November 22 - New Page 1 [www2.vmi.edu] - Virginia Military Institute

Site
VOLUME LXV
Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia November 72, 1974 NUMBER 11
At Last
Ring Figure '76
Every cadet at the Virginia
Military Institute looks forward
to the class privileges that he
will gain through seniority.
Each year, as a class moves
closer to graduation, it is
granted in this disciplined atmosphere.
In November of a Cadet's
Second Class year, the most
rewarding, and seemingly
worthwhile of these privileges is
granted - the right to wear his
class ring.
The traditional celebration
covers an entire weekend: this
year, the 22nd through the 24th.
It centers around two main
events; the presentation, the
Ring Figure Ceremony. Both
events follow a traditional
schedule of activities.
The Presentation is held on
Friday afternoon of the
weekend in Jackson Memorial
Hall, the Cadet Chapel. The
Superintendent presents the
Second Classman his ring, and
gives a brief address to the
honored class.
The Ring Figure Ceremony,
held on the evening of the same
day, is truly the last of the
picturesque formal dances that
lend themselves to the history of
the South. Each Second
Classman and his date are
announced as they walk through
a giant replica of the ring. The
ladies are presented a bouquet
'of long-stem roses, and the
couples move to an assigned
position on the dance floor
forming the numeral of their
class year — '76.
The cadets are dressed in
their"" traditional gold-braided
coatees, and their dates wear
white gowns. The site is unforgetable,
and is momentarily
drowned in the tight of camera
flashes.
The tradition and beauty of
the scene is enhanced by the
music of Ellington, Shaw, the
Dorsey's and Glenn Miller,
provided by VMI's Commanders
Dance Orchestra. A
dance follows with the contrasting
sound of modern rock
music.
The ring, however, is only
symbolic. The celebration is
centered around the root of that
symbolism, accomplishment
with unit. By the lime a Class
receives its rings, its
members are joined together by
a bond that the Corps of Cadets
and friends of the Institute know
as Brother Rat Spirit.
The planning and preparation
for the event begins more than a
year before when members of
the class serve on committees
which handle the detailed
arrangements of banquets,
entertainment, flowers,
decorations, invitations and all
the other individual aspects of
the celebration. This work
toward a common goal boosts
the class unity and spirit to a
peak for the occasion.
The spirit is physically
displayed in the design of the
ring. A chain, indicating this
bond between classmates,
encircles the stone. This year's
design features a Cadet in the
New Market charge of 1864. The
actions of these young men in
I his victory have served as
goals of honor, unity and
courage for VMI Cadets for
over a century.
Villani Wins France Award
The winner of the Douglas
Carter France Memorial Award
from the Class of 1976 is Carmen
Dominick Villani. Carmen is a
Math major from Vienna,
Virginia. He is also a second
class representative on the
Honor Court and a Dean's List
student.
Carmen was chosen for the
award by a vote taken by the
class. Although the vote was
close, one of the best men for
the award was chosen. Carmen
exemplifies the unselfishness,
friendship, and helpfulness for
which the award stands.
Cadet Villani was presented
the award today during the ring
presentation in Jackson
Memorial Hall.
The Douglas C. France III '71
Memorial Award was
established four years ago by
the Class of 1971 in memory of
their brother rat Doug France,
who was killed in a tragic
automobile accident in the
summer of 1969. This award is
presented each year at Ring
Figure lo the member of the
second class who emulates most
the qualities of friendship,
helpfulness, and unselfishness
which were a basic part of Doug
France's character. The award
consists of a class ring with the
inscription "Douglas C. France,
III '71 Memorial Award" a gift
of $100 is Jilso given" to the
recipient.
nu> St>coi)d Class Re^imeiilal Staff is headed by Mark Swank. Regimental Commander. His staff, from
left lo rij{ht. consists of Curtis Butterworth. S-1; Mel Williams, S-3; Bob Keneally, X-0; .Jim Martin, S-4;
:itid Scott Custer. S-.^.
Rank
On 15 Nov. 74, the orders were
posted concerning Makeovers
for the Class of 1976's Ring
Figure Parade to be held on 22
Nov. 74. All officers for this
parade will be Second Classmen
who will hold ranks ranging
from Cadet Captain to Cadet
Second Lieutenant. The
following men have been appointed
to the rank of Cadet
Captain:
Swank. MG
.Regimental Commander
Keneally, RJ
Regimental Executive Officer
.\sliton, DF
.Commander, Second Battalion
Cox. RE
Commander, First Battalion
Tale. MG
Commander, CCompany
D

Page 2, The VMI Cadet, November 15, 1974
Opinion Page
••Whrre men have the habit of librrly, (he press will continue to be the fourth estate: the
vigilant guardian of the rights of the ordinary citiien." .. .Sir Winston C hurchill.
Unity
Ring Figure is the highlight of the Second Qass year.
It is a time when the class again molds together as one
entity, something distinctly missing since Breakout.
As the time grows near for the Qass of '76 to take over
control of barracks from the First Class, some
reflection on the future is in order.
The class as a whole has fared well. The split between
the "ranker," the "grub Private", and the
"jock" is less in evidence than it has been for several
years. Although the class has been plagued at times by
incidents of poor judgement and immaturity, the
potential still remains. Next year will be what we make
it.
Unity is the most important step toward success and
if unity is there, then VMI may see what it has not seen
for awhile, a meaningful Ratline and a well-prepared
Fourth Class.
R. J. K. 76
Ours! Theirs?
Every Second Classmen is obviously happy to
receive his ring. Each one of us has waited a long time
to have a VMI ring.
Anyone who knows of the Institute places a great
deal of value on the ring; but, the value does not
fluctuate with the price of gold. The value stems from
the personal sacrifice and hard work that brings a
Cadet closer to his graduation. The ring is indeed a
token symbol of a Cadet's life.
The design, size, and color, themselves, do not truly
indicate the honor, pride and spirit that characterizes
the VMI man. These traits must be personally
exhibited.
Along with the Ring's symbolism comes a responsibility
and a challenge. Each man who wears
becomes a representative of the Institute which grants
the privilege.
We, as the latest class to be given the right to wear a
VMI Ring, should take this challenge seriously. If we
uphold the responsibility, then future classes can know
the pride that we now feel.
F.G.L.Jr. '76
King And Figure Cast
Through
by: G. WayneEastham
November 15 marked a
milestone for the class of 1976.
On that day our class rings
arrived. The most tangible sign
of our being a class was in our
possession. The ring symbolizes
quite a bit - it is the second of the
Ihree major steps of our
cadetship, the first being our
becoming a class after getting
out of the ratline; the third
being our graduation.
Last fall the ring was little
more than an idea in our minds.
The design committee went to
work and numerous designs
were voted on by the class until
finally one was chosen. Then
Josten's, the company which
would make our rings, look
over. During Finals 1974 the
ring display was here and we
ordered our rings.
The design of the ring symbolizes
many aspects of our
VMI career especially the class
spirit and school heritage.
Blazoning one side are four
large numerals, 1976,
representing our class's
graduation year as well as our
time' here. Enclosing these
numerals are two flags and
sabres which stand for the
military system here at VMI
under which we carry out our
daily routine. Under the
numerals is a New Market
cadet and the motto, "the Institute
Will Be Heard From
Today," a saying which is as
applicable today and to our
hopes for the future as it was in
its original context. The other
side of the ring portrays Sir
Moses Ezekiel's "Virginia
Mourning Her Head" a tribute
to the cadets who distinguished
themselves at the Battle of New
Market in 1864. With this, is our
school crest, the symbol of the
Institute.
The aforementioned symbols
represent specfics, but the ring
itself has a much broader
meaning, the brother rat spirit
being the most obvious. For
almost two and a half years now
we have lived together, forging
friendships that will last a
lifetime. There is unity and
Brotherhood
samenesss, but these can not
overshadow the individuality of
each cadet. This feeling
prompted the class to elect to
have individual stones in their
rings. Each man contributes in
his own way whether socially,
athletically, academically, or
militarily to make ours a
"whole class," and this kind of
unity allows every man to
pursue his own goals while
lending unity to the class. In
keeping with this idea a class
stone, garnet, was chosen fnr
I hose wishing to hold with
tradition.
A problem presented itself in
the form of the price of the rings
due to the spiralling price of'
gold.
The average price of the
rings approached one hundred
and seventy-five dollars, almost
doubling the price of our dykes'
rings.
Today is November 22, 1974
and we as second classmen of
the Virginia Military Institute
are experiencing the same
feeling as those before us when
with the ring presentation
ceremony we formally receive
the most tangible symbol of our
VMI career. With this we pledge
ourselves to the honorable
fraternity of VMI men
everywhere. May our class.
uphold and add to this fraternity.
"I never «ave her anything, as he pointed out. There was the small
nuMH-'s head. But it does not mean anything. She selected it and I
lM>u){ht it. That is no way to ^ive a gift.
What I would like to ^ive her Is security, which does not exist
anymore: all my love, which is worthless; all my worldly goods,
which are practically non-existent except for two good shot-guns, my
soldiei- suits, the medals and decorations with the citations, and
some b(M>ks. Also a retired Colonel's pay.
With all my worldly goods I thee endow, he thought.
.And she gave me her love, some hard stones, which I returned, and
(he picture. Well, I can always give her back the picture. I could give
lier my ring from VMl, he thought."
From Ernest Hemingway's
Across the River and Into the lYees
a
i
Get Ready for
and Christmas
-at-
Thanksgiving
Almn-iftttttB
PX Showing
MONDAY NIGHT 25 NOV.
and all day and night Tuesday, 26 Nov.
during PX hours
•
We welcome cadet accounts or Mastercharge and BankAmerkard.
Sales representatives: Bill Powelland Dan Penny
Hamric
Sheridan
Jewelers
WjtU'h and .Irwrliy
and
Hiuici Kngniving & Class IthiKs
403-2U22
WHOLE SOLES and
LADIES WORK
my specialty
LEXINGTON
SHOE
HOSPITAL
Expert Shoe
Rebuilding
TheAirFofce Pilot has it
made. Air IxxceROnrC
will help you make it.
Here's how.
If you qualify, the Air Force
ROTC will provide the flying
lessons. It'll be in a small
light airplane;
but-you're
started towards the day when
you'll solo in an Air Force jet.
That's only one of the benefits
of the Air Force ROTC Program.
Consider all this:
Scholarships that cover full
tution. Plus reimbursement
for textbooks. Plus lab and
incidental fees.
Plus $l(ib a month, tax-free,
to use as you like.
Interested? Contact
- Col, Lacetti
at 703-
l'UTITALLT(KJETHER
IN AIK FORCE ROTC

V. M. I. SPORTS CADET
Page 3 The VMI Cadet, November 22, 1974
Winning Season
VMI Stops
Colgate
Four years ago, when Bob
Thaltnan took the job as head
football coach of the Virginia
Military Institute, he promised
us a winner and now we have a
winner by defeating Colgate 31-
14.
Colgate brought to VMI a
team that was 6th in the nation
in the rush and on their first
series they exploited their
potent rushing attack and drove
75 yards in 9 plays to draw first
.blood.
The Keydets then put the
clamps on the Red Raiders'
Wishbone attack, making just
one mistake the rest of the
afternoon. This occured when
Quarterback Bruce Basile hit
end Dave Lake across the
middle and he broke through
one set of arms and sprinted to
the end zone for a 65 yd. TD.
By then, howevet-, the
Keydets already had two scores
on Kim Glidewell's runs of 2 and
6 yds. Lake's touchdown tied the
score at 14.
Usually sure-handed Ronnie
Moore could have put the game
away but he dropped a Mark
Lambert pass in the end zone.
Another drive ended with a Rick
Tufaro 32 yd. field goal. The half
ended with Colgate intercepting
Soccer
The VMI. Soccer Team
finished its season Friday^
November 8. The Keydets were
beaten by Madison College. 2-0,
in their last match on Friday.
Although the Soccer Team was
outskilled in their last match,
they ended up giving one.of the
best teams in the state a run for
their money. The Keydets,
realizing their lack of skill
against Madison, were determined
to keep the score against
them as low as possible. This
they managed to do with an allout
effort of hustle and good
sportsmanship.
Beat ECU
Go Big Red
a Tony Farry pass on the Red
Raider goal line. Still, VMI was
ahead to stay 17-14.
Norman and Glidewell finally
put the game out of reach with
each of them scoring on 37 yd.
runs. Meanwhile, Colgate was
going nowhere as the Big Red
defense came up with the big
plays; Jay Newcomer
recovered a fumble on the VMI
29 and Eric Radford intercepted
a pass on the VMI 12. Ron
Bongiovani didn't help matters
by placing his punts on the
Colgate 4 and 2 twice, and thus
the score ended with VMI on top
31-14.
Tailback Ronnie Norman
rushed for 173 yards on 23
carries and established a singleseason
team rushing record
along the way. He topped Tom
Sowers 1968 mark of 792 by 146
yds., giving him a total of 938
yds. in 10 games with ECU yet
to play. He only needs 63 yds. to
top the 1000 yd. mark. Kim
Glidewell, the "other" tailback,
also had a good day getting 114
yds. on 23 carries
"This win got us over a big
hurdle... a winning season,"
said Thalman, "Now we can
concentrate all our attention on
the conference championship."
Souther Conference
Standings
Conl. O'AII.
W L W L
Ap.st 4 1 6 5
VMI 4 1 6 4
ECU 3 2 7 3
Richmond 3 2 5 4
Citadel 2 4 3 7
Furman 2 4 5 5
W&M 1 3 3 7
Davidson 0 2 i 6
Last Week's Scores
App.St. 14 Richmond 13
ECU 31 W&M 10
Citadel 24 Furman 0
VMI 31 Colgate 14
Davidson 28 Defiance 20
Beat East Carolina
Win The Soutliern
Conference Cliampionship
lluiinin}{ back Ronnie Norman (25) breaks for first down yardage, Saturday, as VMI defeated Colgate,
:U-14. Norman rushed for 173 yds. in 23 carries as he broke the single season rushing rcord of Tom Sower
set in 1968. Norman has gained 938 yds. and needs only 63 yds. to surpass the 1,000 yd. mark, in this
week's game with East Carolina.
ECU Meets VMI
S.C. Action
Decides Title
Saturday is Title Day in the
Southern Conference. Action on
the final Saturday of the regular
season will determine which
team, Appalachian St. or VMI
will be Conference Champions.
Until last Saturday there
remained three teams in contention,
Appalachian St., VMI
and Richmond. However Appalachian
St. eliminated Richmond
leaving action this
weekend to decide the title
winner.
The outcome of the East
Carolina (3-2, 7-3) — VMI (4-1,
6-4) game will determine
whether VMI or ASU wins the
league crown. Should the
Keydets prevail it would bring;
the S. C. title to Lexington forthe
first time since 1962. An
ECU victory would give the title
to Appalachian St., who completed
their season last
weekend. East Carolina
defeated William and Mary 31-
10; while VMI beat Colgate 31-14
last Saturday. The Pirates have
never lost to the Keydets, but
come Saturday in Lexington,
Virginia, VMI will be Southern
Conference Champions.
William and Mary (1-3, 3-7)
Mother's
Pizza Shop
ABC on & off 007595
5-7 p.m.
HAPPY HOURS
MONDAY-THURSDAY
DRAFT BEER
y2 PRICE
Good Place To Meet & Eat
Keydets Always Welcome
meets Richmond (3-2, 5-4)
Saturday in Richmond's Dust
Bowl. The Spiders saw their
title hopes disappear last
weekend as App. St. beat Richmond
14-13; while W&M lost to
ECU 31-10. The Spiders are ripe
fw an upset after losing to ASU
and should the Indians
eliminate the turnovers of last
weekend look for William and
Mary to win.
Citadel (2-4, 3-7) travels to
Davidson (0-2, 2-6) to meet the
hapless Wildcats. The Bulldogs
defeated Furman 24-0; while
Davidson held on to beat
Defiance 28-20 this past
Saturday. Citadel will close
their season on a winning note
as Davidson will not be able to
stop Andrew Johnson.
Outside the Conference,
Furman (2-4, 5-5) is on the road
against Wake Forest.
VMI BASKETBALL
1974-75
Opener
SAT. 30 VIRGINIA TECH
December
Thu. 5 at Appalachian
Tue. 10 at East Carolina
SAT. 14 RICHMOND
January
Sat. 4 at Middle Tennessee
Mon. 6 1
Tue. 7 1
at Senior Bowl Tourney
Sat. 11 at Richmond
MON. 13 CITADEL
WED. 15 CHRIS NEWPORT
SAT. 18 TOWSON STATE
MON. 20 BETHANY
WED. 22 WILLIAM & MARY
SAT. 25 EAST CAROLINA
MON. 27 APPALACHIAN
THU. 30 SHEPHERD
February
Mon. 3 at George Washington
WED. 5 BRIDQEWATER
Sat. 8 at Citadel
TUE. 11 DAVIDSON
SAT. IS OLD DOMINION
Wed. 19 at William & Mary
SAT. 22 FURMAN
WED. 28 VA. WESLEYAN
Sports
Quips
VMI placed fourth Saturday
in the Southern Conference
swimming and diving relay
team championships. East
Carolina won 9 of the 12 events
to win the Championships.
The Pirates accumulated 574
points, followed by Richmond
with 376. The Spiders captured
both diving events in the
tournament.
William and Mary placed
third with 312 points, VMI had
232, Appalachian State had 226,
Furman had 164, and Davidson
had 156.
Football — The Star City
Football Classic will be played
in Roanoke on Nov. 30. The AU-
Star game will be played at 1:30
p.m. at Victory Stadium.
Representing VMI will be Jay
Newcomer on defense, while on
the offensive team the Keydets
will have Tony Farry, Andy
Dearman, Allen Morgan and
Ronnie Norman.
The game is being sponsored
by the Cave Spring Jaycees
with proceeds going for the
establishment of a state-wide
mental retardation
rehabilitation center.
gtM^fHBPfPPpfffBBBBIH
Basketball - The 1974-75
basketball season opens
Saturday, Nov. 30 in the Field
House as the Virginia Tech
Gobbles met VMI. Although this
IS over Thanksgiving Break,
Let's Support the Roundballers!!!!!
The Globetrotters are coming
to the VMI Field House on
December 4. Tickets may be
obtained either at McCrum's
Drugstore or the VMI Athletic
Department.

Page 2, The VMI Cadet, November 15, 1974
Date's Guide To Ring Figure
Here it is Ring Figure and for
many girls this will be the first
exposure to a VMI dance. (For
many girls it will also be the last
at VMI!) We here at Post no. 5
thought it might help you girls if
we provided a little guide to
make this whole seemingly
senseless running around make
a little sense. All you have to do
is look under the class
designation to see what you
should do. (By the way at VMI
Sr.'s are 1st, Jr.'s are 2nd, Soph
are 3rd's and F'rosh's are rats.)
1st class—If your date is a 1st
classman forget it! There won't
be any Ist's here. So, you are
probably the butt of a cruel
joke. But don't worry all you
must do to avenge yourself is to
promise that you will come to
his Finals and then don't come.
(Come to think of. though, if you
are the type (hat normally gels
stood up lor dales come up lor
Finals. That should fix him.)
2nd class—If you hadn't
guessed this weekend is supposedly
for the 2nd's. They get
to run barracks for one
weekend, holler at parades, get
drunk, and... oh yes, get their
class rings. To begin with you
will be exposed to the ring
presentation. Here all the 2nd's
get their rings after they have
all gotten them already. (This
by the way is a fine example of
the way everything is done
here-sdrawkcab!) Then there is
the parade. Now what ever you
do go watch the parade. And,
regardle.ss of the fact thai
it is humanly impossible to pick
one gray body out a thousand
uray bodies tell him you saw
iiim anyway. li he carries a
.sabre act like you are impressed
even if you aren't. Try
not to mention the fact that he
stuck the blade in the ground, or
ask if that funny looking group
behind him was supposed to run
into the Physics Building he
might get mad. What ever you
do don'l tell him he looked cute
and just nod your head, blink
your eyes, and let him think
your cute little brain understood
the whole silly thing!
About the Figure—When you
leave the Ring try not to trip,
drop your roses, or drop your
now thoroughly plastered dale.
Guide him through an arch,
give him his ring, and kiss him.
Don't gel too carried
away—remember this is a G-
rated show and there are many
people waiting behind you. Try
to stand up in those pointy shoes
and please don't drop the Ring.
He might not hit you there but
remember you still have to face
him at the motel. Now just walk
to where that tape is on the floor
and stand and stand and stand...
Listen carefully for the name
Zeugner. He is I he last man
through the arch and it will be
over. So back to the motel and
get a good rest. You'll need it
for tomorrow.
The Game- Try very hard not
to be offended by the Corps
language after the scene at the
motel last night you should
Go
Keydets
Compliments of
Frank's
Delicatessen
Germantown, Pa.
realize we aren't all knights in
white armor. Cheer when he
does, boo when he does, and
don't forget to stand up when
(hey play "The Spirit."
Roanoke—If you are studying
Ancient Rome bring a pad and a
pen. It is seldom one sees an
orgy these days. Your date will
be drunk long before the meal
begins so you stay sober.
(You'll be the only one there.)
Be nice to all the obnoxious
drunks and smile alot. Try to
remain cool when your date
starts dancing on the table and
it will nol be considered rude of
you if you do nol join in Chug a
Lug Contests or Old Yells. Put
him away before the place
closes and hope he hasn't invited
his BR's over to a party at
3 a.m.
Above all be kind and act like
you are having a good time.
Some drunks cry when they feel
hurt.
P. S. If your date is a third, all
we can say is who cares.
_
^ ONE NIGHT ONLY
Wednesdoy Night- Dec. 4, 8:00 P.M.
McCnims Drug Store
TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT:-
DARTBOARD
Capt. Ritchie, don't you think
you ought to get more sleep or
at least sell that film to some
poor insomniac.
Yes. Mike Martino, even if the
OG is responsible for getting the
flags up, don't get upset, that's
just another VMI good deal.
To the couple in front of
Mallory Hall last Sat. night in
the slalionwagon we know
about vou loo.
VMI fieMhouse
VMI Athletic Office
^.00 Reserved - ^6.00 General Admission
ujflicHMHWMimqoBgTRonaifPOiKD^ iPiURDfyt'on cay-TV