The Rampage Nov 2021

ISSUE No. 0 | Month YEAR 9

N vember 2021

Bluefield College Student Newspaper Bluefield University Student Newspaper

bcRampage.com

Featured Stories

Feature 3 Professor Feature

Feature 1 N wCampus Entrance

Feature 2 Women’s Volleyball Team Enjoys Successful Season TeamEnjoys Successful 2021 Season

0 12

0 18

0 23

Rob Merritt

The Rampage

Table of Contents 

2

3

6

Opinions

Student Spotlights

Sports 16

10

Stories

20 22 Faculty Features Artwork

The Rampage student newspaper © Bluefield University. Magazine printed by Wordsprint. Magazine design by Axel Johansson and Daniel Mullins. Front cover, back cover and section illustrations by Ben Ayers. Special thanks to Professor Chris Shoemaker and Dr. Cynthia Bascom for making our student newspaper possible and giving students a voice.

Illustration by Ben Ayers

3

bcRampage.com

yers

The Rampage

Opinions 

4

Question of the Week:

Thanksgiving Traditions

by Darryl Patrick

Graphic Communications • 2022

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, we thought we’d ask Bluefield University students about their favorite Thanksgiving traditions. What do you enjoy about Thanksgiving? What’s your favorite tradition or most unforgettable memory? Here’s what they had to say.

“Spending time with my family, and my favorite food is my family’s turkey.”

Latravious Johnson , Sports Management, 2024

“My favorite tradition that my family does is we get together with extended family, and we drink wine and cook. Literally all day we make at least five different kinds of pies, cookies and brownies. We have a lot of Greek side dishes to go with our turkey, but we also have the traditional mashed potatoes, stuffing and what not. I think my favorite Thanksgiving food would have to be mac ‘n’ cheese.”

Sarah Alexiou , Biology, 2022

“Spending time with my family, and my favorite food would be the mac ‘n’ cheese.”

Cortarius Gilmore , Undecided, 2025

“My favorite tradition is eating food and spending time with family. And I enjoy getting a break from school.”

Elizabeth Roberts , Sports Medicine, 2024

“Watching football with my family is my favorite tradition, and my favorite food is the stuffing.”

Dustin Barker , Business Administration, 2022

bcRampage.com

5

Question of the Week:

Vaccine Mandates

by Mateus Bassotto

Sports Communication • 2023

Coronavirus vaccine mandates are a hot topic these days...and a controversial one, too. Employers at many businesses and organizations are requiring employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and employees are responding with mixed emotions. Since everybody’s talking about vaccine mandates, we thought we’d ask Bluefield University employees and students, “do you think employees should be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine?”

“I think that employees should get the vaccine, because if you are a teacher that works for a school, you should be vaccinated so when you get around kids you won´t pass the virus to them or to anyone that has health condition.”

Cortarius Gilmore , Major Undecided

“If you work at a fast food or big restaurant where you have to take orders from people or have to serve the customers their food, you should have to get vaccinated. If you have the virus nobody wants you to breathe on their food to spread the virus. so its safer to get the vaccine if you are working at a restaurant.”

Trent Smith , Sports Management

“Some emplyees don´t need to get the vaccine, because it depends on the job. Some jobs don´t really require the vaccine, like construction.”

Kyle Orris, Criminal Justice

“Yes and no. Yes because the older people that have health conditions need the vaccine to fight it off, and no because it can be a choice if people want to take it or not.”

Rod Howard , Assistant Football Coach

“No, because either way you get the vaccine or not people can still get sick with it or without. Some people can be just as healthy as a horse and still die of natural causes.

Landon Knepp, Sports Communication

The Rampage

6

Student Spotlights 

Illustration by Ben Ayers

bcRampage.com

7

Who is David Meech?

by Alejandro Bueno

Communications • 2023

“He’s the type of player that every coach wants to have in his clubhouse.” - Coach Chris Allen

David Meech is a Bluefield University junior college transfer from The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) where he played baseball for the Knights while earning an associate’s degree in general studies. As a member of the Knights’ baseball team, Meech hit .349 in 109 at bats. His junior college

home I’ve had teammates and coaches that have supported me along the way.” A junior, Meech is an All-Conference right fielder for the Rams who hit .396 in 149 at bats with 11 doubles, three triples and five home runs in his first season at BU. A couple of notable games in his time at Bluefield include a game against

Columbia International where he went 2-3 with a double and three RBI and a game against Alice Lloyd where he went 3-4 with an RBI . BU position player coach Chris Allen acknowledged that

playing days also featured a couple of notable games, including a matchup against Bunker Hill where he went 3-3 with four RBI and a double, and a game against Salve Regina in which he went 2-4 with two RBI . But “Big Meech,” as some affectionately call him, is more than just a baseball player. Just ask BU graduate student

Meech is a great baseball player who contributes significantly to the Rams baseball team, but even more importantly, Allen said, Meech is an outstanding person. “He’s the type of player that every coach wants to have in his clubhouse,” Allen said. “He takes care of those around him and pushes those to become better. David is a reserved guy who listens and learns before he speaks. When he speaks, people and players listen. His points are valid and his meaning is true and comes from a place of respect and love.” After college and baseball, Meech plans to be a physical therapist and eventually work with athletes. He is currently looking for internships for after graduation. “I have full confidence that David Meech will become a successful man, loving father and caring husband when the time comes,” Allen said. “I’m thankful to have met such a great young man and blessed to have him call me coach.”

and Rams third baseman Clay Wisner. “He (Meech) handles himself

like a professional on and off the field,” Wisner said. “He is a good teammate, and he is an all-around good person.” Originally from Douglas, Massachusetts, Meech is now a Bluefield University baseball player pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science. He said the move from New England to Virginia was a challenging one, but one he has been able to manage. “It was hard,” Meech admitted about the long distance move, “but even though I was far from

The Rampage



8

Meet BU’s Amusing Logan Patron

“Patron is a presence on the field, He is a very bright kid with tremendous intellectual ability. He’s always giving 100 percent and will make sure that he accomplishes his job as assigned.” - Coach Rod Howard

by Jesse Ragin Graphic Communications • 2022

Bluefield University student-athlete Logan Patron is a character on and off the field. A 20-year-old junior fromNewport News, VA, Patron ismajoring in sports management with aspirations of becoming a coach or personal trainer. He’s also a defensive end for the Rams football team. Patron said that football has always had the number one spot in his list of favorite interests, and that doesn’t look like it will be changing anytime soon, but off the field his interests include sports, food and anime, a style of Japanese film and television animation. His favorite anime, he said, is a piece that features a unique cast of characters and pirate aesthetic. He also has a love for video games and said his favorite video game is Grand Theft Auto and 2K. He said he plays Grand Theft Auto more than 2K because, “they need me to hold it down.” One thing many people may not know about Patron is that he likes art. He said he doesn’t have a specific style of art he likes because he is intrigued by all types of art, but if he had to choose a favorite, he would say modern and traditional pop Japanese art. On the field for the Rams football team, he is much the same character. Assistant coach Rod Howard said that Patron is a “passionate” player who goes above and beyond with his play, getting involved in any and every way possible on the defense.

The humorous side of Patron’s character shows on the field, as well, when he occasionally dives and flops in an amusing manner. Just ask teammate Kasean Ridgel who has witnessed those antics and appreciates Patron’s unique persona and the type of player and person he is. Ridgel said Patron not only flops around the field in a comical way, but he also takes part in witty banter and sarcastic remarks during the games.

“Logan has got to be one of the goofiest members on the D-line,” Ridgel said. “I’ve heard him having a conversation about One Piece (a Japanese animated series) while playing.” Those who know Patron say he is truly a personality, and he’s a kind and humble person whose actions have the strong possibility of putting a smile on your face and brightening your day. He displays good characteristics in everything he does and will always strive to achieve whatever he sets his mind to.

Proud to sponsor The Rampage ’s print magazine.

wordsprint.com 276.228.6608

bcRampage.com

9

Through scholarships and grants in the areas of Education; the Arts, Culture and the Humanities; Health; and Human Services, the Community Foundation matches the generosity of the people of our area with the needs of area organizations and individuals.

cfvinc.org PROUD SPONSOR OF THE RAMPAGE

The Rampage

10



Illustration by Ben Ayers

bcRampage.com

11

BU Sets New

by Kassidy Brown Communication • 2022 Speech and Protest Policy

The Bluefield University Board of Trustees recently passed and put in place a new speech and protest policy for BU students. The new policy was originally drafted by Josh Arnold, vice president for student development and admissions, and Tonia Walker, vice president for intercollegiate athletics, in order to set a new standard for returning and incoming students. “While we are aware that the history of sports protest began many years ago, as an advocate for student-athletes, I understand the difficulty of navigating campus politics,” Walker said. “I simply wanted to ensure that BU student-athletes used their platform to protest during competition in a manner that allowed their voices to be heard and was conducted within parameters of NAIA expectations and University policy.” The original Bluefield University free speech policy was passes by the Board of Trustees in April of 2018, but when demonstrations related to kneeling during the national anthem started happening in the spring of 2021, a need to clarify the policy was noticed. According to Arnold, the protesting demonstrations in the spring of 2021 showed the University that more clarification and education was needed regarding the Speech and Protest Policy. “An addendum to the 2018 Board resolution was drafted, reviewed by the College Leadership Team, Student Government Association, and Student-Athlete Advisory Council, and forwarded to the Board of Trustees for further consideration,” Arnold said. “The Board of Trustees voted to adopt

and immediately implement the addendum as an extension of our existing free speech resolution.” The new policy says that BU recognizes that its students have rights to free speech and the right to protest, but it requires that the speech or protests be done in a “caring and respectful manner.” It says that the speech and protest must not interfere with others’ rights, including the University’s right to protect its image. The new policy attempts to ensure that the rights of students are not infringed on while also maintaining an environment that protects not only BU students, but also employees and the university as a whole. “I don’t think there will be a change in campus culture,” said BU President David Olive about the new Speech and Protest Policy. “This language simply makes more explicit what was already being expressed as boundaries of speech for those who represent the University in various roles. The written policy will help strengthen awareness of the heightened expectations of students who represent the University in a given capacity. The policy says, “Students who represent the University through participation in campus employment, student organizations, performance groups, intercollegiate athletics, etc. are assumed to be speaking on behalf of the University when functioning in their official capacity and are expected to support University policies and positions.” It continues with, “University officials may exercise their professional judgment when determining if representative speech, demonstrations, protests, and other forms of expression are incongruent with the University’s mission and message or may interfere with the learning environment. When possible, alternative channels of expression may be provided.” This policy is now in effect and will be enforced across campus. For more information about the policy, you can contact Arnold at jra269429@bluefield.edu or Walker at tgw291065@bluefield.edu.

The Rampage



12

The Centennial Entryway

by Daniel Mullins Communication • 2022 BU to Construct Roundabout at Entrance

Construction on Bluefield University’s new Centennial Entryway is expected to begin soon, though supply chain and production challenges have already delayed the project. Plans for new entryway signs and a roundabout in front of Lansdell Hall have yet to be implemented because the university is waiting on cast stone to arrive. “The brick mason cannot begin the signs and center area of the roundabout until the cast stone arrives,” said President David Olive. “While we may see work commence in the next month or two, we will not have access to asphalt until next spring when asphalt plants reopen.” Olive described the endeavor as “a project that would positively impact the campus and leave a legacy denoting the 100 year anniversary of the institution.” It is part of the Campus Master Plan that was developed soon after Olive’s arrival at Bluefield University. This project also addresses the need for new signs after the institution’s name change from Bluefield College. After completion of the project, there will be more parking spaces on campus, but construction will impact parking in front of Lansdell Hall and beside Harman Chapel. “The civil engineer has designed a plan in which the entryway can continue to be used, even while the project is under construction. There will be points, however, such as when asphalt is being laid, that the entryway will be temporarily closed,” Olive said. BU students had mixed reactions to the plans for the new entryway. “At first glance, I hate it, it seems overly complicated for a small campus like ours,” Tim Gasperson said, “but after thinking about it further, our campus plans to continue to grow, and connecting VanDyke (Circle) to the rest of the campus would be much more convenient than having to wait on the left turn out onto College Avenue. That intersection is dangerous as is, and I believe that people will learn how to use the intersection properly and this will also make our campus seems more cohesive.” “I think it would be a good addition, as it would give more Rish (Hall) residents and commuters more parking space,” Antowyne Shaw said. There are also concerns about construction times, temporary closures of the entryway, and loss of access to parking near the chapel, especially for commuters in the music and theatre programs. The roundabout is expected to function better than the current entryway and “add a thematic and grand entry as one arrived to campus,” Olive said when recalling the architect’s vision. “In addition, as the entryway to VanDyke Circle is removed, the roundabout allows for traffic to enter and exit through the front entryway in an orderly manner that hopefully assists travelers to easily navigate travel in either direction they are heading, rather than having an intersection that would require each vehicle coming to a complete stop,” Olive said.

Illustration by Ben Ayers

bcRampage.com

13

Cold/Flu Season Fast Approaching

by Jewels Gray Communication • 2023 Tips for Staying Healthy or Dealing with a Cold or Flu

Now that we have entered the culmination of the fall semester, we are beginning to experience colder weather, which often results in sickness and what we know as the cold and flu season. It’s important that you stay healthy and keep your immune system high during this time, so check out these hacks and tips that may help you along the way. As most BU students and employees know, this past year has been crazy when it comes to sickness as the coronavirus lingered and took a toll on many people worldwide. The coronavirus still exists and new variants of it have emerged. The COVID-19 vaccine was highly recommended frommany sources nationally and locally in order to avoid severe symptoms from the virus. The vaccine is still available at local pharmacies where you can walk in and get vaccinated shortly after for free. If you aren’t and don’t plan on getting vaccinated, wearing a mask is highly recommended. Besides the coronavirus, what would be labeled as normal and common viruses are still a concern and will sneak their way into this winter, as well. The first tip to avoid getting the common cold or flu is to stay clean. Wash your hands, carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer, and be sure to stay aware of how often and who you share germs with as failing to do so could allow illness to creep in and affect your body. Secondly, take vitamins. Sometimes our body needs extra help to fight off sickness and illness, especially during the winter, and vitamins are a cheap, easy and safe way to boost your immune system. Vitamins can be purchased at your local pharmacies or department and grocery stores. Thirdly, get more sleep. When we sleep our body regenerates and restores itself, which is one of the reasons most cough medicines are accompanied with sleeping elements. Getting more sleep is very important if you want to stay free of illness this cold and flu season. Realistically speaking, even if you take all of these precautions, you still may indeed get sick. If so, it isn’t the end of the world, and there are more hacks and tricks you can do besides taking NyQuil and eating cough drops to get back to the healthy person you were before. The first unique hack or method is consuming sea moss. Sea moss is an algae that grows along the water of the Atlantic Coast. This algae has a variety of vitamins and minerals that spark your immune

system and help fight off infection. It’s natural and safe, which contrasts frommost of the common cough medicines people often choose to assist them during the cold and flu season. Raw sea moss can be purchased at your local Walmart. The next unique hack or method is consuming lemon juice and honey. Lemon juice and honey can be great for a mild cough, sore throat or congestion. Mix lemon juice, hot water and honey together and drink it. The lemon juice cuts through the congestion, and the honey coats and soothes the throat. The last hack involves pelargonium. This is a herb that is commonly used in Europe to treat the common cold or bronchitis. It’s another natural substance that can get rid of your cold quickly as it has been shown to kill bacteria, viruses, and stimulate the immune system. You can purchase this herb on Amazon online. All in all, stay hydrated, get lots of rest and keep your throat lubricated. But if you do get sick this winter, hopefully the tips and hacks provided in this article can be of assistance and everyone can have a happy and ill-free winter.

The Rampage



14

Homecoming

and Family Weekend by Daniel Mullins

Communication • 2022

Campus Tours Saturday, October 23

Lighthouse on the Hill Centennial Exhibit

bcRampage.com

15

The 39 Steps Department of Theatre

Tailgate and Football Game Saturday, October 23

Bonfire Saturday, October 23

The Rampage

16

Sports



Illustration by Ben Ayers

bcRampage.com

17

BU's Dustin Barker Making a Name for Himself B luefield University student-athlete Dustin Barker is making a name for himself both on and off the athletic field. Born in Norton, VA, on July 1, 2000, Barker later moved to Pound, VA, where he “The long snapper is valuable to any football team,” Coach Lusk said, “and Dustin is very valuable to our program, not only as a player but as an outstanding teammate, campus and community member, too.” by Darryl Patrick Graphic Communication • 2022

attended Wise Central High School and excelled both in and out of the classroom. For example, he earned the school’s Linwood Holton Academic Award and was a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Barker was also a varsity letterman in football for four years at Wise Central. In fact, he was named Special Teams Player of the Year in 2017 and Mountain 7 Honorable Mention as a linebacker. Now, Barker is a senior at Bluefield University where he studies business administration and plays football for the Rams. “Dustin is one of the finest young

Like Coach Lusk, teammate Marek Banks said Barker is “very hilarious” and “fun to be around.” Teammate Mykkel Banks added that Barker has a great personality. “Dustin has such a confident social personality, which makes him good when communicating with others,” Banks said, “and his personality makes him a very likable person.” After college, Barker plans to pursue a master’s degree and get a job using his education to “get paid good money.”

men I’ve ever coached,” said Dewey Lusk, head coach of the Rams football team. “He puts the team first, and he always has a smile on his face. He is the first one to volunteer at every community service event, he makes excellent grades, and he is willing to help anyone on our campus, team or in the community.” Coach Lusk said Barker also

demonstrates tremendous character both on and off the field and has a witty sense of humor. As the long snapper for the Rams, he plays a vital role on special teams.

The Rampage



18

Women’s V

by Andrew LaPan Sports Communications • 2025 T he most successful Bluefield University athletic team this fall was by far the women’s volleyball team who finished the regular season 20-11 overall and 16-5 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). Coached by Buddy Gallemore, who is in his fifth year leading the Lady Rams, the team had two particularly hot stretches this season, including a seven-game win streak in September and five out of seven wins to conclude the 2021 campaign. As the regular season comes to a close, Coach Gallemore said he is confident in a strong post-season run. “Going into the season I thought we had some good players returning in addition to some good recruits coming in,” Coach Gallemore said. “Our success would depend on team chemistry.”

Lady Ram Lauren Sotomayor said she was nervous about team chemistry, but once she got to BU and pre-season began she knew the team was “amazing,” which made her feel like she was at home. “Our team chemistry is amazing on the

court,” Sotomayor said. “We all hold each other to a high standard on and off the court. We all have the same goal and work together very well.” Sotomayor is very accomplished, as well, being named First Team AAC All-Conference. She is also third in the conference in kills per set, fourth in total kills, and sixth in total points, and she has been named AAC Attacker of the Week twice. “ Our success would depend on team chemistry.”

bcRampage.com

19

Volleyball Enjoys A Successful Season

The team has a number of other players making a name for themselves in the conference, including junior Leslie Flores who was named AAC women’s volleyball Player of the Year. An outside hitter, she also led the conference in total kills, kills per set and total points. She also finished second in the conference in points per set.

Another Lady Ram key to the team’s success is senior Aubri Whatcott, who led the conference in assists per set and total assists. She was also named AAC Setter of the Week three times. The Lady Rams will now enter the Appalachian Athletic Conference post-season tournament as the fourth seed with the hope of also earning a bid to play in a national tournament.

The Rampage

20



Na

Leo Fernandez

Natalie Burgess

Darryl Patrick

Nathan LePere

Hannah Hill

Darryl Patrick

Hannah Hill

Darryl Patrick

Darryl Patrick

Nathan LePere

Hannah Hill

Illustration by Ben Ayers

bcRampage.com

21

Nathan LePere

Christina Robinson

Cheyenne McMahon

Travis Clinch

Natalie Burgess

JessicaWells

Hannah Hill

Devon Robinson

Nathan LePere

Nathan LePere

JessicaWells

Lily Poteet

Devon Robinson

JessicaWells

The Rampage

22

Employee Features 

Features

Illustration by Ben Ayers

bcRampage.com

23

Dr. Robert Merritt: A Legacy of Teaching

“ The Bluestone Review has had some amazing events where contributors have shared their work,” Dr. Merritt said. “One year we had an artist painting and artworks on display, a band playing, as well as songs by contributors and DVD discs of the event, including a video interview with West Virginia playwright Jean Battlo.” Dr. Merritt also pioneered the Honors Program at BU. This program focuses on offering high-achieving students exclusive, specifically- focused, and academically-rigorous classes. “We offer exciting, enhanced courses in all disciplines,” Dr. Merritt said about the Honors Program. “A number of Honors graduates have gone on to graduate school, including physical therapy, dental and medical schools.” While Dr. Merritt has helped develop the Bluestone Review and BU Honors Program, he has also helped grow the English Department by adding classes such as Mythology, Literature and Healing, and Fairy Tales. He teaches a number of the classes in the English Department, and said he particularly enjoys teaching Shakespeare, Writing and Healing, and poetry. As a result of his dedication and contributions to Bluefield, Dr. Merritt has received several awards, such as the Distinguished Faculty Award in 2013 and other honors from different institutions. “Currently, I am a Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing, Dr. Merritt said. “I have received a year-long faculty fellowship from the Appalachian College Association (and an) Outstanding Service Award from the National Association for Poetry Therapy.” While he has enjoyed his career at BU, Dr. Merritt said he is excited about his retirement and has many plans to fill his newfound free time. “I am so thankful for Dr. Merritt’s hand in shaping me and preparing me to move on from my time at Bluefield.” - Laura Kimzey “I have several more books to write and countries to visit with my wife, Mimi (who also taught at BU for 22 years),” Dr. Merritt said. “I want a big vegetable garden and to get into better and better physical shape, (and) visit our children wherever they are.” Dr. Merritt has left his mark on many students in his time at Bluefield, and his students will always remember what he taught them. “I am so thankful for Dr. Merritt’s hand in shaping me and preparing me to move on frommy time at Bluefield,” Kimzey said. Strange agreed, adding that Dr. Merritt’s passion for education continues to challenge her even in her own classroom now as an English teacher at Graham High School in Bluefield, VA. “I have had many great English teachers and

by Kassidy Brown Communications • 2022

Bluefield University’s Dr. Robert Merritt, professor and former chair of the Department of English, is planning to retire following the 2021-2022 academic year after 32 years of teaching. Throughout his career at BU, Dr. Merritt has grown the English Department, pushed many students to succeed, and helped students achieve their career goals. “I have helped hire a number of qualified and popular English faculty. I have overseen the Creative Writing program. A number of students have been published and/or have jobs in writing or editing, (and) I started The Bluestone Review ,” Dr. Merritt said in recounting his accomplishments over the years. “Many new courses are in the catalogue, (and) I have brought many established poets and fiction writers to campus.” Former BU student Taylyn Strange is another example of the impact Dr. Merritt has had on BU and its students. She credits Dr. Merritt for her growth in English during and after her time at Bluefield. “Dr. Merritt helped me grow as an English student because he showed me that there are absolutely no limits to reading and writing,” Strange said. “He showed me that each word written was valuable and was written for a purpose.”

Strange added that Dr. Merritt was influential both inside and outside of the classroom, and that he was a very approachable professor. “He is one of those professors that you know that you can go to for anything,” she said. “He creates a comfortable learning environment inside and outside of the classroom.” Current BU student Laura Kimzey shared similar sentiments, praising Dr. Merritt for his attention, compassion and dedication to students. “He has helped me with writing by critiquing my ideas, challenging my excess or unsupported statements, and encouraging me when I succeed,” Kimzey said. “Dr. Merritt has paired English well with life, both with memorable experiences like discussing Heart of Darkness with the lights out and by asking how different works make us students feel and think.” Dr. Merritt is most proud of The Bluestone Review that he started in 1992, which is BU’s annual literary journal that showcases different

forms of writing and art from the Bluefield campus community and surrounding areas.

professors,” Strange said, “but none of them pushed me to be my best in the same ways that he did.”

Meet the Team

Chris Shoemaker Faculty Advisor

Join us online at:

Student Management Team

Mateus Bassotto Journalist

Axel Johansson Graphic Designer, Marketing Manager

Kassidy Brown Editor, Journalist, Marketing and Social Media Manager

Andrew LaPan Journalist

Darryl Patrick Graphic Designer, Journalist Daniel Mullins Editor, Graphic Designer, Journalist, Website Manager

Javien Fleming Journalist Alejandro Bueno Journalist

Jewels Gray Journalist

Jesse Ragin Journalist

Illustration by Ben Ayers