The dance showcase was a collection of choreographed pieces contributed by ODU faculty and dance students. The event was dedicated to the memory of Eva May Morris Gregory who passed in 2012. Gregory was honored for her family’s generous contribution to a dance scholarship for the ODU dance program.

The showcase presented 10 pieces of choreography ranging from modern dance to ballroom and latin dance. The lighting on the stage fit each piece but carried a constant theme of red, pink and purple to bring out the color in the dancers’ outfits and muscle definition. A particular piece, “Walk,“ choreographed by Christina Yoshida featured music from The Bangles, Katrina & the Waves and Aerosmith.

Showing the talent of 10 dancers, this piece was among the largest ones of the entire showcase. The dancers wore bright colored costumes and conveyed themes of fun, summer, fitness and laughter.

On a different side of the spectrum, piece “Formerly Yours” by Kevin Jones, featured music from Stephan Moccio and was comprised of two dancers. The colors used in the backdrop were different from the rest, using grey, green and hints of brown to convey an, earthy and heavy feeling. The movements of the dancers were contained and were centered around the upper body.

“Woman is the Blues” by Wesley Acker was the only ballroom dance piece of the showcase and featured a sultry and seductive theme. The movement was centered on the hips and the dimmed lighting offered a tone of sultry yearning for a woman.

The concert featured dances that not only showcased the talents of ODU faculty and students but how dance conveys a story to the audience with certain moods and emotions. For more information on upcoming events and how you can support the university dance theatre, contact the dance department at 757-683-3002.

By: Siaga Johnson

Staff Writer

Rekapse, a Virginia Beach indie band who has made their rounds in the area over the past few years, were recently signed to Mosley Music Group, the label created and run by fellow Norfolk native and Grammy Award winner producer, Timbaland.

Consisting of siblings Kelly, Stacie, and David Bollmann, Matt Osborn and Stephen Lee, Rekapse quickly gained attention from local music buffs since establishing the final lineup in 2008. After signing with an unnamed indie record label in 2009 and talks of tours and albums became imminent, the band seemed ready to embrace this new and exciting chapter in their lives.

After recording a full-length album in 2009 and 2010, small pushes by their label began to pose a problem with the direction Rekapse wished to go. Kelly Bollmann explained they had, “Gotten to the point where we wanted to give up, everything was turning sour. Luckily, having a supportive family was one of the ways we were able to get through this rough time.” Contractually bound, Rekapse felt trapped.

On the other side of the United States, Timbaland was busy recording songs for a forthcoming album and heard tracks that Rekapse had done, through friend and Z104 radio personality, Shaggy. Timbaland then decided to reach out to them wanting to collaborate. After flying the band out to Los Angeles, he ultimately decided he wanted to remix one of their songs for his upcoming album and expressed interest in working with them in the future.

After failing to void their existing record contract, things began to finally look up for the band in 2011. Timbaland was so pleased with the work he was able to create alongside Rekapse that he began to express interest in signing them alongside other successful acts such as One Republic, Keri Hilson and Chris Cornell. With both sides of lawyers going back and forth with contract negotiations, Rekapse signed the final paperwork with Timbaland less than a month ago.

“The future is bright, we are very pleased with how things were resolved and I can’t wait to finally begin this next chapter of our careers,” said David Bollmann.

Rekapse is set to play at the upcoming Shagfest, hosted by the man who helped put their career on the right path, Shaggy, on June 9 in Virginia Beach. More information on the show will be released soon.

By: Alexander Rose

Staff Writer

“The Invisible War,” a new documentary from Oscar nominated director Kirby Dick, sheds light on this problem.

The United States military operates under the “uniform code of military justice,” which is different from civilian law to reinforce discipline. However, “The Invisible War” makes a bold claim, supported by evidence, to suggest that the reinforcement of these disciplines is ignored at times.

Old Dominion University’s Women’s Center hosted the screening of the documentary, followed by a Q&A session with one of the victims featured in the film to kick off Sexual Awareness Month. The statistics in the film were provided by U.S. government studies and featured a small group of female soldiers, ready to tell their harsh stories, and the effort by some of them to join with other victims to sue former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld for violating their Constitutional rights.

The beginning of the film showed all of the women supporting the military. But, it quickly became apparent that their love was only for what the military represented when they first enlisted. Within the first few minutes of the movie, stories of violent rape were recounted with little hesitation.

Male investigators within the military were blamed for not having enough drive to see the cases through. A common belief in the military is a man is set up when being accused of rape. Rape victims often face harsh repercussions for reporting an attack, such as being discharged with little benefits.

Most of the victims featured in the documentary walked away from their attacks with a strong sense of distrust for the rest of the world. As one of the victims, Kori Cioca, said as she packed an army knife in her bag, “You always have protection with Jesus. But sometimes you need a little more.” Cioca had been severely beaten before she was raped, resulting in a broken jaw.

Another victim of the film, Jessica Hinves, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and kicked out of the military. “I got in touch with the filmmakers and they sent me on a retreat to talk with me about the documentary,” said Hinves. She said since the release of “The Invisible War,” the military has been trying to get in contact with the victims for “re-evaluation.”

In regards to the lawsuit filed by the victims, the courts dismissed it. But, a petition has been started on the documentary’s website, www.invisiblewarmovie.com, to bring the case back into the spotlight.

By: R Jay Molina

Staff Writer

Last Thursday, a few lucky Old Dominion students got the chance to ride around in the Red Bull Scenicruiser to relieve some stress from the lurking pressure of finals and papers. There were televisions, leather couches, a live performance, and of course, free Red Bull for all.

The Scenicruiser is a tour bus decked out in customary Red Bull fashion. It is garnished on the outside with the traditional Red Bull logo. The inside is equipped with flat screen televisions and extra long plush couches. The multiple drink coolers were stocked with the company’s newly released zero-calorie edition of the classic. It was the Red Bull treatment.

The bus wasn’t only a bus, but a mobile club with a set up better than most stationary ones. There was a turntable in the back of the bus and speakers that could make the whole tour bus rattle. There was also a considerable amount of floor space available for dancing.

When the party left Miller Mart at 5:30 p.m., the DJ was in the booth and bumping tunes. Red mood lights on the ceiling and back walls were turned on and the party began.

The bus took a two hour loop around Norfolk and over to Virginia Beach. Halfway through and three Red Bulls in, rap group Teleport Team began to perform. The Hampton based duo consists of Nick Thriller and Don Mimosa. “This is our first time performing on a moving bus,” said Mimosa as the set began.

This was an opportunity for students and friends to take a break from studies to enjoy a rare experience. While Red Bull knows how to work hard, some say they know how to play hard too.

By: Allison Terres

Staff Writer 

“Both teams played hard yesterday and today in back and forth games and we got a break today and it was a good way to finish out,” said Monarchs’ head coach Chris Finwood.

ODU added two runs in the seventh inning to break a 4-4 tie after Shawn Sizemore led the inning off with a walk. Drew Coker’s sacrifice bunt moved him over to second and an intentional walk to Josh Wright. Josh Eldridge’s liner to second base drove in Wright, followed by Chris Baker’s sacrifice fly to center field to bring in Wright from third to grab a two run lead. The Monarchs never looked back.

“We haven’t gotten a lot of breaks this year, but there was a nice one for us to get and to win on Sunday.”

The home team got rocked early in the fifth inning when the Duke’s Ty McFarland doubled to center field and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. Soon after, Bradley Shaban reached base on an error to bring home McFarland and tie the game at one apiece. Aaron Hoover doubled to right field, bringing in another two runs. Casey Goss scored the final run of the inning to give JMU a three run cushion to the tune of 4-1 to end the inning.

C.J. Huyett took the hill for the Monarchs and gave up four runs off four hits, striking out three with no walks in five and two-thirds innings of work. Finwood pulled him with two outs in the fifth to bring in right-hander Brandon Smith, who recorded the final out of the inning. The two relievers combined to give up just one run in the comeback victory.

Catcher Josh Tutwiler led the Monarchs offensively with his sixth homerun of the season that cut the lead to a run prior to the team tacking on another to tie the game at four.

The win gives the ball club just theirtwelfth of the year and fourth in the conference after losing 12 of their last 17. Coach Finwood reminds fans of just how much every game in the conference counts from this point out just to stay in the thick of things.

“Every win is huge for us because we’re fighting for our lives to try and get in the [CAA] tournament. We’ve got to win most of them the rest of the way out to have a chance to do that so that’s a good start. Hopefully we can carry that over.”

Smith (6-1) picked up the win while Evan Scott of James Madison dropped to 1-4 on the year.

The Monarchs head up to Fairfax for a three game set Friday, April 20 against CAA foe George Mason before returning to home April 27 to host Virginia Commonwealth.

By: Brian Jerry

Staff Writer

Eley was able to present her work for ODU’s senior show in a gallery entitled “Exposed,” in the Perry Library near the Student Success Center. The overall simplicity of the gallery helps guide any unassuming traveler to the forefront of Eley’s work. There is nothing flashy to guide a viewer to the harsh frames, just a white wall with medium sized pictures and a story for each one to tell.

Eley had been into photography since grade school. However, she came to ODU to pursue a degree in graphic design. But when she met Natalie Bray, an adjunct professor for photography, Eley was inspired to refocus her efforts and change her major. “Natalie brought me back to pursue work that meant more than a pretty picture,” Eley explained. She wonders why issues of domestic abuse are being overlooked.

Eley felt the pressure about how her work would be perceived by a general audience. “So far, I’ve gotten mostly positive feedback from it,” she said. The gallery was scheduled to stay up until the end of April, but Eley has been thinking about taking her work down sooner than that. “I’ll check on my work every now and again and notice little cracks in the frames, which tell me that there are some people out there who are just not ready to see this yet,” she confessed.

The full collection of Eley’s work can be found on her website, www. wix.com/seley002/seephotography2. She will be heading to Atlanta, Georgia after graduation where she will be pursuing a master’s degree in photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

By: R Jay Molina

Staff Writer

“It’s tough today, it’s windy, the conditions are hard and it comes down to who wants it more,” Muzalewski said. “Pretty much every game went down to deuces and advantages but he was just not willing to take the chances. I was and that was the difference.”

The Toran, Poland native, alongside Alfredo Rodriguez, claimed their doubles match with an 8-5 thumping over John Banks and Robert Pietrucha. Muzalewski also pointed to the mental advantage he had on his opponent late in the match and felt as though he had the upper hand.

“We were in the first few games where it could have gone both ways and then I got on top of him early in the first set,” Muzalewski said. “After that, he kind of never got back into the match, he was always behind. So it’s easier to play when you’re ahead.”

Match play was halted before singles play to honor Muzalewski with a ceremony. The senior was presented with a gift and kind words by head coach Aljosa Piric for his hard work and dedication to the program on the court for four years.

“It’s a great way to send him out since this was the first time he beat William and Mary in his four years here,” Piric said. “That’s what he wanted to do and I’m very happy for him. He’s definitely earned it.”

Piric continued with kudos to Muzalewski’s game and prowess on the court during the match. “he [Muzalewski] has been a competitor for us the whole year and every time he gets out there, you know what you’re going to get and that’s going to be a lot of fight and a lot of passion.”

Old Dominion came out swinging with the three straight match wins and coach admits that the plan was to start off strong and play like favorites the entire match.

“We came out with a purpose today and the purpose was to play like we’re better. We didn’t want to play like underdogs. We wanted to play a team that’s supposed to win,” Piric said.

With this victory, the Monarchs have secured their spot in the CAA Tournament and the lone Monarch senior was quick to emphasize the importance of a victory like this for team moral.

“It’s great, this locks the fact that we’re the fourth seed and it just gives you some confidence before the tournament. William and Mary’s always a top team, always a top rival. It’s good to get a ‘W’ right before the conference [tournament].”

In other singles action, ODU’s Carlos Lopez Villa took care of the Tribe’s Anton Andersson in straight sets 6-0, 6-2 while Wesley Barrett also secured the win for the white and blue 6-0, 6-3 over Ben Hoogland. The Monarchs finished the day with split singles 3-3.

As to what the goals and expectations were for Thursday when the tournament begins, Muzalewski admitted that while a hard effort would be nice, a conference title to cap off his collegiate career would be that much sweeter.

“We all want to win. It would mean a lot to me if I can finish my career at ODU with a conference title, but as long as everyone gives their best effort, I’m going to have no regrets.”

With Muzalewski and Rodriguez’s doubles win, the Monarchs were able to snag the point via Fahoum Fahoum and Can Cantinel’s 8-5 win over Jacob Braig and Andersson while Lopez Villa and Albert Ochagavia defeated Ben Guthrie and Ilja Orre 8-5.

Coach also acknowledged the magnitude of a win like this just days before taking the court for tournament action.

“This was definitely a good win and helps with seeding,” Piric said. “We’re going to prepare for our first round, whoever they may be and our guys are excited to play. I’ll look forward to it.”

The CAA Tournament begins Thursday, April 19 while Old Dominion will begin conference match play on Friday.

By: Brian Jerry

Staff Writer

Students crammed into MGB’s Lecture Hall to hear words of advice and wisdom from “Teen Mom’s” own Maci Bookout.  Maci was one of the first teen moms featured on the now popular MTV documentary, “Teen Mom” and “16 and Pregnant.”

Maci talked with the audience about her pregnancy and how she got involved with MTV. Being sixteen and pregnant, Maci was broke and her parents tried to persuade her into maternity modeling to make some money. Looking around for maternity modeling, Maci’s mother came across an opportunity through MTV for a new documentary about teen mothers.

She thought it was a joke and silly, but did it anyway to please her parents. She said, “I emailed them and said, ‘I’m Maci, I’m from Chattanooga Tennessee, I’m sixteen and pregnant. This sucks.’” Maci received a call the next day with an interested producer. Even today, Maci is still shocked to have ever received that opportunity.

Maci elaborated on her troubles with her ex Ryan Edwards. She said it was difficult not having the man she loved there to help her, but despite the difficulties, Maci got through it. Maci and Ryan are not together but they are making things work for their son, Bentley.

Maci went into detail about her difficult relationship with Kyle King as well. Maci was with King for two years and considered having another child with him, but he was not ready for that. They ended their relationship a couple of months ago.

Today, Maci has found a new man in her life, notorious motocross rider, Kyle Regal. Maci says that she has finally found a balance between her career, school, Bentley and a relationship.  She is taking things one day at a time and trying to be the happiest 20 year old she can be.

By: Mary Ann Jackson

Staff Writer

According to the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment, ODU applicants have steadily increased since 2003. In 2010 the overall freshman applicants to ODU dropped from 10,515 to 10,276.  Transfer student applicants had an increase in applicants with 3,868 in 2010 and 4,169 in 2011.

Tecarla Moore, a senior admissions counselor said in a telephone interview that she does not have statistics, but she does not believe that crime near to the ODU campus affects admissions.

Out-of-state admissions are significantly lower than in state. In 2010, there were almost 6,000 more in-state applicants. Moore said that the large gap is because of the economy not crime. She said, “Traditionally it is an in-state school spike, and ODU is primarily an in-state school.”

When asked if parents are concerned with crime when their children are considering applying. Moore said, “Now and again they ask about the area, and ODU alert, but it is not a regular thing.”

According to the Department of Education website, on the ODU campus there were 31 burglaries in 2009 and 21 burglaries in 2010. There were six sex offenses on campus in 2009 and six in 2010. There were six motor vehicle thefts in 2009 and five motor vehicle thefts in 2010. In on-campus student housing, there were 30 recorded burglaries in 2009 and 16 burglaries in 2010. There were three sex offenses on campus housing in 2009 and six sex offenses in 2010.

Universities are required by the Clery Act to publish all crimes that occur on the campus. Information about crimes on campus can be found at http://www.ope.ed.gov/security. ODU also has a daily crime and fire log that can be found on the ODU website.

The boundaries of campus are vague, and there are some incidents that go unreported by the Clery Act. For example, the Clery Act does not account for crimes against students while off campus owned property. Many students do not live and work on ODU owned property.

Zack Hill, a senior at ODU said that he was not aware of the crime near ODU when he applied but it would not affect his decision. He also said, “People should be aware of the crimes that are committed around campus and plan their lives accordingly to prevent those crimes from happening to them.”

Priscilla Nguyen, a junior at ODU said that she knew there was crime around ODU but it did not affect her decision to apply. She said, “People should know that there is a neighborhood surrounding ODU that is not the safest place although it is fairly safe directly on campus.”  Nguyen also said to be careful, but remember that robberies can happen everywhere.

Katy Tecson, a recent graduate of Christopher Newport University, said that crimes happen on every college campus. And she said, “The college, city, and community response to crime impacted my decision when applying to college.”

Kaylene Woods, a recent undergraduate of the College of William and Mary, said that she was not deterred from ODU because of crime because she knows the area. She also said, “I would be rather hesitant to apply to a school in an urban area that had a high crime rate, because I would be intimidated by the statistics and unfamiliar area. So I have to wonder if the application decisions of potential students outside of our area are affected by the projected crime rate.”

Although students do not seem discouraged by the crime, Woods said that students must be aware and intelligent while on campus. Kristen Bohlman, a junior at ODU said that she was aware of the crime when she applied and she also lived on campus for a time. She said, “Be smart and safe, know how to defend yourself and beware of suspicious behavior. Don’t walk alone at night.”

By: Megan Stamper

Staff Writer

This all falls under the $6,434,538 expected budget for the 2012 school year. In the past five years, the school has spent $29,423,538 on its safety budget.

“It definitely makes me feel good about the school,” junior Sarah Moore said. “I want to know that they’re actually doing things to make me safe.”

Moore, who lives in the District off of 39 Street, had her car broken into twice last year while parked on 40 Street.

In 2008, the school spent just under $5 million on campus safety, but with the recent influx of campus crime, headlined by the death of student Chris Cummings, the school has increased the resources surrounding campus.

But Moore criticized the university’s lack of commitment to other projects.

“We don’t need another half-monorail job when it comes to safety,” Moore said. “We need proactive efforts on the part of the police to make sure the streets around ODU are safe.”

The school has made positive moves to reinforce their commitment to the safety of Old Dominion students. President John Broderick selected Dave Harnage to a new position titled Chief Operating Officer. Harnage was hired to have direct responsibility for all issues involving public safety and work closely with Norfolk police to ensure safety for all.

Junior Kevin Kerr was a victim of campus crime, being robbed at gunpoint outside of Whitehurst dormitory earlier this month. Kerr criticized the efforts of the Old Dominion police, calling them “useless” and believing the criminals were only caught because of the “Norfolk detectives and not the ODU people.” Bringing into question the effectiveness of the officers the university has hired to protect the students.

Twenty-one burglaries were reported on the Old Dominion campus in the 2010 calendar year, as well as two arsons, four aggravated assaults and over 400 drug or alcohol related crimes. Moore believes the police need to focus more on the safety and preventing serious crimes, not just alcohol charges.

“We don’t need cops busting parties all the time,” Moore said. “They need to worry about keeping us safe and not just handing out drinking charges for fun.”

Junior Rudy Ramos worries about the high spending on safety, wondering if the school could put the money some place better.

“I’m glad they’re worried about our safety,” Ramos said. “But do they have to spend so much more money to do that? I feel like there are a lot of places our school could improve, but spending all the money on safety equipment will keep us from doing that.

“Students just need to be smarter and not put themselves in stupid positions.”

Only time will tell whether the money will pay off. Until then it is up to students to be smart and the police to be aware.

By: Jake Ullrich

Assistant Sports Editor