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Written By: DC Edited By: Aidden Johnson UToledo Bashcon Logo BASHCon 40 storms the University of Toledo Student Union this weekend—Friday through Sunday—celebrating 40 years of pure student-run gaming chaos that's drawn over a thousand nerds in past years and could double that this time around with a vendor boom, retro consoles, and RPG marathons galore. Free for UT students and staff flashing Rocket IDs, the con sprawls across the second and third floors, from the packed auditorium vendors' hall to event rooms buzzing with Pathfinder dice rolls and Battletech stomps. UT BASH president Tom Mason laid it out plain: "It's like Comic Con or Galaxy Con, but it's entirely student run, so it's entirely put together by the people of UT BASH here on campus, all student members, everyone pitches in, helps out, and puts together a convention." Packed Schedule Doors crack open Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday blasts from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (with a vendor dinner break), and Sunday wraps from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendee tickets stop selling an hour before close each day. Head Coordinator, Katie Loger, is a fourth-year Music Ed major. "This is my fourth Bashcon. It's my second one as a coordinator, and it's my first one as the head coordinator.” She confirmed the hours while buzzing around early setups: "We do have a small break built in for our vendors tomorrow, just because it is such a long day." Free console gaming lights up SU 2591 all weekend on club-owned Switches, Xboxes, and PlayStations—"Instead of doing an arcade game, we have a lot of consoles as a club ourselves... that have gone unused," Loger said. Karaoke BASH cranks in SU 3020 Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m.—"Come on out and sing your heart out in a judgment free zone!"—while foam LARP fighting swings in the Ingman Room Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for medieval elf-Hobbit brawls. Milestone Vibes Hitting 40 years since UT BASH launched in 1985—"Super exciting to be kind of a part of history," Tom Mason said, "the company's eyes growth past last year's 1,000-plus toward 2,000. and because of the advertising, we've been able to do online ticket sales this year, we are already predicting more," Loger hopes, via the new website UTBashcon.com . Food's Union-standard like Phoenicia's Mediterranean upstairs, open all weekend. Loger added, "If you're looking for something to do this weekend, come stop by. We'll be here basically the entire weekend. Just hang out a bunch of nerds in a room having a good time." Santa’s Toy Box anchors family fun with 150 boards for $1—"From Candy Land... on up... a huge spread"—and Minis Paint and Take lets you customize minis to keep. Whether you're dorm-bound or a local gamer, BASHCon 40 delivers a winter weekend escape. Vendor Explosion Over 30 vendors cram 42 tables into the auditorium's dual squares and T-section—doubled from last year—forcing a layout shakeup. "Because of our influx of vendors this year... we had to change the layout of our con a little bit... We're trying something new this year," Loger said, naming early birds: "Em by Marissa is the first booth. We've got Loading Crew Crafts. We have Dice N Slice... Kopi Kandiko... Jester Tastic... Mystik Waboose." Highlights span Alley Cat Art's pop culture stickers, Blackswamp 3D's fantasy terrain, Electric Abyss' "glitter, gay, and bad puns." resin pins, Pleasantly Strange's hand-sewn plushies, and Moonrover Games' cozy "Backyard Butterfly." Local spots like Checkmate Games mingle with custom dice from Peddler Potoo and Pixel Perler art from Pixel Bump. Student Green Fund is handing out free Emotional Support Plants in the hall—"To promote the importance of self-care"—and Trimble Lounge hosts Ewok Village photos all Saturday. Bazaar and Swag Saturday's BASHCon Bazaar in SU 2592 turns used games into cash: Drop off by noon at the info desk, bids kick at 1 p.m., 10% to UT BASH. "People will come in, you sign a little form, and you give us your games... Most of it goes back to whoever's selling their stuff," Tom explained. "It's put on by two old BASH members, Kelson and Laura,... Kelson was a former main convention coordinator." BASHCon 40 will also have nostalgic, arcade-style dice and mascot tees merchandise. "We have a Bashcon 40 branded dice... It looks like an arcade game... very nostalgic coloring," Loger said. Tom got specific on the tabletop frenzy: "A lot of our events are tabletop RPG games... We have Pathfinder Society... they bring their group, and they play a bunch of Pathfinder and Starfinder games the whole weekend." The pamphlet details packed Pathfinder/Starfinder slates in SU 2582 ($2-$4 tickets), like Friday's "Invasion’s Edge" where Starfinders defend a crashed alien ship from First Ones, or Saturday's "Shipyard Sabotage" pitting Pathfinders against Cheliax pirates raiding Andoran docks. Free RPG drops-ins fill the Ingman Room, including Nightmare Enemy—"Zombies in this world are not the slow-moving... kind; they are capable of doing what they did in life... if the person knew how to fire a gun... they can pick it up and fire it, but once the gun is empty they can’t reload it"—and 3rd Age medieval fantasy: "Ever wanted to play as a Minotaur? A Dragonite? A Catminion? You can here." Battletech Grinder lets you pilot mechs—"When your 'mech is destroyed, you get a new, bigger and stronger one... the only thing you need to join is the want to fight with big stompy robots!"—and Brick Battles minis hit SU 2579 with themed skirmishes like "DC: Escape from Arkham" or "Firefly: Old Friends."

Written By: Connor Barrus Photos Taken By: Connor Barrus Toledo students celebrate with players after Rockets' 73-72 win over Bowling Green TOLEDO, Ohio - The battle of I-75 truly lived up to its hype as The University of Toledo and Bowling Green State went head-to-head in the 185th meeting between the rivals. The Rockets (11-9, 5-3 MAC) were slow to get going offensively, but the defense held tight, forcing 16 turnovers from the Falcons. The Rockets eventually found their footing halfway into the first half to take a 39-38 lead at halftime. Leroy Blyden Jr. became the hero with 19 points, 5 assists, and the game-winning three to lift Toledo over BGSU, 73-72. There were two other star players on Toledo's team in this game. Austin Parks, with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 blocks, and Sean Craig with 13 points and 7 rebounds. This win now marks Toledo's 100th win over Bowling Green State in the history of this rivalry, with the record now being 100-85. Toledo now sits at 4th place in the MAC standings and will look to improve their standing on the road Tuesday against Akron. The Zips stand at 16-4 and 7-1 in MAC play with that lone conference loss coming from No. 25 Miami (Ohio).

After defeating No. 5 seed Iowa State 80-73 in the first round of the NCAA tournament, the No. 12 seed UToledo women’s basketball team fell to No. 4 seed Tennessee 47-94 in the second round, ending the Rockets’ shot at a national title. The 2022-23 season was one of the most successful in UToledo history, with the Rockets chalking up 29 wins, tying a school record. The team enjoyed a record-setting 17-game winning streak and easily claimed their second consecutive Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC) title by defeating perennial rivals the Bowling Green State University Falcons 62-56 in the final game of the regular season on Mar. 4 and 73-58 in the MAC Championship game Mar. 11. Quinesha Lockett, number 5, helped lead the Rockets on their winning ways and was named MAC Player of the Year. Rockets head coach Tricia Cullop was named MAC Coach of the Year.

With heavy hearts and unwavering determination, the Black Student Union at the University of Toledo stands in firm opposition to the recent Senate Bill 1. This legislation threatens to dismantle the very foundation upon which we have built our community, our advocacy, and our progress. As an organization dedicated to raising the level of consciousness for students of all ethnic backgrounds regarding the Black experience in America, we cannot stand idly by as policies attempt to erase the voices and histories of marginalized communities.   Our mission has always been to celebrate the growth and richness of the Black experience, highlight the resilience and progress of African American people, and foster unity among all. Senate Bill 1 does not just impact the Black Student Union—it strikes at the heart of every marginalized community and student organization on this campus. This bill seeks to undermine the tireless work that we, along with so many other organizations, including all the organizations under BOU (Black Organizations United), have dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.   We are deeply moved and profoundly concerned about what this means for the future—not just of our university, but of the world. This bill threatens to erase the progress we have made in advocating for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plan, one designed to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the support and resources necessary to thrive. This is not just about policy; this is about people. This is about students who deserve to see themselves reflected in their education, in their leadership, and in the spaces they occupy on campus.   The Black Organizations United will not be silenced. We will continue to make our voices heard. We call on university administrators, policymakers, and all those in positions of power to take a hard and honest look at the decisions they are making. Understand the weight of this bill and how it will echo far beyond the walls of our university. It is not just about one school, one organization, or one student—it is about the collective future of higher education and the fundamental rights of every individual seeking knowledge, opportunity, and belonging.   We are hurting, but we are hopeful. We know that change is possible, but it requires action.   We will not back down. We will not be erased. We will stand united, in the face of injustice.   In solidarity,   The Black Student Union and Black Organizations United Note: Black Organizations United is a formal alliance between all African American organizations on campus. It includes the National Pan-Hellenic Council, F.I.R.E. Squad, the Black Student Union, Minority Professionals in Business, Black Nursing Students Organization, the UToledo chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Association for the Advancement of African American Women.

The 55th annual Black Student Union fashion show was hosted on Feb. 28, capping off BSU’s programming for Black History Month. Interim President Matt Schroeder and Interim Provost Scott Molitor were in attendance, a first for both according to Molitor. They were invited by BSU President Majesty Ali and Vice President Marquan Denby. The event displayed several fashion pieces created by Black artists, and hosted several Black-owned vendors. Last year, all race-conscious scholarships were paused due to the federal overturn of affirmative action in 2023. This year, BSU awarded six scholarships at the event, ranging from $500 to $1000 each. “It’s heartwarming when we see people come out and actually enjoy what we've actually done to put on a good show for them,” said Cole Fullen, BSU's director of external affairs and co-emcee for the night. Towards the end of the show, the performers and executive board filled the stage with signs and spoke directly to the crowd and to Molitor, as Schroeder left during the intermission of the show. “[Diversity, equity, and inclusion] is not just about the policies or the programs," said Denby, "it’s about creating the environment where every student, regardless of their background, feels like they belong here and that this university values who they are." DEI and its importance were a primary theme of many of the executive members' speeches, with many expressing their disappointment with the university’s lack of commitment to DEI. Ali stated her frustration with the university not providing the funding she requested, and the lack of financial support BSU and other minority-focused organizations receive. Ali says she's requested more funding for BSU to "execute everything that we wanted to do and what's in [BSU's] mission statement" in light of a growing Black population on campus, and Schroeder "did say that he was going to give [it] to [BSU]," but Ali "never heard back from him again on that situation." Ali met with Schroeder several times throughout the academic year, and brought up the unequal distribution of funding to BSU when compared to organizations like CAP. "There was a lack of funding going towards BSU compared to organizations on campus like CAP, and one of those higher ones that a lot of students are able to attend," said Ali. After the elimination of the university's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in July of 2024, Ali reached out to see if the remaining funding for that area could be given to BSU or other minority focused initiatives, as "they kind of had it just sitting there," she said. “I’m tired of being silent, I’m tired of sitting here and putting my fear and faith into somebody else,” said Ali. “As students, it’s time that you educate yourself. Don’t wait on someone to invite you to the table; you make the table.”

The Toledo women's basketball team's seven-game win streak came to an end after a 81-72 loss to Bowling Green in the Battle of I-75 at the Stroh Center on Feb. 22. The Falcons (15-11, 8-6 MAC) pulled ahead in the first quarter 25-14, with the Rockets (19-6, 10-4 MAC) never quite able to get the lead. Toledo entered the fourth quarter down 62-52. They were within one possession twice in the final ten minutes, but they ultimately could not catch up to the Falcons. Graduate student Nan Garcia led the Rockets with 18 points, her season-high, and seven rebounds, five of which were offensive. Sophomore Kendall Carruthers and freshman Faith Fedd-Robinson joined Garcia in the double-digit points, with Carruthers at 16 points and Fedd-Robinson at 14 points. Both had three rebounds. The Rockets' bench got 42 points, the most this season during conference play. Bowling Green's Amy Velasco had a game-high 30 points, going 9-of-15 field goals, 3-of-4 behind the arc, and 9-of-9 free throws. With Northern Illinois' loss against Eastern Michigan, Toledo has secured a spot in the 2025 MAC Tournament, which will take place at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio from March 12 to 15.

University of Toledo Interim President Matt Schroeder attended the student government (UTSG) meeting and took questions from students on Tuesday, Feb. 25 as higher education faces major changes. Schroeder took questions for about an hour. Ohio Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) was a leading topic at the meeting. The bill would prohibit faculty strikes, regulate what universities and professors can say about topics the state considers controversial, and abolish diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in higher education, among other things. The bill passed through the Ohio Senate after over 800 testimonies in opposition and 14 in support, and now is in the Ohio House Committee for Workforce and Higher Education. Read more about the bill and track its progress here . Students expressed their dissatisfaction with UT for not having released a statement regarding the possible changes to the University if SB 1 passes. Questions were raised about why UT has remained silent about the possible elimination of DEI in particular. “What statement would you like us to make?” Schroeder asked. The student responded by naming the schools in Ohio that have released a statement. “I’m here tonight, I support you," Schroeder responded. "If I need to put that in writing, I’ll put that in writing. I would find it interesting if you could show me a President who is showing up at a student meeting about this topic at all.” Schroeder indicated that the University is waiting until there is more information about the possible changes before releasing a statement. Another issue students brought to Schroeder came after Toledo men’s basketball hosted Bowling Green on national TV in the Battle of I-75 rivalry. What took place off the court was a hot topic on social media after the game. Members of the Black Student Union (BSU) used their Rowdy Row screen time to hold up signs that said, “we will be heard,” “our voice IS power,” and “inclusion over exclusion,” among other things. Schroeder said he did not notice the signs at the game, but after the meeting, told The Collegian that he is proud of the students for protesting in a peaceful manner. The University of Toledo official Instagram posted pictures of those students holding signs with the logo and name of Dave's Hot Chicken, one of UToledo's preferred business partners. Many comments criticized UToledo for selecting photos of BSU holding the sponsored signs rather than the protest signs. "They held up signs about inclusion," one comment said, "which is what all UT’s emails say: that we are an INCLUSIVE university. Let’s show it!" “The blatant disrespect towards black students is disgusting. Students have the right to speak their minds,” another reply read. “Question to this group,” Schroeder said, referring to the students that brought the issue to his attention at the meeting. “I know people take heat when they pull stuff down, so I’m going to follow up, are we good with the University taking that post down?” Students nodded in agreement. As of March 10, the posts have not been deleted off Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. “Whatever the future looks like, we have to create a safe and welcoming campus, and if someone doesn’t feel safe, it is on administration to figure out why and address it,” Schroeder said. At the end of the meeting, Schroeder said he is happy to attend future UTSG meetings.

For the second-straight season, the Battle of I-75 has split their season series with each team winning one game. The Toledo men's basketball team fell to arch-rival Bowling Green 68-69 on Feb. 21 in front of a season-high crowd of 6,837 people in Savage Arena. Sophomore Sam Lewis led the Rockets (16-11, 9-5 MAC) with 21 points. Sophomores Sonny Wilson and Javan Simmons joined Lewis in the double digits with 13 and ten points, respectively. Graduate student Isaiah Adams had a team-high seven assists. Sophomore Bryce Ford totaled 11 rebounds, nine defensively. Simmons added six rebounds to the Rockets' efforts. Senior André Lorentsson had a game-high two steals. Toledo entered the locker room down 37-41. The final 20 minutes saw ten lead changes, but the Rockets never led by more than a point the entire game. Javonte Campbell led the Falcons (11-16, 5-9 MAC) with 21 points and had the game-winning layup with 1.7 seconds left in regulation.

The Toledo women’s basketball team defeated Akron 75-54 at Savage Arena on Feb. 15, extending their winning streak to six. The victory marked the program’s eighteenth annual Rockets for the Cure game in front of a crowd of 5,227 fans. Toledo wore pink jerseys, which are available for auction at https://qtego.us/qlink/rocketsforthecure through Feb. 17 at noon. All proceeds from the auction will benefit Susan G. Komen Northwest Ohio and the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center. Since 2010, Rockets for the Cure has raised over $180,000 for the cause. In celebration of 50 years of the program, the Rockets honored the women’s basketball alumni with recognition at halftime. Additionally, former Rocket Sophia Wiard was recognized for her achievement as the MAC Player of the Year for the 2023-2024 season, becoming the seventh Rocket to earn this honor. “It’s good to see familiar faces in the stands,” said graduate student Sammi Mikonowicz. “Especially playing with her [Wiard] for so long. But I think it is great to have all the alumni back. They laid the foundation, and now for us to carry that means everything.” Four Rockets scored in the double digits, led by graduate students Mikonowicz and Khera Goss, each scoring 16 points. Graduate Student Nan Garcia scored 13 points, while sophomore Kendall Carruthers added 10. Sophomore Cadence Dykstra and freshman Destiny Robinson had four assists each. Defensively, Carruthers and freshman Faith Fedd-Robinson led the Rockets with six rebounds each, joined by Mikonowicz and freshman Evalyse Cole with five each. Goss, Mikonowicz, and Carruthers each had two steals—part of 17 turnovers for Akron. The Zips (9-16, 3-9 MAC) took an early 6-0 lead at 6:05 left in the first quarter. The Rockets (18-5, 9-3 MAC) pulled ahead 21-18 after a 9-2 run with 5:55 left in the half. The teams went back-and-forth, heading into the locker room tied at 27 points. With 7:14 left in the third quarter, the Rockets took the lead for good after Carruthers’ layup. The Rockets out-scored the Zips 28-18 in the third quarter and 20-9 in the fourth. Toledo shot 61.6% (16-of-26) from the field in the second half, while shooting 83.3% (5-of-6) from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter. “We knew it was going to be a dogfight," said Head Coach Ginny Boggess. “Akron is a really well-coached team. I'm really proud of our effort in the second half and our response. We knew they were going to make it hard, and they definitely did.” Toledo will face MAC leader Ball State at Savage Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.

Photos courtesy of the Office of Multicultural Student Success UToledo organizations are continuing with a packed itinerary for Black History Month, despite ongoing efforts by the federal and state government to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in public and private entities alike. The University eliminated its Office of DEI over the summer of 2024. President Trump, in a sudden turn from his staunch anti-DEI executive orders and policies, followed presidential tradition by recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month, and called upon "all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities." A sampling of the programming is listed below in chronological order. For the full list, more information, and to RSVP on Invonet, please click here . Barbershop Talk is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10 in the Ingman Room, and provides an opportunity to get a free haircut from local barbers. Cultural Cuisine: Soul Food Edition is in The Eatery on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to The Eatery's close at 2:30 p.m. Along with enjoying a soul food-inspired menu, participants can enter a raffle for prizes. Campus Activities and Programming is hosting a Black History Month Celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in SU 2584. Attendees can enjoy music, food, and games in honor and celebration of Black culture and history. The Black Issues Conference, hosted by Bowling Green State University, is on Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, 1001 E Wooster St., Bowling Green, Ohio. Transportation is available; please contact the Office of Multicultural Student Success (OMSS) at omss@utoledo.edu or by calling 419-530-2261. The Black Caucus, hosted by UToledo's Black Student Union (BSU), is on Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the SU Auditorium. The event provides an opportunity for Black community members and allies to share experiences and "strategize for the future," according to Invonet. BSU's 55th annual fashion show is on Friday, Feb. 28 from 8 to 10 p.m. in the SU Auditorium. BSU will be awarding a scholarship at intermission, and recipients are required to attend to be recognized. Applications are due on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 11:59 p.m. The essay prompt and submission details are available on BSU's Instagram, @utoledobsu .