DailyCollegian.comTuesday, March 31, 2015

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Jury finds Bile guilty of two charges of aggravated rape

By Nick caNelasCollegian Staff

NORTHAMPTON – Emmanuel T. Bile Jr., one of four men accused of gang raping a University of Massachusetts freshman in 2012, was found guilty of two of three aggravated rape charges Monday afternoon. A Hampshire Superior Court

jury determined the 21-year-old Pittsfield native participated in gang-raping the then 18-year-old woman in her Pierpont Hall dorm room in the Southwest Residential Area with three other men on Oct. 13, 2012. The jury deliberated for about 10 hours following the week-long trial that concluded Friday morn-ing. The jury foreman read the verdict just after 2 p.m. Monday. Bile, wearing a blue button-down shirt with a yellow tie,

stood motionless with his hands folded in front of his body, star-ing straight ahead as the fore-man read the words “guilty as charged” on the first and third counts. Police escorted Bile out in handcuffs. Bile’s parents sat still and silent in the back of the court-room. The victim, who testified last week, was not in attendance. Judge Jeffrey C. Kinder scheduled sentencing for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday after Assistant

Northwestern District Attorney Jennifer Suhl requested sentenc-ing be postponed so the victim can give a statement. The maximum sentence for aggravated rape is life in prison. “Today’s verdict owes to the extreme courage the victim displayed in testifying at trial, and to the thorough investiga-tion conducted by the University of Massachusetts Police Department, ” Suhl said in a statement.

“The Commonwealth is grate-ful to the jury for their time and attention, and now turns its focus toward the remaining three cases.” Bile is the first of four men to be tried for allegedly entering Pierpont after being signed in by a UMass student, entering the woman’s dorm room and gang-raping her. Adam Liccardi, 20, Justin King, 21, both of Pittsfield, and Caleb

Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1

GRACE GULICK/COLLEGIAN

Angela Davis speaks in the Fine Arts Center on “Sustaining Social Justice Movements and Intersectional Struggles” Monday.

‘Together we will make a difference’

By stuart FosterCollegian Staff

Civil and women’s rights activist Angela Davis spoke about the prison industrial complex in the Fine Arts Center Monday night at the University of Massachusetts. Davis called for a thorough re-evaluation of many ele-ments of the American pris-

on system and examined the relationship of the PIC to prominent political issues in other nations. “Prison abolitionists not only want to end mass incar-ceration – we have to end incarceration,” Davis said. “Imprisonment only produc-es the problem it is designed to solve.” Davis also addressed issues such as the pro-test movements that have emerged over the past year as a result of controversial

legal decisions and the role played by black women in the organization of these demonstrations. Davis applauded these activists for focusing on ending violence against women, especially in situations often ignored by mass media. Much of Davis’ talk focused on the PIC as it relates to foreign countries like Israel, which Davis claimed were responsible for training American police. Davis also mentioned the

introduction of weaponry developed for use in the war on terror to local and college police departments. “If one is truly opposed to racism and anti-Semitism, one has to challenge the state that promotes these ide-ologies,” she said of Israel. “We should be able to join progressive, radical Jews in Israel who are also standing up.” Davis also used the Afro-

Angela Davis speaks to UM community

By aNthoNy reNtschCollegian Staff

The Route 9 Diner in Hadley was closed Monday following action taken by Attorney General Maura Healey to file a discrimination complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination alleging more than a decade of sex-ual harassment of female employees in violation of federal and state anti-dis-crimination laws. “We allege that this diner regularly subjected its waitresses to sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination, cre-ating a hostile work envi-ronment,” Healey said in a statement. Christopher Karabetsos and Argiris Sideris, the owners of the diner, are listed as the defendants. Last year, former Route 9 Diner waitresses Marie Billiel and Jamie Young, among others, wrote blog posts detailing the sexual harassment they experi-enced while working at the diner. Among other incidents, Billiel reported getting dragged into a walk-in cooler by a cook who was trying to kiss her and get-ting kissed on the neck by a cook without consent. Young reported being

cornered and forcibly kissed on the neck by cooks several times and being forced to show cooks her tongue before receiving her tables’ food. The complaint said that the host and wait staff is primarily made up of young women, many of whom have “suffered extreme emotional dis-tress” as a result of the treatment. According to the com-plaint, which was filed March 27, the “diner’s male staff was not mis-treated this way and instead was given pref-erence and better treat-ment.” Billiel and Young told the Collegian in November that the management did not take sufficient steps to make changes, despite complaints. T h e c o m p l a i n t alleges that the owners Karabetsos and Sideris and managers Dimitrios Demos and Steven Kwak did not protect the wait-resses even though they knew the harassment was going on and had the means to stop it. The complaint said that

Rt. 9 Diner closes,AG files complaintHealey alleges years of discrimination

ROBERT RIGO/COLLEGIAN

Sapna Contractor takes a moment to smile for the camera.

SOTR fashion show raises funds for Safe PassageRSO works against domestic violence

see SOTR on page 3

see GUILTY on page 3

...the commission expects cases to be investigated within 18 months of filing.

see RT. 9 on page 2

SGA ratifies election resultsBy catheriNe Ferris

Collegian Staff

The Student Government Association met Monday night to ratify the election results of the presidential, vice presidential and student trustee positions. Chancellor of Elections Divya Kirti presented voter turnout results, complaints and the different steps that were taken by the elections commission for this year’s elections. Kirti said there were two meet-and-greets with the candidates during Late Night at Berk and Late Night at Worcester. Although the vot-ing percentage stood at 15.38 percent for the presidential/vice presidential election and 12.84 percent for the student trustee position, Kirti said

she felt this year’s commis-sion did well in terms of try-ing to expand its horizons with outreach to students. In terms of how many people turned out to vote, Kirti said, “It was disappoint-ing to see it not be a higher number.” But she added that the percentage is considered average compared to years past. Kirti also addressed the election complaints that were brought against various tick-ets and candidates. Eight of these complaints were issued during the election, while two more were added over spring break. Eight of the 10 complaints did not have enough evidence or information to license a warning, though two of them resulted in a warning of the Barrett/Barbosa and the

Kelly/Gay tickets. This was due to a complaint issued by presidential candidate Rocco Giordano that multiple flyers of both tickets were spotted in public spaces, which was in violation of the Residence Hall Solicitation campaign law. Speaker of the Senate Sïonan Barrett and Chantal Lima Barbosa won the presi-dential/vice presidential election with 1,370 votes and Emily O’Neil won the student trustee election with 1,464 votes. All three of the ballot questions that were raised passed.

Catherine Ferris can be reached at caferris@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @Ca_Ferris2.

A free and responsible press

Page 8Page 5

Sisters on the Runwayamazes

Sifrin’s center stage at Pro Day

By Melisa JosephCollegian Correspondent

The University of Massachusetts Sisters on the Runway hosted its fifth annual fashion show Sunday night. The UMass division of Sisters on the Runway is an official branch under the national organiza-tion, which was founded in 2005. The fashion show is a student-run benefit show that raises aware-ness about domestic vio-lence. All proceeds from this year’s event went

toward Safe Passage, a Northampton shelter that provides resources to those affected by domestic

violence.

Co-president Sarah

see DAVIS on page 3

THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIAN2 Tuesday, March 31, 2015 DailyCollegian.com

T H E R U N D OW N

ON THIS DAY...In 1966, the Soviet Union launched Luna 10 which later became the first space probe to enter orbit around the Moon.

Myanmar The government of Myanmar and armed ethnic rebel groups have agreed on the text of a nationwide cease–fire agreement that aims to end decades of con-flict in the Southeast Asian nation, negotiators said Monday. The draft accord was seen as a significant devel-opment after 16 months of talks, but it still must be signed by the leaders of more than a dozen armed groups. It also comes amid inten-sifying conflict between the Myanmar army and a northern rebel faction that has spilled across the border into China, raising questions about the viabil-ity of any cease–fire agree-ment. “We are satisfied but not completely,” said Khun Okker, co–chairman of the rebels’ negotiating team. “We have reached the limi-tations of what we can do. Now the draft must go to the leaders for signature.” A nationwide cease–fire would be a historic achieve-ment in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, which is gearing up for nationwide elections scheduled for November, the first since five decades of military rule ended in 2011. A historically weak cen-tral government has signed bilateral cease–fires over the years with an array of militias representing ethnic minorities that comprise about a third of the popu-lation, but the agreements have routinely fallen apart. Sixteen armed groups and government negotia-tors were holding the sev-enth round of multilateral talks in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, that are aimed at paving the way toward a formal peace process. The government led by President Thein Sein, a for-mer military commander, is seeking a nationwide truce to show that the post–junta government is committed to democratic reforms that have prompted the United States and European Union to lift crippling eco-nomic sanctions and end Myanmar’s decades of iso-lation. “President Thein Sein is eager to make peace before the election to show that the government has been effective and trying to move reforms forward,” Khun Okker said. “If he can inau-gurate political dialogue, that is a great achievement for him.” The draft text was not released publicly but nego-tiators said they had agreed on terms for joint monitor-ing of the cease–fire, man-agement of the peace pro-cess and other issues that they had struggled over for more than a year. A formal announcement was expected later this week. The Myanmar gov-ernment and Western dip-lomats were hopeful that rebel leaders would sign the accord by late April.

Los Angeles Times

A R O U N D T H E WO R L D

Man throws knives at tree, prompts police call

By Kathleen KirK Collegian Staff

Friday, March 27

8:38 a.m.: Police assisted a woman who was receiv-ing annoying calls from her boyfriend. She was trying to break up with him and he called to say he didn’t want to. Police told her to get a new number, block his number and tell him to stop bothering her. The calls were not excessive or threatening.

3:34 p.m.: Police responded to concerns about a suspicious letter found by an individu-al concerning a relationship between a student and his girl-friend. The note threatened violence if anything happened between the two. It said he would not kill her but that he would make her pay and stated if she cheated on him, they would both die. The indi-vidual was concerned about the pair. Police contacted their parents and the Department of Children and Families to make them aware of the situ-ation.

10:34 p.m.: Police assisted the Amherst Fire Department at a University of Massachusetts bus shelter where a semi-con-scious female was unrespon-sive and vomiting. The UMass Police Department handled situation.

10:52 p.m.: Two 19 year olds were stopped on the corner of Sunset Court and McClure Street with an open Natural Ice beer can and Poland Springs water bottles filled with vodka.

11:49 p.m.: A male started barking at an officer’s car as he drove by Nutting Avenue and Phillips Street Friday night, causing the police dog stress. The officer educated the indi-vidual and he was released.

Saturday, March 28

1:14 a.m.: Spencer Carlisle, 20, of Franklin, was arrested and charged as a minor in possession of alcohol at a party on Sunderland Road. Police responded to com-plaints of loud music that was ongoing and unreason-able. Three additional guests were summonsed on charges of minors in possession of alcohol.

1:58 a.m.: Michael T. Flannery, 25, of Auburn, was arrested on Amity Street for operating a motor vehicle while intoxi-cated, operating to endanger and negligent lights violation.

7:44 a.m.: Police responded to a male in the police station seeking relationship advice. The male claimed his girl-friend was growing agitated and threatened to call the police on false domestic vio-lence charges.

3:35 p.m.: Police received a call from Amherst Brewing Company about annoying phone calls. Following the fir-ing of an employee, a male began calling to yell at the staff for firing the individual and claimed the staff embarrassed her. The former employee claimed she did not know about the calls and the caller was warned not to call again.

9:48 p.m.: Police responded to complaints of a woman screaming in Colonial Village. The caller stated the woman lives alone and does this every night.

10:34 p.m.: Police responded to a verbal disagreement between a boyfriend and

girlfriend over where to go for the night. Both individu-als agreed to return to their dorms. A small amount of alcohol was destroyed on the scene.

11:46 p.m.: Police responded to reports of a female crying in dress clothes at a Bank of America ATM. Police reported a male comfort-ing the female who had an emotional night at a formal dance.

Sunday, March 29

12:11 a.m.: Police poured out Keystone beer on the side-walk after observing an indi-vidual walking with an open container on Sunset Avenue.

12:44 a.m.: Police responded to suspicious activity after a male was observed kicking cars at the intersection of Triangle Street and North Pleasant Street. He was found tying his shoes after falling to the ground.

5:51 a.m.: Police responded to reports of a disturbance at Craig’s Place after staff refused to give an individual his knife back. The knife was returned and the individual

was sent on his way.

6:27 p.m.: Police responded to reports of a male throw-ing knives into a tree. The caller was concerned for the safety of others. An individual reported that the man was throwing the knife against the tree while waiting for the bus. Police explained his behavior was alarming and he agreed to stop.

9:09 p.m.: Police responded to reports of a motor vehicle driving with no lights on trav-eling under 10 mph. The oper-ator is an international driver unfamiliar with the roads. The new driver, who was “trying to be cautious,” was charged with lanes violation, operating without rear lights and driv-ing 7 mph.

9:13 p.m.: Police respond-ed to reports of a woman yelling in Colonial Village again. There was no answer at her door but a neighbor indicated that the woman has had issues with yelling for no reason on a daily basis.

Kathleen Kirk can be reached at klkirk@umass.edu.

Police Log: March 27 to March 29, 2015

waitresses had allegedly been told they were “eas-ily replaceable and lucky to have jobs at the diner,” in response to these com-plaints. Karabetsos, Demos and Kwak allegedly joined in on the sexual harassment, “(belittling) and verbally (abusing) waitresses at the diner.” According to the MCAD’s website, the commission expects cases to be investi-gated within 18 months of filing. Following the blog posts of Billiel, Young and others, the Route 9 Diner, which

opened in 2003, hired former Hampden County Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Dineen to conduct an inter-nal review and “help ensure that management identifies any necessary protocols in creating a zero tolerance environment as it relates to any workplace sexual harassment.” Periodical sexual harass-ment awareness training for all employees and additional training of management per-sonnel led by a trainer who attended the MCAD sexual harassment training pro-gram was also instituted.

In November, Billiel and Young told the Collegian that they believed the actions would be insufficient. A waitress who has been working at the diner for nine years told the Daily Hampshire Gazette Monday she believed the decision to close was based on financial reasons. None of the Route 9 Diner’s owners or managers could be reached immediate-ly for comment. Anthony Rentsch can be reached at arentsch@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @Anthony_Rentsch.

RT. 9 continued from page 1

ROBERT RIGO/COLLEGIAN

A sign posted on the Route 9 Diner’s door anounnces its indefinite closing Monday.

By Jessica camille aguirredpa

BERLIN/PARIS — The German hospital that was treating the Germanwings co–pilot for an undisclosed ill-ness handed his medical records over Monday to prosecutors in the city of Dusseldorf, a clinic spokeswoman said. Co–pilot Andreas Lubitz, 27, who is believed to have locked himself into the plane’s cockpit and intentional-ly slammed the aircraft into a mountainside in southern France, killing himself and 149 others on board last week, is the focus of the investigation. The teaching hospital at Dusseldorf University refused to say Friday what his illness was, except that it was not depres-sion. Lubitz was at the hospital on three occa-sions starting February, the last on March 10, for a diagnostic examination. Prosecutors said the likelihood Lubitz strug-gled with psychological issues remains a central theory into his possible motive. After searching his apartment in Dusseldorf, prosecutors said they found torn doctor’s notes giving him sick leave from work on the day of the flight. Friday’s revelation that Lubitz concealed an illness from the airline, a Lufthansa subsidiary, prompted a call to amend German laws of doctor–patient privacy. “Pilots should be obliged to consult doc-tors nominated by their employer,” Dirk Fischer, the ranking Christian Democrat in the German parliament’s trans-port committee, said in remarks reported by the newspaper Rheinische Post. “These doctors should be exempted from doc-tor’s confidentiality in dealings with the employ-er and the German avia-

tion safety agency.” Another legislator for Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats, Thomas Jarzombek, called for an expert inquiry into wider reporting of medi-cal diagnoses for people in positions of extreme responsibility. An assistance center for families of Germanwings flight 4U9525 victims established near the crash site would be open for “as long as neces-sary,” Germanwings CEO Oliver Wagner told local broadcaster France 3 Provence–Alpes. Crews continued con-struction on a road that would ease access to the mountainside crash site Monday, as they searched for the contents of a second black box that could give investigators clues into the flight’s last moments. They were also piecing together DNA evidence of hundreds of humans remains to identify vic-tims, but Marseilles pros-ecutor Brice Robin told dpa that the DNA of the co–pilot had not yet been identified. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss announced new aviation rules mandat-ing that planes have two crew members present in cockpits at all times under new aviation rules announced Monday. Truss said the rules apply to aircraft with seating capacity for 50 or more passengers, operat-ed by domestic and inter-national airlines, and will come into effect immedi-ately. Two Australians were among the victims of the Germanwings crash.In the wake of the tragedy, airlines worldwide have moved swiftly to imple-ment new rules requiring two crew members in the cockpit at all times.

Pilot’s medical records go to the prosecutionHospital released documents Mon.

THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIAN Tuesday, March 31, 2015 3DailyCollegian.com

Figueiredo said in an email that SOTR is “committed to ending domestic violence and oppression in women’s lives.” She explained how domestic violence can take the form of sexual, emotion-al and physical abuse. According to Figueiredo, one in four women are vic-tims of domestic violence. “That one in four could be anyone you know, your mom, your sister or your best friend,” she said. Figueiredo added that the organization wants “to make sure none of our loved ones are ever harmed in domes-tic violence situations and to make sure our commu-nity (members) can seek the help they need by educating them.” This year’s show was held in the Campus Center Auditorium. Raffle tickets were sold outside to raise additional money for Safe Passage. Inside, guests were offered complementary snacks and drinks. Guests could model themselves by posing on a red carpet inside the auditorium. SOTR mason jar bottles were also given as party favors. The show kicked off with performances by the UMass Stage Crew Dance team and the UMass Doo Wop Shop. Members of the Center for Women and Community Alida Lefebvre and Trang

Bui educated the crowd on domestic violence and its warning signs. A member of the Safe Passage board, Marianne Winters, thanked SOTR for its support and contribution to the cause, stating that, “Sisters on the Runway has saved lives” with its events. Twenty-five models walked the runway, wear-ing clothing that was sold to guests after the show to raise money for Safe Passage. Organizing an event like this was not easy, according to Figueriedo. “This year’s journey to our event has been differ-ent from last year’s event,” Figueriedo said. Although stressful at times, she also added that that the process has been a “rewarding” one. This senti-ment was echoed by others. Model Aditi Varma, a bio-chemistry and molecular biology major, said, “It feels so empowering to watch this entirely student-run event come together.” Model Pascale Froehlich, a student in the Isenberg School of Management, added she had “a very posi-tive experience in the mak-ing of this event.”

Melisa Joseph can be reached at mjoseph@umass.edu.

SOTR continued from page 1

Womack, 20, of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, each face three counts of aggra-vated rape. Liccardi faces a fourth charge for alleg-edly having sex with the woman after the other three men left the room. The men were 17 and 18 at the time. They were not UMass students. All four defendants were charged with three

counts of aggravated rape under a theory of joint venture. This theory states that each defendant in responsible for the actions of the other defendants. Both Suhl and defense attorney David A. Pixley were unavailable for com-ment Monday.Bile testified last week that he was heavily intoxi-cated that night and had

difficulty walking once he entered the building. However, video evidence from the dorm’s surveil-lance cameras showed him jogging up and down the stairs.Bile told jurors in his testimony Thursday that the victim was “tipsy” at the time of the incident, despite telling police days after the alleged rape that

the woman was drunk.Suhl argued Friday that Bile wants a “free pass” from jurors because he was drunk.“Being under the influ-ence of alcohol is not an excuse to rape someone,” she told jurors.

Nick Canelas can be reached at ncanelas@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @NickCanelas.

GUILTY continued from page 1

Colombian community of La Toma, where the histori-cal residents of the area are being challenged by mining companies, as an example. La Toma has a significant amount of underground gold reserves that attract large strip mining compa-nies hoping to access the valuable minerals. The inhabitants of La Toma have responded by attempting to mine the area themselves in ways that are less destructive to the land. As a result, Davis feels as though the inhabit-ants are being targeted by a PIC to further the eco-nomic interests of these large companies. “If one looks at what has happened with prison populations in Colombia, a prison in (California)

has become Colombia’s most overcrowded prison,” Davis said, referring to a city La Toma is close to. Davis was also critical of the way the media treat-ed recent American pro-test demonstrations, which emerged in response to events such as the death of Michael Brown, claiming that the lack of a central male leader in the move-ments caused them to be taken less seriously. “Sustained Ferguson demonstrations happened largely because of black women,” Davis said. Davis also discussed problems with the way the American police sys-tem handles trans women and the mentally disabled. She stated that the division of American prisons into

merely male and female institutions and the con-centration of mentally ill inmates in county jails aggravates these condi-tions. In an event bookmarked by standing ovations from the sold out Fine Arts Center crowd, Davis was greeted with tremen-dous applause when she demanded an end to mod-ern police systems. “They have insisted on focusing not on individual prosecutions so much as institutional change – the abolition of police struc-tures as we know them,” Davis said. Davis mentioned that providing free, universal health care and education would effectively limit vio-lent crime and create the

foundation for a society not reliant on prison structures. Davis pointed at the Black Panther Party’s Ten-Point Program as a good model to base social change on, saying that the pro-gram’s emphasis on full employment, demilitariza-tion and prison abolition is still relevant today. “We have to add the issue of the environment,” Davis added. Davis concluded the event by asking the audi-ence to “join the rising com-munities of struggle” and she promised, “Together we will make a difference in the world.”

Stuart Foster can be reached at stuartfoster@umass.edu.

DAVIS continued from page 1

Kickin’ It Back Dance Crew looks to create own path

By Catherine FerrisCollegian Staff

While the University of Massachusetts is home to a num-ber of dance clubs and teams, the Kickin’ Back Dance Crew is looking to create its own path, most recently with a showcase Sunday afternoon in Bowker Auditorium. Established in 2012, the Registered Student Organization currently has 15 members and four captains, all of whom are seniors who have been part of the club for four years. Katherine Treat, a senior study-ing political science and French, is a captain who joined the team when she was looking for a dance club on campus. Despite the number of dance groups on campus, she found the Kickin’ Back Dance Crew to be the right fit. “I really liked the people, and the point is to have a lot of fun,” she said. We don’t do any kind of competition; we get together and choreograph our own dances, and try to allow every-one to put their artistic input into dances we’re creating together.” Responsibility for the choreogra-

phy is also shared among the team. Treat said there was one dance that was choreographed by the entire team, while smaller groups of mem-bers have choreographed the other dances. Treat is one of four captains on the Kickin’ Back Dance Crew. “It’s nice because we get to share the responsibility, especially being seniors and captains, there are so many other things we’re doing,” she said. “So the fact that there are four of us is really nice.” Auditions are held in the fall semester and typically attract between 10 to 15 students. Treat said she hasn’t seen men audition for the group. “We’re still trying to develop, and this is actually the first year we’re doing our own showcase,” she said. “Before, we only did University sanc-tioned performances, like Relay for Life or UDance. Now, we’ve been able to get a lot of good members and build up enthusiasm.” The Kickin’ Back Dance Crew was not the only dance group performing Sunday. UMass Stage Crew, a dance team that the club has performed with in the past, also took part in the showcase, as well as the UMass Dance Club, the Hip Hop Culture Organization, the Belly Dance Club and Wicked Pitch. The dance group did not have an easy time finding practice space nor organizing the perfor-mance. Members meet Sundays and Wednesdays for rehearsals, but Wednesdays have been proven dif-

ficult to find open rooms. “So many times we get placed in a room that you can’t even move in,” Treat said. The group sometimes practices in hallways with barely enough space. The process for organizing the showcase was long for the club as well. The Fine Arts Center had to be contacted and forms filled out and approved in order to host the perfor-mances.

Despite the lengthy planning pro-cess, Treat said her involvement with the staff at Bowker Auditorium went smoothly. Although there were some obsta-cles in the organization process, Treat said there were lessons learned for future performances. Since the club first began in 2012, lessons like these have made a difference for the club in Treat’s eyes.

“I think it’s a lot more orga-nized,” she said. “I’ve been a mem-ber for four years, and I think we’ve been able to structure practices better now that it’s been a couple years. The current captains have been on the team for four years, so we understand what’s needed and we’ve been able to expand.” Catherine Ferris can be reached at caferris@umass.edu.

COURTESY OF KICKIN’ BACK DANCE CREW

Group members perform during their showcase in Bowker Auditorium Sunday, March 27.

Opinion EditorialEditorial@DailyCollegiancomTuesday, March 31, 2015

THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIAN

“There has never been a sadness that can’t be cured by breakfast food.” -Ron Swanson

The Massachusetts Daily Collegian is published Monday through Thursday during the University of Massachusetts calendar semester. The Collegian is independently funded, operating on advertising revenue. Founded in 1890, the paper began as Aggie Life, became the College Signal in 1901, the Weekly Collegian in 1914 and the Tri–Weekly Collegian in 1956. Published daily from 1967 to 2014, The Collegian has been broadsheet since January 1994. For advertising rates and information, call 413-545-3500.

EDITOR IN CHIEF - Nick CanelasMANAGING EDITOR - Patrick Hoff

MANAGING EDITOR/DAILYCOLLEGIAN.COM - Conor Snell

Business Manager - Omer SanderAdvertising Manager - Andrew CarrDistribution Manager - Nick GoriusAdvertising Production - Nick Damren

BUSINESSProduction Manager - James Desjardin

Special Issues Manager - Randy Crandon

GRAPHICS

NEWSNews Editor - Aviva Luttrell

NEWS ASSISTANTS

Catherine FerrisMarie MacCune

Jaclyn Bryson

OPINION & EDITORIALOp/Ed Editor - Zac Bears

Maral Margossian

Op/Ed ASSISTANTS

Ian HagertySteven Gillard

ARTS & LIVINGArts Editor - Cory Willey

Alex FrailARTS ASSISTANTS

Jackson MaxwellSarah Robertson

SPORTSSports Editor - Mark Chiarelli

SPORTS ASSISTANTS

PHOTOGRAPHYPhoto Editor - Cade Belisle

Araz HavanPHOTO ASSISTANTS

Robert Rigo

PRODUCTION CREW on s ta f f f o r th i s i s sue

NIGHT EDITOR - Aviva Luttrell

COPY EDITOR - Anthony Chiusano

WEB PRODUCTION MANAGER - Robert Rigo

NEWS DESK EDITOR - Marie MacCune

Op/Ed DESK EDITOR - Kate Leddy

ARTS DESK EDITOR - Madeleine Jackman

SPORTS DESK EDITOR - Mark Chiarelli

COMICS DESK EDITOR - Tracy Krug

GRAPHICS DESK EDITOR - Avery Campbell

Anthony ChiusanoAndrew Cyr

Ross GienieczkoChristina Yacono

Comics Editor - Tracy KrugOp/Ed Producer - Claire Anderson

COMICS

News Producer - Christina Yacono Sports Producer - Marc Jean-LouisArts Producer - Robert Rigo

t h e m a s s a c h u s e t t s D a i ly C o l l e g i a n

Kate Leddy

GRAPHICS ASSISTANTS

Avery CampbellCaroline O’Connor

Social Media Coordinators - Charlotte Hoff | Ariel KallenbachSOCIAL MEDIA

Noa Barak

Anthony Rentsch

Alex Lindsay

On Feb. 26, the Federal Communications Commission ruled in favor of an open Internet. In other words, the

jury found that the Internet should be considered a public utility subject to regulation by the government. This might seem contradic-tory at first; does an “open” Internet means stricter gov-ernment regulation? Yes, this regulation applies to the Internet providers attempting to charge a higher amount for faster Internet connection. For example, if your pro-vider is Verizon and you don’t pay extra for the faster Internet plan, the company will throttle your Internet

speeds, making websites load slower or even block websites all together. This attempt to privatize the Internet follows a com-mon trend of United States services. Since the 1980s, gov-ernment regulation on corpo-rations has become increas-ingly lenient. Corporations have been given more power to interfere in consumers’ lives, such as their newfound ability to affect government elections through super PACs. As American citizens, we are told that we live in a time of economic freedom and choice. You can have an Android phone or iPhone, Verizon or Comcast and the list of “choices” goes on. But this is the illusion of con-sumer choice. The differences between these services and products are trivial and super-ficial. They roughly all cost

the same, for the same awful service. Corporations, especially cable companies and airlines, have been merging into large conglomerates and therefore have the ability to set prices for goods and services. This used to be known as a trust – separate corporations agree-ing on set prices in an effort to avoid the mechanism of capitalism, which requires companies to compete for the consumers’ choice by having the best priced and highest quality product. There is no “trust bust-ing” Teddy Roosevelt to save the day in the U.S. currently. Largely, Congress ignores this issue when members aren’t actively passing laws that give corporations more power to

take advantage of the consum-er. Furthermore, the average American consumer decides to put up with all of these companies’ horrible services because they feel as though they have no other choice. Despite Comcast having the lowest customer satisfaction rating of any Internet pro-vider in the U.S., according to Jonathan Berr at “CBS Money Watch,” it also boasts the highest percentage of custom-ers in the market. Jim Edwards of Business Insider demonstrates that Comcast alone corners 40 per-cent of the market, whereas every other Internet provid-er in the U.S. accounts for the remaining 60 percent. No other individual company even comes close to that per-centage. Why is it that consumers are staying with companies

that they are dissatisfied with? Chris Morran at The Consumerist said the answer is that many customers have no other option. If they live in an area, perhaps rural, that is served largely by Comcast, it is pos-sible there is no access to any other Internet provider or cable company. If our country truly prides itself on its capi-talist ideals, we should all be horrified by this situation. This is why the FCC’s rul-ing to keep the Internet an “open” resource not subject to corporate privatization is so important. Ask anyone what the greatest and most influ-ential invention of the past two centuries was and there is a good chance they will

answer with “the Internet.” It provides access to millions of sources of information right from our living rooms, class-rooms and boardrooms. Never before has the younger generation been so widely informed on the issues of the world. Imagine if this resource was reserved only for the people who could afford it? Corrupt government is not our only worry in this world, despite what many would have us believe. We have deluded ourselves into thinking that laissez-faire capitalism always results in healthy competi-tion. It does not and these attempts to charge extra for a decent and necessary service are a testament to that mis-take.

Corinne Elicone is a Collegian correspondent and can be reached at celicone@umass.edu.

‘Hurry sickness’ is wasting our time

Before you even start reading this article, find a piece of paper – printer paper, notebook paper or any other

sheet about that size. Now write all the things you do while procrastinating or getting side-tracked during homework or other important tasks. These could include going on Facebook, checking email or making food. List these common dis-tractions so when you’re done, you can rip off each word into a separate little piece. Think of the full sheet of paper as a daily task. What you’re left with after ripping the individual pieces shows how much time you waste while trying to complete this task. That really puts things in perspec-tive, doesn’t it? When I did this activity, I had about

one-fifth of a sheet of printer paper left. That is an incredible amount of time wasted on silly things. This made me realize that I need to learn how to prioritize my time and cure myself of “hurry sickness.” Interestingly enough, by definition of hurry sickness, those who have it – which is most of us – should not be pro-crastinators. Rosemary K.M. Sword, in Psychology Today, describes hurry sickness as “a behavior pattern charac-terized by continual rushing and anx-iousness; an overwhelming and contin-ual sense of urgency” and “a malaise in which a person feels chronically short of time, and so tends to perform every task faster and to get flustered when encountering any kind of delay.” Sometimes it feels like there are just not enough hours in the day, so there is no time to lose. This leads to the need to speed on the highway, rush around or even talk quickly. But then when trying to actually sit down and study, many of us think, “There’s a Facebook post I need to respond to” or, “My inbox has 15 emails I need to look at.” Before you know it, two hours go by. Two hours that you tried to save earlier by not fully enjoying every moment of the day. Technological devices have been invented to try to help us. “Clothes dryers that steam the wrinkles out, dishwashers that clean not only the dishes but also the pots and pans, drive-throughs that wash and wax the car, toaster ovens and microwaves to warm up pre-packaged dinner and robotic

vacuums that suck up dirt off rugs and dust bunnies on floors,” Sword writes. “All of these valuable time savers are meant to give us more spare time – which we rebranded and upgraded to ‘leisure’ time (available time for ease and relaxation). Unfortunately – and ironically – for all these hi-tech won-ders, we have less and less spare time.” USA Today conducted a national survey that showed most people ages 18 to 33 feel busier every year. Maybe it’s because of the constant technological interruptions that we feel obligated to tend to before our first priority obliga-tions. This creates a downward spiral toward distraction doom. Once thrown off track, it can take around 23 minutes for a worker to return to his or her original task, Gloria Mark told the Wall Street Journal. Mark is a professor of informatics at the University of California, Irvine, who studies digital distraction.

If it takes 20 to 25 minutes to regain focus, some people don’t even get back to their original objective because they get sidetracked again before that amount of time goes by. I personally categorize my daily tasks into school, personal care, social and time-wasters, and found that my personal care category had the longest list. However, each task requires only a short period of time, such as shower-ing and brushing my teeth. These tasks are naturally scheduled at this point as I’ve been taking care of my personal hygiene all my life. I question why it is that I can make time for those small responsibili-ties, eating, hanging out with friends and checking social media, but not for strictly concentrating or relaxing. It’s a wake-up call – literally. I spend so much time doing things during the day that it makes it difficult to wake up in the morning because I’m so tired. We need to learn to take a breath and schedule relaxation time the same way we plan everything else in the day. Relaxation might mean watch-ing television for one person while it translates to reading or meditating for another. Whatever the preference though, it would be for the benefit of all to make time for these exercises.If we waste so much time on a daily basis, I would rather spend that time doing something enjoyable instead of regretting it at the end of the day.

Karen Podorefsky is a Collegian Columnist and can be reached at kpodorefsky@umass.edu.

Keep your corporate hands off my Internet

“The differences between these services and products are trivial and superficial. They roughly all cost the same, for the same awful service.”

“We need to learn to take a breath and schedule relaxation time the same way we plan everything else in the day.”

Corinne Elicone

Karen Podorefsky

“Coca-Cola rollercoaster.” - NickelbackArts Living

Arts@DailyCollegian.comTuesday, March 31, 2015

THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIAN

Sisters on the Runway benefit show amazes

By Madeleine JackManCollegian Staff

Sisters on the Runway’s fifth annual benefit fash-ion show transformed the University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus Center Auditorium Sunday night into what looked and felt like a high-end venue for a profes-sional fashion show. Guests entered the room walking in on a red carpet, with photographers snapping pictures against the Sisters on the Runway backdrop. Everyone was dressed to impress and mingled amongst one another enjoy-ing the delicious mocktails and catered desserts. People stood in front of white cur-tains strung with Christmas lights, sipping on mock cham-pagne and buying raffle tick-ets while waiting for the show to begin. As people began to take their seats around the T-shaped runway, lined with rose petals and candles, there was a tangible sense of posi-tive energy in the crowd. People were not just there to see the season’s latest trends but to provide needed support for Safe Passage, a domestic violence shelter and resource center located in Northampton. Sisters on the Runway, “a national organization which strives to raise awareness for domestic violence preven-tion,” hosted its show in order to both educate the public about the issues of domes-tic violence and to provide needed monetary support for Safe Passage. All proceeds coming from the raffle tickets, the cost of the show tickets and the dress and shoe sale at the end of the show went direct-ly to Safe Passage. Since Alissar Taremi and Kaelyn Siversky founded the UMass SOTR division five years ago, the organization has raised $16,225. Co-president Shireen Pourbemani said she feels “very strongly that, like many other issues in the world, domestic violence is not given as much attention as it should.” She said she joined SOTR, “So that I could make a differ-ence and change the odds … I have never met such a wel-coming group of people on the UMass campus and could not be more appreciative of the team at Safe Passage.” Her fellow co-president Sarah Figueiredo added that the program has seen visible results based on conversa-

tions she’s had with Director of Safe Passage Marianne Winters. “(Winters) had told us that they recently had a sur-vivor contact them and said that they heard about Safe Passage through SOTR and was able to get away from a dangerous situation they had at home,” Figueiredo said. “How can SOTR not con-tinue to be an important aspect of my life after hear-ing that SOTR helped some-one get the assistance they needed and possibly even save a life?” The whole SOTR team had been dutifully working on this year’s benefit show since September. The models are all regular students, as well, women willing to donate their time for the cause. “The models come to all of the general body meetings and events that we hold,” Pourbemani said. “They also meet with us a separate time once a week to practice for the show. It isn’t easy walk-ing up and down a runway in those heels.” The UMass Stage Crew Dance Team opened the night performing to two different songs, followed by The Doo Wop Shop, a male a capel-la group. They performed “Make Me Spin,” “My Girl” and ended with a fun mash-up of some classic Disney tunes.

Afterward, the show took a more serious turn when Winters came out to give a talk about domestic vio-lence in the community. Her speech was personal and touching as she reached out to the audience directly, say-ing, “You are all evidence that domestic violence education and awareness has begun to take hold in our community.” She emotionally contin-ued, speaking gratefully about SOTR and how the show was going to “bring our talents, our beauty, our hope, our passion to the awareness of domestic violence.” In the past, many people and insti-tutions ignored domestic vio-lence or did not understand the severity and reach of it. Now, because of groups like SOTR and Safe Passage, they have been changing the odds for many victims and survi-vors. The funds provided by the show are used to respond to all different types of crises, from having to send women out of state in order to be safe to helping transport pets and children and keeping their hotline running. “Sisters on the Runway has saved the lives of woman who are victims of domes-tic violence in Hampshire County,” Winters said. Events like these are cru-cial for raising awareness. Domestic violence education

is necessary for the health of the community as a whole, and for the individual. Alida Lefebvre, a speaker from the UMass Center for Women and Community, said, “Educating and spreading the word is let-ting the world know that we will not tolerate violence.” The models absolutely glowed as they walked on stage. Each time one model passed another, they did a little wave, hip-bump, or fun, coordinated motion as a sig-nal of friendship, camarade-rie and support, upholding the spirit of the event. “Who wouldn’t want to see some fabulous, real girls strut down the runway to some fun songs while wearing beauti-ful outfits generously donat-ed by our various designers?” Figueiredo said. Fashion show sponsors included 25 Central, Black & White Boutique, Chantilly Dallas, Colby Galvin, Gillian Cowen, Grace and Lace, Hale Bob, It’s All About Me, Julie Mollo, Loft Outlet, Mata Traders, Od Boutique, rue21, Sincerely Sweet Boutique, Urban Exchange, Us Trendy and Yellow Clover. After the show, people were allowed to buy the dresses and shoes that the models had just showed off. Many people stuck around to thank the models, show sup-port for their friends and con-tinue supporting the cause.

Throughout the year, Sisters on the Runway held other events as well to raise money, such as Zumba with Michelle, an event at the Monkey Bar and numerous bake sales. “Any amount of money really helps and goes a long way,” Pourbemani said. Figueiredo added: “We are glad to hear that people who need help are getting the help they need with our assis-tance.” Students interested in get-ting involved with SOTR can like its Facebook page and other social media accounts to get updates on meetings and other events. Students can also join the general body meetings. Board member auditions are at the end of this year, while model tryouts for next year’s fashion show are set for the start of the next fall semester. Regardless of involve-ment, it is important to per-sonally take responsibility to educate one’s self and others on what constitutes a healthy relationship and always speak up if something does not feel right to you. Sisters on the Runway Benefit Fashion Show truly is a glamorous way to sup-port a great cause.

Sanah Rizvi contributed to this report. Madeleine Jackman can be reached at mjackman@umass.edu.

All proceeds went to Safe Passage

H E A LT H

By Sanah RizviCollegian Correspondent

Domestic violence, as defined by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “is the willful intim-idation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpe-trated by one intimate part-ner against another.” It may include physical, sexual, psychological and emotional abuse. Domestic violence and its forms vary drastically in different rela-tionships; however, in almost all situations the abuser tries to maintain power and con-trol over their partner. It can affect anybody regardless of age, gender, ability, sexuality, ethnicity and race. It occurs at every level of society regardless of income or educational back-ground with as many as 50 percent of all couples experi-encing domestic violence at some point in their lives. It is difficult to determine whether or not a person is abusive when a relationship is in its early stages . Domestic violence often intensifies as the relationship progresses. Abusers can seem wonderful and supportive in the begin-ning of a relationship. Often, abuse starts to shows up in minor argu-ments in the form of name calling, possessiveness and jealously. Many times abus-ers use intimidation, threat, emotional abuse, economic status, isolation and blame to gain power. Domestic violence does not always manifest itself in the form of physical abuse. Emotional and psychological abuse are just as dangerous and life threatening. Many times, misinforma-tion prevents individuals from seeking timely help. Understand that victims must be supported as much as pos-sible and referred to the right sources as soon as possible. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). If you are from the Hampshire County area, reach out to Safe Passage in Northampton. Its 24-hour hot-line can be reached at 413-586-5066. In an emergency, always call 911.

Sanah Rizvi can be reached at srizvi@umass.edu.

Learn the red flagsRecognize signs of domestic violence

H E A LT H

CADE BELISLE/COLLEGIAN

Michelle Kim poses at the Sisters on the Runway fifth Annual Benefit Show on March 29, raising awareness and money for Safe Passage.

“Sisters on the Runway has saved the lives of women who are victims of domestic violence. ”Marianne Winters, Safe Passage executive director

ROBERT RIGO/COLLEGIAN

Sidney Hardie smiles for the crowd as Alyssa Nogueira walks onto the runway.

ROBERT RIGO/COLLEGIAN

Katie Burke struts her stuff at the benefit show in a patterned jumpsuit donated by Rue 21.

THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIANB6 Tuesday, March 31, 2015 DailyCollegian.com

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It seems wrong that toothpaste has blue coloring and yet we apply it and rub it into our teeth to clean consistently, day after day.

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THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIAN Tuesday, March 31, 2015 7DailyCollegian.com

ever this goes, I’ll be able to live with myself that I put my best foot forward.” Kenney moved to Indianapolis in January to train, spending nearly six weeks working with a strength and speed special-ist at St. Vincent Sports Performance along with 12 other college prospects. Professional scouts often attended the work-outs and it offered Kenney an opportunity to assess his future and learn how NFL teams would evaluate him. “We were lucky enough to interact with a former (general manager) who came and watched us work out,” Kenney said. “He was able to evaluate us and tell us what he thought our draft stock and ability to become a free agent was.” Kenney transferred to UMass from Penn State and caught nine passes for 190 yards in 12 games, including an 80-yard touch-down reception. While his statistics don’t appear to translate to a professional career, he possesses one attribute coveted by the NFL: speed. “I’ve heard some posi-tive things,” said Kenney, who added teams have reached out to him but declined to offer specifics. “I’ve heard that my speed and my size could be a ben-efit to some teams.” A former sprinter, Kenney said he can run a 40-yard dash between 4.2 and 4.3 seconds. The top 40-yard-dash time at the 2015 NFL combine was 4.28 seconds. Kenney said Monday that because of the colder conditions, he was pleased with any time

under 4.5 seconds. “I’ve been told that speed is the one thing that can’t be taught, it’s given to you,” he said. “I’ve been trying to showcase that to as many people as pos-sible and hopefully some-one will recognize that and give me an opportunity.” Monday’s pro day was simply that – an opportu-nity. There was former Minutemen running back John Griffin, whose third stint in the NFL was cut short two years ago by a broken leg. Anthony Dima, a former UMass offensive linemen who briefly signed with both

the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans last year, also participated. So too did local athletes from at least nine other schools. “All you need is a shot,” said former Minutemen linebacker Stanley Andre, who also participated Monday and used current New York Giants and for-mer UMass receiver Victor Cruz as an example of an unheralded player getting a chance. Cruz initially impressed scouts, who were there to watch for-mer UMass offensive line-man Vladimir Ducasse, at UMass’ pro day. Andre has trained at Athletic Evolution in

Woburn since the end of the season and also hired an agent to aid in the pro-cess. Like many, he just wants a chance. “You’re just train-ing all the time,” he said. “Sometimes you’re frus-trated, sometimes you’re not. You’re just going off your times and hoping you run your best times on a day where it actu-ally counts. You just have to keep grinding and keep pushing. “Just hope and pray.”

Mark Chiarelli can be reached at mchiarel@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @Mark_Chiarelli.

PRO DAYcontinued from page 8

per game. He struck out a career-high seven against Dayton on March 21. Last season, Moloney averaged 2.3 strikeouts in his seven starts. “He has progressed well like we expected,” Stone said. “The command of his fastball has improved, mak-ing his breaking balls even better.” Standing at 4-7, Moloney owns half of the Minutemen’s wins. “Every outing (Moloney) has pitched well,” Stone said. “We feel good giving him the ball right now.”

Moloney continues to improve in each start, with his best performance com-ing last Saturday against a very tough Virginia Commonwealth team. He held the Rams to two runs over eight innings of work. “We are extremely happy with the way he has pitched so far,” Stone said. “We’re happy to have him and hope he continues to stay confi-dent and succeed.”

Tyler Fiedler can be reached at tfiedler@umass.edu and on Twitter @Tyler_Fiedler.

MOLONEYcontinued from page 8

CADE BELISLE/COLLEGIAN

Alex Kenney completes a 40-yard-dash attempt at Monday’s Pro Day. Kenney caught nine passes for UMass in 2014.

“He has progressed well like we expected. The command of his fastball has improved,

making his breaking balls even better.”Mike Stone,

UMass coach

@MDC_SPORTS Sports@DailyCollegian.comTuesday, March 31, 2015

THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIAN

F O O T BA L L

By Andrew CyrCollegian Staff

Although many players from multiple schools at all levels across New England participated in the Massachusetts football team’s Pro Day, there was no question that Jean Sifrin was the attraction that everyone came to see. Sifrin, a 6-foot-5, 242-pound tight end, participated in a series of drills for NFL scouts on Monday, including the bench press, 40-yard dash, three-cone drill, broad jump and vertical leap test before doing individual position drills. Sifrin is one of the most unique prospects in the draft given his age (27), which will potentially land him a spot in the late rounds of the draft (rounds 5-7). Although there is a possibility he may not get drafted, it is fairly certain that he will get an opportunity to impress teams in camp as an undrafted free

agent. On Monday, Sifrin record-ed a 31-inch vertical leap, had a broad jump score of 9.10 feet and improved his 40-yard-dash time to an unofficial time of 4.75 seconds, an improvement from the 4.84 time he ran at the NFL Draft Combine in February. After choosing not to perform in the bench press at the combine, Sifrin finished with 15 reps of 225 pounds Monday. “I didn’t get to bench at the com-bine so I already knew that I had to do at least 15 being a tight end and I was able to do that today,” Sifrin said. “The feedback that I really got was about my 40 time. I got a 4.8 at the combine, and I know today was a little better so I’m hoping that’s good enough to open some eyes.” Sifrin ended the afternoon by running routes and catching passes from current quarterbacks coach Liam Coen where he was 18-for-20

on balls thrown his direction. Throughout the day, camera crews from both Bleacher Report and Esquire followed Sifrin and his 7-year-old son who was in attendance. It was another sign of the increased interest in UMass’ unorthodox prospect. “I don’t mind being followed. It’s just another day,” Sifrin said. “I’m not saying I’m used to it, but it’s been fun. “It’s not nerve-wracking. I’m really patient so it’s not bothering me much. I’m just waiting to get to the team I’m going to play for.” Now that Pro Day is over, Sifrin plans on returning home to Miami where he can train and work out for individual teams. Sifrin said that his agent has been in talks with multiple teams and has work-outs with the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts lined up. At the end of the day, no mat-

ter how well Sifrin measures up against the other prospects in the draft, his age and lack of experi-ence in college football will likely be the deciding factor on whether a team wants to take a shot on him in the draft or not. “I’m getting a lot of attention. I knew that coming out, especially with my age,” he said. “The atten-tion that I am getting, I’m getting negative attention because I am older and because I did run a 4.8, so it’s been good and bad. “Teams just see me as an older player, that’s all. There’s nothing different from me and the guy that is in the NFL now who’s playing at the same age. He just has more experience playing in the system than I do.” Andrew Cyr can be reached at arcyr@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @Andrew_Cyr.

MAKING THE GRADE

CADE BELISLE/COLLEGIAN

Jean Sifrin catches a pass during indvidual position drills at Monday’s UMass Football Pro Day. Sifrin performed in front of NFL scouts at McGuirk Stadium.

Pro Day provides final shot

By MArk ChiArelliCollegian Staff

The scouts watched from afar, some standing grouped together while others worked individually. With a stopwatch and clipboard in hand, their eyes followed prospects who shuffled through an assort-ment of drills. With each stopwatch click, jotted note and mental remind-er, these professional scouts played a significant role in the football future of nearly every player who participated in the Massachusetts Football Pro Day, which was held Monday at a chilly McGuirk Stadium. For former UMass tight end Jean Sifrin, who also partici-pated in the NFL Draft Combine in February and was the focus of attention Monday, it was yet another chance to improve his draft stock before he returns home to Miami, where he’ll continue to workout. For others, like former Minutemen wide receiver Alex Kenney, it was simply a chance – maybe even the last chance – to impress. Kenney played for UMass last season as a graduate stu-dent and put his academic career on hold following the season to pursue a profession-al career. Monday, he worked out in front of a handful of NFL teams, including Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie. “It’s one of those things where I don’t want to look back on it and say, ‘I wish I would’ve done this or that,’ because school is always going to be there and I have my undergrad-uate degree,” he said. “So how-

Kenney, Andre among those chasing dream

Sifrin improves on combine results Monday

see PRO DAY on page 7

Moloney seeing success after boost of confidence

By Tyler Fiedler Collegian Staff

It’s not uncommon for play-ers to have seasons in which they don’t live up to their expectations – which is exact-ly what happened a season ago for Massachusetts base-ball pitcher Ryan Moloney. Moloney went 0-7 and posted a 6.64 ERA in his first year with the Minutemen in 2014, a difficult start for a tal-ented pitcher. Adjusting from high school to college baseball proved to be Moloney’s big-gest challenge. However, it was not just Moloney who struggled for the Minutemen. It was a long, tumultuous season for UMass, which finished 15-31, good for ninth place in the Atlantic 10. According to Minutemen coach Mike Stone, Moloney’s struggles came from a loss of confidence after losing games early in the season. “He has a lot of confidence this season and really recov-ered from last year,” Stone

said. “He lost his confidence last year but he is a real com-petitor and has bounced back this season.” A long offseason of work and training has gotten Moloney back on the right track in his sophomore sea-son. In three starts this year, Moloney has posted a 2-1 record with a 2.70 ERA, while also performing well in cru-cial situations. In two games in conference play, Moloney is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA. He also has 13 strike-outs in 14.2 innings. “(Moloney) has pitched very well and improved over last year,” Stone said. “It has been every outing, he’s giving quality starts.” The young guy in the Minutemen’s rotation led by senior captains Conor LeBlanc and Andrew Grant, Moloney has proven himself as a reliable starter each and every game. “It is good to have three to four good starters with LeBlanc, Moloney and Grant

and even (Brandon) Walsh” Stone said. “It feels good and gives our team confidence having them every start.” Still only a sophomore, there is room for the right-hander to further develop. Stone believes that Moloney hasn’t reached his full poten-tial yet and will continue to improve. “He still has a chance to continue to learn and adjust and be really good,” Stone said. “I believe he can even continue to pitch beyond UMass.” There is still a long sea-son ahead for the Minutemen (4-7, 4-2 A-10) but they will need Moloney to continue his strong pitching in order for them to stay competitive. Improved control from a year ago and a higher strike-out rate is giving Moloney a chance to succeed early in the season. In the three games he has pitched this year, Moloney is averaging 4.66 strikeouts

BA S E BA L L

Unplayable field conditions put a halt to home opener

By ToM MulherinCollegian Staff

The Massachusetts soft-ball team will have another day to figure out how to end its losing woes as Tuesday’s home opener against Connecticut was postponed to an undetermined date due to unplayable conditions at Sortino Field. Wednesday’s home matchup against Yale, how-ever, is still scheduled to be played on time at 4 p.m. until further notice. The Minutewomen (5-15, 1-5 Atlantic 10) enter the week in rough shape. After starting the season with a passable 4-4 start, UMass has plummeted since, los-ing 11 of its last 12 games. Conference play hasn’t changed much either, as the team fell to a new low over the weekend by get-ting swept at Saint Joseph’s through three mercy rule shortened games. Of course, it doesn’t help when the team’s 2014 A-10

Rookie of the Year recipi-ent Jena Cozza goes down at the very start of the sea-son to a year-ending ACL tear. It only made matters worse when veteran infield-er Anna Kelley broke mul-tiple facial bones in practice before the weekend series at Saint Joseph’s to keep her out indefinitely, along with starting outfielder Cote Clark. The injuries and loss-es are piling up for the Minutewomen, which is a deadly combination that teams struggle to escape once the pattern starts. But with all of the signs point-ing in that direction for this squad, however, UMass coach Kristi Stefanoni isn’t ready to give up on her group quite yet. “Our biggest thing (mov-ing forward) will be reflect-ing on the loss, letting it pro-cess and be really good at let-ting it go,” she said. “It’s how we’re going to get through this without spiraling down-

ward. If (the team) wants to succeed, they really have to let go of failure quickly.” Stefanoni looks at the rest of the season as a means of improving enough before the conference tournament at the year’s end. In a light-hearted moment, the second-year head coach explained the position the team is in and what is to come, through a fortune cookie she opened at a recent team dinner. “Mine happened to say, ‘Success is a journey, not a destination,’” she said. “Sometimes we’re trying to get there a little too quickly, and (the message) is right. Doing what we’re doing, and how long the season is, is going to be quite the journey. “(We) really are a very good team,” Stefanoni added. “We’ve only showed flashes of that and the key for them is really just to let it go and play.”

Tom Mulherin can be reached at tmulheri@umass.edu.

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