David Wells’ Pendulum Portfolio
I began taking photos for Elon University’s student newspaper The Pendulum my freshman year. I applied for a position and was made assistant photo editor during my sophomore year. I then took over as the Photo Editor for my junior and senior years. At the Pendulum, I was in charge of formatting and taking photographs for the weekly school newspaper and daily online Web site. I also assisted designers and editors in laying out and designing pages and writing cutlines. I managed all newspaper and staff photographers and worked in the newspaper office at least 7 hours per week. This portfolio shows examples of my photography, design and written work.
STUDENTS REACT TO THE ‘NEW’ LIGHTHOUSE PAGE 18
Focus. Focus. Oops! Jenga! A NEW TASTE IN FOOD Students battle it out during the 2008 Sportsfest PAGE 23
ARAMARK chef Tag Gray is back from the Olympics (and likes seahorses)
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The Pendulum ELON, NORTH CAROLINA
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008
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VOLUME 34, EDITION 23
www.elon.edu/pendulum
PHOENIX TAKES FLIGHT BEATS PRESBYTERIAN 66-12 | INDUCTS HALL OF FAMERS
Hurricane Ike slams gas stations before Gulf Coast Lesley Cowie Reporter
DAVID WELLS | Photo Editor
Junior wide receiver Terrell Hudgins makes a catch just inches in front of the endzone. The Phoenix went on to score nine touchdowns during the Saturday game.
Six join sports legends in Elon Hall of Fame Michelle Longo Sports Editor
A
t halftime of Saturday night’s football clobbering, even after all the players had exited the field, eyes and ears were still glued to the green turf where five former Elon athletes and one non-athlete stood, beaming from ear to ear. They are the 38th class to be inducted into
the Elon Sports Hall of Fame. Formally inducted in a smaller, more intimate ceremony held earlier in the day at Whitley Auditorium, the six inductees were additionally recognized at the halftime ceremony. Football star Quinton Ballard, baseball player Paul Braxton, head football and wrestling coach Macky Carden, President Emeritus Dr. J. Earl Danieley, football player Randy Oxendine and women’s soccer
See HALL OF FAME | Page 22
Lighthouse opens with a bang, then a splash Ryan Catanese Reporter Friday night marked a muchanticipated event on Elon University’s social scene as Lighthouse Tavern re-opened. The crowd’s enthusiasm was evident — chants of “Lighthouse!” could be heard reverberating through the door.
The bar, a student favorite in the past, closed in January 2008 when the owner, Grayson “Chad” Snyder, was caught allegedly trafficking the daterape drug GHB. It was clear from the large turnout on Friday that this incident was just a bump in the road for the venue. The bar was packed from the stage to the back tables and the newly
extended bar was lined with students the entire night. Senior Jen Johnson was one of the many in attendance. “I had a blast,” Johnson said. “Going to Lighthouse was something we did every Thursday my freshman and sophomore year. I’m glad that it started with a bang.”
See LIGHTHOUSE | Page 6
For local residents, filling a gas tank last Friday was no easy task. Lines at area gas stations stretched through the parking lots and nearly into the streets. As the country anticipated the arrival of Hurricane Ike, fears — and gas prices — surged in the Southeast. Although the storm came nowhere near Alamance County on Friday, residents still felt its effects. Several stations ran out of gas, causing drivers to rush to the next closest station. As a result, flocks of cars headed to the same stations only to be met with long lines, Myra Fuqua, a service attendant at the South Church Street Shell, said. “Five or six gas stations in the area have already run out of gas,” Fuqua said. “We only have about 500 gallons left, and that’ll probably only last us another 30 minutes.” The Shell station on the corner of St. Mark’s Church Rd. and Chruch Steet didn’t limit gas consumption, but other stations in the area did. “I went to the gas station over by Elon [University], and I could only get 10 gallons of gas,” Susan Fitch, an Alamance County resident, said. “That wasn’t enough to fill up my car, so I came to this service station.” The line at each Shell pump was about four cars long. The Texaco station located across the street from Shell encountered the same problem. For the most part, citizens calmly remained in their cars while they waited in line, gas station attendant Andrew Ross said. Many drivers thought getting gas that day was necessary, despite the nuisance of waiting in line. Elon University junior Anne Chichester said she wanted to get gas then to avoid paying a higher price later. “A lot of oil wells in Texas have closed and have been evacuated,” Chichester said. “So now everyone here is running out of gas.” The Gulf Coast comprises one of the world’s largest concentrations of oil refineries. Many companies shut down early Friday morning so that employees could evacuate. “It’s because of the hurricane,” Ross said. “I hear that gas in South Carolina is expected to be close to $5.” Unleaded gas rose from $3.69 on Friday to $3.99 on Saturday at the South Church Street Shell station. Similar price jumps took place throughout the Triad. At the Exxon station at the Friendly Center in Greensboro, unleaded gas went from $3.61 a gallon to $3.85. The situation was eerily similar to what took place in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast. Gas prices in the Triad jumped about 70 cents per gallon in the days after the storm hit, and many gas stations had fuel shortages.
ELON CHOICES 2008: SPECIAL ELECTION SECTION, B1
A humbling defeat But can Elon still make the playoffs? PAGE 22
LOVE & POLITICS
When ‘going dutch’ means more than splitting the check PAGE 12
The Pendulum ELON, NORTH CAROLINA
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2008
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VOLUME 34, EDITION 28
www.elon.edu/pendulum
Elon students prefer Obama, more engaged than ever poll says Olivia Hubert-Allen Editor-in-Chief Sen. Barack Obama is the preferred presidential candidate among Elon students by nearly two to one, according to a CBS News, UWIRE and Chronicle of Higher Education survey released Monday. Sixty-four percent of Elon students plan to vote for Obama, while 34 percent say they’ll vote for Sen. John McCain. The survey was completed at 49 colleges in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado and North Carolina between Oct. 6 and Oct. 19. Elon University returned the most number of surveys than any school with 1,149 students
participating. The results are in line with polls at North Carolina public universities, most of which attract in-state students. Elon, a private school with 60 percent out-of-state students, is voting in the same way as in-state students at public universities, challenging some traditional questions about voter demographics. Geographic home and income is having little impact on how students are voting. “The amount of interest all across the board has really surprised me,” said George Taylor, professor of political science. “The interest, the enthusiasm, the depth of the interest — it's a phenomenon.”
Of the 13 schools surveyed in North Carolina, Elon had the third highest support for Obama. The survey also found that more than one-third of Elon students will vote for a different candidate than at least one of their parents, a striking statistic that could signal a generational disparity in how the votes will fall this November. “It’s not a situation where they feel like I’m negating their vote if I’m voting for someone else,” said Kim Duggins, a psychology major who took part in the poll and plans to vote for a different candidate than her parents. “My parents are pretty open and understanding.”
The results are increasingly important in a state that could play a large role in the 2008 Presidential election. North Carolina’s 15 electoral votes, which have long been a stronghold of the Republican Party are up for grabs as campaigns close in on the final week before the election. Forty-five percent of Elon students are registered to vote in North Carolina and half of those will vote in Alamance County. For most college students, this November will be the first time they will cast a ballot in a presidential election. Like most adults in the
See POLL | Page 7
SGA finalizes legislation for $7,500 Fun Fund
BLOODY BRILLIANT
Shelley Russell Special Projects Editor
david wells | Photo editor
Juniors Christopher wood and emily Rice lead the elon theatre department in its rendition of stephen sondheim’s ‘sweeney Todd, the demon Barber of Fleet street.’ wood plays the role of sweeney Todd, the insane barber who seeks revenge in his town. Rice plays Mrs. lovett, sweeney Todd’s partner in crime. The show opens at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 and shows through Nov. 1, and again Nov. 7-9 in McCrary Theatre.
McCullough returns to Elon for Baird Lecture Amanda Kennison Reporter As the country approaches the end of a historic election, Elon welcomes back a highly esteemed historian. David McCullough addressed the Elon community as part of the university’s Baird Pulitzer Prize Lecture Series, but his lecture also marked a special return. McCullough gave the inaugural Baird Lecture in the fall of 2001, just days after the Sept. 11 attacks. History Professor Charles Irons introduced McCullough, praising him for his “exercise of moral courage, [which] brings out the best in those around him.” This accolade fittingly introduced McCullough’s speech, “Leadership and the History You Don’t Know.” Highlighting Elon’s efforts to
enhance faculty scholarship and continuing education, McCullough discussed the great importance of education. McCullough credited 19th century scientist and professor Louis Agassiz for finding “the finest lessons in scholarship and learning.” He said Agassiz brought “a gust of fresh air to Harvard,” with his teaching methods and in order to understand what one is studying, they must go beyond the image in front of them and really study all the parts that make up the whole image. McCullough carried this lesson throughout his life. “It’s not just want you find,” McCullough said. “It’s how you look at what you find, and what you do with it.”
See BAIRD | Page 8
My NguyeN | Photographer
Historian david McCullough offers insight into the importance of education.
The Student Government Association voted on Thursday to further develop a fund that will benefit student entertainment on campus to the tune of $7,500 each year. Students would be able to use the money in the fund for anything from a slip n' slide in front of Moseley, to a trip to the local bowling alley. The idea was passed with the expectation that the fund will be open to students during spring 2009. Jeff Casullo, SGA’s executive treasurer and chairman of the Finance Committee, began planning the Fun Fund this summer. He became interested in the idea after learning Wofford College held about 35 programs last year through a similar fund. “The hardest part about developing the idea was figuring out where the money would come from,” Casullo said. “We didn’t want to take away money that we already allot to other student organizations.” Each semester, Elon students pay an activities fee of $215 to help SGA fund events and give money to other student organizations. Money for the Fun Fund will come from SGA’s contingency, in which money is set aside in the event of a low enrollment. Due to Elon’s high enrollment, SGA has accumulated money over the past few years. “Since money from the fund is coming from the activity fee, it’s almost like every student in the university is endowing this program,” Casullo said. The $150,000 endowed fund will leave SGA with $7,500 each year to give to students for the sole purpose of having fun. The program is geared toward individual students who may not have the means to get funding through student organizations. Casullo said he could see the fund benefiting freshmen that may not be as involved in student organizations. But the fund is not restricted to individuals. It’s open to all student organizations as well. Through an application process that will include required itemized budgets from all applicants, the fund can help cover anything from advertising, security, bands and food for an event.
See FUN FUND | Page 8
A team all their own
Elon Mythbusters
Secret underground passageways on campus? You asked. We found out. PAGE 12
Faculty and staff take on students in intramurals
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The Pendulum ELON, NORTH CAROLINA
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2008
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VOLUME 34, EDITION 30
www.elon.edu/pendulum
Elon honors Fleischmann one year after disappearance Andie Diemer News Editor
DaviD Wells | Photo editor
an elon
elon alumni and current students gathered at Rhodes stadium for the Homecoming football game against Western Carolina on saturday.
homecoming
Alumni flood campus to celebrate PAGE 2
Distinguished alumni receive honors during halftime Miriam Williamson Design Editor When alumni returned to Elon for Homecoming 2008, one of the most interesting things to learn was what they had done with their lives. Five graduates have made large impacts in their chosen professions and brought honor to Elon University. To show its pride, Elon honored them at the football halftime show with Alumni Association Awards. The Distinguished Alumnus and Alumna of the Year Awards are given to Elon graduates who are prominent in their professions and communities. This year, the award
for Distinguished Alumnus of the Year went to Noel Allen, a member of the class of ’69. Bonnie Baxter of the class of ’88 received the Distinguished Alumna of the Year award. The Young Alumnus and Alumna of the Year Awards are given to alumni who have graduated within the past decade, but still possess the same qualities as the Distinguished Alumni of the Year. The Young Alumnus of the Year Award went to Laith al-Majali, an ’05 graduate, and the Young Alumna of the Year Award went to Lundon B. Sims of the class of ’02 . Joan Summers Drummond, a ’52 graduate, was awarded the Alumni Service Award. It is given to an alumnus or alumna who has dedicated service to the community.
See ALUMNI | Page 5
Two students involved in hit and run Senior charged with DWI, felony hit and run; no serious injuries Whitney Bossie News Editor Two Elon students were involved in a hit and run accident early Saturday morning. Senior Elizabeth Creekmuir was driving on Haggard Avenue around 2:30 a.m. when she was rear-ended. Creekmuir had slowed her car near Belk Library to offer a ride to Mason Barker, a junior, when her car was hit. “She asked me if I wanted a ride, and before I even realized who it was, another car slammed into her,” Barker said. “The other car revved up, backed up and sped off. I was in complete shock.” Senior James Williams was driving the car that rear-ended Creekmuir’s. According to a police report, Williams was apprehended near Colonnades and charged with DWI and felony hit and run.
Creekmuir was not seriously injured, but was taken to the hospital by ambulance as a precaution. She said she has a concussion and whiplash, but was released around 7 a.m. “I was shaken up,” she said. Creekmuir was driving a rental car at the time of the accident because her car was being repaired. She was recently involved in another accident. “I was really upset,” she said. “I had just been in an accident, and then this happened. I also knew I needed to get up early in the morning because I was the maid of honor in my sister’s wedding, and I needed to do things for her.” The rental car was “pretty damaged,” Creekmuir said, but wasn’t totaled. Creekmuir said a police car sped by shortly after the incident, and Barker flagged it down to ask for assistance. The policeman left, but
sent other officers to the scene, along with an ambulance. “He [the officer] said he would be right back,” she said. “I don’t know if he was trying to catch the person who hit me or was on another call, but another police officer showed up right after that.” Barker said the officer’s response time was quick. “A cop must have been nearby and heard or saw the accident when it happened,” Barker said. “They were there pretty soon after to get our information and to check on Elizabeth.” Creekmuir said she has spoken with Williams and that he has been cooperative with police. “He [Williams] sent me a really kind apology letter,” she said. Williams declined to comment for this story.
When Elon alum Kyle Fleischmann went missing on Nov. 9, 2007, many of his family members and friends never thought they would be gathering together a year from that day with almost all of their questions unanswered. The cause for convening was the 2006 graduate’s disappearance after a night out in Charlotte. But those who met to remember Fleischmann worked to create more awareness about his situation and raise funds for his charity, the Kyle Fleischmann Foundation. Senior Ryan Stimmel is the President of Kappa Alpha Order, Fleischmann's fraternity while at Elon. KA was one of several groups to sponsor events last weekend in Fleischmann’s honor. “We’re continuing to keep him fresh in people’s minds,” Stimmel said. “By no means have we forgotten, but we’ll keep making an effort in the hopes that someone out there will notice and come forward with information that could lead us to information about finding out what happened to Kyle.” At the young alumni party at Lighthouse on Friday, a table was set up to pass out information, collect donations and hand out Kyle Fleischmann Foundation wristbands. On Saturday morning, a vigil sponsored by Elon’s religious life met at the National Pan-Hellenic Council garden. More than 30 brothers and alumni attended and used the event as a forum to reflect on their relationships and time spent with Fleischmann, Stimmel said. Before, during and after the football game against Western Carolina, more information regarding his situation was passed out and more donations were collected. While there was no specific goal set, the group raised more than $500 for the Kyle Fleischmann Foundation this past weekend. “We didn’t have any idea what to expect from people or what kind of reception we were going to receive,” Stimmel said. “It was amazing how many people came up and remembered the same thing from last year and how many people remembered his story. They are obviously sad it wasn’t resolved, but they were glad to see we’re still out there a year later trying to find some resolution to his situation.” Stimmel said KA will continue to work with the foundation and assist with any event they may be sponsoring. A golf tournament was held in his honor in Charlotte on Saturday, and KA sponsored a hole on the course. Fleischmann’s father, Dick, attended the tournament Saturday in his son’s honor. He told Phoenix14News he still misses his son. "We take it day by day. It's very
See FLEISCHMANN | Page 3
MARCH COMES
A look insid e Elon’s ‘gre enest’ buildin g:
IN LIKE A LION
LINDNER HALL
Early March snowstorm cancels class, creates power outage
PAGE 19
Check online for photos and video about how Elon handled Monday’s snow day
The Pendulum ELON, NORTH CAROLINA
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009
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VOLUME 35, EDITION 7
www.elon.edu/pendulum
North Carolina nonprofits suffer in recession Margeaux Corby News Editor
While North Carolina commercial businesses continue to flail against the unrelenting waves of economic decline, nonprofit and volunteer agencies have become the newest victims of the statewide recessional tide. The state’s revenue records are the worst they have been since the 1950s when records started being kept. Gov. Bev Perdue has announced she will most likely cut more than $3 billion from the budget recommendations for the next fiscal year. Many nonprofits fear a slash of this severity will not only limit but eliminate nonprofits funded by the state. “I think that a lot of people don’t understand that with these cuts, they will affect what we now consider pretty core services in our community,” said Pam Kiser, human services professor and board member of Family Abuse Services. “These are not fluff services.” Kopper Top Life Learning Center, which is a local nonprofit that uses a nonclinical atmosphere and techniques such as therapeutic horseback riding and horticulture for those with disabilities, is supported by several agencies which are funded by the state government. Even for those nonprofits not directly financed by the state, budget cuts could still be a blow to the organization. “They’d be hurting the clientele and participants in the program, which would be lower income people with disabilities,” said Deborah Meridith, director of Kopper Top. “It would be devastating, not just to our program, but to participants we serve and to our animals. We’re not just a program that just has four walls but also animals and mouths to feed.” In response to this potential financial threat, more than 60 state nonprofits formed “Together N.C.,” a group hoping to persuade legislators
to leave nonprofit budgets intact. Despite the group’s various efforts, which included a press conference and delivering letters to lawmakers last week, getting out of the red is the legislature’s main focus. “Obviously the number one priority is simply balancing the budget,” said Andrew Dugan, legislative research assistant to Senator Linda Gerou, co-chair of the North Carolina appropriations and budget committee. While Dugan made it clear the specific nature of budget cuts — whether it be the amount or departments affected, is still being determined — he emphasized state-funded programs need to be practical. “We’re still in the very preliminary stages of the budget,” Dugan said. “If you’re receiving funds from the state, you need to be realistic about it and modify your expectations about it.” According to Kiser, nonprofits not only have to contend with the possibility of state cuts but the reality of decreasing individual donations. “If people are losing their jobs, and with just the general economic downturn, the general public does not have (money) to spend and support causes,” Kiser said. “The nonprofits are really getting it from both ends. It sort of leaves us with nowhere to turn.” Dugan said many agencies have developed various savings techniques unique to their organizations but the bottom line is that nonprofits need to have a reasonable view of their finances. “You just have to know your own budget,” Dugan said. According to Kiser, for nonprofits to know their budget means knowing there is no money to spare. “We’re vigilant about controlling cost and we’ll try as hard as we can but there is not a lot of wiggle room there,” she said. “These are the types of organizations that are already operating on a shoe string.”
DAVID WELLS | Photo Editor
Matt Evans, diagnosed with down syndrome when he was a baby, has been a participant at Kopper Top Life Learning Center for more than 18 years. Evans and his twin brother, John, have benefited from the services at Kopper Top, including the HOOVES program, which involves therapeutic horseback riding. Now, the brothers help out on the farm whenever they get a chance.
Students charged with marijuana possession, stolen property Laura Smith News Editor
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Eight Elon University students were charged with possession of marijuana Feb. 26 after two search warrants led several local police departments to ultimately discover 552 grams of marijuana, an indoor grow operation, paraphernalia and stolen property, the Town of Elon Police Department said Friday in a press release. In an article released Monday in the Times-News, a few students, who remained unnamed, have withdrawn from school. The Gibsonville Police Department, Graham Police Department and Alamance County Sheriff’s Department, in association with the Town of Elon Police, executed the warrants that led them to the students. Sophomores Dylan Barbash, Ryan Fletcher, Emily Gauthier, Tyler Hegamyer, Andrew Mayo-Smith, Sean Smith,
Nicholas Wilt and Anna Zavala were all arrested, but under various counts of possession. Sophomore Lewis Hoss was also issued a citation for possession of a fraudulent identification card at the time. The charges are as follows: Gauthier was charged with aggravated possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver, maintaining a dwelling, possession of a schedule II drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of possession of stolen property. She was placed under a $45,000 secure bond. Wilt was charged with aggravated possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver, maintaining a dwelling, possession of a schedule II drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was placed under a $45,000 secure bond and $6,000 secure bond from Gibsonville Police for breaking
See BUST | PAGE 3
CAROLINE FOX | Graphic Designer
FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON ELON NEWS, VISIT WWW.ELON.EDU/PENDULUM
GO ONLINE TO CATCH WHAT YOU MISSED Commencement rehearsal “Salute Your Seniors” senior picnic “We are ALL THAT” senior gala ROTC commissioning ceremony
Baccalaureate Leaders of the 21st Century MBA graduation and more
FULL COMMENCEMENT COVERAGE: Photo slideshow Time lapse of graduation day Recap of the day
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LEADING UP TO COMMENCEMENT:
Online at www.elon.edu/pendulum
McBride prepares for final chapter as chaplain
The Pendulum ELON, NORTH CAROLINA
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SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2009
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VOLUME 35, EDITION 17
www.elon.edu/pendulum
Jumping for joy
Elon’s 30,000th graduate to walk the stage this year CMENC, which is the collegiate version of the music education conference, and of Mu Phi Today, 1,179 Elon University Epsilon, Elon’s music fraternity. students, both undergraduate Like many of the other 1,179 and graduate, will receive students, Fetch is anticipating their diplomas signifying their the future that awaits her after graduation and the finale to Elon. “I’m looking forward to the accomplishments they have being able to start achieved during their the new part of my time at Elon. life and the new “It’s a chapter,” she said. commencement The milestone that every senior of the 30,000th remembers,” said diploma is just Susan Patton, one of the many associate registrar. “It significant awards is very well thought given throughout out … it’s done for the the ages as more student.” students continue In addition to to walk across the susan Fetch having the honor of stage Under the handing the diplomas Music Education Oaks. to registrar Mark The graduating Albertson during the class of 1910 marked the 200th ceremony, Patton will hand over the 30,000th diploma in diploma given, having only Elon history this year. 17 graduates in the class that Senior Susan Fetch from year. Cary, N.C. will be the one to The first graduating class in accept this significant diploma. 1891 had three graduates and This of course can change in 1986, when many of today’s depending on students being graduating seniors were born, dropped from graduation in light of failed grades or other there were only 451. Last year, there were 1,216 reasons. graduating seniors. Fetch is a music education Patton said she hopes the major and is also a member of number of graduates will the North Carolina Teaching remain around the same Fellows program. She is hoping number as today. to teach high school chorus. “I’d like to see it stay about Fetch calls her years at Elon the same because we have a “an amazing journey.” nice commencement,” she said. “It’s just been a dynamic experience I never thought I “We want it to be as personal as would have when I came to possible.” Elon’s graduation ceremony college,” she said. is in its 118th year. In addition to the Teaching “I truly believe Elon students Fellows program, Fetch has studied abroad for a semester are fully prepared when they graduate,” Patton said. “The in London and has completed multiple education practicums ceremony itself gives the senior at elementary, middle and high and the parent the honor they have of crossing this school levels. milestone.” She is also a member of Laura Smith News Editor
david wells | photo editor
Seniors Danielle Durst, left, and Stacy Laue, two senior class officers, jump through the commemorative balloon archway at the senior picnic Wednesday afternoon. Seniors were able to reminisce on their past four years with faculty, staff and friends.
Picnic kicks off senior week Ashley Barnas Online Editor-in-Chief
Walking under the arch of maroon and gold balloons topped with “2009” was one way to mark the beginning of senior events leading up to today’s commencement. The “Salute Your Seniors” senior class picnic Wednesday was a way to reconnect with friends, faculty and staff that the seniors may not have seen in the past few years. Blowing in the light breeze were paper graduation caps with names scrawled in silver that lined the food tents to mark the seniors who donated to the class gift, endowed scholarships for study abroad.
“I thought it was a good way to contribute back to the school,” senior Dan Sembler said. “And I wanted to make sure I could do that in some way and this seemed the best way to do it.” The feelings were bittersweet as hugs were passed out, hands were shaken and words of congratulations and sentiments were exchanged in the sunshine. “I think one of the best parts about today is everyone getting to celebrate in a relaxed environment,” said Lindsay Hege, assistant director of alumni relations for young alumni. “It allows them a chance to get together, talk about what the year has meant to them and talk about their plans for the future.”
School of Law celebrates charter class Margeaux Corby News Editor
Elon School of Law will graduate its inaugural class of 107 students this weekend, with David Gergen delivering the school’s first ever commencement address in downtown Greensboro on Sunday. Gergen is world-renowned for his prowess in the areas of politics and education, serving as director of communications for President Reagan, senior political anaylyst for CNN and director of the Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. He also holds the title of chair of the Elon School of Law Advisory
Board. His address will be followed by a processional to the graduating classes’ reception in Center City Park in Greensboro. Elon University’s School of Law opened in 2006, two years after the university board of trustees launched the law school initiative with Greensboro community leaders. The school was formally dedicated by former U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in September. “It's quite clear that Elon Law is already a force with which to be reckoned,” O'Connor said at the September 19, 2006 dedication ceremony. “You have created a marvelous law school facility here.
It's equipped to meet the demands of contemporary legal education.” Although the class has only spent three years at Elon Law, these thirdyear law students have contributed more than 21,000 hours of community service to the Triad, established the Law School Alumni Association and have been featured in Greensboro News and Record columns. "You have shaped the character of the law school and established a tradition of excellence that will benefit future classes for years to come,” Lambert told charter class members at the President’s Reception for third year students last week. “Largely as a result of what you have done in creating a culture of engaged
learning, community service, and public leadership, I can already see that Elon University School of Law is going to make significant impacts on legal education across the country."
ServiCe hourS CoMpLeted By CLASS of 2009 hoNor • 760 hours providing free legal assistance in partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina • 500 hours mentoring high school students about the intricacies of practicing law • 280 hours investigating innocence claims made by prisoners through the university’s Innocence Project • 160 hours offering free wills clinic for lowincome residents to assist with estate planning and will drafting
For the latest inFormation on elon news, visit www.elon.edu/pendulum
at A l o ok
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PART II
COLLEGE COFFEE, 4/12 Sports Wrap-Up Sports podcast
The Pendulum ELON, NORTH CAROLINA
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2009
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VOLUME 35, EDITION 16
www.elon.edu/pendulum
Students charged in undercover drug operation Margeaux Corby and Laura Smith News Editors
Last week, the Town of Elon police arrested 15 people on charges of drug violations and illegal alcohol possession, 12 of whom are Elon University students. Elon police conducted searches and arrested one Elon student May 1, six students May 6, three May 7 and two May 8 for various charges, including possession of controlled substances, drug paraphernalia and illegal alcohol possession. According to an Elon Police Department press release, arrests made on May 6, 7 and 8 were in response to an undercover drug operation that began on May 1 when members of the Elon Police Department as well as members from the campus safety and police executed search warrants in numerous on- and off-campus locations. According to Alamance County Courthouse arrest warrants and bond records, Elon sophomore Meredith Haggerty was arrested May 1 after police found her in possession of 29.2 grams of cocaine and a 2004 BMW, which the county claimed Haggerty used to keep and sell cocaine. She was placed under a $20,000 secured bond and charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, manufacturing cocaine and two counts of maintaining a vehicle and dwelling for keeping and selling drugs. “Over the course of the past couple months, we’ve been
hearing about certain names on campus,” said Town of Elon Police Lt. Cyndi Ring. “Once we arrested Haggerty, some more of those names came up again.” Many of the arrests took place in Danieley Center apartments and Sheridan Place. “We had information that the people who resided at those residences had drugs and/or were selling drugs,” Ring said. According to Ring, once the information was gathered, the police department put together a search warrant which went in front of a magistrate, who confirmed there was probable cause to investigate these claims. “The possibility does exist that we could make more searches and more arrests,” she said. The following students were charged: Junior William Elliot was charged with possession of cocaine and was placed under a $1,000 bond. Senior William Ferrell was placed under a $500 bond after being arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia of two bongs, smoking pipes and rolling papers Senior Zachary Glazer was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia of two bongs, smoking pipes and rolling papers. Glazer was placed under a $500 secured bond.
See BUST | PAGE 5
SOCON CHAMPS
david wells | photo editor
Senior Pat Irvine takes a swing in a game earlier this season. He hit the game-winning home run against Western Carolina to secure the No. 1 seed in last week’s Southern Conference Tournament. The Phoenix won the game 13-11 in 11 innings.
Conor O’Neill Reporter
Last weekend, the Phoenix baseball team traveled to Western Carolina in need of only one win in three games to capture its second straight regular season conference championship and third in the last four years. Senior outfielder Pat Irvine hit a two-run home run in the top of the 11th inning to win the game, 13-11. Irvine’s home run makes the Phoenix the No. 1 seeded team in next week’s Southern Conference Tournament. The team will attempt to continue a
winning tradition at the tournament, as it will also be going for its third tournament championship in four years. “One of the reasons I came to Elon is because of their strong baseball tradition, and to be part of the class that’s taken it to the next level is something we take pride in,” Irvine said. This season, Irvive has been a major part of Elon’s potent offense with a .408 batting average and 17 home runs. Last season, the team captured the regular season title with a record of 19-8.
See CHAMPIONS | PAGE 23
Royster case raises questions on confidentiality of sexual abuse victims Andie Diemer and Alexa Milan Executive Editors
The arrest of an Elon employee on April 29 and the case’s dismissal last week have brought confidentiality laws to the forefront of campus discussion. Leigh-Anne Royster, coordinator for personal health programs and community well-being, was arrested on charges of resisting a public officer. According to the arrest warrant, Town of Elon Police Detective Kelly Blackwelder arrested Royster for “refusing to provide (an) officer with vital information related to a sexual assault that had occurred within Elon Police Department jurisdiction.” According to a press release from
the Town of Elon Police, “The Elon Police Department needed to determine the identity of the alleged perpetrator in order to initiate criminal proceedings. It was these circumstances that culminated in the filing of a charge against Royster.” Royster said she did not reveal the information to the police because the victim spoke to her about the assault confidentially. “I was upholding Elon’s, and my own personal, policy of confidentiality regarding students who have experienced sexual violence,” Royster said. According to a statement released by the university a few days after Royster’s arrest, the university said it believes Royster was following established protocols and acting in the best interest
of the victim. Jana Lynn Patterson, assistant vice president for student life and associate dean of students, said the administration is currently in dialogue with the town about Elon’s protocols. The Student Handbook states the university holds reported incidents of sexual assault in the highest confidence and the victim will retain control over whether his or her identity will be released. The Handbook also states, “the names of accused students will not be released as directed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.” Royster’s position at Elon relates to sexual assault response and prevention. Her primary job in terms of response is to explain to students who have experienced
sexual or relationship violence what his or her options are, and, to help them decide which course of action to take. Royster said she was shocked and confused when the police arrested her outside of Moseley Center upon her arrival at work April 29 and placed her under a $500 bond. She said the police handed her the warrant, but did not talk to her directly. According to the Town of Elon Police press release, the department’s energy is currently focused on working with the university to develop procedures that will protect the identity of sexual assault victims while providing the police with the information they need
See ROYSTER | PAGE 5
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MOR
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The boys are
back in town.. .
SCOTT & TERRE LL
oto Editor
| Ph DAVID WELLS ack of the erb art qu g (right) is med the startin Terrell Hudgins dle (left) was na r wide receivereiver. ack Scott Rid rec Junior quarterbas a freshman in 2007. Senio g din lea e -tim Phoenix team Southern Conference’s all Elon’s and the
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HOW THE TWO PHOENIX RISING STARS PLAN TO ROCK OUR WORLD
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APPALACH IAN STATE H OM E T FO R E S WAKE AWAY
DAVID WEL
Pam Richter Sports Editor
It’s not often that a true freshman quarterback is named a starter in Division I football. But when now-junior quarterback Scott Riddle was named the starter of the Phoenix team at the start of the 2007 season, a new phase of Elon football began. “I heard he was cocky to be honest with you," senior wide receiver Terrell Hudgins said. "But you have to give everyone a chance. Don’t read the book by its cover. After talking with him and watching him, he’s become one of my best friends.” Even before Riddle began his Elon career, Hudgins was a First Team All-Southern Conference selection by the media and a Second Team All-Southern Conference pick by the league’s coaches in his freshman season. But when the two took the field together for the first time in 2008, a new excitement was in the air. “I was coming to games before I played here and got a chance to see him play,” Riddle said. “I was excited to play with him.” In, 2007, their first season together both players had career seasons. Hudgins led the Football Championship Subdivision in receptions per game with 10.6 and receiving yards per game with 134 yards. As a freshman, Riddle averaged 347 yards of total offense, good enough for a SoCon single-season mark as well as an NCAA freshman record. “We didn't really have a starting quarterback when (Scott) came in,” Hudgins said. “We had a (offensive) coordinator that threw the ball 90 percent of the time. We had a bond then, on the field. We’re like Batman and Robin.” Last season was the duo’s second season together and the expectations continued to rise. As a junior, Hudgins became Elon’s and the SoCon’s alltime leader in receptions with 272, and also set the same records in touchdown receptions and receiving yards with 36
and 3,617 respectively. Riddle became Elon’s all-time leader in completions, 609, passing attempts, 935, and passing yards, 6,688. He also set the same record with touchdown passes, 55, and total offensive yards with 6,615. Their chemistry is a testament to the success the two have had. “We’ve been clicking a little better than the other guys since we’ve been doing it for three years,” Riddle said. This season will be the duo’s last together, and the expecations are greater than ever. In his senior year, Hudgins has taken more of a leadership role. “He has taken more ownership being part of the receiving core,” Riddle said. Earlier this summer, Hudgins said he tried to help the defensive backs out during practice showing them different schemes to look for when guarding wide receivers. For Riddle, Hudgins and the rest of the Phoenix team, the expectations are high this season. “We feel like we’re players that have big roles on the team, and can do big things for us and take us where we need to go,” Riddle said. The goal is simple for both players — to win every game. Personal accolades are irrelevant for the two players on a mission. “I'm focused on winning and getting a championship,” Hudgins said. “I think I broke enough (records) for a career so I'm focused on us winning and executing what we have to do.” Regardless of the outcome this season, Hudgins and Riddle have cemented themselves in the record books of Elon football. “I try not to think about it being all over,” Hudgins said. “Sometimes I’m sitting in the room thinking and I realize this is my last year with Scott. It’ll be sad at the end, but if we go out on top … it’ll be perfect.”
NEWS
Page 10 / Thursday, November 6, 2008
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The Pendulum
S A M &S H Photos BY DaviD Wells
Students chuck pumpkins for charity Margeaux Corby Opinions Editor A contraption operated by the Society of Physics Students, which looked as if it should be outside a castle rather than down the field from Harden Club House, chucked pumpkin after pumpkin down the hills of South Campus on Sunday. Shouts of “It exploded in the air!” “Bye-bye jack-o-lantern!” and “It’s still smiling!” came with the flight and eventual crash of every pumpkin by the many children in the crowd. Seven-year-old Kierstin Baute and 5-year-old Raegan Baute came to have their pumpkin, which had a Mr. Potato Head inside, smashed on the grass. Professor Thomas Arcaro came with his two daughters as well. “We came here to watch the pumpkins get chucked and give some food to Loaves and Fishes,” Arcaro said. “It’s fun and it’s a contribution in a meaningful way for people who need food.” For every pumpkin brought to the event, a canned good or dollar donation was required. All proceeds will go to the local Alamance County charity Loaves and Fishes. The catapult-like instrument
used for pumpkin destruction is a trebuchet, a military apparatus used in the Middle Ages to throw stones at enemy armies and fortified castles. “Our whole project started last year when we wanted to build a trebuchet. The question was what to do with it,” said Evan Dempster, SPS president. “The answer was to do it after Halloween and launch pumpkins.” Many other physics students shared the enthusiasm for both a physics and community project, as well as a small history lesson. “Anything done with medieval warfare and weapons is cool,” said sophomore Pierre Cieniewicz. The trebuchet was the same one built the previous year, but several repairs were made due to the deterioration of its main supports. The society promises a freshly built trebuchet for next year. Although everyone cheered for an especially long launch, it was the final smash that enthralled the crowd. “It would be great if they reached the woods,” said Allison Arpin, a 2008 Elon graduate and former president of the society of physics. “But what people really enjoy is seeing the pumpkins blow up.”
TOP: Benny Stein launches a mini pumpkin in a homemade sling shot while the SPS resets the trebuchet for another smash. ABOVE: A local woman carries her son’s “Harry Potter” pumpkin to the launch site.
Raegan and Kierstin Baute sit with their dad as they watch their pumpkins fly through the air and then smash on the ground at Sunday’s “Great Pumpkin Toss,” hosted by the Society of Physics. The society raised $59 and collected 52 cans of food.
NEWS
The Pendulum
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 / Page 3
PALIN
The Elon community showed its support of a McCain-Palin administration in a variety of ways, including T-shirts, buttons, posters, hats and, for some students, painted faces and chests.
paints campus
Palin stressed why she was at Latham Park: “I’m here to ask you, are you ready to help us carry this state to victory?”
RED
Palin donned heels that matched her Republican flair. PHOTOS BY DAVID WELLS |Photo Editor
THE SPEECH: Palin rallies McCain supporters TURNING A BUCK: Vendors sell Andie Diemer News Editor More than 10,000 people crowded Latham Park decked out and toting election apparel Oct. 16 for a chance to see Republican vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin stump for Sen. John McCain. “I hope you all got to watch last night’s debate because the man from Phoenix proved once again that he is our
Visit www.elon.edu/pendulum for full articles, slideshows and videos of Palin’s visit to Elon.
best choice to be our next president,” Palin said. This choice, she said, is between a politician in government and a true leader who puts his faith in the American people. “It’s a choice between a candidate that will raise your taxes and the other choice is a true leader,” she said. “John McCain is going to Washington to work for Joe the Plumber and so many of you that own small businesses.” She said these people are the backbone of the American economy and that is why a McCain-Palin administration would be the best choice for America. “Our opponent wants to raise taxes because he thinks like that other Joe,” she said, referring to Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden. “They think government is the solution. I disagree with
that. Government too often is the problem and we need government put back on your side.” Only then, she said, will businesses and families be able to keep more of what they produce and earn. “That’s how jobs are created and our economy [gets] moving again,” Palin said. The election is a race between two tickets, one of inspiring words and another of trust-worthy deeds that come from McCain, she said. To Palin, the deeds are greater than empty words and promises. “Now, North Carolina, the choice is yours to make,” Palin said. Palin also mentioned each candidate's track records, the Iraq War, college tuition, national debt, energy and assisting special needs in her speech.
THE OTHER SIDE: Protester shows up, gets arrested Margeaux Corby Opinions Editor Instead of landing in LaGuardia Airport to begin a relaxing fall break at home, one Elon student spent that Thursday afternoon sitting in the Alamance County jail in Graham, waiting for a $500 bail. Sophomore Andy Milne was arrested for disturbing the peace at Gov. Sarah Palin’s campaign stop at Latham Park Oct. 16. According to Milne, he went into the rally carrying Obama signs and began to hand them out to fellow Obama fans. He claims the Republican supporters working the event immediately swarmed him and attempted to forcefully take the signs. It was when Milne also
began shouting, “No blood for oil,” “Obama” and “Don’t shoot wolves from planes” that a police officer grabbed his hands and put them behind his back. Palin responded to the event by calling on police officers to keep Milne in the rally, claiming it would do him some good to stay at the speech. Milne was patted down, arrested and kept in the back of a police car for 30 minutes before being taken to jail, where he was fingerprinted and assigned a $500 bail. “I did go to the rally with the intention of supporting Barack Obama,” Milne said. “I did not go to the rally with the intention of being arrested.” President of College Republicans Nick Ochsner was disappointed with Milne’s
disruption of the rally. “I was hopeful our Democratic peers at Elon could have an orderly exchange of ideas that would allow everyone to have their voices heard,” Ochsner said. “When we have people like him, acting the way he acted, it distorts any discussion we can have.” The rally had a free speech zone set up where protesters gathered to hold signs supporting Obama. “The rally was not a protest event,” Ochsner said. “Everyone was invited if they acted respectfully, and he couldn’t.” Milne was not paid by Obama for the stunt and claims his outbursts were justified and protected by the First Amendment.
election gear for different reasons Miriam Williamson Design Editor Everyone has seen them. Some people are annoyed by them, some people are appreciative of what they have to offer. They are the vendors selling paraphernalia at large events. In this case, they are the vendors at political rallies. They are the ones who call out to rally-goers, trying to sell buttons and T-shirts. The lifestyle is unlike anything someone with a stereotypical source of income could imagine. “We have put more than 10,000 miles on the van in the past two weeks,” said Chris Foran, a vendor from Florida who works for Campaign Curt. Foran and his partner Phil Phunn have been following Sarah Palin’s campaign since August. They have driven through nearly every state, stopping in various cities where political rallies and events are held. The McCain-Palin campaign is not Phunn’s or Foran’s sole source of income. They go to events for both political parties, selling memorabilia to supporters from both sides. “I’m actually undecided for which one I’m voting for,” Phunn said. “I really don’t know. It’s the first time in my life I haven’t known who I am voting for this close to Election Day.” Phunn has been working as a campaign paraphernalia vendor since 1996, following different campaigns. “Everyone wants to talk to me about politics,” he said. “But I really walk the middle aisle. I sell stuff for both campaigns, so that’s just more incentive not to really openly choose a side.”
This is a common quality among vendors — just because they are selling the goods, doesn’t mean they support the candidate. Josh Reyes, a vendor from California, is actually strongly opposed to the McCain-Palin campaign. “I hooked up with my boss and we sell stuff for both parties,” he said. “I’m really just doing this to get money.” According to Reyes, business is booming. He and his boss get 50 percent of the cut while the other 50 percent goes to the campaign. “You can literally make about 1,000 T-shirts for $200,” he said. “It’s a great profit.” Reyes sells his T-shirts for $20, and said he usually has days like the one he had at Elon — he can sell about 40 shirts. Toward the end of the rally though, Reyes usually lowers his price to $10, and has a strategy that he claims usually works. “Once I started pouting, asking people to help me out, it really worked,” he said. Phunn agrees that the job has nothing to do with supporting a specific candidate. “It is a job,” Phunn said. “Everybody’s doing it for the money. Anyone who tells you different is lying.” Phunn and his company don’t give any of their profit to specific candidates. Instead, they donate money to both the Republican and Democratic National Committees so that they will be allowed to go to the events. Phunn agreed that his day at Elon was a good day for business. “And hey, [today] I got to see Hank Williams Jr.,” he said.
Page 2 / Wednesday, April 30, 2008
NEWS
The Pendulum
Bill Clinton’s campaign stop: Why Elon? Amanda Duberman Reporter With Obama carrying a more comfortable lead against Sen. Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton’s April 24 visit begs the question, why Elon? A confluence of Elon’s rural location and student population is likely to have led the Clintons to Phoenix country for a second time, and the former president’s emphasis on the economic quagmire is likely to resonate with Elon and Alamance County voters still fielding their options. “I think it was apparent on Wednesday that the economy was extremely important to folks in the audience,” Daniel Shutt, president of College Democrats said. “Clinton’s speech focused primarily on issues like jobs, health care and gas prices and people responded well. North Carolina has been hit hard by this recession, and Clinton spoke to our concerns very effectively.” Whether or not Clinton’s visit may have influenced Elon students, who are part of a demographic largely favoring Sen. Barack Obama remains to be seen. “It is a very heated Democratic primary and I am unsure if Clinton swayed any Elon college students to vote differently,” freshman Molly Heffernan said. “But he was most definitely persuasive, a great speaker and brought up many great points that all of our nation’s citizens are concerned with.” Sophomore John Hitchcock said Clinton made Hillary a more relatable figure. Obama maintains a 13-point lead in North Carolina polls, a level of support that may be difficult for the Clintons
to upset in the two weeks leading up to the May 6 primary. Freshman Cece Fitzgerald placed her vote for Sen. Obama in Maryland, and is unsure how Clinton’s visit will affect the outcome of North Carolina’s primary. “I think students were for the most part pleased he was coming, but the speech involved the sound bites we’ve already been hearing on the news for months,” she said. “It’s a bit odd that he came to Elon since most students here are not eligible to vote in North Carolina.” Still, according to the Hillary for President headquarters in Graham, a majority of those in attendance were community members from outside the school. While the question of “Why Elon?” may loom over campus, the more pressing question will be if the Phoenix “rise from the ashes” distinction will translate to Sen. Clinton on May 6. “I think it’s very likely that former President Clinton changed some minds Wednesday,” Shutt said. “No one else has his gifts for making a detailed, logical argument about public policy. By explaining some of Sen. Clinton’s accomplishments and ideas in this area, President Clinton presented his wife as an experienced, knowledgeable and effective leader.” Hillary Clinton is endeavoring to pervade some of Obama’s support among college students as well, having visited Wake Forest University on April 18 as well as dispatching daughter Chelsea to dozens of campuses statewide. If nothing else, President Clinton’s campaign will increase political efficacy in the Elon area. “President Clinton’s visit gives the entire campaign a shot in the arm,”
david wells | assistant Photo editor
Bill Clinton reached out to students and people from rural areas last wednesday with his speech on elon’s campus. Shutt said. “Even if people didn’t attend the event, they read about it in the paper, saw it on TV and heard about it from friends.” He said Alamance County, like most places in North Carolina, will be competitive on May 6.
“If the Clinton campaign continues to send the message that they care about people in this area, Sen. Clinton could do very well here on Primary Day,” Shutt said.
“[Hillary Clinton] is
the best change maker I have ever known, and if I had never been married to Hillary but had just known her, I’d still be working as hard for her. We just need a better system, and Hillary will give it to you. — Former President Bill Clinton
”
Brian fink | Photographer
david wells | assistant Photo editor
a number of Hillary Clinton supporters on campus and from the local community turned out to Bill Clinton’s speech to voice their opinions.
david wells | asssistant Photo editor
The crowd at Bill Clinton’s speech last week consisted of students, faculty, staff and community members. some had already voted, some were already supporting a candidate and others were still undecided.
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PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
a cappella Photos by David Wells Photo editor
pounds out impressive tunes Merissa Blitz Reporter
Senior Stephanie Lane and Twisted Measure perform during Pi Kappa Phi’s “Push the Music” event Thursday evening in Whitley Auditorium.
Senior Kelly Wardle of Twisted Measure guest sings in Rip_Chord’s version of “I’ll Be.”
Freshman Ashley Braun sings “Mama who bore me (reprise)” from the musical “Spring Awakening” along with the all-female a cappella group, Sweet Signatures.
Senior Chris Beeson and the all-male a cappella group Rip_Chord sing a variety of tunes from popular Disney movies in “The Disney Medley.”
Student Juried Exhibition blows ‘hot air ’ Lauren Ramsdell Reporter
Who’s full of hot air? Elon University artists, that’s who. The theme of this year’s Student Juried Exhibition, “Hot Air?,” promises to inspire many of the best and brightest artists Elon has to offer. Hosted annually by the students of ART 380: Professional Practice, the SJE is an opportunity for Elon’s artists, regardless of major, to have their artwork displayed in Arts West. “This year, students were able to submit any type of artwork they wish — whether it was sculptural, canvas-based, photography or even video,” said senior Caitlin Rantala, a member of the Professional Practice class. The pieces that make it into the show are selected by an independent three-person jury consisting of graduate students from UNC Chapel Hill who are working on their masters degrees in fine arts. Students who make the cut are eligible
to win up to $50 in prizes. The members of Professional Practice, taught by associate professor of art Michael Fels, are responsible for coordinating the event, including setting the requirements for the artwork to selecting the food served at the opening reception Nov. 12. Professional Practice is a class designed to help prepare art majors for the “real world” of professional art, Rantala said. The students formed different committees to help the organization process go more smoothly. Senior Monica Huang was involved in selecting the jurors, but she also helped with other facets of the event. “It’s a lot of responsibility, in a good way,” Huang said. “There is a lot of student and senior pride to be experienced when putting something this big together all by ourselves.” Rantala said she agrees that the success of planning and executing the exhibit requires the cooperation and determination of everyone involved.
What? SJE opening reception Where? Arts West When? 12 p.m. on Nov. 12 “While we all have certain areas we’re in charge of, the success of it all really boils down to a team effort,” Rantala said. The students are all expected to help with the installation committee, which is charged with developing the gallery space for the artworks. Putting together such a large project creates unity among various art majors from different disciplines and gives them a taste of the curatorial side of art. “I didn’t know many of the other art majors,” said Huang, who is concentrating in ceramics. “I’ve made some new friends.” More than just a final project for ART 380, the SJE art show is an opportunity to see how much artistic talent the Elon student body at large possesses.
After more than 20 years of performance, the Elon University Percussion Ensemble is about to hit the stage yet again. Tonight, the group will perform multiple contemporary, percussion-based songs at 7:30 p.m. in Yeager Hall. When associate professor of music Jon Metzger first started teaching at Elon 21 years ago, there was not a percussion ensemble that would complement the music degree program already in place. Metzger decided it would be best to start a percussion ensemble on campus. “The best part is making such wonderful music with nothing but percussion instruments,” Metzger said. The group uses a number of different percussion instruments. During its upcoming concert alone, the ensemble will use the marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, orchestra bells, chimes, timpani, snare drum, tom toms, bass drum, bongos, tambourine, log drums, steel pan, cymbals, gongs, triangles, sleigh bells, castanets and slap stick, along with others. Metzger said his favorite part of working with the group is the high level of musicianship among the 10 musicians who make up the ensemble this year. Senior Mariana Poole has been a part of the ensemble for every semester of her Elon career. Even before her time at Elon, Poole was interested in percussion. “I started taking lessons from Jon when I was in high school,” Poole said. Living so close to Elon in Pittsboro, N.C., Poole was able to visit the university every semester to watch the percussion ensemble ’s concerts. “I thought they were amazing,” she said. “So when I came to Elon as a music performance major, (this) was the class I looked forward to most.” Senior Evan Small has also been with the group for his full four years at Elon. Small was a percussion enthusiast in high school and moved on to become a music performance major. “I played in the percussion ensemble in my high school and I was really excited to learn that Elon had one as well,” Small said. Every performer in the group plays several types of percussion instruments during the many different pieces. At the concert, the ensemble will perform multiple contemporary percussion pieces, such as “Past Midnight,” “Children’s Songs #9 and #2,” “Ceremonium,” “Sizzle!,” “Oh, Beautiful,” “Taiko” and “Some Uptown Hip-Hop.” “I am most excited for the variety of styles we are going to play, from a piece inspired by the Japanese taiko tradition to pieces written for a traditional percussion orchestra,” Small said. Poole said she looks forward to demonstrating the group’s hard work and love of music. “I’m just glad that I get to share music that I love with an audience,” Poole said. “All of us have worked really hard, and we’ve put together an exceptional program. I just hope everyone else will enjoy it as much as we will.”
The year at a glance Page 2 // saTurday, may 23, 2009
CommenCemenT issue
The Pendulum
Elon University’s biggest news stories during 2008-09 Compiled by David Wells Photo editor
MUSICAL RINGMASTER GIRL TALK PERFORMS SPRING CONCERT
All photos file photos
SARAH PALIN VISITS ELON OCT. 16
The kinetic musical ringmaster known as Girl Talk (or Gregg Gillis off the stage), performed in Alumni Gym May 1 for the spring concert.
OCTAGON RENOVATED FOR THE 2008-09 SCHOOL YEAR
More than 10,000 people crowded Latham Park for a chance to see Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin stump for Sen. John McCain.
ELON’S MUSICAL THEATRE DEPARTMENT PERFORMED ‘NINE’ FEB. 12-15
Elon’s musical theatre department stunned audiences once again with its performance of ‘Nine,’ directed by Lynne Formato.
Octagon Cafe renovations were completed Aug. 22, as Freshens relocated to expand food service in Moseley Center.
SHERIFF JOHNSON DISCUSSES IMMIGRATION AND 287G LAWS
Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson briefly addressed the Alamance County Commissioners on recent allegations of ravial profiling at traffic stops. The numbers, which he later claimed were because of a computer error, were under reported by about 800 latinos.
PHOENIX FOOTBALL HAS SUCCESSFUL 2008 CAMPAIGN: LANDS A TOP 5 NATIONAL RANKING
Junior wide receiver Terrell Hudgins powers through a defender against the Western Carolina Catamounts Nov. 8.
CHAPLAIN MCBRIDE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AFTER 25 YEARS
Chaplain Richard McBride hugs Linda Lashendock, friend and assistant director of information systems and technology for Television Services, at his farewell reception April 19.
The Pendulum
saTurday, may 23, 2009 // Page 3
CommenCemenT issue
SNOWFALL CANCELS CLASSES MARCH 2
GREEK LIFE HOSTED ‘GREEK STREET TRICK OR TREAT’ NOV. 1
Professor’s children, as well as children from the community, participated in the event with candy, pumpkins and face paint in the Greek Courts.
SWEENEY TODD ENTHRALLED AUDIENCES OCT. 30 - NOV. 9
Snowfall began on the night of March 1, and the next day students took advantage of not having to go to class.
LUPE FIASCO ROCKS SPRING CONCERT
Hip-Hop artist Lupe Fiasco sported an Elon basketball jersey during the Spring Concert May 1.
MADELINE ALBRIGHT DELIVERS HONORS ADDRESS
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright addressed the student body during the Spring Convocation for Honors March 31.
CNN ANCHOR ANDERSON COOPER SPOKE AT ELON
BARACK OBAMA HOSTED A RALLY IN GREENSBORO, N.C.
Then-presidential candidate Barack Obama and running mate Joe Biden hosted a rally for the local community on Oct. 4. Obama ended up winning the state.
EVER ELON CAMPAIGN KICKED OFF OCT. 11
Ever Elon: The Campaign for the Future of Our University, is the largest fundraising campaign in Elon’s history.
Junior Christopher Wood and Senior Emily Rice starred in the Department of Performing Arts musical “Sweeney Todd.”
Anderson ‘‘Silver Fox’’ Cooper, an anchor for CNN, visited campus and addressed the Elon community with his talk, “A 360° Look at World Events,” on April 7.
CONSTRUCTION FOR LINDNER HALL BEGAN LAST SUMMER, BUILDING WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN MAY 26
Lindner Hall, Elon’s ‘‘greenest’’ building on campus, is set to run with many sustainable features for the 2009-10 school year.
ThE PENDulum
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Homecoming Photos by David Wells Photo Editor
Elon fanatics, alumni and fans braved the bad weather to enjoy Homecoming Weekend. The football team recorded another victory Saturday afternoon as Elon pushed passed Chattanooga 45-10. Senior Alpha Omicron Pi member Kate Hopkins and
‘09
senior Pi Kappa Phi member Clay Winkelvoss were voted this year’s Homecoming queen and king. Homecoming Weekend was full of alumni events, including a golf tournament, a luncheon with the class of 1959, a party at The Lighthouse, a time to share advice with Elon students, a step show, awards ceremonies and much more.
A crowd of cheering fraternity brothers, sorority sisters and fans shout for their favorite pairings as the 2009 Homecoming Court walked onto the field during halftime.
A group of students watch the action on the football field from the lawn.
A number of Elon alumni were recognized during halftime of the football game, including Audrey Seagraves, right, who was named Young Alumna of the Year.
Katelyn lazor | Staff Photographer
Hooded fans try to stay dry with their rain gear as they stand in the rain during Saturday’s tailgate.
ThE PENDulum
WEDNESDAY, NovEmbEr 4, 2009 // PAgE 13
‘
Another
Style
’ n i n ’ p O Photos by David Wells Photo Editor
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Another Show
The Elon Performing Arts Department began its production of the musical “Kiss Me, Kate” last Thursday. The show features a play within a play as the cast performs William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” Senior Christopher Wood stars as Fred Graham, the director of the Broadway-bound musical, and senior Courtney Markowitz plays Lilli Vanessi, Graham’s movie star ex-wife. The show is full of dancing and overthe-top performances by the cast. It continues Nov. 6-8 in McCrary Theatre. See The Pendulum’s review of "Kiss Me, Kate" on page 15.
The “Kiss Me Kate” cast performs a number during the opening of the show.
Senior Christopher Wood, center, as Fred Graham embarrasses senior Courtney Markowitz, right, as Lilli Vanessi by spanking her while on stage in front of “The Taming of the Shrew” cast.
Sophomore Adam Kaplan, left, and senior Eddie Schmit play two men who have come to collect money from Fred Graham for their boss, but instead get wrapped up in the show “The Taming of the Shrew.”
Characters Lilli Vanessi and Fred Graham reminisce about their marriage and their days staring together on Broadway.
Senior Chris Staskel, left, leaps in front of Lois Lane, played by senior Julianne Katz, during a scene from “The Taming of the Shrew” in an attempt to impress the flirtacious night club artist.
Page 20 // WedneSdaY, maRch 4, 2009
SPORTS
The Pendulum
Challenging schedule prepares team for league play Conor O’Neill Reporter
Basketball coach John Wooden once said winning a championship takes talent, but repeating that feat takes character. This season the Elon Phoenix baseball team will try to repeat their success as Southern Conference champions and once again advance to the NCAA baseball tournament. This season the team will not settle for just a birth into the tournament. The Phoenix has set its sight on not only winning the SoCon crown but also winning a regional tournament and advancing to a Super Regional, which would make Elon one of the top 16 teams in the country, Elon head coach Mike Kennedy said. “We’ve won our league two out of the last three years and we look toward taking the next step and advancing to a Super Regional,” Kennedy said. The players echo Kennedy’s hope. “There’s pressure to win a regional and advance," sophomore infielder Neal Pritchard said. "We won’t settle for anything less. Being picked to win the SoCon, it would be a major disappointment not to win the SoCon Championship." The team moved closer to that goal over the weekend, sweeping a double header Friday from league foe Appalachian State. There was no difficulty in scoring runs in the Boone environment as the team won with scores of 8-6 and 14-10. The third game of that series was to be played Sunday but was postponed due to inclement weather. In that double header, the team combined to bat an
DaviD Wells | Photo editor
The Phoenix cheers on teammate senior Pat Irvine as he steps to the plate in last Wednesday’s game against N.C. State.
average of .383 with 10 doubles and three home runs. The team also drew six walks and stole five bases. For the season so far, the team has a .320 batting average and has hit eight home runs with 10 stolen bases. “Offense is our biggest strength. Going through our lineup there is nobody that is an easy out,” Kennedy said. “Our sixth, seventh and eighth hitters have just as much power as our third, fourth and fifth hitters.” The key offensive players, preseason All-Americans senior Cory Harrilchak and senior Bennett Davis, have both picked up where they left off from last season. Davis has begun the season with 12 hits in 26 at-bats and six runs batted in while Harrilchak is 12 for 27 with a team-high nine runs scored. Offensive dexterity will be needed when facing teams such as College of Charleston, Western Carolina, The Citadel and Georgia Southern, all of whom Kennedy lists as the other top teams in the SoCon. Kennedy said the team can’t
look past anyone this season. Just as Elon took on Auburn and N.C. State before entering league play, other SoCon teams have challenged themselves with tough non-conference schedules. Georgia Southern earned a victory over Georgia Tech (6-5) and Western Carolina traveled to Los Angeles and defeated the University of Southern California (3-2). “When you play the smaller schools, there is not as much of a challenge compared to when playing powerhouse schools from the ACC and the SEC,” Pritchard said. Elon was able to win two of three games against Auburn but was shut down against North Carolina State, losing 3-1. Other key out-of-conference matchups for the Phoenix include Duke (April 1, 22), Clemson (March 24-25), UNC Chapel Hill (May 5), UNC Wilmington (April 14) and a rematch with N.C. State (March 18). The only home game of these is the April 22 matchup with Duke. Upcoming games for the Phoenix include a matchup
DaviD Wells | Photo editor
Senior Bennett Davis prepares to make a hit in Elon’s opening game against N.C. State.
at Latham Park against Wake Forest today before the team travels to Charleston to take on The Citadel for a three-game
weekend series. The first home SoCon games will be played March 13-15 when Davidson College comes to Elon.
Kennedy’s experience carries into the coaching box Reporter
This year, Mike Kennedy celebrates his 13th year as head coach of Elon University’s baseball team. Before becoming head coach, Kennedy was staffed as the team’s pitching coach for four years and was recently appointed to the USA National Collegiate Baseball Team coaching staff as a pitching coach. Kennedy who is recognized as the most successful coach in Elon baseball history - credited with more wins than any other coach at 395 victoriesis - said his favorite thing about coaching is the relationships he develops with his players. “It is neat to see how they stay in touch and come back to support the program because they had a good experience,” Kennedy said. Growing up in Fayetteville, N.C., Kennedy played baseball, basketball and football. When Kennedy began looking at colleges, he knew he wanted to play either football at Wake Forest University or baseball at Elon as a catcher. Coming out of high school, scouts told him he had a better shot at playing baseball. But it was Elon’s former head coach Rick Jones who persuaded him to play baseball at Elon while majoring in physical education. After college, Kennedy went on to play in the minor leagues for the Oakland Athletics in Scottsdale, Ariz., Medford,
He’s a very player-oriented coach. He’ll be the first one to get on you, but he’ll also be the first one to give you a pat on the back. - Mike Hill elON BaseBall alUM
DaviD Wells | Photo editor
Men’s baseball coach Mike Kennedy gives signals to a batter during Elon’s opening game.
Ore.,and Medesto, Calif. Kennedy said he hopes other people would describe him as energetic with a Type A personality. “I like to think I’m outgoing and friendly, although at times I’m not,” he said. His players seem to agree
with Kennedy’s depiction of himself. “He’s a very player-oriented coach," Matt Hill, an Elon baseball alumnus, said of Kennedy. "He’ll be the first one to get on you, but he’ll also be the first one to give you a pat on the back.”
Kennedy also said he has a very competitive nature. “I can’t stand to lose at anything, whether it’s a game against Auburn or a game of free throws,” he said. He coached 11 of his 12 teams to winning records, 10 of which had seasons of 30 or more victories. During his last 12 seasons, he has coached the Phoenix in 18 victories over opponents ranked in the top-25. Last year, Kennedy led the team to become the 2008 Southern Conference Regular Season and Tournament Champions with a 19-8 conference record and a 44-18 overall record. Kennedy was also named the Southern Conference’s Coach of the Year. One of the keys to Kennedy’s success is working well with the players and their motivations. “He’s incredibly competitive,” Hill said. “His teams that have been very successful have been teams that have matched his competitiveness and his personality. He used to tell us, ‘You can’t just enjoy
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Megan Wanner
winning, you have to hate to lose.’ There’s no one on the field who hates to lose more than him.” Kennedy said the best piece of advice anyone ever gave him came from Tom Pound, the Elon tennis coach during Kennedy’s years of attendance. He told him whatever happened in his life would reflect what happened to his children. “He told me to make sure I did the right thing and put myself in the right position to do the right thing down the road,” Kennedy said of Pound’s advice. In order for Kennedy to be successful, he said he knew he had to continue to do well in school and make good decisions. “Whatever you do today will impact your family down the road. I was 17 and was just worried about having fun,” Kennedy said. “When you’re in college, you’re not ready for those types of statements. But for some reason it hit home with me.” Kennedy is currently married with two children, a daughter and a son.
SPORTS
Page 20 // WedneSdaY, FeBRuaRY 18, 2009
The Pendulum
Elon football announces 2009 schedule Pam Richter Sports editor
FILE PHOTO
as planning of the 2009 season is underway, the team looks past last season and is hopeful for the next.
The Elon athletic department announced the Phoenix football schedule for the 2009 season Monday morning. The team has 11 games on the schedule — five at home and six on the road. The team opens up the season with three games against nonconference opponents, Davidson, Presbyterian and Wake Forest. “Playing Wake Forest is an exciting opportunity for not only the football program, but for the entire university,” head coach Pete Lembo said. “The game will receive tremendous attention, regionally and nationally, because Wake Forest is in the ACC.” Last season Wake Forest finished with an 8-5 record. The team tied for third in the ACC Atlantic Division and
was a Football Bowl Series team. “That is an important piece of out-ofconference scheduling, to play opponents students can connect with outside of athletics,” Lembo said. “It can add to the sense of pride and excitement about the football program.” The team begins conference play on Sept. 26 against Georgia Southern in a family weekend matchup. Last season, Georgia Southern finished with a 6-5 record and tied for fourth in the Southern Conference. Elon defeated Georgia Southern 22-20. The team then travels to Furman to face the Paladins before returning home Oct. 10 to face The Citadel. Elon has an open date with no games scheduled before playing against University of Tennessee-Chattanooga on Oct. 24. for Homecoming Weekend. The team then hits the road against Wofford. Last season, Wofford finished
second in the Southern Conference and defeated Elon by a score of 55-20. Elon’s last home game of the season is against the four-time defending Southern Conference champion, Appalachian State, on Nov. 14. The Phoenix lost to them on the road last season 24-16. The team finishes up the regular season on the road against Samford, who it defeated 23-17 in the 2008 season. Last season Elon finished with an 8-4 record and ranked No. 17 overall in the Football Championship Series. The team defeated three top-25 FCS ranked opponents and finished with a 6-2 record in the Southern Conference. The team earned sole possession of third place in the conference only behind Appalachian State and Wofford. This year marks the seventh season Elon has been in the Southern Conference and the 11th season in Division I football.
2009 football schedule SePt. 5 davidson (4-7, 7th PFl) SePt. 12 at Presbyterian (4-8) SePt. 19 at Wake Forest (8-5, T-3rd aCC atlantic) SePt. 26: Family Weekend georgia Southern* (6-5, T-4th SoCon) Oct. 3 at Furman* (7-5, T-4th SoCon) Oct. 10 The Citadel* (4-8, 7th SoCon) Oct. 17 Open date Oct. 24: HOmecOming Chattanooga* (1-11, 9th SoCon) Oct. 31 at Wofford* (9-3, 2nd SoCon) nOv. 7 at Western Carolina* (3-9, 8th SoCon) nOv. 14 appalachian State* (11-3, 1st SoCon)
FILE PHOTO
nOv. 21 at Samford* (6-5, T-4th SoCon)
during the 2008 season, elon stormed onto the national spotlight. the 2009 schedule is highlighted with a match up against acc powerhouse Wake Forest.
Athletic success yields need for enhanced facilities michelle longo Online Programs director
As the years have progressed, there is no doubt Elon athletics has taken a step toward the future. First, it was the move to Division I in the Big South Conference. Then the Phoenix joined the ranks of the elite Southern Conference. While being a member of the SoCon has its perks, it also provides Elon with enhanced competition -- in athletics, academics and facilities. “To be honest, we are at the bottom of the conference right now when it comes to facilities, besides the stadium,” head football coach Pete Lembo said. “Most of the facilities were built during the NAIA or Division II era at Elon so they are not up to DI standards or expectations.” The athletic department has committed to enhancing these facilities with the start of construction on a new field house behind Rhodes Stadium and a new golf training facility. The football field house will overlook Rhodes Stadium, sitting directly behind the scoreboard on the north end of the field. The three-story, 30,000 square-foot building will be equipped with a large weight room, meeting rooms, improved locker space and offices for coaches and support staff. “The real challenge now is that everything is in different places,” Lembo said. “That leads to an inefficient set-up.” Lembo said the new facilities will aid in the recruitment process, especially as Elon garners more success and more national headlines and recognition. He likened it to ‘recruiting’ students in different academic departments. Just as future communication majors want to see McEwen and future doctors want to see McMichael, future athletes can’t wait to see where they will be spending a lot of their time. “[The players] want to see not only where they will be playing on six Saturdays in the fall, but where they will be working and learning everyday,” Lembo said. “Being able to showcase the new facilities to potential recruits shows Elon believes it is important to be competitive in the SoCon.”
athletic administration hopes to match team success with athletic supplemental facilities for golf training and field house expansion. FILE PHOTO
The fieldhouse is made possible in part by a $1 million donation by Jay and Amy Hendrickson in name of former Elon great head coach, Horace Hendrickson. Alumnus Zac Walker and Dot Walker also donated $500,000. Zac is a member of Elon's Sports Hall of Fame and his uncle, D.C. “Peahead” Walker is another all-time great coach. On the opposite side of campus, a new golf training center is in the midst of construction. The facility will include an indoor practice area with hitting bays and a swing analysis center, as well as a putting area and players’ lounge. Outside the facility will be an area where players can work on their short game, including two new putting greens in addition to what is there already. “[The facility] will give us the chance to take it to the next level,” head men’s golf coach Bill Morningstar said. “We can have as good a facility as anyone.” A $250,000 donation by former Elon golf player and 1986 alumnus Cecil Worsley III is the main funding behind the new South Campus structure. “I saw the need for a superior training center that has state-of-the-art equipment that can help the men’s and women’s golf teams and help Elon recruit,” Worsley said in a press release. “We have a good golf program, but we’re going to be left behind if we don’t have a training facility.” morE construction Worsley said his gift’s intention was to honor his For more information former coach and current head coach, Morningstar on campus and his former Elon teammate Chris Dockrill,who is construction, see now head women’s golf coach. pages 12 and 13. “We are very fortunate to have people like [Worsley],” Morningstar said. “He is the reason we have an opportunity to build such a facility. It is going to make a big difference in the entire golf program.” In addition to the greens, the new building is state-of-the-art with lights and computerized information for the players. Morningstar said it will be the difference-maker in the types of students he is able to recruit for Elon golf. “DI is an arms race,” Lembo said. “If you are not building, someone is passing you up.”
THE PENDULUM
SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009 // PAGE 23
Men’s tennis swings into conference play Justine Schulerud Reporter
The men’s tennis team will travel to Samford Friday to open its Southern Conference season before taking a trip to Chatttanooga, Tenn., the next day. The Phoenix currently has an overall 5-4 record, with its only losses to nationally-ranked teams. “We just have to concentrate on keeping that,” head coach Michael Leonard said about the team’s success so far this year. “It’s a little bit of a challenge.” The team was supposed to face No. 70 Radford in a nonconference matchup last Saturday, but due to inclement weather it was postponed. The match was rescheduled for 2 p.m. March 29 at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center. Last year the team finished second in the Southern Conference with a 7-2 record and an overall record of 17-9. The team will return eight of its varsity letterwinners and only lost two letter-winners from last year. They have added two freshmen to the team this year, Alex Crockford and Carlin Murray. Over the past three years the team has won 24 of its 27 regular season Southern Conference matches, followed by six of its eight tournament matches. Within the past three years the team has captured two regular season SoCon titles and one conference tournament title. But the team looks to build off past success for the 2009 Southern Conference season. As for the upcoming season, the team is ranked among the top three teams in the conference, along with Furman and the College of Charleston. Leonard said Samford is seen as a great addition to the conference, and its quality athletes will make the conference stronger. In regards to their first two matches against Samford, Leonard said it will be good to open up against such a strong team. “It’s hard to know where (we are) in the conference,” Leonard said. The team has great prospects for its season, including the doubles team of senior Damon Gooch and sophomore Philip Nemec, ranked in the top 20 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association national doubles rankings. Gooch is also ranked No. 61 in
ANDREW DODD | Staff Photographer
DAVID WELLS | Photo Editor
Senior Damon Gooch is ranked nationally for his continued victories.
Sophomore Oscar Podlewski tries to continue early season success.
national singles rankings. Both of these are the highest rankings in Phoenix tennis history. “We are capable of playing with anyone, (we) just have to control getting better and having quality wins,” Leonard said. This year’s Southern Conference tournament will
be at Elon’s home court, the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center. The tournament starting on April 23. The team is looking forward to having the tournament here, Leonard said. “We are excited and want support from the Elon community and students,” Leonard said.
Kensrue aces on and off the court Sam Calvert Assistant Sports Editor
Time is a valuable thing to a college student, and it is something a collegiate athlete has very little of. Junior Paige Kensrue knows the feeling of being short on time all too well. Kensrue plays No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles for the Elon Phoenix while also being an Honors Fellow. “She does an incredible job balancing school and tennis,” said junior Laura Graybill, Kensrue’s roommate and cocaptain. “If she’s stressed out, she never shows it. She’s always so composed.” Kensrue doesn’t just
participate in a Division I sport. She leads. The rest of the tennis team elected Kensrue, as well as Graybill, to be a co-captain of the team. “I always strive to be the best teammate on and off the court,” Kensrue said. “As captain, I try to be the best leader I can be, to make this the best time of their lives.” It is not just her leadership that makes her a valuable member of Elon’s women’s tennis team. Every time Kensrue steps out on the court, she said she leaves nothing behind. She posted a winning singles record in both of her spring seasons with the team, with a record of 4-5 so far this season playing three ranked teams: No. 36 North Carolina State, No. 60 Virginia Tech and No. 13 University of North Carolina. Head coach Elizabeth Anderson is just one of the many people that sees this enthusiasm. At the end of 2008, Kensrue won the “Heart and Hustle” award, given by the team. “Paige has a lot of passion for the sport and likes to be successful in all areas of life,” Anderson said. “She doesn’t expect anything less, and that radiates to the rest of the team.” Although athletics occupies a great amount of Kensrue’s time, it does not take away from her academics. Instead, she claims tennis actually improves her ability to finish everything. “Being an athlete really helps me,” Kensrue said. “It helps me organize myself. I know I only have a certain amount of time to get things done, so it makes me do it.” She works to make every minute count and brings schoolwork to do between matches, said Anderson. Her hard work has paid off so far, as she currently has a 3.84 GPA as an exercise/sport science major and Honors Fellow. Three weeks ago, the Southern Conference recognized Kensrue’s academic and athletic success by naming her the “SoCon Student Athlete of the Week.” She was the first women’s tennis player in Elon history to win the award and only the second Phoenix athlete this year. “Paige always sets a good example,” Graybill said. “When she’s down, she’s always fighting. And when she’s up, she’s cheering for everyone else. Everyone looks up to her.”
DAVID WELLS | Photo Editor
Junior Paige Kensure balances her commitments as the co-captain of the Phoenix squad and as an Honors Fellow. Kensrue has a 3.84 GPA.
DAVID WELLS | Photo Editor
Kensrue and her doubles partner, junior Anna Milian, prepare for the remainder of the Southern Conference tournament play.
Get to know Paige Hometown: Tampa, FL Height: 5'7" Major: Exercise Sports Science GPA: 3.84 Accomplishments: Honors fellow, No. 2 singles player and No. 1 doubles team for the Phoenix, winner of 2008 Phoenix “Heart and Hustle” award, and co-captain of the Phoenix tennis team.
Page 24 / Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Pendulum
Sports
Underneath the maroon and gold A look inside the uniform of an Elon football player Michelle Longo Sports Editor Often, fans and critics alike will scrutinize and agonize over football statistics like pass completions or rushing yards. Most look at an athlete and see his jersey, his number and the large invisible target on his chest. But sometimes it’s what’s underneath the clothing that matters the most. Football pads, in all their shapes and sizes, protect each and every athlete from the grueling demands of the sport. Even with all the extra padding, football players are the most susceptible athletes to injury, including serious and recurring injuries like concussions and even spinal cord injuries. Along with the need for extra pads comes the responsibility of storing — and washing them. Former equipment manager Scott Jean explained the complicated process behind it. After practices and games, the equipment manager and his staff of two do what they call
a “laundry loop.” In the Phoenix locker room, there are separate bins for the apparel and pads of offensive players and defensive players. Both get washed and dried before they are hung in their respective lockers. Shoulder pads have the Elon Phoenix symbol with the players numbers' stuck onto them. Cleats simply have numbers written on them in black permanent marker. Helmets also have the respective player’s number stitched inside the earhole. The decals seen on the outside of Phoenix helmets are not placed on until the first game of the season. “We don’t want to risk getting them scuffed off before the first game,” Jean said. “They get scuffed so easily as it is.” On road trips, Jean and his staff have to wait until the laundry loop is done before they can begin their return home. “We drive separately anyway,” Jean said. “When the laundry is done [after the game] we pack the bags and drive as far as possible.”
David Harrison, Offensive lineman
Football gear fast facts • •
•
Many sources give James Naismith, the inventor of the basketball, credit for inventing the football helmet. Helmets first appeared in 1896, when a halfback from Lafayette College began to use straps and ear pieces to protect his face. For some time in the NFL, helmets were optional. It was not until the mid-1940s that the NFL finally required helmets for safety reasons.
Helmet A protective device used primarily in American and Canadian football. The modern hard plastic version was created by Paul Brown. It consists of a hard plastic top with thick padding on the inside, a facemask made of one or more metal bars and a chinstrap used to secure it.
Chin strap Provides multi-stage impact protection to make sure the chin cup stays where it is supposed to and secures the helmet. It features a shock-absorbing liner that offers comfort and fit to protect one of the most overlooked parts of the body.
Facemask Primarily protects a player’s mouth and nose area during play. The face is often considered the most important body part, the second-most vulnerable part of the body during a football game.
Gloves
Gear 2000 shoulder pads The shoulder pads consist of a hard plastic outer shell with shock-absorbing foam padding underneath and are the most intricate pieces of equipment a player wears. The pads fit over the shoulders, the chest and rib area, and are secured with various snaps and buckles. Shoulder pads accomplish two things for a football player: they absorb some of the shock of impact through deformation and they distribute the shock through a larger area so there is less pressure at the point of impact.
Come with breathable padding, which provides all-around protection for the knuckles and backhand. The leather palm is padded for extra protection and is designed to keep hands cool and dry.
Compression shirt The tight fit increases the ability to sense the position, location, orientation and movement of the body and its parts for better performance.
Padded shorts Includes hip and tail pads and thigh pad pockets that conform and stretch with the body for protection and support. The seven-piece set includes two hip, one tail, two thigh and two knee pads.
Knee pads Hinged ankle braces Technology helps restrict excessive rotational and inversion forces that cause most ankle injuries. The brace provides more comfort, agility and freedom to perform.
Thigh pads
Hinged tendon protectors Used for the management and protection of tendon injuries in which there has been no substantial loss of tendon tissue.
Cleats The type of shoe designed especially for sports played on grass or dirt. Unlike shoes with spikes for sports such as track and field and baseball, the shoes generally have large studs on the bottom to assist in gripping the surface, preventing sliding and assisting in rapid changes of direction. The stud itself is often called a cleat. GrAPhIC By ALySe KNorr
Page 24 / Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Pendulum
Sports
DaviD Wells | Photo editor
Head Coach Pete Lembo leads the Phoenix as it storms out of the locker room to a 46-point lead after the first half. It would go on to score 66 points, the most since 1983.
Phoenix dominates with 66 points Michelle Longo Sports Editor Halfway through the first half Saturday night, a young Elon fan launched her maroon and gold colored balloons into the night sky above Rhodes Stadium. Just as she waved goodbye to them, Elon scored its sixth touchdown in as many possessions, prompting Presbyterian College to also wave goodbye to any hope of victory it still had left. The Phoenix went on to own the Blue Hose 66-12. “That’s probably as impressive of a first quarter in all three phases of the game that I’ve seen in my eight years as a head coach,” Pete Lembo said. “Maybe even my entire career.” The Phoenix rolled up a school-record 667 yards of total offense, passing the previous amount of 633 set back in 1983. Elon’s 66 points mark the highest total since they clobbered Concord State with the same score in 1968. Elon scored rapidly and effortlessly as the team amassed 45 points on seven straight scores to begin the game. For the first 23 minutes of the game, Elon scored
on every possession. It was smooth sailing from there. By halftime, with the score at 52-6, senior captain Bo Williamson had already nabbed 222 all-purpose yards on his way to a careerhigh 287 yards and two touchdowns. A.J. Harris, red-shirted reserve, joined Williamson in the campaign with a career-high 132 yards and three touchdowns. “We had to prove something not only to [ourselves] but everyone in the SoCon,” Harris said. “We’re Elon, and we’re here to play.” Despite all of the preseason hype and polls, Elon (2-1), started the season with a loss to the University of Richmond at home. The following week, Elon earned a 30-20 win at Stony Brook, despite playing in the middle of a hurricane. “Last week, we got a little lead on Stony Brook and Coach [Lembo] said we got a little overexcited and we were out of control on the sideline,” Williamson said. “So now we just want to keep pouring on points, as many points as we can. That’s what matters most to us.” Quarterback Scott Riddle, who threw 308 of his 386 yards in the first half, said the usually explosive Phoenix
offense has been struggling lately. They used the extra time in the game to really ramp up their plays for next week. The No. 18 Phoenix travels to Georgia to take on the No. 14 Georgia Southern Eagles (2-1) in a SoCon clash on Saturday. The Eagles defeated Northeastern on Saturday to improve their record to 2-1 for the year. Both teams will be looking for that elusive first conference victory. “We are a results-oriented organization, so you can feel like you are pretty good, but [it doesn’t matter] until you show that you are good,” Lembo said. Both players and coaches agreed the monumental win against Presbyterian would not cause them to be overconfident heading into next week's game. “We didn’t feel too happy with our improvement from game one to game two,” Williamson said. “Game two to game three was a big difference and hopefully the momentum will carry over. We know we've got to refocus. It’s a whole different focus level. We can prepare for these teams the same, but once we get into league play then it is all different.”
DaviD Wells | Photo editor
senior Charles Ball celebrates after Bo Williamson blocked a punt for Ball to return for another Phoenix touchdown.
Football Notebook: • A scout from the New York Football Giants came to Saturday’s game to watch senior punter Brandon Lane and senior kicker Andrew Wilcox. Wilcox kicked one field goal good for 36 yards. He tallied 11 kickoffs for 630 yards with an average of 57.3 yards. Because of the explosive offense, Lane only got one chance to punt, good for 39 yards. • Midway through the second quarter, Scott Riddle cut his right hand when he caught it on a Presbyterian facemask while following through on a completion. Riddle said he was fine and downplayed the cut as “no big deal,” despite the fact that it bled excessively. • Donny Kirby entered the game in the fourth quarter, marking his first appearance of the 2008 campaign. He was 4-for-6 for a gain of 35 yards with a long of 20 yards. He was not sacked once. • Defensively, Corey Weaver and Andre Campbell each had one sack for four and seven yards respectively. • Of six receptions, Terrell Hudgins tallied 80 yards with one touchdown. • The last time Elon scored more than 66 points was in a 1949 game against the Edenton Marines with a final score of 80-0. • Elon’s 35 first downs came in three shy of the school record from 1992 against Wingate University.
DaviD Wells | Photo editor
Bo Williamson sprints down the sideline for one of his two touchdowns in the Phoenix win Saturday night at Rhodes Stadium. Williamson had a career-high 287 all-purpose yards.
Page 24 / Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Pendulum
Sports
EIGHT YEARS COMING
DaviD Wells | Photo editor
The Phoenix defense owned most of the game, garnering three sacks, two interceptions and three fumbles. in the third quarter, elon did not allow Furman to capitalize on any possessions.
Elon crushes Furman for first time in eight years Michelle Longo Sports Editor A wind of change blew over Rhodes Stadium on a cloudless Saturday afternoon. At the end of 60 football minutes, the scoreboard read Elon 31, Furman 10. This is the same Furman University football team that has defeated Elon the last eight years in a row. The same team that helped eliminate Elon from its first-ever postseason appearance last year. It’s also the same Furman team Elon’s defense surrendered 52 points to less than a year ago. “Last year, to lose a game like that and the way we struggled on defensive, it was certainly extra motivation,” Elon Head Coach Pete Lembo said. “But it is living in today, this year’s team and taking pride in what we do. This is a big step for this program.”
It was a statement game. No longer can Elon’s defense be ridiculed for losing the 2007 season. And no longer can Elon be known only for its aerial game led by the combination of Scott Riddle and Terrell Hudgins. Last season against Furman, Riddle threw for a leaguerecord 534 yards. Saturday afternoon, Riddle threw for a career-low 160 yards. Similarly, Hudgins racked up 207 yards on 16 receptions in last season’s game. He managed five catches for 64 yards last weekend. He also dropped a total of five passes, including two in one possession. “Every year is a different year and every year the team is going to have different strengths and weaknesses,” Lembo said. “Every week, every year is not going to be like that. The circumstances are always changing.”
Times have certainly changed, and this time around the record books opened for different players. Recent phenomenon Brandon Newsome racked up 190 all-purpose yards, 161 of those rushing. In the past three games, he has tallied a total of 478 yards and has produced most of the Phoenix’s ground yardage. All together, Elon ran the ball 35 times for 231 yards. Riddle threw the leather 30 times. For the first three quarters of the football game, the Phoenix defense allowed one field goal. When the Paladins threatened in the second quarter, safety Nolan Ward came up with a diving interception in the end zone to stop a Furman touchdown. “We just kept fighting play after play,” Ward said. “The defense can bend but not break in situations like that
and I think we came up big for the team today. We had a couple mistakes, fixed those on the sidelines and kept fighting play after play.” Nine minutes and a Phoenix touchdown later, Elon defensive end Jordan Daniel recovered a forced fumble to give the ball back to Elon. The defense owned the third quarter, stopping all three Furman drives. On fourth and two, the line stalled a rush on the Elon 11. In the next series, Ward forced a fumble recovered by Terell Wilson at the Elon 21. Fittingly, Daronce Daniels intercepted a pass to end the quarter and cap off an impressive defensive stance. “I could tell every time they came out on the field after we scored or got a turnover, the next drive, we still carried the momentum and continued to jump on them down after down,” Ward said.
Furman went 8-for-17 on third-down conversions and recorded three fumbles and one interception. Elon’s defense also sacked junior quarterback Jordan Sorrells three times for a loss of 21 yards. “[Elon] are a good football team,” Furman Head Coach Bobby Lamb said. “Their defense is really fast. The difference in their team this year and last year is: N0umber one, they can run the ball with success, and number two, their defense is very athletic.” Elon finished with 391 yards of total offense and held the Paladin offense to 72 rushing yards on 28 carries. “I think we showed that we can pull our weight in all three phases,” Lembo said. “We didn’t have hardly any big plays on offense. It was just about pounding. This was kind of an old-school day, which is kind of neat.”
PAGE 24 // WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009
THE PENDULUM
Sports
Starting off on the right course Erik Kendall Reporter
History was made Saturday morning at Elon’s intramural fields, where the university hosted its first-ever cross country meet. Many Elon supporters and visiting fans came out to support their favorite teams and take a look at the new course that was set up to host not only the first meet of the season, but also the Southern Conference meet at the season’s end. Elon hosted a few SoCon opponents — Furman, College of Charleston, UNC Greensboro, Georgia Southern and the Citadel — as well as Lynchburg College, LeniorRhyne, Belmont Abbey and North Carolina A&T State University. Elon inserted itself right into the middle of the competition with successful showings from both the men's and women’s teams. WOMEN Elon finished with four girls in the top-10 and nine girls finishing within the top20. The fastest of the Phoenix runners was junior Emily Fournier, who finished with a time of 18:50, which was
good enough for third place. Overall, the Phoenix had a second-place finish, just behind Furman. “For most of us, that was our first race in about four months,” Fournier said. “But now we are all hungry to compete, and we can set better expectations because we know what it feels like to race again.” At 9:15 a.m. on race day, the women tested out the new course. The course is considered fast compared to many of the other conference venues. Appalachian State’s has an up-and-down design through the mountains. Other top finishers for Elon were senior Caitlin Beeler, with a time of 19:08, freshman Jacqueline Alnes, who also ran a 19:08, and sophomore Allyson Costa with a time of 19:16. “I was very pleased,” head coach Christine Engel said. “It was good to see us in a race situation, and I think we did very well.” She said she sees her team improving as the season goes on. “With the women finishing second to Furman by only one point, I know they will be hungry to improve,” Engel
said. “And we will improve.” MEN The men ran in the second heat of the day, which began at 10 a.m. They started at the same place as the women, but unlike the 5 K course the women navigated, the men's race was 8 K. Elon’s men also looked to capitalize on the new found home course advantage and ran a great race, both individually and collectively, to capture a team win against Furman by just one point. The Phoenix had two runners finish in the top-3 and what seemed like the entire team finish in the top half of the field. The fastest Phoenix was junior Justin Gianni, who ran a time of 26:05, good enough for second place individually. Following not too far behind was sophomore Willie Schefer who posted a time of 26:12, putting him in third. “I was really pleased with the performance of the men today, and I was really exited that they were able to pull out the win,” Engel said. The next time a competitive event will be held on the grounds will be the conference meet at the end of the season Oct. 31.
JUSTINE SCHULERUD | Staff Photographer
RIGHT: The men’s team trio of junior Justin Gianni, front, sophomore Willie Schefer, middle, and junior Matthew Richardson, back, work together over the 8 K course. FAR RIGHT: Freshman Morgan Deneke beats a College of Charleston runner at the finish line of the Elon Invitational. BELOW: The men’s team takes off at the start of the Elon Invitational Saturday at South Campus and placed first, ahead of conference foe Furman.
JUSTINE SCHULERUD | Staff Photographer
LINDSAY FENDT | Staff Photographer
BREAKING DOWN THE ELON INVITATIONAL
Freshman Chrissy Pacewicz, left, and junior Taylor Zorski race in the first Elon Invitational last Saturday.
BY THE NUMBERS
1 point by which the men’s team beat Furman to win first place
1 point by which the women’s team lost to Furman to take second place
4 Phoenix upperclassman set
personal bests in the first meet of the season
3.1
miles, the distance of the women’s course
5 miles: the distance of the men’s course
26:05 the time Elon’s top men’s finisher junior Justin Gianni completed the five mile course
45
days until the Southern Conference Championship at Elon University
48
seconds, the spread between the women’s top seven runners
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE PHOENIX Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams will compete Saturday at the Winthrop Invitational in Rock Hill, S.C. The men’s 8 K will begin at 9 a.m. and the women’s 5 K will begin at 10 a.m. Both teams will race against a number of conference opponenets, as well as some key nonconference teams. LINDSAY FENDT | Staff Photographer
Page 24 // WedneSdaY, SePTemBeR 9, 2009
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Sports
OPENING STATEMENT: Elon defeats Davidson in season opener, prepares to face Presbyterian Saturday
available Online Highlights of Saturday’s game vs. Davidson Press conference highlights Full press conference clips “Scene In” Rhodes Stadium Podcast of a preview for Saturday’s Presbyterian game will be online Thursday For more of Saturday’s game, visit: www.pendulumsports.wordpress. com
TOP five THingS TO lOOk fOR aT THe elOn vS. PReSbyTeRian game elon’s 66 points last season against Presbyterian on Sept. 13 was the second-most scored by a Southern Conference team last year. appalachian State scored 70 points against Wofford on Oct. 31 last season. Senior defensive backs Carlos Sullivan and nolan Ward and junior linebacker Travis greene will all make their season debuts in Saturday’s game after missing the davidson game for team disciplinary reasons. In Saturday’s davidson game, junior quarterback Scott Riddle also acted as a punter, punting the ball three times for a total of 142 yards with an average of 47.3 yards per punt. last season, elon had 667 yards of total offense against Presbyterian. against davidson, the Phoenix had 575 total yards. Riddle had 326 passing yards against davidson on Saturday. against Presbyterian last season, Riddle passed for 386 yards. Junior defensive back Terrell Wilson left the davidson game with a high ankle sprain. his status is questionable against Presbyterian. he started all 12 games last season.
TOP: Senior wide receiver Terrell Hudgins catches a 55-yard pass from Scott Riddle to the Davidson one yard line. Hudgins tallied 156 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the win against Davidson. BOTTOM SERIES: Junior quarterback Scott Riddle makes a 3-yard dash to the end zone during the first quarter to put the Phoenix up 14-0 in the first quarter.
Pam Richter Sports editor
When the Elon football team took the field in its season-opener Saturday night against Davidson, the team exploded with a punch to the Davidson defense. After scoring twice in the first quarter, Elon cruised to a 56-0 victory against the Wildcats. “I was really pleased that nobody was overlooking Davidson,” Lembo said. “Everybody was coming out focused on what we need to do.” Elon started its first drive on a 20yard pass from junior quarterback Scott Riddle to senior wide receiver Terrell Hudgins. Two plays later, Riddle connected with Hudgins again for a 55yard pass that was one yard shy of the end zone. “Throwing the ball to Terrell (Hudgins) is not a hard job,” Riddle said. “I just throw it up there and let him go get it.” The drive was completed by a oneyard touchdown run by sophomore running back Jamal Shuman. Riddle passed for 326 yards and four touchdowns in the game.Hudgins led all receivers with seven receptions for 156 yards and two touchdowns. It was Hudgins’ 19th career game with 100 receiving yards or more. Throughout the preseason, Lembo emphasized working other receivers into the offense because Hudgins is widely targeted by opposing teams’ defenses. “It’s not a question of if, but when (Hudgins) is doubled (teamed), we trust
we can go elsewhere with the football,” Lembo said. Junior wide receiver Lance Camp caught five passes for 55 yards. Camp also returned a punt 54 yards with 3:47 left in the first half. He averaged 13.2 yards per punt return Saturday. Camp was named the SoCon Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday. Shuman finished the game with 20 carries for a total of 115 yards, with an average of 5.8 yards per carry. “I’m going to give all the credit to the (offensive line),” Shuman said. Junior running back Brandon Newsome has been nursing a sore foot, and Lembo said a lot of the load will fall on Shuman again in Saturday’s game against Presbyterian College. The Phoenix finished with 575 total offensive yards, compared to Davidson’s 104 yards. In Saturday’s game, the Phoenix ran and threw the ball an equal amount — 37 times. For Saturday’s game against Presbyterian, Lembo said the team needed to do a better job of limiting both turnovers and penalties. Against Davidson, the Phoenix had two fumbles and lost both of them. The team also had five penalties for a total of 34 yards. Last season, Elon defeated Presbyterian 66-12 at Rhodes Stadium. In Saturday’s match-up Lembo is convinced that the Phoenix will face a tougher Presbyterian College team. “Presbyterian is going to be a much more challenging opponent than Davidson was,” Lembo said.
In Presbyterian’s first game of the season, it was defeated by Furman 45-21. Despite the loss, the Blue Hose racked up 432 total yards of offense. This is a significant improvement from last year for the Blue Hose. Last season against Elon, Presbyterian had only 185 yards of total offense, compared to the Phoenix’s 667 yards. Lembo said Presbyterian’s offense is similar to the Phoenix’s in the sense that both teams throw the ball a lot “down the field.” On the other side of the ball, Presbyterian’s defensive coordinator, Tom Evangelista was the special teams coordinator and the corners’ coach last season at Furman University. Lembo said he anticipates a similar type of defensive attack that Furman executed last season. “Furman did have some success against us last year applying pressure,” Lembo said. “I would think that would be part of their plan.” Since both teams have similar offensive styles because both teams throw the ball down the field, Lembo said that should help Presbyterian. “They’ve prepared against our style of offense all preseason,” Lembo said. Last season, Presbyterian completed its transition period to Division I athletics. This is the first season the team can compete for the Big South Championship. Saturday’s game marks the second non-conference game of the season for Elon. The Phoenix will begin conference play at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 26 against Georgia Southern at home.
BReakIng dOWn The daVIdSOn game
by THe nUmbeRS
3 times junior quarterback Scott Riddle punted for the Phoenix
4 red-zone scores for elon allowing it
to convert all its opportunities within the 20-yard line
8 third down conversions the Phoenix had, leading the team to complete eight out of 13 conversions in the game
19
games hudgins has played with more than 100 receiving yards
28
first downs the Phoenix had in Saturday’s game, Davidson finished the game with seven
54
yards junior wide receiver lance Camp ran back a punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter
104 yards of total offense for
davidson
156
receiving yards for senior wide receiver Terrell hudgins
1954 the year of the last matchup between the elon and davidson football teams
DavID WellS | Photo editor
elon fans painted up and cheered on the team as the Phoenix dominated Davidson.
Page 24 // WedneSdaY, OCTOBeR 7, 2009
The Pendulum
Sports ells y David W Photos b tor di e to r ho P am Richte Story by Ptor di Sports e
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Page 24 // WedneSdaY, OCTOBeR 28, 2009
The Pendulum
Sports
Photo illustration BY DaviD wells | Photo editor
The returners from the 2008 men’s basketball team huddle after last Friday’s practice. The team will be led by the four returning seniors this season, which kicks off Nov. 14 against Lipscomb University.
Men’s basketball looks for season of renewal Conor O’Neill Reporter
Change has arrived for the Phoenix men’s basketball team. It came March 29, 2008 when Matt Matheny was named the new head coach for Elon. Now Phoenix fans are closing in on the date when they can see that change for themselves. The season officially starts Nov. 14, when the Phoenix travels to Nashville, Tenn., to take on non-conference opponent, the Lipscomb University Bison. The first thing fans will notice this year is the change of pace the Phoenix will bring to the court. “Offensively, we’re going to push the ball and try to score
early in transition,” Matheny said. “In an ideal world, we would score between 35 and 28 seconds on the shot clock.” But the first-year head coach is quick to point out this style of play should not create careless mistakes. “If we don’t get a good shot in that time, we’re not just going to take any shot,” Matheny said. “We’ll attack and push … and if we don’t, then we’ll run a motion style offense.” An uptempo style offense could be just what is needed for a Phoenix team that averaged only 65.8 points per game last season, ninth out of 12 teams in the Southern Conference. On the defensive end,
Matheny said he wants his team to play with a hardnosed aggressive style to wear down opponents as games wind down. To make a smooth transition to Matheny’s style from that of former head coach Ernie Nestor, who resigned after last year’s season, the players will need to adapt and become comfortable with the new style. “Because of the (practice) time we had in the spring and the fall, I think they have gotten pretty comfortable with our staff and the way we are going to coach,” Matheny said. Not surprisingly, Matheny is quick to assert the four seniors on the team will
be vital to the Phoenix’s success. Devan Carter, Adam Constantine, T.J. Douglas and Jon Ogolo will be relied on heavily. “They’ve been through the battles in the Southern Conference and nothing’s going to surprise them,” Matheny said. “It doesn’t matter where we go. They’ve been there, and they will impart that knowledge onto the younger guys.” Not only will the seniors need to guide the team emotionally, they will have to improve their scoring. Gone from last year’s team are the two leading scorers, Ola Atoyebi and Brett James. They averaged a combined 27.1 points per game last season.
Improving the team’s performance on the road is also a necessary change. While the Phoenix was 8-6 in Alumni Gym, the team had a record of 2-14 on the road. “When you have senior leadership, those guys will help us overcome any hurdles that we may face,” Matheny said. But the most important aspect for the Phoenix this season is for it to improve throughout the year. Matheny said he wants the team to be playing its best basketball when it matters most — at the end of the season. “We have put no expectation on number of wins,” Matheny said. “What we’ve said is that we want to play at our best in March.”
. WATCH THE FIRST EXHIBITION GAME OF THE SEASON . 7 p.M. NOv. 2 AT HOME AGAINST WASHINGTON ANd LEE UNIvERSITy .