South Campus Times-October

October 2014 :: Volume 5

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Student Athlete Homecoming 2014 Sarah Lee, women’s tennis

On Monday, October 13, the student-‐athletes of the University of Michigan came together to celebrate their own personal homecoming dance in the Jack Roth Stadium Club at The Big House. This event could not be put on without the collaboration of the SAAC Homecoming Dance sub-‐committee, and the leading hand of SAAC event lead, Olivia Richvalsky. The event brought together over 500 student-‐athletes who celebrated the pride and tradition of the University of Michigan.

The fourth floor of the Jack Roth Stadium Club, which normally fills to capacity with football fans on game day, was completely transformed to fit a Great Gatsby-‐ themed homecoming dance. If student-‐athletes weren’t breaking it down on the dance floor, they were lining up to take photos in the photo booth or taking selfies of their own with the stadium as their backdrop. “I loved being able to gather with my fellow student-‐athletes at an event where we could all dress up and enjoy each other’s company,” said Kristen Dodge (women’s tennis). “My favorite part of the night was squeezing into the photo booth with all of my teammates!”

As the night quickly approached 11 p.m., the tension rose for the announcement of the Homecoming King and Queen. This year, the Homecoming Court consisted of ten athletes which included: Sarah Lee, Marina Nazario, Jen Pace, Amber Smith, Leslie Smith, Kevin Bain, Michael Chiasson, Alex Petrone, Michael Strathern and Phil Washington. Being nominated for homecoming court is not an easy feat. Out of the 931 student-‐athletes, only these ten individuals were chosen by members of other teams. Amber Smith and Phil Washington now not only share the role of teammates, but also the title of Homecoming Queen and King.

“Being nominated for homecoming court meant a lot to me,” said Washington. “I always try and meet and establish friendships with as many people as I can, because you never know what positivity someone could add to your life.” Although homecoming is traditionally served to welcome back alumni to campus, the student-‐athletes capped off Fall Break by gathering as a community in an event that truly represented the pride that each student-‐athlete at the University of Michigan holds. As student-‐athletes who strive for excellence both on and off the field, this Homecoming Dance embodied more than a simple tradition—it embodied the one of a kind community that these student-‐athletes are able to call “The Michigan Difference.”

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Lorem Ipsum Issue | Date

Nicky Waldeck, a sophomore on the Michigan women’s soccer team, has recorded a team-‐best of 26 points so far this season. She ranks second in the Big Ten in scoring and has helped her team to a 7-‐2-‐1 record in conference matches. Nicky sat down with The South Campus Times to talk about her pre-‐game rituals, the zombie apocalypse and tips for surviving the arctic chill. SCT: What is your soccer spirit Animal? NW: Someone told me I was like a dragonfly when I play because I am always moving weird places on the field. I always wanted to be like a gazelle or a cheetah. SCT: What is a weird pregame ritual you do? NW: I wear white cleats so I always bleach them the night before a game. When I put them on in the locker room, I put my right shoe on first and my left shoe on second. SCT: What are your tips for surviving the tundra that is Ann Arbor in the winter? NW: Dress warm because you can always take off layers and invest in a good pair of boots. SCT: Which teammate would you choose to fight a zombie apocalypse with? NW: Jen Pace, our captain, because she would be creative and would know ways to survive. Most importantly, she wouldn’t turn on you.

By: Sarah Zieve, women’s cross country

Student-Athlete in the Hot Seat

This issue, we took some time to talk to the women’s tennis head coach, Ronni Bernstein, and senior student-‐athlete, Emina Bektas (Indianapolis, Ind./New Braunfels, ‘15), to see just how well the senior has gotten to know her head coach. Bektas has earned the Freshman of the Year award, the All-‐American honor and the Big Ten First Team for three consecutive years, and the Big Ten Player of the Year award during her time as a Wolverine. With a comparable track record, Bernstein, in her eighth season, has lead the team to five straight Big Ten Championships (2010, ’11, ’12, ’13, ’14) including perfect seasons in 2010, 2011, and 2014 while garnering the Big Ten Coach of the Year for five consecutive years, as well as earning the ITA Midwest Region Coach of the Year twice. Highly recruited in the juniors by Bernstein, Bektas developed a rapport with Bernstein before she stepped onto campus as a Wolverine. South Campus Times wanted to put the developed coach-‐athlete relationship to the test: SCT: What is Ronni’s alma mater? Bektas: University of Miami Bernstein: University of Miami SCT: What is Ronni’s favorite type of movie? Bektas: Definitely Rom-‐Com’s, a good combination of romance, laughter, and a good tearjerker at the end. She’s always up for a good cry. Bernstein: Rom-‐Com’s SCT: What is Ronni’s favorite dessert? Bektas: Well, technically, she doesn’t really like dessert. She’s more into salty snacks like popcorn or sweeter stuff like gummy bears. Bernstein: Frozen yogurt [although, the above answer is also true] SCT: What’s Ronni’s favorite outfit on match day? Bektas: Definitely the polo, and I have a feeling some pink shoes are going to be making an appearance in the near future. Bernstein: Blue Polo Think you know your coach? Look out for another round of “How well do you know your coach?” in the next issue of South Campus Times.

How Well Do You Know Your Coach?

By: Sarah Lee, women’s tennis

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What has been your favorite moment at Michigan so far? Humphrey: Winning NCAAs last year. Personally, it was my floor routine at NCAA’s-‐ I hit the best routine of my life and it sparked a ton of excitement within the team. Spaulding: There’s been so many, but probably winning the Big Ten championships my freshman year. Do you have any superstitions before competition? Humphrey: I pray a lot and listen to a lot of Christian music and Christian rap -‐ it helps keep me in the zone. I will always look for my parents in the crowd because when I see them, I get a calming feeling that everything will be okay. Spaulding: It changes, but I do like to dance a lot before a race-‐ I love “The Wobble”! I will dance to “The Wobble” before a race any day! What has been the biggest change since freshman year? Humphrey: Definitely the way I dress -‐ I used to wear baggier clothes, but now I'm a lot more preppy. Spaulding: Ultimately becoming a leader. Michigan has taught me how to lead. What are you looking forward to most this year? Humphrey: I think I’m most looking forward to working with a new team; we lost a lot of the seniors last year. Spaulding: Hopefully winning another Big Ten championship, but really trying to get the most out of what Michigan has to offer outside of athletics.

The spotlight this month is on seniors Hubbard Humphrey (men's gymnastics) and Alex Spaulding (women's rowing). They took some time to sit down and talk about their time at the University of Michigan, thus far.

Humphrey took an interesting route to Michigan as his passion for gymnastics was not the only factor deciding his future. While exploring his interests in other sports such as baseball, tennis, and wrestling, he ultimately decided that he wanted to compete as a gymnast for the University of Michigan. After helping the Wolverines win two national championships, he knows that he made the right decision.

Spaulding, who was also a multi-‐sport athlete in high school, ran track-‐ and played basketball, softball, and volleyball. During her freshman year at the University of Michigan, she decided to walk on to the women’s rowing team. She has since been named captain of the rowing team for three consecutive years, was honored as a Leader of Distinction award recipient, and is an active member of the Student Ambassador Program. Spaulding has grown to become a leader of excellence on and off the water.

Get to Know Your

Seniors Danielle Robinson, women’s

water polo

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This year the Student-‐Athlete Advisory Committee received a makeover to their traditional structure. South Campus Times sat down with SAAC Vice President, Kevin Bain, to discuss the new structure of SAAC. SAAC is now comprised of five executive board members in order to improve efficiency and communication within the athletic department. The old structure of the general assembly only allowed two representatives from each team to be a part of the organization, totaling 62 members. The new structure includes the two team representatives, plus the new role of “team affiliates” who are also able to attend and participate in the general

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assembly. “The change to open assembly is the most important change to SAAC because it has doubled the involvement of student athletes and creates a better democracy, ” explained Bain. Now, teams are able to engage in more community service opportunities and events and have a greater impact than ever before. The most impressive result, as explained by Bain: “This year one out of every eight student-‐athletes are involved in SAAC, allowing for better democracy involvement”. The NCAA has also presented a great opportunity for student-‐athletes to have an impact. For the

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first time ever, the NCAA will select three student-‐athletes from the Big Ten Conference to have a voice in legislation. Bain explained that SAAC’s goal is to fill one of those spots with a student-‐athlete from the University of Michigan. This opportunity will allow for student-‐athletes to propose changes to current legislation and truly make a difference in the NCAA. Between the NCAA and SAAC, these positive changes will bring an array of great opportunities for future student-‐athletes.

Extreme Makeover: SAAC Edition Kayla Douglas, women’s swimming and diving

Grab ‘N Go Breakfast Taylor Harrower, men’s gymnastics

If there is one thing that college students love, it’s free food. Due to the NCAA’s deregulation of food that can be offered to student-‐athletes, the Michigan Athletic Department launched a new initiative, commonly known as Grab & Go Breakfast, at Yost Ice Area. South Campus Times got the chance to talk with numerous student-‐athletes about this new initiative to get their opinions on the matter. Codie Nolan, a senior on the men’s track and field team, finds himself at Yost five days a week: “It gives me more of an opportunity to eat healthy and

actually eat a good breakfast,” said Nolan. “The best part of Grab & Go has to be that it’s in a good location and easy to get in and out.” Even with the convenience of Grab & Go Breakfast mentioned by multiple student-‐athletes, Caroline Mandel, the Director of Sports Nutrition for student-‐athletes, has noted that the number of athletes coming in has been dwindling. For Michelle Stefandl, a senior on the women’s rowing team, it isn’t as much an issue with ease, as it is with nutritional demands. “I don’t go to Grab & Go because I cannot eat gluten and there are very few options for

my dietary needs. I have my own food that I prepare for myself at home.” More options have been added since it started in September and student-‐athletes look forward to its expansion in the upcoming academic year. Grab & Go Breakfast is open at Yost Ice Arena every Monday-‐Friday from 6-‐10 a.m. A few of the options available at Grab & Go include: bagels, muffins, fruit, breakfast sandwiches, granola bars, juice and milk. The Athletic Department is very excited about this new program, so stop by if you haven’t already, and decide for yourself what you think!

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Where Are They Now?

Born and raised in California, Audrey Pratt (water polo, 2014) came to the University of Michigan for a different kind of experience. Pratt felt that Michigan had the perfect balance between outstanding academics and superior athletics. Four years of playing on the women’s varsity Water Polo team provided her with the unique experience she was looking for, equipping her with a new perspective and a useful set of skills to translate to her new career and life. South Campus Times spoke with Audrey and she reflects on her time as a Wolverine.

Q: Where are you currently living and working? Who do you work for? What was it like leaving Michigan? A: I am currently living and working in Scottsdale, AZ. I work for Yelp.com as a sales rep/account executive. It was definitely hard for me to leave Michigan because I was leaving a piece of my life behind. The toughest part was

leaving my friends and the spirit that surrounds Michigan Q: Do you feel that playing a varsity sport at Michigan has transferred to your new career? A: Being a varsity student-‐athlete has definitely transferred into my career. I am in a sales position where you have to be very organized, tenacious, competitive and work well in a team environment. These qualities were things that I practiced on a daily basis as a student-‐athlete and it has helped me

By Allison Skaggs, water polo

tremendously transition into my position. Q: How has Michigan Athletics specifically impacted your new career? A: Having the tenacity that Michigan Athletics expects you to have has been extremely helpful. Being able to pick yourself up after falling down, and working to improve everyday has impacted my success at Yelp. You can't be afraid to make mistakes, but when you do, taking a step back and learning from them is only going to help you in the future.

Get to Know Your

Freshmen Katelyn Norton, women’s rowing As the autumn leaves are changing here in Ann Arbor, South Campus Times had the opportunity to talk with the University of Michigan baseball team to see how well senior captain, Dominic Jamett, has gotten to know his freshman, Michael Hendrickson. On top of grueling practices and workouts, Team 149 has been participating in team building activities, such as alumni tailgates and paintballing, with the intention of welcoming the freshmen class and making everyone feel at home as a Wolverine. See for yourself just how well the senior has reached out to Hendrickson: SCT: Where is Michael From? Dominic: Saline, Michigan Michael: Saline, Michigan SCT: What do you think Michael’s walk out song will be? Dominic: Fight Club Michael: Knock Knock by Mac Miller SCT: What is Michael’s order at Chipotle? Dominic: Steak burrito with white rice, pinto beans, and cheese Michael: Chicken burrito with guac

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Lorem Ipsum October 2014 :: Volume 5

SOUTH CAMPUS TIMES CREDITS Writers: Sarah Lee, Danielle Robinson, Allison Skaggs, Kristin Eisenhauer, Katelyn Norton, Kayla Douglas, Taylor Harrower, Sarah Zieve Web Design and Layout: Julia Campbell Managing Editor: Marina Nazario Follow @mgosaac on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook!

Coming off of a fourth place finish at the NCAA Cross Country Championship in 2013, there was nothing but high expectations for the women’s team this year. Being one of the few teams in the country to return all seven of its NCAA competitors, everyone knew the Michigan women’s cross country team would be a force to be reckoned with. Deservedly so, the women’s team was ranked first in the NCAA preseason coaches’ poll for the first time in school history. Leading the team into the championship season are senior captains Brook Handler, Taylor Pogue, Alex Leptich, and Megan Weschler. Top returners also include: sophomore Erin Finn, who finished 30th at the 2013 NCAA meet with All-‐American honors, juniors Shannon Osika and Taylor Manett, and senior Anna Pasternak. Red-‐shirt freshmen Corrine Florie, Gina Sereno, Jaimie Phelan, and Jamie Morrissey have also proved to be potential contenders this year. The Wolverines started the season off on the right foot at the Big Ten Preview on September 20th and the Battle at Beantown on September 26th, earning two first place finishes. Finn, Osika, and Handler placed in the top 10 at both meets. The Pre-‐National meet in Terre Haute, Indiana on October 18th gave the team a chance to test out the future NCAA course against many of the top teams in the country. But scoring a third place finish wasn’t what the women had in mind. As a member of the women’s cross country team, I know that this is only the beginning of an incredibly impressive season for the Wolverines. Seeing the top 12 girls at work every day is not only encouraging, but also inspiring, because I know they have what it takes to be on top of the podium at NCAAs. Stay tuned for the Big Ten meet on November 2nd.

Following a Team Through a …

Kristen Eisenhauer, women’s cross country

Championship-Women’s Cross Country

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