Independent, founded in 1996, is a magazine of conservative and libertarian writers that has frequently produced stories about the political culture of the Claremont Colleges that have been picked up by national conservative media outlets and drawn intense criticism from many students. It is funded entirely through private donations. Athletics Athletes from CMC compete alongside athletes from Harvey Mudd College and Scripps College as the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Stags and Athenas. The teams participate in NCAA Division III in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The mascot for the men's teams is Stanley the Stag, and the women's teams are the Athenas. Their colors are cardinal and gold. In 2016, a new 144,000 square-foot recreation facility, named the Roberts Pavilion, was completed. Athletics history According to the Division III Fall Learfield Director's Cup Standings for the 2016–2017 year, CMS ranks 12th among all Division III programs, and first among SCIAC colleges. Sports There are 21 men's and women's teams. Men's sports Baseball Basketball Cross country Football Golf Soccer Swimming and diving Tennis Track and field Water polo Women's sports Basketball Cross country Golf Lacrosse Soccer Softball Swimming and diving Tennis Track and field Volleyball Water polo Athletic facilities Baseball — Bill Arce Field Basketball and Volleyball — Roberts Pavilion Football and Lacrosse — John Zinda Field Softball — Softball Field Soccer — John Pritzlaff Field Swimming and Diving — Matt M. Axelrood Pool Tennis — Biszantz Family Tennis Center Track and Field — Burns Track Complex Rivals The other sports combination of the Claremont Colleges, and CMS' primary rival, is the team made up of Pomona College and Pitzer College known as the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens (P-P). Traditions All incoming freshmen participate in W.O.A!, or "Welcome Orientation Adventure" W.O.A! is a student-run pre-orientation program. Options have included backpacking, camping and rock-climbing at Yosemite, canoeing down the Colorado River and community service in Los Angeles. Each trip is led by current students. W.O.A.! allows incoming students to develop friendships and get a sense for the college community before the formal beginning of their college careers. The "Madrigal Feast" was an annual dinner held in the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum. Both current students as well as alumni typically attended. Guests were treated to a medieval-themed feast, complete with wassail and a spirited musical performance put on by other students in medieval dress. This 26 year tradition was suspended in 2009. The Associated Students of Claremont