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tan cardinal
otterbein university wednesday, feb. 27, 2013 vol. 94, issue 18 www.otterbein360.com
Circle of light night light:
Students might see OtterDen worker Kevin Sears practicing poi during his breaks.
photo by kristen davis
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Tan & Cardinal
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t&c editorial staff
Lindsay Paulsen Katie Taggart Chelsea Coleman
Editor-in-Chief News Editor
Coordinating Editor Josh Park Arts & Entertainment Editor Tyler Dubiak Sports Editor Danielle Lanning Copy Editor Allie Colon Copy Editor Kristen Davis Photography Editor Stephanie Parker Sports Photographer Anna Schiffbauer Managing Editor Evan Matsumoto Web Editor Gena DiMattio Business Manager contributing staff Andrew Beers Sam DeMatteo Julia Robideau Jaylin Kennedy Buddheesha Pahathkumbura Lindsay Vilga contact us 614-823-1159 TCeditor@otterbein360.com Tan & Cardinal Otterbein University Westerville, OH 43081 advertising For advertising information, contact Gena DiMattio at 330-806-5093 or by email at sales@otterbein360.com
policies The views expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty and administration of Otterbein University. Opinions expressed in signed columns are those of the writer and not of the newspaper staff. Positions in unsigned editorials represent a consensus of the editorial staff. The first copy of the Tan & Cardinal is free to the public. Each additional copy is $0.50, and payment can be made at the office at 33 Collegeview, Westerville, OH 43081. Offenders will be prosecuted. The T&C staff would love to hear from you. Write a letter to the editor and tell us what you’re thinking. Letters to the editor are letters responding to a writer or an article published in the Tan & Cardinal. Please keep your letter to 300 words or less. It is at the discretion of the T&C staff as to whether or not the letter will be published. Letters attacking an individual will not be accepted. Letters must include the author’s first and last name, signature, phone number, address and affiliation to Otterbein University.
editorial Staff investigates internship policies
wednesday, feb. 27, 2013
Federal laws and university policies create disadvantages for students seeking internships The Problem
The post-graduation job market is a competitive environment, forcing students to fight for internships that might provide them with an experience to give them the extra edge in the professional world. Internships are arguably a seller’s market, leaving students to take advantage of whatever opportunities they are offered, whether they be paid or unpaid. In 2010, Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act to regulate the conditions in which individuals working at for-profit establishments can work for free. This act states that an internship can be unpaid if it fits certain criteria, one of which is if the internship is for “the benefit of the intern.” This phrasing is ambiguous and can be problematic because it leaves much room for individual interpretation and manipulation. The problem lies not only in the federal law, but also in the respect that Otterbein requires students who hope to receive course credit for internships to pay as much as $550 per credit hour. For several majors, taking an internship for course credit is a requirement for graduation. Adding extra expenses to internships, that are either unpaid or require students to shell out additional travel or living expenses, places
unnecessary financial strain on the student and possibly their family. Additionally, students who have the option to choose between paid or unpaid internship opportunities might be forced to make decisions based upon financial benefits, rather than the quality of the learning experience in itself, which defeats the initial purpose of an internship.
Our Opinion
As a staff, one of our primary concerns lies with the vagueness of the current law. The phrasing, as it stands now, allows employers to modify the conditions of the internship to fit their needs. If the purpose of the FLSA was to ensure that interns were not simply providing free labor, how can it achieve this goal without addressing specific ways in which an intern must be compensated? It seems as though “for the benefit of the intern” could be twisted into non-field related tasks that could hardly be justified as “beneficial.” Isn’t the primary objective of most of our internships for the benefit of the student? Therefore, wouldn’t that make the majority of our internships exempt from pay, according to the FLSA? Choosing between paid or unpaid internships poses a
problem for students who are not financially flexible. A student who can not afford to pass up a paid position might be forced to take an opportunity that offers financial benefit over learning experience. If the purpose of an internship is to gain learning experience, why should that be something that is sacrificed in the name of money? Another staff concern lies with the current course credit fees attached to internships. Regardless of whether Otterbein faculty had any involvement with a student’s internship, students must pay the university to provide potentially free labor to a third party. Why should students have to pay an institution that might not have played any role in their internship experience? Fees related to earning course credit, in addition to possible travel fees or living expenses that might result from out-of-area internships, could be a deterrent for students seeking the ideal work experience.
Our Solution
We believe that modifying the federal law to more clearly define the criteria that constitutes an unpaid internship would offer a large scale solution to the problem. Right now, the law is so vague that it can be broadly interpreted to fit a variety of employers’ intentions. There could
be a more clear definition of what the term “for the benefit of the intern” means and what types of compensation, either experience based or financially based, are considered “beneficial.” In regards to Otterbein’s treatment of internships as course credit, we believe that the university should not charge students for course credits relating to internships. Charging for internship credit discourages students from participating in as many internships as possible. An educational institution such as Otterbein should be rewarding students for seeking professional experience in the real world. Within the context of the Five Cardinal Experiences, the Otterbein website states that “internships and other types of professional experience have increasingly become an integral part of the higher education experience.” The university clearly emphasizes the role of internships as part of a well-rounded college experience that prepares students for life after graduation. However, the current treatment of internship credit seems to be a hindrance to the very same values that the university impresses upon students. this editorial is a general consensus of the views and opinions of the tan & cardinal staff.
Check out Otterbein360 for upcoming action from the first round of the women’s NCAA tournament.
news
vol. 94, issue 18
www.otterbein360.com
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Survey shows unpaid internships remain prevalent Unpaid internships can provide students with experience they need but not always with the compensation they want By Buddheesha PahathkumBura Staff Writer
The National Association of Colleges and Employers compiled data for 2012 that indicates 51.3 percent of 11,000 students surveyed completed an unpaid internship, while 48.7 percent completed a paid internship Ashley Strausser, the internship coordinator of the Center for Career and Professional Development, said that unpaid internships are typically found in non-profit organizations or government sectors. Unpaid internships could also be prevalent in other areas due to limitations in budgets of companies and organizations. “When employers contact us and are inquiring about paid versus unpaid, we really stress that it is important for them to offer paid opportunities,” Strausser said. “We recognize that not all of them can.” In April 2010, the Department of Labor created parameters for what conditions permit an unpaid internship. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, an internship can be unpaid if: the employer makes the work similar to training; the
hard at work:
internship benefits the intern; the experience and a great learning intern is not replacing but works opportunity. under a staff member; the comStudents should talk with popany does not receive immediate tential employers about flexibility advantages from the internship; in work hours so that working the intern is part time benot entitled to comes an option. a job after the thinkWhen employers con- ing “It’s internship; and about more the employer tact us and are inquir- creative ways and intern unthat you might derstand that ing about paid versus still be able to the intern is complete that unnot entitled to unpaid, we really paid internship,” compensation. Strausser said. stress that it is imporOf the The NACE internships survey indicates that have been tant for them to offer that more than posted this 80 percent of year to Otter- paid opportunities. We employers who bein’s Cardinal to the recognize that not all responded Careers site, survey said that approximately they will offer of them can. 60 percent some sort of of them have benefits for their been paid interns. Ashley Strausser internships, These benefits while remain- internship coordinator of include planned ing 40 percent social activities remain unpaid. the center for career and and recognition According for service time. professional development to Strausser, Sarah Valero, a paid interna senior intership would be ideal, but students national studies major who is should not skip over unpaid currently interning at the United internships because they might Nations Columbus chapter said, be missing out on a quality “With it being the United Na-
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photo provided by sarah valero
Sarah Valero keeps things on track at her internship at the United Nations in Columbus.
tions, I know it’s for non-profit, so it’s kind of half and half. I do want to be paid, but I don’t mind that it’s unpaid.” Valero will be staying at the United Nations for a year after graduation with the help of a part-time job to support her. “The experience goes well beyond it being unpaid,” she said. Casey Buckler, a senior psychology major said, “I think unpaid (internships) are especially valuable earlier in a student’s career.” However, Jordan Ferguson, a sophomore marketing major said, “I feel like if I am using so
much of my time there I at least need to get paid so even if it’s not very much, I could still pay for gas when I am going there, and (also) because I could be working a day job but I need to do my internship too.”
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Editor’s Note
In the last issue of the T&C, Ryan Brechbill was incorrectly identified as the director of Student Success. He is the director of the Center for Career and Professional Development.
news 4 More students expected to enter college with credits
wednesday, feb. 27, 2013
Tan & Cardinal
Students taking advanced classes in high school could translate to less prerequisites and possible early graduation Otterbein. This year, Cimperman has taken three courses including esOtterbein is one of many col- says across genres, web producleges in central Ohio that already tion and psychology. At her high offers college credit for specific school, Cimperman is taking AP programs completed in high chemistry and physics courses. school, but participation in these If she passes both AP coursprograms is expected to rise in es, she may only need to spend the next few years. three years in college, since the Along with Harrison College AP credits will cover her beand Capital University, students ginning chemistry and physics at Otterbein are able to transfer courses. credits they earned “It is in high school into rare that college credit hours. I’ll get in whatever students Many of the graduate college experience I credits transferred early, but are college-level we’ve seen courses that replace need to and is meant it done,” the need for a Gloege for me. similar class to be said. taken at Otterbein, Accordsuch as Advanced ing to the Placement or Post- McKenna Cimperman Registrar’s Secondary Enrolloffice, an senior, Westerville North ment Option. average of PSEO is an op80 to 100 tion for high school students students to take college courses come to Otterbein each year with at a local college and the courses credits already earned. can count as both high school The AP credits that students and college credit. bring from high school include “We’re definitely going to see foreign language, math, literaPSEO growing over the next ture and history. One advantage few years,” said Cheryl Gloege, a is that students are able to skip faculty member in the Registrar’s many prerequisites that Otteroffice. bein requires. McKenna Cimperman, a “I took AP calculus in high senior at Westerville North, is school,” said Jennifer Davis, a taking classes through PSEO at junior art major. By Sam Dematteo Staff Writer
2/18
A report of public indecency was reported at Garst Hall.
2/20
There was a drug possession charge at Clements Hall.
2/22
Criminal mischief was reported at the Service Department.
Center St.
Sunset Dr.
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With students being able to skip courses, prerequisites or even graduate early due to AP or the growing PSEO credits, some people wonder if the students feel as though they will not receive the full college experience. “I’ll get in whatever college experience I need to and is meant for me,” Cimperman said.
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Garst Hall
. W. Home St
2 Clements Hall y Cochran Alle
ve College A
Knox St.
Grove St.
. W. Main St
W. Plum St.
Knox St.
Park St.
Service Department 3
information compiled by katie taggart
St. State
According to the Otterbein University Police Daily Crime Log, the following has been reported from Feb. 18 to 22.
five is needed in order to receive the credit as college hours. If a three is received, the student is proclaimed as “proficient,” and is able to skip only certain prerequisites. “I got a four on my AP literature exam my senior year,” said Ashley May, a freshman nursing major at Harrison College. “So when I came to Harrison, I already had a couple credit hours.”
graphic by kristen davis
“I’m not entirely sure how the credits transferred over when I came to Otterbein,” she said. “All I know is that I didn’t need a prerequisite for the math course required to graduate.” After taking the final AP exam at the end of the course, AP services sends the scores to any college the student has listed as options. For all AP courses, a four or a
University St.
1. 2. 3.
graphic by kristen davis
N. West St.
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CRIME LOG
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Africa Rd.
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vol. 94, issue 18
arts & entertainment
Swinging lights brighten nights
www.otterbein360.com
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OtterDen worker practices unique hobby By Julia RoBideau Staff Writer
Lines and circles of glowing blue, green and red streak in the night in front of the OtterDen. These swinging lights of varying shapes glow in the darkness, capturing the attention of passing students. What are those lights? Who is that guy swinging them? When you walk into the OtterDen, behind the counter Kevin Sears flips a burger or tosses a salad. He is in the typical uniform, black pants and a white work shirt. However, on his break he zips up his hoodie and pops in his earbuds. With the music playing, he swings his arms, and the lights travel with him. This artistic display, Sears’ hobby, is called poi. According to homeofpoi. com, poi originates from the Maori Tribe in New Zealand where it is still practiced among cultural tribes today. There are many different props used to perform it. Performers in New Zealand often use fire, but in modern poi, the performer uses lights. Modern poi is performed by taking two lights on stretchy tethers and juggling and manipulating them in a way so the lights make shapes likes circles, flowers and even butterflies. But the kicker is to not get the tethers tangled or caught on any part of the body. Instead of fire or lights, Sears started out using tennis balls in a long sock. About a year ago, Sears started doing poi one night at a party when someone handed him the apparatus and told him to try. “(One of my girlfriend’s friends) handed me some lights and said, ‘Hey, play with these for a minute,’ and six hours later I was still spinning them,” Sears said. He continued to play around with it, and to his delight, he was good. His friends encouraged him to keep trying new tricks, and it quickly became his hobby.
Sears said that when first trying poi, you hit yourself a lot. But that didn’t stop him from making it his hobby and practicing at least four hours every day. Sears hails from San Diego, Calif.. He left home at the age of 16, finished high school and then decided to try his hand at art school. But when financial aid fell through, he was at a loss until an acquaintance heard about his situation and sent him a Greyhound ticket. He’s been in Columbus since 2005 working in culinary arts. Despite all of the hardships, Sears kept a positive attitude and is still an outgoing, optimistic person. He is delighted that his poi performances are appreciated. “I’m really glad people are interested in what I do,” Sears said. “It’s really a good feeling that people are talking about it, especially because it’s something that is so easy to get into. … Everyone is really encouraging.” Sears said he’s glad people appreciate his performance because that’s why he does it. “It’s performance art,” Sears said. “You do it so people can enjoy it.” Whether he wanted the lights to draw attention or not, it caught the eyes of Otterbein students whenever he performed. “It looks super cool,” said Rachel Kerr, a freshman public accounting major. “It’s just really random, and no one knows why he’s doing it. I think people don’t want to be awkward and strike up a conversation as to what he’s doing, but they’re curious for sure.” When you watch Sears perform, you’ll notice he has headphones on. Sears said he listens to electronic dance music because of its repetitiveness, beats and wackiness. He said he is proud of his skill. He wants to continue doing poi and learn new tricks. “Every few weeks, I feel like I get to a new level of understanding it,” Sears said. “It’s one of
photo by kristen davis
the few hobbies I’ve actually kept going for some time and it’s so much fun.” While poi is a way to get through the work day, he said he enjoys cooking and working at the OtterDen. “I think people like the food I make,” he said. “My favorite thing to make are the specials sometimes (because) we change them often. … I try to make everything special in its own way.” Some specials were created because of Sears and his proposals to Bon Appetit for new food ideas. Sears proposed ideas that have been approved and will appear on the menu in the near future. However, these ideas cannot be revealed because they are confidential, according to Sears. He admits that he enjoys working in the Den as opposed to upstairs in the cafeteria because he gets to see people enjoy the food he makes. In the future, Sears said he would like to be a comedian, or maybe even multi-task as a poi performer and comedian. He said he’s hardly an expert in poi, but he will work to be better and continue spinning.
t&c
this place about to glow:
Kevin Sears swings lights attached by tethers during his breaks from working at the OtterDen.
With the best in music, sports and Otterbein!
Good luck to all the spring athletes starting their seasons!
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arts & entertainment
Tan & Cardinal
March
wednesday, feb. 27, 2013
12 3 56789 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 23 22 17 19 20 21 24 26 27 2930 31 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Campus Event
flickr/enrico webers
▪ Freshman Musical Theatre Ensemble, 7 p.m. in Riley Auditorium
flickr/chase_elliott
Music Releases
▪ “People, Hell & Angels” — Jimi Hendrix ▪ “Memphis” — Boz Scaggs
Campus Event
▪ Cash Cab: Launch
Event for the Campus Activities Board, 5-7 p.m. in the Cardinal’s Nest
▪ “After the Fall,” 2:30 p.m. at Cowan Hall
▪ Men’s tennis vs. New England University ▪ Women’s tennis vs. Lawrence University
St. Patrick’s Day
Spring break
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▪ “Old Sock” — Eric Clapton ▪ “What About Now” — Bon Jovi
▪ Baseball vs. Lasell, 10 a.m. ▪ Softball vs. Augsburg, 1 p.m. ▪ Women’s tennis vs. Calvin College
Music Releases
▪ “The 20/20 Experience” — Justin Timberlake
Video Game Releases
▪ “Gears of War: Judgment”
Spring break
Campus Event
Campus Event
▪ Baseball vs. Rio Grande, 4 p.m.
▪ Baseball vs. Knox, 10 a.m.
▪ “After the Fall,” 7:30 p.m. at Cowan Hall
Music Releases
▪ “Based On A True Story...” — Blake Shelton ▪ “Comedown Machine” — The Strokes
Campus Event
▪ Softball vs. Anderson, 11 a.m. ▪ Softball vs. Endicott, 1 p.m.
Still spring break
▪ “After the Fall,” 8 p.m. at Cowan Hall
Campus Event
Campus Event
▪ “Oz the Great and Powerful” ▪ “Dead Man Down”
Campus Event
Campus Event
▪ Softball vs. Wooster, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. ▪ Men’s lacrosse vs. Kenyon, 4 p.m. ▪ Women’s lacrosse at Kenyon, 5 p.m.
^
Share your information: Want to announce an event in the T&C? Just email us at tcedi-
tor@otterbein360.com, and we’ll put it in the monthly calendar. Send it to us by the 25th of the previous month. You can also submit events to the calendar on otterbein360.com.
Campus Event
Movie Releases
Campus Event
Yep, spring break
▪ Otterbein Love Song: Junior Caberet 2013, 8 p.m. in the Pit Theater ▪ Gospel Festival, 2:30 p.m. at Church of the Master
▪ “After the Fall,” 8 p.m. at Cowan Hall
Campus Event
▪ Softball vs. McDaniel, 11 a.m. ▪ Softball vs. Endicott, 1 p.m. ▪ Men’s and women’s tennis vs. University of the Ozarks
Campus Event
Campus Event
▪ “After the Fall,” 8 p.m. at Cowan Hall
▪ “After the Fall,” 8 p.m. at Cowan Hall
Music Releases
Campus Event
Campus Event
Campus Event
▪ Blood drive at 12 p.m. in the Campus Center
Campus Event
Campus Event
▪ Artist Alison Bechdel visits campus
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^
Campus Event
Campus Event
▪ OtterThon from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Campus Center ▪ Women’s and men’s track and field at Last Chance Meet Last day to drop class without grade
▪ Softball vs. Lake Forest, 1 p.m. ▪ Softball vs. AugsMovie Releases burg, 3 p.m. ▪ “The Incredible ▪ “After the Fall,” 8 Burt Wonderstone” p.m. at Cowan Hall ▪ “The Call”
▪ Baseball vs. Plymouth State, 10 a.m. ▪ Women’s tennis vs. Hamilton College
Spring break, don’t end Campus Event
▪ Softball vs. Mount Union, 1 p.m.
Movie Releases ▪ “The Host”
Good Friday — school/offices closed
Campus Event
▪ Baseball vs. Lasell, 9 a.m. ▪ Baseball vs. Knox, 12 p.m.
Campus Event
▪ Men’s lacrosse vs. Adrian, 2 p.m. ▪ Softball vs. Mount Union, 3 p.m. ▪ Women’s tennis vs. Mount Union, 3:30 p.m.
Information compiled by Josh Park. Information from amazon.com, imdb.com and otterbein.edu.
sports Athletes earn All-Ohio honors
www.otterbein360.com
vol. 94, issue 18
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Fairchild, Korpieski and Seesholtz make Div. III All-Ohio first team By Jaylin Kennedy Staff Writer
Junior Pat Seesholtz and seniors Anthony Korpieski and Trey Fairchild made the 2012 OhioCollegeFootball.com AllOhio DIII first team after an impressive 8-2 record last fall. With a big smile across his face one might find it difficult to believe that Pat Seesholtz could have a mean streak on the football field. “I’m never mad on the field,” Seesholtz said. “I just get a little crazy.” Along with making first team All-Ohio Seesholtz was also selected to the D3football.com All-America fourth team after recording 41 tackles and 11 sacks during last season. “Zack Grieves texted me and told me congratulations,” Seesholtz said. “I was completely shocked. I thought there were
two or three other people even in the OAC who could have gotten it.” Seesholtz credits most of his success to head football coach Tim Doup, who led the Cardinals to their first winning season since the 2010 season. “Coach Doup, he’s just amazing,” Seesholtz said. “He’s a father figure, a leader, a coach. I think that’s what the team lacked before: a sense of direction, motivation and leadership.” Seesholtz also earned AllOAC honors for his performance last fall. Korpieski, who also made first team All-Ohio, led the OAC last season with six interceptions, three of them returned for touchdowns. He also recorded 30 tackles last fall and finished his career as Otterbein’s all-time leader in interceptions with 14. Fairchild, the final member
of the trio to make first team All-Ohio, recorded 28 receptions, 430 yards receiving and four touchdowns after a season plagued by injury. Fairchild who was also an AllAmerican as a junior adds this honor to his long list of awards over his college career. “It’s a great honor to be compared to the best players in your sport at your level,” Fairchild said. Currently Fairchild is preparing for the NFL Regional Combine and is sticking to a strict routine for the event. “I usually wake up around nine o’clock and eat breakfast,” Fairchild said. “I go workout, come back home to rest for a little while, then go workout again.” So far, Fairchild has had contact with the Detroit Lions and numerous Canadian football league teams. t&c
one-handed grab:
photo by kristen davis
Fairchild jumps for a one-handed touchdown catch.
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sports
Tan & Cardinal
defensive stance:
wednesday, feb. 27, 2013
photo by stephanie parker
Day is currently seven points shy of breaking the 1,000 career point mark at Otterbein and may pass it in Friday’s matchup against the Scots of Maryville of Tenn.
Getting to know a Cardinal
Forward Hannah Day discusses basketball and memorable college moments By Lindsay ViLga Staff Writer
Senior Hannah Day walked onto the court going through her normal routine of stretching, shooting and chatting with her teammates before the OAC Championship game at Ohio Northern University. Even though the team lost to the Polar Bears of Ohio Northern, 73-46, on Saturday night in the OAC Championship, they received an at-large bid for the NCAA Division III tournament. The Cardinals will face the Scots of Maryville College from Tenn. on March 1. The time is still to be determined. Day, an allied health major, who plans to become a physical therapist after graduation, discussed the best moments of her college basketball career, her favorite foods on campus and a ritual she performed before every game. How do you feel about this being your final season? It is so crazy to believe that this is my last season. It has gone so quick and I have had so much fun and don’t want it to come to an end.
What advice would you give to the underclassmen of the team? The advice I would give the underclassman would be to soak it all up and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t take any time playing basketball for granted and make sure to have fun with it. What was the highlight of your senior season, individually? Individually, the highlight of my senior basketball season has been being able to play with all the seniors a final time at home on senior night and making it to the OAC championship game. What was the best moment for the team this season? For the team, it would have to be giving Coach her 300th win, getting the school’s second season in a row with 20 wins and making it to the OAC championship game. Are there any superstitions or rituals you follow during season or before games? Before each game, I always had Tabatha Piper braid my hair. What advice would you give to student athletes for success in and
out of a sport? Keep a calendar and write down everything you have to do and when it’s due and balance time to do homework before or after practice. What are you looking forward to most about graduation? Making money in a career and not having to drive around campus two times to find a parking spot. What has been your favorite pastime on campus? Quizno’s. What is your favorite meal or food on campus? Definitely breakfast at the CC. What Otterbein traditions or activities will you miss most? Free movie nights and college nights at Old Bag. If you could change the Otterbein mascot to anything you wanted, what or who would it be, and why? Any animal that is intimidating, unlike our cardinal wearing a sweater. t&c
laying it up:
photo by andrew beers
Day goes in for a layup as part of her 28-point effort.