November 14 issue

Board of Regents decreases 90% of initial cost for open records request page 3 NOVEMBER 14, 2012 | VOLUME 26 NO. 7 | Visit online at www.collegiannews.com |THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE STUDENTS SINCE 1987

Degrees of frustration

Graduates express discontent for dismissal of fall commencement page 3

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I’m graduating in the fall and now that’s been taken from me.

Why was I required to pay for graduation fees?

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I’m frustrated that my life is being put on hold and feel helpless that my screams for a better outcome are going unheard.

I would really love to walk this fall.

”

”

Collegian staff weighs in with editorial on page 2 Illustration by Darian Mathews

Homecoming heats up dance floor

Hundreds turn out for an evening of festivities page 5 Photo by James Pennie

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COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

Our Voice

Editorial It is the opinion of the Collegian staff that GPC’s homecoming events were an egregious waste of student activity fees.

This year, Homecoming was allocated $29,603 to spend on various activities.

The most costly of these line items was $19,260 which was spent to rent out the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel, pay the Atlanta Police Department for security and buy food for its estimated 1,200 participants.

Our first thought upon entering the venue: this is a pathetic attempt to have another high school dance.

Sure, by now you’re inclined to say, “Oh, the Collegian is just hating.”

And you’re right, we are, for a very good reason.

In a Sept. 21 email to students, interim President Rob Watts announced the cancellation of the fall graduation ceremony. Watts projected that by not having a commencement ceremony the college would save $14,000.

So what you’re saying here is that having a homecoming (where no alumni actually “come home”) is more important than affording students a graduation ceremony?

Additionally, Watts admittedly knew about the cancellation during the summer, but didn’t announce anything until halfway through the fall semester.

We’re not accusing the administration of deceiving students, but why would they allow a reported 788 students to pay $25 each in graduation fees for a non-existent graduation?

Graduation fees, totalling an estimated $19,700 were collected to help pay for the costs associated with the ceremony. Where does that money go?

Now, we recognize that the money collected for graduation and the money spent for homecoming both come out of two separate budgets.

We’re sure that the administration will claim that student activity fees couldn’t be spent on a graduation ceremony and while that may be a satisfactory answer for the Student Government Association, we’re not convinced.

For those of you paying attention, the student activity fee budget for this year was not allocated by the students, which is in violation of Board of Regents policy 7.3.2.1 regarding student fees.

When GPC experienced its $25 million budget

Cost of student activity fees for 788 GPC graduates: $35,460 Cost of graduation fees for 788 GPC graduates: $19,700 Cost of Homecoming dance: $19,260 Priority of having lame high school dance over graduation ceremony: PRICELESS Numbers based on documents provided by GPC

deficit this past summer, the students previous recommendations were thrown out and the entire budget was redone by the Deans of Student Services: Deborah Homer, Frank Nash, Mary Hickman-Brown, and Keith Cobbs.

While $475,000 had to be cut from the budget, several initiatives actually received an increase in funds and Homecoming was awarded an extra $1,000.

To recap: The administration can arbitrarily violate policy regarding student activity fees, collect graduation fees for a non-existent ceremony and the students get to party like it’s 1999 for the bargain price of $19,260.

Hey SGA, why don’t you step up and actually start representing your student body instead of capitulating to “the adults” in charge?

Don’t you know that the 788 fall graduates also paid $45 in student activity fees this semester?

We bet if you asked them, they would’ve prefered to take their collective $35,460 and have a commencement ceremony instead of a homecoming dance.

We also believe that if SGA cared enough, they would’ve already suggested this proposal and/or offered to sacrifice money out of their own budget to come up with the money needed for fall commencement.

The Collegian editorial staff has already agreed to sacrifice its last print issue in the spring to donate $1,500 to the cause.

We want to make it clear that we’re not just pointing out the problems of a flawed system, we’re also trying to come up with a solution.

With the will of enough students, there is a way to resolve this problem.

To all students affected by the cancellation of fall graduation, we want to hear from you.

Email us at SaveGPCgraduation@gmail.com

NOVEMBER 14, 2012

Dear readers, From a multi-million dollar budget deficit, to the lay off of 282 GPC employees, to the cancellation of fall graduation, to what appears to be an obvious decrease in student engagement...

It has been a rough semester.

I know it might seem like we keep promoting a “doom and gloom” agenda, but the truth is that we want you to know the truth. And it is our job to inform you of the news - good or bad.

Speaking of the good, the Collegian was recently awarded national recognitions at the National College Media Convention in Chicago.

The Collegian won two “Best of Show” awards in the two-year college newspaper category: - Third place for best website - Ninth place for best print issue We only have one more issue left before the end of the semester, so I would like to encourage any student who wants to be heard to contact us.

Positive or negative, no issue is taboo.

This is your public forum for student expression and we are dedicated to upholding your first amendment right to do so.

Sincerely,

David Schick

Editor in Chief

ALEKS says teach it yourself

By Wanda Jackson Collegian Contributor Who is ALEKS? The learning support math that replaced what was formerly known as Math 97.

It is a self-paced course that students throughout GPC can learn and retain math at their own comfort level. However, it feels more like a do-it-yourself course.

This is a learning support class not a teach yourself class. The consensus amongst most students is: Why come to class? I can stay at home and teach myself.

College students are encouraged to form peer study

Letter to the editor:

groups, but that is virtually impossible with ALEKS. Students are too consumed with teaching themselves the various topics in preparation for topic completion, assessment testing, and passing the COMPASS exit exam.

When the decision makers decided to convert to this type of learning did they consider the student?

Inside an ALEKS classroom, there is very little life – just students staring at their computer screens.

Throughout the Clarkston Campus ALEKS has been called “the devil,” and this is one of the nicer names.

I would encourage the college officials to get feedback from a variety of students because I think that the ALEKS class needs a different approach.

Cartoon from Aug. 29 issue

Regarding the Cartoon in the August 29, 2012 issue on page 6: This cartoon contains a caricature that clearly depicts a student who is of African descent. The depiction is in very poor taste and it is offensive to all our students.

We are an institution of higher learning providing positive educational experiences in a very multicultural environment.

Darian Mathews, the artist, went to great lengths in this cartoon. Much more so than in his work on page 5, where he showed many students, none of whom had the appearance that he used on page 6. Darian had the opportunity to indicate several ethnicities, including African, in that long line of students in a positive and multicultural way.

Response from the editor:

Thank you for your letter.

Although, I don’t quite understand what you are upset about. I looked at this picture for about an hour and still did not see whatever it was that offended you. Additionally, I passed it around to my editorial staff to get their thoughts, they didn’t see it either.

As you said “we are an institution of higher learning,” and the Collegian is not in the business of stereotyping based on race or ethnicity.

It directly violates our code of conduct and ethics.

We appreciate your concern and continued readership.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Schick EXECUTIVE EDITOR Breanna Wimby ASSOCIATE EDITORS Alan Simpson ALPHARETTA CAMPUS Managing editor: Veronica Gruta CLARKSTON CAMPUS Managing editor: Ashley Oglesby Photo editor: James Pennie DECATUR CAMPUS Managing editor: Kierra Johnson News editor: Kaila Thompson DUNWOODY CAMPUS Managing editor: Tammy Woolcock News editor: Leslie Mele NEWTON CAMPUS Photo editor: Jahret Rainey

Illustration by Darian Mathews

Do you think this cartoon “clearly depicts” an African student?

Let us know what you think: gpc.collegian@gmail.com

COLLEGEWIDE Sports Editor: Rachel Millin

The Collegian is the student newspaper of Georgia Perimeter College, and is a designated public forum for students, faculty and staff to share their opinions.

Comments and views expressed herein are those of the individual writers, and not those of the college or the Collegian as a whole. We strongly encourage students to submit articles and artwork for publication.

Single copies are free. More than three copies per person are $.50 each.

Editors reserve the right to edit for grammar, space, appropriateness and length. Not all submissions will be published. To speak with a staff member, please call 678-8913382 or e-mail us at gpc.collegian@gmail. com.

NOVEMBER 14, 2012

COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

3

Administration ignores student concerns Upcoming GPC graduates still resent the decision to cancel the fall commencement ceremony

By Ashley Oglesby Collegian Staff Many students are still outraged about the cancellation of fall graduation.

State Rep. Michele Henson (D-District 87) expressed empathy for the students in a recent CrossRoadsNews article.

“Hopefully, we can come to some resolution where they will be able to have a graduation in December,” said Henson.

David Schick, editor in chief of the Collegian, suggested to the Student Government Association presidents that they should speak with legislators about resolving the issue.

Upon Schick’s suggestion, SGA presidents met with their advisers. “[SGA presidents] talked to their advisers and they weren’t interested in talking anymore,” said Juan Rodriquez, Dunwoody SGA president.

Now, SGA thinks that there is very little that can be done.

“At this point we haven’t really talked much about it,” said Mela Persis, Newton SGA president. “I don’t know if we can do anything in such a short period.”

Persis noted that she was sad when she first received notification that commencement had been cancelled and said, “It was not fair.”

Students did not find out about the cancellation until Sept. 21 when Rob Watts, interim president, notified the student body via email.

Watts wrote that cutting fall graduation ceremony was projected to save the college approximately $14,000.

State Rep. Rahn Mayo (D-District 91)

Facebook page: http://goo.gl/tYgJx

told CrossRoadsNews that he thinks it would have been better for the college to look at cutting upcoming expenses than to cancel graduation.

“This change is not accommodating for anyone but GPC because of their budget shortfalls,” wrote Charlee Correia in a recent opinion article for the Collegian.

State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-District 86) told CrossRoadsNews, “They’re worried more about covering up the fact that there were some internal problems going on at the campus and at the regent level when what they’re really there to do is take care of their students. Students have paid fees, so they should be entitled to graduate when they were told they were going to graduate.”

However, not all students feel that it is important.

“I wasn’t planning to attend. I honestly don’t care,” said Anthony Cerullo.

Cerullo said that graduating from the University of Georgia with a bachelors degree is more important to him.

In an attempt to give students a place to voice their concerns, Schick has created a “Save GPC Fall Graduation” Facebook page and started a petition website to “gauge the pulse” of the future graduates.

“The Collegian is going to make sure that the voices of students who are upset about the cancellation are going to be heard,” said Schick. “Even though I’m graduating this fall, I wasn’t planning to walk and even if this initiative to save fall commencement is successful, I still won’t participate.”

Students interested in saving fall graduation are encouraged to like the Facebook page and sign the online petition following the links below.

Sign the petition: http://goo.gl/k3VQN

Quotes from students Jeffery Stephens: “If there aren’t going to be many students graduating in December, then I suggest Dunwoody Campus’ NC-Auditorium room. Speakers, a stage, and a roof would be provided without extra expenditures.

Acquiring a symphony is inconsequential... I would be happy with a CD track or a Music Major’s Mix track for the musical accompaniment.

Either way, I don’t see why it would cost the school $14,000.00 to hold a graduation ceremony in the first place...just ridiculous.”

Hugo Da Silva: “Why cut out things that may make the graduation ceremony special (orchestra, speaker, etc)? I would rather wait until the spring and have it done properly than having something mediocre just so I can walk across the stage. I’m also graduating in the fall and I’ve decided to wait.”

Anna Reuda: “Why was I required to pay for graduation fees!!???”

Fernando Anglada: “I’m graduating in fall 2012 and now that has been taking from me. I’ve been left out all my life and graduating from a college is a big accomplishment and now I can’t have that memory.”

Monjuri Aimee: “I would really love to walk this fall.”

Angela Belcher: “Wow!! I raised a big stink about this. I called Covington News, they put a pitiful story out which did not gain any attention.

I called Watts secretary complaining, telling them I have children coming and had purchased plane tickets ( 2 from San Diego, 1 Virginia) to see their mom(me). This is what he offered me; to have a photographer, my family in his office to present to me my degree. I did not respond back.”

University system reduces the cost for open records Smart software instructs learning support students

By David Schick Collegian Staff The Collegian and the University System of Georgia have reached a compromise in regards to the excessive charges for open records, but awaits a resolution with GPC. On Oct. 24, Burns Newsome, USG vice chancellor for legal affairs, responded to the Collegian’s lawyer, Daniel Levitas, with an offer to lower the cost to fulfill its July 18, Open Records Act request to $291 – a 90% reduction from the original estimate.

Initially, the USG gave the Collegian an estimated cost of $2,963 to fulfill the request. The cost was further reduced to $1,882 following an Aug. 23 letter from Frank LoMonte, executive director of the Student Press Law Center, on behalf of the Collegian.

LoMonte wrote that several of the itemized charges were “excessive” and asked for a reassessment of the “uncharacteristically high” cost.

The reduced cost of $1,882 included a $1,073 charge for two Information Technology administrators to extract the records at eight hours each.

Based upon the USG’s technical specifications, the Collegian obtained the formal opinion of a computer expert in the form of a sworn affidavit, which stated that it would reasonably take “no more than one hour” worth of effort to extract the data.

The Collegian was then referred by

the SPLC to Levitas to assist in further reduction of the cost.

In an Oct. 10 letter to the USG, Levitas wrote that the fees seemed “arbitrary, capricious, and deliberately designed to obstruct access to public information of obvious critical concern.” Levitas attached the computer expert’s sworn affidavit.

“In light of the documentation attached and the evidence and arguments they contain, I implore you to reconsider the … demand made for $1,882.98 in order to respond to the Collegian’s July 18, 2012 ORA request.”

The USG’s response to the letter came two weeks later on Oct. 24.

“The total cost associated with producing the documents … is $297.72, which comprised of ten and one-half hours time for two of the Board’s information technology specialists,” wrote Newsome.

Additionally, the Collegian had put in a separate, less extensive, Open Records Act request on July 16 to GPC and was quoted an estimated $927 to fulfill the request.

“In light of the flexibility demonstrated by the University System in this separate matter, I am hopeful that your office will be inclined to also constructively resolve this issue,” wrote Levitas in a letter to GPC on Oct. 31.

On Nov. 6, the Collegian followed up with Jim Rasmus, GPC chief human resource director, on the phone about the progress of reducing the cost. Rasmus indicated that “the lawyers were handling it” and were “well aware” of the situation.

By Breanna Wimby Collegian Staff A program called ALEKS, Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces, has been instituted college wide this semester in an effort to redesign math learning support classes.

ALEKS is “smart software that determines what the student knows and what the student doesn’t know or needs to work on,” according to Alice Pierce, associate mathematics department chair.

In ALEKS students study by various math topics like arithmetic readiness, graphs and linear equations and functions to name a few. If ALEKS determines that you have “mastered” a particular topic, you get more topics and are able to move forward.

Based on your knowledge of each topic, you will have to solve any number of problems from none to 25. “That’s the good thing about it, stuff you know, you don’t need to do problems on. Stuff you don’t know it

will make sure you know it,” Pierce said.

ALEKS student, Danielle Gerhartz, said that she would prefer if ALEKS was more of a classroom setting as opposed to the current system of meeting twice a week and doing it online.

“To me, it’s about the same … when you asked [the teachers] for help they kind of make you do the work for yourself instead of really explaining it,” said Tyrell Malloy.

This is Malloy’s third semester participating in ALEKS. Malloy has taken the basic class during the spring and summer semesters, and decided to take it online but, doesn’t like it.

Malloy claims that he “can’t focus on remembering to do it online.”

The main difference with ALEKS is that students have the ability to finish the class early. Unlike the traditional learning support math courses, the student determines how far they go.

“You have to be active. You have to interact with the program, you have to be engaged,” said Pierce.

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NOVEMBER 14, 2012

Features

Homecoming parade marches Guess what?!

This guy will read your mind through the Clarkston campus

By David Schick Collegian Staff

GPC students gather to watch “The Band of Gold,” the Clarkston High School Marching band in action.

David Schick/Collegian Staff

By Breanna Wimby Collegian Staff If you think you heard drums on the morning of Monday, Nov. 5, while in class on Clarkston campus, you weren’t dreaming.

The Clarkston High School Marching Band, “The Band of

Gold,” led GPC’s Homecoming Parade around Clarkston to start off Homecoming Week 2012.

The parade started in front of the B building and 12 clubs marched behind the band displaying their banners.

During the parade, club members of the Drama Club and International Students Club were

often seen dancing along to the music in excitement.

The parade drew crowds from the Student Center as the band stopped outside the doors to perform for those present.

The parade made two loops around campus before the band returned to Clarkston High School.

Illusionist and mind reader Eric Anderson dazzled GPC students on Nov. 5 during his performance at the Clarkston campus for Homecoming week.

“It’s a satanic ritual, I swear,” said Patrice Maxwell, Decatur SGA senator, when a blindfolded Anderson walked around guessing random objects in audience members’ hands.

Anderson performed what he said is his “favorite trick,” the cellphone trick, for his finale.

It started with a member of the audience calling a friend from her cellphone.

Using the audience member as go-between to the person on the cell phone, Anderson them to have that person randomly hold any amount of change in their hand.

A few minutes later, Anderson called out a number to the audience member who relayed it to their friend.

Anderson then asked to speak to the person on the other end of the phone.

“Yes, I was correct,” said Anderson after predicting the exact amount of change. “It was very strange.”

Eric Anderson, predicting objects in students’ hands. David Schick/ Collegian Staff For students like Atticus Williams and Summer Niles, who had any doubt about the authenticity of magic before the show, they now fully believe in the paranormal.

“It’s demonic spirits,” said Niles.

“I’d really like to see this again,” said Williams

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Learn all about TAG (Transfer admission GuaranTee) Find out how to make sure you are automatically accepted to Georgia’s top urban research university at a Transfer FAIR – coming soon to your GPC campus: Wednesday, November 7, 2012, 9 a.m. - noon Decatur Campus, Student Center Thursday, November 8, 2012, 9 a.m. - noon Clarkston Campus, College Center, Lower Level Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 9 a.m. - noon Newton Campus, 2N Atrium Wednesday, November 14, 2012, 9 a.m. - noon Dunwoody Campus, Building B, Lower Level Thursday, November 15, 2012, 9 a.m. - noon Alpharetta Center, Room AA1140

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NOVEMBER 14, 2012

COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

Features

5

Our royal court Bands will make them dance

Homecoming kings and queens crowned

GPC Homecoming kings and queens. James Pennie/Collegian Staff

By Ashley Oglesby Collegian Staff The Collegian met with candidates prior to the big announcement and witnessed an array of confident and nervous students.

Candidates had no idea who would win, making the results as much of a surprise to them as to the student body.

“I don’t know yet, its like drum rolls,” said Tatiana Cadet, Clarkston homecoming queen candidate.

“I’m so anxious, nervous, and excited at the same time,” said Leanna Whitaker just moments before being crowned Newton Homecoming Queen.

Alpharetta

King: Duane Thornhill Queen: Unavailable

Clarkston

King: Marshall Middleton Queen: Denia Tucker

Decatur

King: Blaze Queen: Eboni Ivery

Dunwoody

King: Darian Mathews Queen: Valerie Jenkins

Newton

King: Unavailable Queen: Leona Whitaker

GPC students party at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel during the Homecoming dance.

James Pennie/Collegian Staff

By Ashley Oglesby Collegian Staff School spirit was at an all time high at GPC during Homecoming week where students enjoyed a full slate of fun activities gearing up for the homecoming dance.

Jaguar Activity Group produced GPC’s annual Homecoming at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in downtown Atlanta. JAG rented the

venue from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.

Excitement buzzed on twitter with hashtag #gpc and keyword homecoming and reportedly 1,200 students were in attendance at the Westin hotel to partake in the dance.

To kick off the festivities JAG set off a parade, a magic show, a talent show and hosted several basketball game giveaways which all lead to the hefty turnout.

“Whoever worked to make this possible did not work in vain,” said Nadia Agyepong, GPC Decatur student. “The DJ and the automatic disco lights, everything was spectacular.”

The cost of the Homecoming dance was $19,400.

“It was worth it,” tweeted Devon Upshaw, first time homecoming attendee. “I thought it was nice, good setting … I had a good time.”

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NOVEMBER 14, 2012

Campus News

Newton displays students’ artistic talents Art Club exhibition showcases several types of media for enjoyment and purchase

By Jahret Rainey Collegian Contributor GPC Newton campus is showing off artistic talent from students at its current art exhibit.

Art students of all ages and backgrounds have their work displayed in building 1N of Newton campus, which is open to the public for viewing.

Many of the artwork displayed is up for sale and most of the artist’s contact information is labeled next to their work.

From canvas paintings to custom made guitars, students have shown how their passion of art and creativity can create unique pieces of work.

Any students interested in submitting to an upcoming art show or joining the art club they can contact the club director at Jenkin7v@student.gpc.edu

Student art gallery in 1N building of Newton campus. Photo by Jahret Rainey

Media campaign nears launch Psychological disorders Dunwoody SGA to use televisions to engage students Seminar educates about depression

By Leslie Mele Collegian Contributor The Dunwoody Student Government Association’s project “I Am GPC” is getting closer to a launch date.

This project, is a media driven method designed to bring awareness of campus news, events, and information of interest to students via the television screens in the student center.

Throughout the month of October members of the SGA

worked to gain the skills necessary to produce quality programming with a professional look.

Olivia Hightower, I Am GPC team leader, along with the entire SGA body completed certification training from the Media Spot in the operation of camera equipment, basic audio recording, and editing.

At the SGA Nov. 2 meeting, Hightower presented four potential introductions.

“I wanted to connect the students with what is going on,” said Hightower.

Senator Howard Tang suggested

the “potential for plugging in photos of recent events.”

Team member and Senator Marcus Mitchell discussed that he had spoken to GPC’s athletic director who noted that he would like students to be more aware of the college’s teams.

He has given his approval for SGA to interview coaches and players of GPC’s basketball teams. Plans are in effect to film during the upcoming game and at Homecoming.

By Kaila Thompson Collegian Contributor On Oct. 30 there was a workshop explaining the types of depression that people deal with.

Ce’Trice Glenn puts on this seminar every year for students who may deal with depression.

“When a person becomes depressed they see life through a straw, they’ve lost the full picture,” said Glen during the seminar.

According to Glen, genetics, chemical imbalance and negative events can trigger depression. Even medications or using drugs, such as

depressants can trigger depression or cause them to become even more depressed.

The two most common types of depression are Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder.

Major Depression is a type of depression that is long term that people has coped with.

Bipolar Disorder is characterized by mood swings from one extreme to the next every second.

A few ways to deal with depression includes taking a break from your daily life, exercising, getting a decent amount of sleep, counseling, and looking into cognitive behavioral therapy.

Fright night sends chills down spines Celebrating diversity

Halloween movie event on Clarkston a success for JAG International week heightens awareness

By Ashley Small Collegian Contributor Anything but a “Boo”, are the only words to reflect the success of Jaguar Activity Group’s first “Boo Night” on Oct. 30 on Clarkston campus.

The event was originally scheduled to take place on the campus quad but was moved to the Jim Cherry Lecture Hall due to inclement weather conditions.

The change of location and a

dark auditorium lit only by the large movie screen amplified the appropriate tone for the fright filled festivities.

GPC students accompanied by classmates, colleagues, friends and family received free admission, complementary beverages, popcorn and hot dogs while they watched two classic horror films: Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm street.

Crystal Shahid, a Clarkston campus student, attended Boo Night for the first time with her three young sons.

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“My boys haven’t seen either movie … but I’m glad to show them my campus and a little holiday fun,” said Shahid.

Other students came prepared in costume and equipped with blankets to nestle under.

“With the success we have on campus during the day, come spring semester the outcome of this evening is only the beginning of what JAG hopes to bring day, night and year round for students next semester,” said Alan Johnson, JAG’s entertainment chairman.

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By Troi Charity Collegian Contributor On Nov. 12 - 16, students and faculty can embark on a week long international experience without ever leaving GPC. International Week isn’t just about learning a culture and its language of a country, but also its global and economic issues.

Explained by the student body and many organizations on GPC, it is a way of bridging the gap and clearing nasty misunderstandings that some may have.

The goal by the end of the event is to “Heighten awareness of everyone about diversity

in education,” said Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy, executive director of the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Unlike other campus specific activities, International Week is a group effort among all GPC campuses.

During the week students not only learn about various countries, but also get information about study abroad.

Many booths will be set up by various languages, clubs, and organizations.

One activity this is year is the “cultural celebrations,” which hosts a different activity on each day on a campus.

NOVEMBER 14, 2012

COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

Sports

7

Men’s season ends in semifinals

South Georgia completes season sweep to deny Jaguars another shot at number one Darton

By Alan Simpson Collegian Staff

Richard Mealey leaps over Nick Jaffe’s attempted tackle. Lee Jackson/Collegian Contributor

The GPC men could not avenge regular season losses to South Georgia, falling 2-1 in the GCAA semifinals Oct. 27 in Albany to the eventual runners-up.

Cesar Espinoza scored the Jaguars’ lone goal, assisted by Danny Seabrooke, to tie the game in the first half.

South Georgia’s Alloy Buckle scored the game winner, his second of the match, in the 55th minute.

The Jaguars dropped all three matches to the Tigers this season.

GPC reached the semifinal by beating Andrew College 3-1 in a first-round playoff Oct. 24 in Dunwoody. The Jaguars earned home field advantage in the first round by securing the third seed in the tournament with a 6-4 conference record.

The tournament played out according to script, with no major upsets.

Darton took the title over South Georgia. The Cavaliers are undefeated, hosted the tournament, and are ranked first in the nation. South Georgia’s only losses on the season were to Darton, and all four of GPC’s conference losses during the season came to Darton and South Georgia.

GPC had an up-and-down season, finishing 9-8 overall. In short bursts, the Jaguars looked like they could beat anyone, hanging two goals on Darton in less than ten minutes at one point this season. At other times, they couldn’t get anything going, being shut out three straight games.

When it all shook out, the Jaguars finished right where their record indicated they would, behind Darton and South Georgia.

Women stunned in Albany

Men’s basketball upcoming schedule

Previously perfect season comes to painfully familiar end

11/16 USC Salkehatchie 7 p.m.

11/17 Aiken Technical 3 p.m.

11/20 Central Ga. Tech* 7:30 p.m.

11/23 LSCC (@Atl Metro) 5 p.m.

12/3 Chattahoochee Tech* 7:30 p.m.

*region game

By Alan Simpson Collegian Staff In the past two seasons, the GPC women’s soccer team has lost only twice. Two games. Total.

The problem? Both losses have occurred in the most crucial game of the season.

Darton crushed the previously undefeated Jaguars 4-0 in the GCAA tournament final Oct. 27 in Albany, and for the second consecutive season, GPC was left to wonder what could have been as the rival Cavaliers stole the region crown and a berth in the NJCAA tournament.

The loss brought another promising season to an abrupt and premature halt. After cruising through the regular season with a 15-0 mark, the GCAA tournament seemed like a formality on the Jaguars’ march to nationals. GPC had, after all, already twice beaten every other school in the tournament.

The Jaguars seemed to hit a wall upon arriving to the tournament. They needed extra time after a mostly uninspired first 90 minutes to put away semifinal opponent Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, whom GPC had beaten by a combined score of 10-2 during their two regular season matches.

GPC twice had to come from behind against a clearly inferior ABAC team. Vanessa Alexander provided the equalizer both times as she took the offense on her back and carried the team through regulation tied. Rachel Schmidt scored the winning goal just 1:47 into extra time, and Jaguar fans could finally exhale with the 3-2 win.

The following day in the finals, GPC had no answer for tournament host Darton.

In contrast to the Jaguars, Darton seemed to hit its stride at just the right time. The Cavaliers started the season ranked second in the NJCAA but stumbled out of the block, losing their season opener and dropping five games before the end of September.

Darton managed to regroup and finish second in the region behind GPC, giving both teams the inside track to the final and a rematch of the game that ended

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the Jaguars’ run last year.

By the time the two teams met on Darton’s home turf in Albany for the final, they had not played each other in over a month, and the Cavaliers had been posting results similar to the Jaguars’ during that time.

When it mattered most, Darton showed again that they are the team to beat in Georgia, and the Jaguars will again have to take solace in a very impressive winloss record.

GPC finished the season 16-1. The Jaguars held their opponent scoreless in nine games, and prior to the tournament, only four games were decided by fewer than two goals.

The Jaguars had several key moments and highlights along the way.

GPC passed its first test of the season Sept. 7 in Albany, stifling Darton 1-0 despite scrambling to replace injured goalkeeper Taylor Strickland and playing short-handed after a red card.

Strickland was sidelined for the remainder of the season, and Rose Okechukwu handled goalkeeping duties the rest of the way.

On Sept. 14, the Jaguars traveled to South Georgia as underdogs to the surprising Tigers, who had risen into the rankings after a perfect start and their own victory over Darton. GPC returned home victorious and would not be underdogs again.

GPC beat Darton again Sept. 24, making the Jaguars the clear favorites in the GCAA. The Jaguars made their first appearance in the NJCAA poll Oct. 3, vaulting all the way to seventh.

After a wild 4-3 non-conference win Oct. 14 over Cape Fear Community College, the most goals the Jaguars conceded all year, GPC closed the season with authority, dominating South Georgia in a shutout to finish an unbeaten regular season.

No one expected heroics to be needed in the semifinal against ABAC, but when they were, Alexander delivered in a big way, almost singlehandedly keeping the Jaguars’ season alive. Schmidt’s game winner produced the high point of the season, as GPC survived a tense 92 minutes.

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By Alan Simpson Collegian Staff The GPC men’s basketball team claimed victory in the Nov. 1 season opener, 88-67 over Middle Georgia Tech.

Caleb Hayes had a game-high 28 points and was perfect from the free throw line for the Jaguars.

The opener marked the first of seven consecutive games the men are scheduled to play on their home court in Decatur.

Women’s basketball upcoming schedule 11/20 11/23 11/24 11/30 12/3

Central Ga. Tech* 5:30 p.m.

SW Tenn. C.C. 6 p.m.

Roane State C.C. 6 p.m.

Andrew College 5:30 p.m. @Chattahoochee Tech* 5:30 p.m. *region game

By Alan Simpson Collegian Staff The women’s basketball team opened the season in Panama City, Fla. Nov. 3 with a 68-60 loss to Chipola College.

The Jaguars, ranked 16th in the NJCAA preseason poll, entered the season with high hopes after reaching the national tournament last season.

“I’m looking forward to playing again this year,” said sophomore forward Ronita Garrett in October. “Last year we made it all the way to finals out in Kansas, and I’m hoping to travel there again this season.”

When they return from the Gulf Coast, the women will play four in a row at home on Decatur campus.

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