think the more important philosophy is just to have everything in moderation,” Goodner said. “It’s still okay to go out with friends and enjoy a meal...eating healthy shouldn’t dominate your life.” Schlesinger agrees. He notes that even though phone apps like MyFitnessPal can be helpful in tracking your food intake, keeping a balanced diet doesn’t require tracking
nutritional values of every meal or snack. It’s clear that healthy eating is possible for students as long as it is approached mindfully. That doesn’t mean, however, that there won’t be challenges. To coin the old proverb: if it were easy, everyone would do it. Obstacles still appear in the form of late night study sessions, seasonal treats (oh, the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte) and product packages. Splurging is common among all age groups, but sometimes it seems like college offers opportunities to cheat your diet daily. Falcon understands that sometimes students give in to these diet derails. In fact, sometimes trying to suppress urges and cravings can actually do more harm than good. “I tell people, if you have a craving then satisfy your craving because if you don’t, you’re going to eat something else plus the craving,” Falcon said. She emphasizes that being honest with yourself and your goals is the best way to keep a balanced diet and an even more balanced outlook on eating. There are certainly limits to splurging (chocolate cake every day isn’t a good habit), but there’s no “golden rule” to eating healthy. Everyone is different and this is one of the main reasons that so many struggle with keeping a healthy diet. In the end, Falcon advises that you are the best judge of what is right for you. “While not ideal, splurging from time to time is not the end of the world as long as you are balancing yourself out, you’re okay with your weight and your health, and you’re not sabotaging your other goals. Then you’re going to be okay,” Falcon said.
She does warn us, however, that this judgment must be based on personal goals and feelings, not on advertising. As health food has grown in popularity, it seems like every company is picking up the health food persona. Case in point: 100-calorie snack packs. According to Falcon, often these snack packs are the same product packaged in smaller quantities. Food manufacturers know that people are trying to be healthier and they know that many use calories as an indicator of nutrition. Though useful, monitoring calories and other nutrition facts can be a misleading way to monitor your diet., Goner recalled a video that she watched in a nutrition class. In this video, a man went through his day eating strictly junk foods and fast foods. Though not an advisable eating plan, the man stayed within most of the recommended dietary guidelines, except perhaps for sodium and fat. “You can meet your recommended dietary allowance (RDA) requirements in different ways, but where are your requirements coming from?” Goner said.
“I tell people, if you have a craving then satisfy your craving, because if you don’t your going to eat something else plus the craving.”
The Sports Issue
Distraction 37
Instead of the chicken nuggets, try tuna tataki, a lighter and healthier option. If you think you’re not a victim of smart advertising, Falcon uses the example of PopTarts. One serving of Pop-Tarts contains 205 calories, 5 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. It’s not the healthiest choice but it won’t completely ruin your day. Now the question is how much is one serving? If you guessed that one package is one serving, you’ve been fooled. One serving is one Pop-Tart. So in a convenient Pop-Tart package, there are actually 410 calories, 10 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. This is the epitome of marketing in the food industry. The nutrition facts on the package are based on one serving of the food but there’s no limit to how many servings are in one package. It’s easy to get coaxed into eating two or more servings of your favorite splurge when the serving size is much smaller than expected. To combat the tricks in food marketing, Falcon suggests carefully reading serving sizes and nutrition facts and not letting the packaging or advertising determine how much you eat. Along these lines there are some new buzzwords being used in labeling industry that can make products appear more nutritious. Examples include organic, all natural, cholesterol free, gluten-free, and low fat. These terms are now being catalogued as part of the “health halo” effect: when people think what they’re eating is healthier, they will splurge
38 Distraction Main Event
on other foods or eat more of these so-called healthy products. “The health halo can also be a doubleedged sword in a sense…you have a lot of corporations that don’t change their products but change their packaging,” Falcon said. “They go for nice warm natural colors and say it’s ‘organic’ or ‘down-home’ or ‘natural.’ So we have all of these catch phrases that don’t mean much because they’re not really regulated. These terminologies aren’t policed to the extent that you can trust what they stand for and what they mean.” One of the most recent controversies revolving around these advertisement ploys is the Naked Juice lawsuit. Naked Juice customers who bought bottles of the beverage in the last six years are eligible for $75 in payments from a $9 million class action settlement after plaintiffs questioned the company’s claims of “100 percent juice,” “all natural” and other labeling. Naked Juice denied all allegations but settled the lawsuit and removed the label “All Natural” from its packages, proving that there is no detailed regulatory guidance on such ambiguous labels. So what’s the best way to see through the tricks? Read the ingredients. Typically ingredients are listed in order of abundance in the product. One of the easiest ways to keep track of what you’re eating is simply to look
at this list and figure out if those ingredients sound right to you. But if you don’t have the time or energy, an easy fix is to avoid processed foods as much as possible. Rather than picking a granola bar for a snack, have an apple or a handful of nuts instead. Substituting earthy, unprocessed foods for your usual choices is a great way to know exactly what’s going into your body. Overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Eating healthy is a balance of knowing what’s important to you and what’s good for you. It takes time to form healthy habits but there’s no reason to wait until after college to do so. A varied diet seems to be the consensus for the healthiest eating plan while understanding that moderation is also crucial. Splurging every now and then is okay, as long as you take responsibility for it. “To stay healthy,” Partridge says, “you have to keep it simple. Buy fresh produce once a week, stock up on fruit in the fridge to snack on, have colorful meals, keep some nuts on hand. And always have a backup PB&J!” Eating healthy is personal and means something different for everyone. So just like finding the major you love, the types of friends you click with and ultimately finding your identity in college, try finding a healthy lifestyle that is right for you as well.
TIPS FROM A HEALTH
PROFESSIONAL From Ashley Falcon Assistant Director of Wellness at the Patti and Allen Herbert Wellness Center
KEEP IT SIMPLE. Use whatever system works best for you but know how much of each food group you should be eating (roughly) and choose wholesome foods to fulfill these requirements. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins are plenty to keep you healthy.
CHOOSE A MOTTO. Just like Michael Pollan says, “Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” If that doesn’t work as a personal mantra, try something like “Made by a plant, not in a plant,” or ask yourself if your grandmother would recognize what you’re eating as real food.
STICK TO YOUR LIST. Know what you’re looking to accomplish by making a grocery list and following it. When you have a plan, it’s easier to bypass the processed foods that work against your health. Also, shop the perimeters of the store --that’s where most of the whole foods are displayed.
SET SMART GOALS. Simply saying, ‘I want to be healthier’ is really setting you up for failure. What exactly do you want to achieve? Tangible goals like wanting to eat three servings of vegetables every day or incorporating more whole grains make it easier to track your progress.
ADOPT THE WRITING DIET. If you’re just starting out, or looking to clean up your habits, start a food journal. It can be in print or on an app like MyFitnessPal, just be sure to log everything. Be honest with yourself and you’ll accomplish much more than trying to cheat your diet.
DON’T LET THE PACKAGE FOOL YOU. Eat what you want for your own personal needs and goals. Just because those cookies come in sleeves of eight, doesn’t mean you have to eat them all. The same goes with eating out: if your dinner entrée is going to fill you to the brim and ruin your night, ask for a to-go box.
READ ABOUT NUTRITION. Start following food blogs on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to healthy living magazines. Just be sure to check where your information is coming from. Realize that Cosmopolitan and Seventeen probably aren’t the best resource for nutritional advice.
READ LABELS. You don’t need to know the exact numbers, but understand what you’re eating. Reading the nutrition label is the easiest way to do this.
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK. If you’re really craving curly fries and you’ve weighed the pros and cons in terms of your diet, go for it. Splurging is part of life; just be sure to balance your indulgences with healthy foods or some exercise later on.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.
Everyone digests food differently, which is why healthy eating is so complicated. Try to focus on your personal goals as well as how your body feels when you eat certain foods. Your body might surprise you if you start listening. The Sports Issue
Distraction 39
INSIDE THE
HUDDLE
ANOTHER LOOK AT UM ATHLETICS words_patricia william. photo_rori kotch and melissa mallin. design_rachel watkins.
The athletic training program at the University of Miami takes students behind the scenes of our big sports teams. Along with a rigorous, nationally-recognized academic curriculum, students are also required to put their knowledge to the test by working with different facets of UM athletics throughout their college careers.
40 Distraction Main Event
ASHLEY
BARTOW JUNIOR
You think juggling your course load, extracurricular activities and social life is hard? Try adding a 60-minute morning commute from home, a part-time job at the Herbert Wellness Center and hours of working with UM athletes. For junior Ashley Bartow, this jam-packed schedule is just another day in her life as an athletic trainer for UM’s football, swimming and diving teams. Her day starts at 4:30 a.m. with a quick breakfast and long ride to campus. By 6 a.m., she’s setting up for an early morning football practice. Afterwards, she has class, swimming and diving practice and then ends with her shift at the Patti and Allen Herbert Wellness Center. She doesn’t get home until about 10 p.m. or later. “If I have time to eat, I will,” Bartow said half jokingly. As head lifeguard at the wellness center, Bartow was the obvious choice as an athletic trainer for UM’s swimming and diving team. “With football, [my job is] mostly hydration,” she said. “I like working with the swim and dive team because I am treating injuries that I learned about in class.” It’s this passion for helping athletes that keeps her motivated while having to work with two sports. “I don’t mind my busy schedule. We are all required to work with the football team, since it is such a large sport, and I really do enjoy working with the swim and dive team, as well.” Being able to balance her daily schedule comes at no small sacrifice. “My entire closet is in my car,” she said. “I have one bag for dirty clothes and one for clean. I keep all of my schoolbooks in a crate in my car because I wouldn’t have time to go home if I forgot something. It’s not your typical student life, but I make it work.” Her unwavering positive attitude comes from the experiences she’s had as an athletic trainer. “I love working one-on-one with our athletes. Their appreciation for what we do makes all of the long hours and lack of sleep worthwhile,” Bartow said. Because her life is mainly focused around her training , it is difficult to find time for herself. She isn’t able to see her non-athletic training friends often, but they schedule time for short visits to grab lunch or just to catch up. On the other hand, she said she sees her friends from the athletic training program more than she sees her own family. The tight-knit group of students has classes scheduled around team practices, so many of their classes are reserved for athletic training students only. Bartow’s student experience may not be typical, but it is definitely rewarding. “As a lifelong Miami fan, my first event as an athletic trainer was amazing,” she said. “Being able to see the other side is like living out a childhood dream.” The Sports Issue
Distraction 41
DANIEL
FOWLER SENIOR
No stranger to the hectic athletic trainer life, senior Daniel Fowler has worked with several different sports teams on campus in the past three years. As part of the program’s rotation, he currently works at Florida Christian, a local high school in Miami. “My schedule changes depending on the sport I’m assigned to,” he said. “But it is always very demanding.” Next semester, Fowler will be working with the men’s basketball team for all of their ACC games. This is not an assignment he is taking lightly. “I think there are a lot of high hopes for another successful season,” he explained. “Hopefully the players don’t feel too much pressure to live up to everyone’s expectations. If they overexert themselves, there’s a greater chance for injuries.” And yet, he hopes to spark a proactive energy and to lead by example. “We do have a great team, and everyone wants to keep positive attitudes,” he said. “I’m I get the looking forward to best seat in working with them and I will do my best to the house up with the good at sporting keep example set by last events. Its year’s senior athletic training students.” also cool Fowler looks at to be able his training experience as a big step towards to get to his future. This know the summer, he was given athletes on the opportunity to intern with the Miami a different Dolphins football level. team. The unique set of skills he learned in his classes and from working with various UM teams, as well as the experiences he had while working with UM’s athletic training program, helped him land that exciting opportunity. Fowler will continue to work with the Dolphins over winter break. After graduation, he wants to either continue working as an intern for another year or begin working as a
42 Distraction Main Event
certified athletic trainer. “I like my major because it’s completely different from anything else on campus,” he said. “The combination of classroom and hands-on clinical learning is preparing me to work professionally right after graduation.” His dedication to his future career, however, leaves little time for anything else. As a brother of Pi Kappa Phi, he spends what is left of his free time at fraternity events or just hanging out with his brothers. It’s not all work and no play, though. An avid sports fan, Fowler enjoys his time spent at practices and games. “I get the best seat in the house at sporting events,” he said. “It’s also cool to be able to get to know the athletes on a different level [than most people].” Fowler has worked with countless UM
athletes and said that they really are just like everyone else. “Students should take the initiative to talk to the players,” he said. “As cool as you think it would be for an athlete to say hi to you in public, athletes would feel the same way if we ‘normal students’ were to do the same.” He said one of his favorite memories comes from his time working with UM’s football team. “Sometimes Stephen Morris would make me wear his hat on the sideline,” Fowler said. “When he was in a rush going in to play, he’d throw it to me for safekeeping. And it’s exciting getting a million texts from my friends and family saying they saw me on TV.” We won’t be surprised to see Fowler on TV at professional sports games in the future.
ALANNA
PHILLIPS JUNIOR
“One learning experience after another” is the best way to describe junior Alanna Phillips’ time as an athletic training major. “The whole program is based on hands-on experience,” she explained. “What we learn in the classroom can be put to the test the very next day.” This semester, Phillips is working with the women’s soccer team at their practices and games. Her main responsibilities include keeping the athletes hydrated and treating injuries that occur on the field. She explained how athletic trainers must develop quick-thinking skills in time of emergency. The trainers re-certify in CPR every semester and regularly practice emergency action plans. “It is one thing to read a chapter in a textbook about a serious injury, but when The whole it is actually happening right in front of you, program is it is a whole other based on story,” she said. “Our hands-on clinical experiences experience, allow us to develop the necessary skills What we to become successful learn in the athletic trainers in the real world.” classroom Phillips describes can be put the athletic training program as a “peopleto the test person” major. She the very pointed out how next day. important it is to establish a strong bond with the athletes in order to gain their trust. “College athletes take their sport very seriously,” she explained. “Their lives basically revolve around athletics; most of them want to go pro. It’s important that they know we [the trainers] are going to take good care of them” Working closely with UM’s athletes has shown Phillips the more personal side to the university’s superstars. According to her, the athletes are just normal people who happen to be incredibly good at sports. “I’ve gotten to know a lot of the players
through my work as their athletic trainer,” she said. “Some of them have superstitions that relate to how well they play. For example, there’s one soccer player who insists on taping her own leg. You pick up on the little quirks each athlete has and you learn to work with them.” However, there are limitations that come with getting to know the athletes. “The UM Athletic Department is very strict about our interactions with the athletes,” she said. “I’m not even allowed to staple papers for
them. The administration works really hard to ensure we are adhering to the compliance rules.” Phillips has learned many lessons from her training experiences. Within her hectic schedule, she has found a way to maintain a balance between the academic and social parts of her life. “If I want to go to the Grove the night before I have to wake up at 5 a.m. for soccer practice, I go,” she said. “I can go out as a college student, but I wake up as an adult.”
The Sports Issue
Distraction 43
“Tiger Woods. He’s the world’s best athlete in my opinion. I would love to play a round of golf with [him] sometime.” -Kyle Ditto, Sophomore
“Chris Anderson (Birdman) because I have a thing for tattoos.” -Veronica Lopez, Sophomore
“Fred Astaire. We would just dance and sing our hearts out. I would try and learn as much as possible from this legend.” -Liam Merkle, Sophomore
IF YOU COULD SPEND A DAY WITH A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE,
WHO WOULD IT BE &
WHAT WOULD YOU DO? photo_kristi townsend. design_rachel watkins.
Imagine you could spend an entire day with your favorite athlete. Would you challenge him to a one on one game? Or take her on a night out on the town? These students reveal what that perfect day would be like.
“Matt Kemp because I think he is really hot. We could hang out in LA, have dinner at the Santa Monica Pier and ride the ferris wheel.” -Marisa Gonzales, Sophomore 44 Distraction End Notes
“Dale Earnheart Jr. He seems down to earth and a good guy to have a beer with.” -Michael Monteleone, Sophomore
“Lebron James He seems like a funny person. We could go to a University of Miami basketball game together.” -Christine Baez, Sophomore
Got Ideas? Graphics
Pictures
Words
WE’VE GOT PAPER...AND A WEBSITE....AND TWITTER...AND INSTAGRAM...AND FACEBOOK...YOU GET THE IDEA. SO WHETHER YOU’RE INTO
Sales WE’VE GOT THE MEDIUM FOR YOU.
Let’s Talk
l
@DISTRACTIONUM
EMAIL OUR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF IVANA CRUZ
@DISTRACTION UM
I.CRUZ3@UMIAMI.EDU
f DISTRACTION MAGAZINE
LET US KNOW HOW YOU WANT TO GET INVOLVED. The Sports Issue
Distraction
5
Got Ideas? Graphics
Pictures
Words
WE’VE GOT PAPER. AND A WEBSITE. AND TWITTER. AND INSTAGRAM. AND FACEBOOK. YOU GET THE IDEA. SO WHETHER YOU’RE INTO
Sales WE’VE GOT THE MEDIUM FOR YOU.
Let’s Talk
EMAIL OUR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF IVANA CRUZ AT I.CRUZ3@UMIAMI.EDU. LET US KNOW HOW YOU WANT TO GET INVOLVED.
f DISTRACTION MAGAZINE
l @DISTRACTIONUM
i @DISTRACTIONMAG The Sports Issue
Distraction
5