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Wednesday, January 19, 2011
NEWS BRIEFS INTERNATIONAL
VOL. 112 ISSUE 22
Student fatally shot JASON LAWRENCE STAFF EDITOR A shooting at Greystone Place Apartments on Jackson Bluff Road ended with the death of a Florida A&M student. Rasheed Ola-Seyi, 25, of Opa
Locka was taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital shortly after the shooting, where he succumbed to his injuries, according to the Tallahassee Police Department. The shooting occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. Monday and, based on
the initial investigation by police, no definitive motive has been established. Lasaki was however, police believed to be the intended victim. President James Ammons broke the news of the senior criminal justice student’s death Tuesday in
City resurrects Cascade Park BERLIN (AP) — A Rwandan man went on trial in Germany Tuesday over accusations that he organized massacres and incited killings as a mayor during the African country’s 1994 genocide. Onesphore Rwabukombe faces possible life in prison if convicted of charges of genocide and murder, as well as inciting those crimes.
LOCAL
SOURCE: FAMUAN STAFF
NATIONAL WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (AP) — A 10-yearold boy stabbed his mom in the back following a confrontation about household chores. West Valley Police Sgt Mike Powell says the 35-yearold mother was taken to Pioneer Valley Hospital for stitches after the Tuesday confrontation. SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
WEATHER Today
68 39 Thursday
68 51 Friday
55 24
faculty senate meeting. Upon receiving the news, Dean of Students Henry Kirby immediately contacted Lasaki’s family. He described their overall tone as “shocked.” “The university community is saddened to learn of the STUDENT 3
Financial aid: no money, more problems CHRISTOPHER QUINN II CORRESPONDENT
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tallahassee police responded to three commercial robberies on Monday night. The first robbery occurred at 9:00 pm at Arby’s located at 2258 North Monroe Street. The second, at 9:15 pm happened at Walgreens at 100 East Magnolia Drive. The third at 9:50 pm took place at Wendy’s located at 1901 Apalachee Parkway. No injuries were reported.
a
Keenan Doanes The Famuan Cascade Park, once a landfill, will teem with culture and outdoor activities later this year.
PAULETHIA BRYANT CORRESPONDENT Tallahassee will soon have a new addition to its award-winning green-spaces and park system. Capital Cascade Park will come back to life bringing with it the nostalgia of Tallahassee’s past. The construction and revitalization of the city landmark, also on the National Registry of Historic Places,
is well underway and is scheduled for completion later this year according to city of Tallahassee officials. “I’m proud to say that now, almost 200 years later [after the park’s discovery], we will finally restore this historic land in a way to properly celebrate and honor its legacy,” said State Representative and Capital Cascade Council Development Co-chair Loranne Ausley. Capital Cascade Park is the
second in a four-segment greenway project called the Capital Cascade Trail. The trail will double as a multi-use storm water drainage system and a recreational walkway for the community that will extend 4.25 miles. Capital Cascade Park is not a just a city construction project, but is the gateway to the past. The CASCADE 3
Restructuring talks continue CLARECE POLKE STAFF EDITOR
Accountability was the theme of the day, as students exchanged their thoughts and opinions on the restructuring of Florida A&M’s budget and curriculum. Students separated into small groups by classification, were asked to discuss FAMU’s strengths, and where they felt budget cuts would best be applied. Despite the avid discussions held in each of the intimate groups, rows of empty tables reflected the small student turnout. Iman Sandifer, FAMU’s Student Government Association Senate president, said, while the number of students in attendance was much less than expected, he was grateful for the opportunity of students to have a voice in FAMU’s academic restructuring plans. “Of course you want more students to come out,” said Sandifer. “Unfortunately, it was during a time where a lot of classes are being held so that’s an understandable factor…of course, the more minds you have, the more opinions you give.” Moderators presented students with each
J. L. Evans The Famuan Students discuss university overhaul.
question and then took detailed notes as students voiced their concerns. Recurring themes arose at each table, regardless of classification or major, including more accountability among faculty and administration, better customer service and the elimination and merging of academic programs. Since salaries make up a huge part of the budget. T.J. Legacy-Cole, a second year political science student, said salaries should be one of the first RESTRUCTURING 4
FINANCIAL AID 4
Opinions
Lifestyles
Aaron Johnson gives his thoughts on the first of a three-part series about pathways that lead to nowhere.
FAMU’s Gospel Choir prepares for a busy semester, including traveling on a multiple state tour.
Opinions |5
Many Florida A&M students are still waiting to receive their financial aid after being in class for more than two weeks. Most students were approved for grants, scholarships and loanslast fall. This spring, aid had to be verified and posted to accounts again. For some students the process of getting financial aid come as no surprise. “My freshman year, after all of my paperwork was finalized, it took two months to get my financial aid,” said Kiauna Pinnock, 19, a second year biology student from West Palm Beach, Fla. “I’m pretty upset, but I’m content because I know I’m not going to get it on time.” Monique Alleyne, 24, a fourth year music education student, is less understanding. “I know I wasn’t taking classes last semester but I still filled out my FAFSA in January. I should be getting something for this semester since I am enrolled in my classes.” Many students expected their financial aid refunds to be sent out on Jan. 12 after they looked on their iRattler accounts and saw the disbursement date. According to the Office of Financial Aid, however, that is not the case. “At other schools they get it the exact same week that they start school. So why does it take so long for us to get our financial aid,” said Pinnock. Assistant director of financial aid Kelly Kindell said there is a difference between the disbursement date of financial aid and the disbursement of refund checks. “We just take the money and send a file to student accounts and then they send out the refund checks. It says on the students’ records that their funds will be disbursed on the twelfth so we take the money to student accounts on the twelfth,” said Kindell. “Student accounts, in turn, does the refunds.” Kindell also explained that federal regulations mandate that the financial aid must be processed by a certain time after being sent to student accounts and FAMU
Lifestyles | 6
2 Calendar
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Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Events and Announcements Announcements
to GSS Rush Week Jan. 16-Jan. 22. We will be having a formal Informational Meeting Thursday, January 20, 2011 in the Fred Humphries Science Research Bldg room 214 at 6:52 PM. For further details please visit our facebook page (GammaAlpha Gss) or email (gagss_ membershipvp@yahoo.com).
Please note that the deadline for induction into the Kappa Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society has been extended to Friday, January 21, 2011, at 4 p.m. For more information please contact Dr. Veronica Yon at 412-7697 or veronica.yon@ famu.edu.
The FAMU Graduate Student Association will have a meeting on Tuesday, January 25th in B.L. Perry room 205 at 8:00 p.m. All graduate students, including Pharmacy and SBI, are encouraged to attend. Become involved in the issues that affect us all. For more information e-mail Kenneth Cooper at famu_gsa@ yahoo.com
On Sunday, Jan. 23, at 5 p.m., the English Department of Florida A&M University will host a Retirement Celebration in honor of Dr. Willie T. Williams. The event will take place at the Doubletree Hotel, 101 S. Adams St. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.willietwilliams.com. Payments may also be mailed before Jan. 14, 2011, to Dr. Veronica Yon, Retirement Celebration Co-Chair, Department of English, 446 Tucker Hall, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Fla., 32307-4800.
The FAMU Chapter of the Hip Hop Congress will host a General Body Meeting on Wednesday Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. in B.L. Perry Room 300. The meeting is opened to all students who have a love for hip-hop. For more information, contact Athena Griffith at famuhiphopcongress.com.
The Illustrious Gamma Alpha Chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc invite you
To place an announcement in the Calendar, e-mail your submission to famuancalendar@ gmail.com at least two days prior to the desired publishing issue. All submissions must include the student organization along with information in paragraph format to include “who, what, when and where.” A contact number to be published with the announcement, indicate so in your e-mailed submission and provide an alternate method for readers to obtain more information. If you do not follow the paragraph format then your submission will not be able to be published.
Employment Bartenders Wanted!!! $250/day potential. No experience necessary. Training provided age 18+ okay. Call (800) 965-6520 ext. 189
The Royal Ladies of Eternal Legendary Queens, Inc. will be hosting an interest meeting for prospective members on Oct. 13th from 7:09 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in B.L. Perry room 205. For more information contact De’Ronye Thomas at 708-662-0350 or via email at elq_famu2005@yahoo.com
Religion Directory
Jacob Chapel Baptist Church “The Blue Print.”
PRAYER MEETING SUN. 6:30 p.m. TUE/FRI 11:30-12:30
SUN. 11:00 a.m. THURS. 7:30 p.m.
BIBLE STUDY
COLLEGIATE MINISTRY WALKING DISTANCE SHUTTLE
TUE 7:00 p.m.
SUN. 9:30 a.m.
SUN. 7:45 a.m.
SUN. 11:00 a.m
WED. 6:30 p.m.
TUE. 12:00 p.m. WED. 7:00 P.M.
SUN. 9:45 a.m.
SUN. 7:30 a.m.
SUN. 11:00 a.m
THURS. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30
THURS. 6:15 p.m. - 6:45
“DRUMLINE LIVE” dazzles with explosive choreography and thrilling spectacle … -Showbiz Chicago
January 25 8:00 pm
YES YES YES
Bethel AME Church “Called to make a Difference.”
SUN. 9:45 a.m.
SECOND SERVICE
ADDRESS Elder Joseph P. Manning 2122 Poppy Street (850)574-5605 www.cofmcogic.org
Rev. Dr. Julius H. McAllister 501 W. Orange Ave. (850) 576-7501
Rev. O. Jermaine Simmons, Sr. 2333 Lake Bradford Road (850) 574-3150 www.jacobchapel.org
TheFamuanOnline.com
Cathedral of Faith Ministries “ The Family Church Serving the Family of God.”
FIRST SERVICE
NO YES YES YES YES YES
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Cast Includes Former FAMU Marching Band Members
Tickets On Sale Now at the Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets and at www.ticketmaster.com or www.tlccc.org Student Discounts Available
Call 222-0400 or 1-800-322-3602
We Deliver!
*
Carry-Out Additional Toppings Available
Large Pizza Cheese or Pepperoni Order 3 or More, We’ll Deliver!
Call (850) 599- 3159 for ad inquiry
Two Large Orders of Baked Spaghetti Served with Fresh Baked Howie bread
Corrections
FREE FLAVORED PIZZA CRUST! Original • Butter • Butter cheese • Onion • Cajun Garlic Herb • Ranch • Sesame
SERVING FAMU AREA
1496 Apalachee Pkwy. next to Blockbusters Video
Plus tax & delivery. At participating locations.
942-6800
101935
*Delivery Extra
For corrections please email Famuancalendar@gmail.com.
Metro News 3
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Keenan Doanes The Famuan Above: Land is cleared just east of the State Capitol Complex to make way for Cascade Park. Below: Construction material piles up in the Cascade Park site. Work is scheduled to be completed later this year.
Google Maps An aerial view of the Cascade Park which encompasses a small swarth of land to the south and east of the state capital complex.
CASCADE park has strong historical value in the Tallahassee community. Its name comes from a waterfall that was located in the area known as Cascade Park. A hill located a quarter of a mile away from the stream would be the establishing grounds for the then small trading community of Tallahassee and later
becoming the site of the state capital complex. The location where the waterfall existed later became a landfill causing the memory of the beautiful waterfall to be erased. From the 1890s to the 1950s the southeastern area of the park served as a coal gasification plant. While the northeastern edge served as a Recreational Facility, hosting Centennial
Field. Centennial Field, originally built for the 100th anniversary of Tallahassee’s founding is among other historic landmarks from the old Cascade Park that will be recreated in the 21st century revitalization of the park. The field housed Florida State’s football team for its first three seasons. It was also home to minor league baseball and
football teams, but was later demolished in 1974. Homage will also be paid to Smokey Hollow, a historic African-American community. The Pittman Law Group will fund the construction of plaza in the defunct neighborhood’s honor. The Smokey Hollow Plaza will include a beautiful fountain and a bronze map to display the community, which flourished in the latter half of the 19th through the mid 20th centuries. “By renovating this park, Tallahassee is taking great lengths to not only bring back it’s historical value, but to providing a recreational space for the whole city to enjoy and remember for years to come,” said Kelli Robertson, a noted
public relations professional in Tallahassee. The Capital Cascade Park revitalization will garner 13 new amenities inside the park in an effort to beautify the city and bring recognition to the long forgotten historic location. These include a 4,000 seat amphitheatre, an outdoor water plaza for the community to enjoy and much more. The Cascade waterfall will also be recreated. The cost of the project in conjuction with the FAMU Way extension is expected not to exceed $50 million. The project has been slated to be finished toward the end of this year.
PAULETHIA BRYANT FAMUAN.METRO@GMAIL.
Gretna puts on its poker face for new casino DIEGO SHEPHERD STAFF WRITER Gretna, Fla., a struggling rural community in Gadsden County, will have plenty of bankrolls later this year as it welcomes the construction of a casino. Wind Creek Gretna will feature a covered horse racing track and a gambling facility. While the new casino will provide entertainment options for the small locality, not all residents are happy with the decision to have a gambling establishment in their community. Gretna resident, Dejuan Temple, 28, really likes casinos but feels that one is not needed in Gretna. “There are only like 3,000 people here. We don’t need a Casino in Gretna, it’s too much,” said Temple. STUDENT death of Rasheed Lasaki. We send the family our heartfelt condolences and the university will do everything to ease their pain in this time of grief,” said Kirby. Kirby also emphasized the irony of loosing a student to a violent act on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “It’s a shame that we lost a student on a day which celebrates a man who preached a philosophy of nonviolence,” said Kirby. To date, the university has no events planned in the way of a vigil or memorial service for Lasaki, but says it plans to correspond with the family to plan a ceremony in the
He is unemployed and thinks that the casino could hurt Gretna’s entire job market. About two years ago, a mushroom factory called Quincy Farms employed about 490 people in Gretna. But with a struggling economy, the factory was forced to close. Temple worries that with Gretna’s small population and land area the casino and racetrack will attract visitors but could end up taking patrons away from small businesses. The new casino is being built in conjunction with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and Florida developer David Romanik and will open this fall. It is expected to create more than 400 jobs, ranging from construction on the facility to in-house employment opportunities at the casino.
near future. The homicide seems to have shaken the residents of Greystone Place Apartments, located at 2416 Jackson Bluff Road. Janice Nerland, spokeswoman for Cabat Properties, which owns the Greystone Place Apartments, said incidences like these are rare. “Two of our residents were very forthcoming in saying that the complex is usually very quiet,” said Nerland. Cabat Properties noted that Lasaki was not a resident of Greystone Place Apartments. JASON LAWRENCE FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
According to the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Gadsden County is 11 percent, 1.9 percentage points above the national average. Gretna is a small, rural community where the median household income is around $25,000. More than one third of the population is below the federal poverty line, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. “Creek Entertainment Gretna will not only provide an entertainment venue for the area, it will also cause a ripple effect in terms of economic development for the community,’’ said Keith Martin, chairman of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ Gaming Authority. Gretna’s city manager, Antonio Jefferson said the city expects the business to bring in about $2.5 million
dollars in the first year, then $6 to $7 million annually in the following years. “Gretna is a wonderful community, and it is a privilege to be able to provide jobs here,” said Buford L. Rolin, chairman of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians tribe. Rolin also said that his tribe takes great pride in all of its businesses and the quality of entertainment that it offers. “We are excited to see what Creek Entertainment Gretna will mean to the economic well-being of our neighbors in North Florida,” said Rolin. The new casino will be the first of its kind in the Big Bend area. It is thought that the horse track will supplement North Florida’s Red Hills equestrian culture. DIEGO SHEPHERD FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
School News 4
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Rec Center enters next phase
Matthew Richardson The Famuan Florida A&M’s Rec Center has a few new additions that include a multipurpose room complete with a spinning room and a racquetball court. The center also houses a 36-foot tall rock climbing wall, one of the tallest in Tallahassee. Although the new additions are complete, rec center officials said they are awating funds to expand their operations.
English professor signs off FAMU career ALECANDRIA COLLINS CORRESPONDENT Willie T. Williams, an English professor at Florida A&M, has decided to retire after 33 years of service. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed and there will be a retirement celebration for her on Jan. 23, at 5 p.m. in the Doubletree Hotel. Williams has a long history on the Hill. She earned bachelor’s degrees in english, speech and drama, as a well master’s degree in education from FAMU. She went on to earn a doctorate from Florida State. After completing her education, she taught at Alabama State in Montgomery, AL. for a few years and went on to teach english to high school students at Howard Academy in Monticello. Her Rattler spirit could not be subdued and she would return to “the Hill” to teach for the rest of her professional career. Her many accolades include being awarded Employee of the Year in 2007, co-writing two textbooks for
the university curriculum, and starting a personal mentoring program for graduate students on campus. “I am so glad I have ended my professional career at FAMU. There is no other place I would’ve rather been,” said Williams. Twelve years ago, Williams did want to take a step back. “My mother, Sevilla Tillman could no longer take care of herself. So, I stepped in and took care of her for 12 years before she passed at the age of 109.” Williams serviced other elderly members of her church and neighborhood at the same time. William Hudson, Jr. was the administrator that pulled her back to finish her last years with at FAMU. English department director, Yakini Kemp, noticed Williams’ passion for education. “Ms. Williams has been a pleasure to work with. The students truly love her, and she’s worked day and night to provide them with the best education,” said Kemp. “She will be missed.”
Many students have fond memories of Williams. Devan Carter, a second year architecture student from Atlanta, is sad to see her leave. “She was a great professor. She helped us if we were having problems and gave us time to do the work instead of rushing through the semester,” said Carter. “She was awesome.” Anthony Siders, a second year political science student from New Orleans, echoed Carter’s sentiments. “Man, she was a good teacher. She was always patient, always willing to help,” said Siders. “I can’t believe she’s leaving. I know a lot of people will be sad to see her go.” Williams has affected the lives of Rattlers young and old and is having a hard time adjusting to retirement but understands that it’s necessary for her well-being. “I need to relax. God has given me so many blessings and so much time to help others. But now he’s saying, ‘it’s your time’,” said Williams. ALEXANDRIA COLLINS FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
FINANCIAL AID
J. L. Evans The Famuan Students participate in focus groups to discuss President Ammons’ university restructuring plan in the Grand Ballroom.
RESTRUCTURING issues addressed when considering budget cuts. “Either [the salaries are] top-heavy to where the people at the top of the departments are making the most money and we aren’t receiving an adequate service because the people at the bottom aren’t making enough; or, there’s not enough money flowing in to where we can have more people to help,” said LegacyCole. “What I suggested was the people at the top take pay cuts for the greater good of the university.” Senior SGA Senator Bianca Johnson, said a different issue was addressed in her focus group, comprised of mostly seniors. “The biggest thing that came up in my focus group was that it’s hard to point out strengths of FAMU,” said Johnson. “As seniors, we should be the ones who have a plethora of things to say about it: we’ve been here the longest. But, we could
barely come up with 10.” Michael Jefferson, secretary of academic affairs for SGA, said the two questions presented to students didn’t give enough room for other important issues to be addressed, and limited what students could express. “One of the things we have not done is discuss the weaknesses of the university and the opportunities for it to grow,” said Jefferson. “There were only two questions being asked. Based upon the focus groups, there is no encouragement to discuss opportunity areas, and I think that too makes it seem as if there are certain things that are being left out.” Students questioned the time scheduled for the focus group. Many were concerned that the midday meeting would conflict with the average student’s class schedule, contributing to the low turnout, even after multiple attempts at promoting the event. Sandifer, Jefferson and Johnson said they formed Facebook and Twitter groups, created flyers and invited friends
in an attempt to to get students involved. “To me, this wasn’t for the convenience of the students,” said Johnson. “What students do you expect to come at 11:30...? This is prime time for classes. If [administration] wanted a true student forum, it would’ve been at 5:00.” Legacy-Cole said, even with the conflicting time of the focus group and low turnout, it is up to students to keep the conversation going outside of the grand ballroom. “At this time of budget cuts, this is when we need students to care the most and say that this is our school, and we’re not just going to let anything happen to it,” Legacy-Cole said. “We’re more than just iRattler identification numbers.” On Feb. 9-10, Ammons is scheduled to update the FAMU Board of Trustees on the university restructuring plan. He is also expected to present the plan at the April Board of Trustees meeting. CLARECE POLKE FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
student accounts and FAMU actually does it quicker. “Student Accounts has 14 business days to process your financial aid but FAMU does it within less than that time,” said Kindell. “I’m in grad school and I have to actually wait the 14 days at the school that I attend to get my refund back.” Some students are still waiting for the rest of their money to be applied. Kindell said that the reason that financial aid is not applied at the beginning of the semester is because the school is giving students a chance to get all of their financial obligations done before their aid is credited. “We try to make sure, before we get the students’ money, that all the students’ charges are in the system before we take it and refund them anything. We want to make sure that they get all of what is due to them.” Kindell said that the office of financial aid is still on track despite the problems that it has had thus far. Refund checks are scheduled to be sent out this week for students who are supposed to receive them. CHRISTOPHER QUINN II FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
famuanopinions@gmail.com
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: jordan1.culver@gmail.com
Opinions 5
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Accident or not, where were the adults?
Jordan Culver
COPY DESK: copydeskchief@gmail.com Julian Kemper
OPINIONS EDITOR: famuanopinions@gmail.com Khristanda Cooper
LIFESTYLES EDITOR: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Clarece Polke
SPORTS EDITOR: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd
Where are all the sidewalks? AARON JOHNSON STAFF EDITOR
“Oh crap I have dirt on my new shoes, here we go again!” These are the thoughts of college students as they hike through muddy lawns in order to reach their destinations around campus. There need to be more pathways. Where are the sidewalks? Sure there are pathways and sidewalks that lead to certain areas around campus, such as the café or the library, but those are not enough. With people continuously walking through lawns and flower beds- destroying some in the process- the pavement system is an area in major need of improvement. In order to navigate pedestrians and cyclists back and forth in a safe and accessible manner. According to sidewalksforbellemeade. org, there are three main ways in which sidewalks can benefit a community: personal enjoyment and fitness, safety and economics. All of these can influence the college in unique ways. Many places around campus either need pathways or rebuilding of those that exist. The outside of many buildings and offices is littered with broken pieces of concrete and old potholes filled with mud. Not only do these pose a safety hazard for everyone, they diminish the physical appearance of the college. This is evident near B.L. Perry, Foster Tanner music buildings and Gibbs dormitory. A barren patch of land extends from Gibbs Hall that needs a pathway . This serves as a shortcut for residential students to access the dorm. However with unleveled ground and rugged patchwork, the walk becomes less of a “shortcut” and more of a hassle. This area becomes extremely dangerous during and after rain showers that turn the ground into a slippery mess, with uneven ground adding to the hazard. Taking the necessary measures to repair and construct the pathways and sidewalks of this spacious campus would go a long way toward amending the quality of the school and boosting its appearance. The sidewalks should be designed to meet the needs of the maximum number of potential users. Unfortunately, many pathways fail to meet the needs of people with disabilities and busy pedestrian traffic that is ongoing here on campus. Now is time to take affirmative action to wards a safer and more accessible campus.
A 4-year-old child died Jan. 15 in Crawfordville, after a large piece of wooden furniture fell on top of him. The child, Landon Greene, was at the home of his grandparents, Charles and Lavonne Green, when they heard a loud noise from a bedroom. The victim was playing with a 5-year-old cousin when he attempted to climb the fiveand-a-half foot tall dresser. When the grandmother heard a crash and arrived in the bedroom from the living room, she saw the child under the dresser, which was full of clothing. The issue is not with the
careless playing habits of the child, because he is just that, a child. The bigger issue is the endangerment of the welfare of a child, not only the victim, but his cousin as well. No one is able to be in more than one place at a time, and it is not always easy to keep up with the whereabouts of children. But when parents put the welfare of their child in the hands of other relatives, not only are they gambling with having their trust broken, but also in extreme cases, such as this one, they have to plan for the negligence of that temporary guardian. Another issue is parents letting anyone and everyone
raise their children. Again, there are always extenuating circumstances and everyone has a story to tell, but who is going to tell the story of the neglected children? Where were the grandparents when this 4-year old attempted to climb a tall dresser? The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System reported an estimated 1,740 child fatalities in 2008. This translates to a rate of 2.33 fatalities per 100,000 in the general population. NCANDS defines “child fatality” as the death of a child caused by an injury resulting from abuse or neglect, or where abuse or neglect
was a contributing factor. While the grandparents will be investigated following the child’s death, there are too many cases like this where the welfare of a child is left to an incompetent guardian and the ultimate result is death. EMS officials rushed the child to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead approximately one hour later. The unattended death has been ruled a tragic accident. Nichelle Lucas for the Editorial Board.
EDITOR IN CHIEF: jordan1.culver@gmail.com Jordan Culver
COPY DESK: famuancopydesk@gmail.com Julian Kemper
SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR: famuannews@gmail.com Matthew Richardson
METRO NEWS EDITOR: famuan.metro@gmail.com Jason Lawrence
Political Takeout
OPINIONS EDITOR: famuanopinions@gmail.com Khristanda Cooper
DEPUTY OPINIONS EDITOR: Aaron Johnson
LIFESTYLES EDITOR: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Clarece Polke
DEPUTY LIFESTYLES EDITOR: Nichelle Lucas
SPORTS EDITOR: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd
DEPUTY SPORTS EDITORS: Cameron Daniels
PHOTO EDITOR: famuan.photos3@gmail.com Keenan Doanes
DEPUTY PHOTO EDITOR: Jasmine Mitchell
Mike Lester The Rome News Tribune If we all dressed alike - not that we are endorsing uniforms in college - but if we did would fashion be as pertinent as it is now?
Looks worth more than education? BIANCA SALVANT COLUMNIST The national graduation rate for AfricanAmericans is 43 percent, according to statistics. Meanwhile, the rate at Florida A&M is 35 percent, which is a significant decline from the 44 percent rate in 1996. Many people have one question: Why? For such a prominent university that purports to breed many successful African-American students, the graduation rate is shocking but more importantly, disappointing. When stepping on the campus of FAMU for the first time, an individual is swept away by the initial closeness of the student population. It’s a small community of more than 13,000 students, so it is easy for everyone to know each other. Students glide around campus as if on top of the world—women strut in six-inch heels like professionals on a mission. The feeling of being on top is overwhelming but well deserved for African-Americans in this country considering that only 20 percent actually attend an institution of higher education. But more often than not, young people, especially college students, tend to lose focus on the brighter things in life. They allow themselves to be distracted by the glitz and glamour of being “free” in college: the Set, parties and fashion.
FAMU is usually known as a “fashion school,” where students are on a daily mission to satisfy their physical attributes by wearing the latest styles. Modeling troupes often organize events on the Set that give them the opportunity to dress up and walk the “runway.” The campus publications have spreads that represent the do’s and don’ts of today’s fashion world while also shining light on students with style. Is the massive promotion of high fashion, popularity, and the college social life the cause of FAMU’s declining graduation rates? According to Elan Rashad, 21, an economics student from Michigan, yes. “It’s a mess. It’s sad and there needs to be something done about it,” Rashad said. “I understand we love fashion but this is not a school of the arts. This is a four-year accredited institution of higher education.” Because of the numbers, Rashad believes publicity should be catered to the education advancement of the students and advising them on ways to reach graduation. Some students feel as if the administration is to blame for not enforcing the importance of taking advantage of receiving a higher education. The target of all the “mess:” freshmen. “They arrive here and they’re not worried about classes and getting serious about their college education,” said Bianca Jones, 21, a psychology student from Miramar, Fla. “They’re more concerned with
dressing up, turning class into a fashion show, and being on the social scene so their name is out there.” Therefore, a solution is not far from reach. All we have to do is advocate to the younger crowd that education is far more important than looking fly because not only will they suffer as an individual but—so will their race. African-Americans have come a long way from the 1800’s, when we literally were not granted the opportunity to obtain an elementary school education. They were outraged and fought for equality until it was finally granted. FAMU was established in 1887 with 15 students and two professors. This university was built by those who wanted to advance themselves as a people. And this is what allowed them to prosper. Although many people feel that this desire has been lost, it can be regained. With the help of everyone we can get back on the track we initially started on and strive to be the number one HBCU in the country. It is important to understand the struggle of the African American people so that we, students of today, can appreciate our growth to 620 professors, more than 13,000 students and the 420 acres of land we can now call our own.
BIANCA SALVANT FAMUANOPINIONS@GMAIL.COM
Do you feel that fashion overshadows education on campus? AARON JOHNSON FAMUANOPINIONS@GMAIL.COM
F U
THE
A) Yes. B) Maybe. C) Not at all!
VISUAL EDITOR: famuangraphics@gmail.com Jeffrey Morris
GRAPHICS EDITOR: famuangraphics@gmail.com Kenya Mawusi
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR: famuanonline87@gmail.com Bilal Hatim
PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR: famuancalendar@gmail.com Byron Johnson
PROGRAM ASSISTANT: Valerie McEachin ADVISER: Andrew Skerritt
FAX 850.561.2570 EDITOR IN CHIEF 850.561.2569 SECRETARY 850.599.3159 NEWSROOM 850.599.3011/ 561.2569
The Famuan, an Associated Collegiate Press 2003 Pacemaker Finalist, is published Monday, Wednesday and online only on Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The opinions do not reflect the administration, faculty, or staff of the University. The editorials are the expressed opinions of the staff and columnists. The Famuan is funded partially by activities and services fees.
Lifestyles 6
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Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Choir has glorious plans
Gospel group wants to tour and record this semester
Jasmine Mitchell The Famuan High notes and hopes are what fill the practices of Florida A&M’s gospel choir as they begin an eventful semester of album recordings, tour dates and major performances.
IVAN MARCHENA CORRESPONDENT Recording a new album and a multiple state tour are just a few of Florida A&M’s gospel choir’s plans for the spring semester. The choir is led by two veterans: Nathaniel Tanner, student director of the choir, and Terrica Williams, president of the organization. These two student leaders, backed by their executive board and business section leaders, said their main priority is to ensure a fun and successful semester. “Our goal is to recruit more members, solidify recording, have a successful tour
and Easter concert,” said Tanner. The Easter concert, arguably one of the choir’s bigger performances, is the Saturday before Easter. Tanner is also anticipating a special guest artist to collaborate. Practices can stretch on for hours at a time, especially when a performance is near. The choir, Tanner said, strives for perfection, and relies on its young leadership to keep the choir as a whole moving forward. This leadership is crucial with training new members’ voices to gel with the rest of the choir. He said managing the gospel choir, work and school is one of
his toughest challenges of the semester. Frances Stallworth, the gospel choir’s faculty adviser, has worked with FAMU’s gospel choir for 21 years and said this year’s choir is one of the most talented she’s worked with in her career. The new album the gospel choir is in the process of recording will consist of past songs and newly written songs by Tanner. Also, the group will be conducting a songwriter’s lab for musicians who compose original music within the choir. The release date for the album is tentative, but the choir is planning to release it next fall. The choir’s tour
Kato outstings ‘Green Hornet’ MATTHEW RICHARDSON STAFF EDITOR As I stood at the box office, debit card in hand, ready to purchase my ticket for the much-anticipated film, “The Green Hornet,” an AMC employee who was on the phone delayed my purchase. I guess he couldn’t multitask because I stood there for about 10 minutes while he prattled on. During my wait, I couldn’t help but notice that under his nametag was the name of his favorite movie, “Half Baked.” Some might know of this cult classic with Dave Chappelle and his fiasco with marijuana, but “Half Baked” has something in common with “The Green Hornet;” not just because of the color green, but because the movie itself is halfbaked. Who knew that four years after “Knocked Up,” funny man Seth Rogen would star as The Green Hornet, a vigilante crime fighter based on the 1960s television show? Rogen, who is one of the writers for the movie, is one reason why the film seemed to still be a little pink in the middle. The Green Hornet’s sidekick Kato, played by Jay Chou, easily stole all of the scenes. Chou made the movie and put everyone else to shame. Honestly, why is the movie titled “The Green Hornet?” It should be titled “Kato.” Here’s the premise: Britt Reid (Rogen) is the irresponsible son of media mogul James Reid. When Britt’s father dies from an alleged bee sting, which he is allergic to, Britt is left to fill his father’s very big shoes as editor-in-chief at the The Daily Sentinel. The only thing Britt knows how to do is party, have sex with women and drink a good cup of coffee. Britt is such a baby in the movie that he doesn’t even take his father’s death seriously. His strained relationship with his father is based on the petty reason that his father was a hard-nosed entrepreneur who wanted his son to amount to something. To Britt, life is too hard if he isn’t given everything on a silver platter and this is clear to the audience when he wakes up to his morning coffee that is not prepared to his
will be throughout spring break, and will include Georgia, Virginia and New York. Choir members determine tour locations; members suggest which states they would like to perform in, and the executive board determines from these options where the choir will travel. “FAMU’s gospel choir gets many requests to go perform at events,” said Stallworth of the choir’s illustrious reputation. Another goal, she said, is to make a DVD compiling the group’s performances. IVAN MARCHENA FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
Prophecy School teaches African drum and dance CAIRA TEMPLE CORRESPONDENT
liking. Why? Because he fired the guy who makes the coffee. Turns out that guy is Kato. But not only can Kato whip up a mean cup of joe, he can also create weapons, build cars and kick butt with marital arts mastery. What can Britt do? Act puerile and yell at Kato. Everything about Britt’s character is immature and halfbaked. He would be an excellent hero if heroes were stoners, but unfortunately heroes are brave, smart and can fight—much like Kato. The story behind The Green Hornet is a lame one. Unlike other masked vigilantes who find their calling through the death of a parent or the relentless crimes that take place in their seedy city, Britt and Kato were drinking in the back of a car one night, reminiscing about their dislike of Britt’s father.
Suddenly, Britt has the bright idea to vandalize a statue of his father. During the scandalous act, Britt witnesses a crime and decides to help. Well, the bumbling idiot fails, and Kato saves him and the victims. The Green Hornet is born. In the film, Kato comes up with The Green Hornet’s name. Kato created the tricked out car, complete with Gatling guns, rockets and spikes. Kato beats up all the bad guys and often saves Britt from sudden death. With all of these credits to his name, Kato is doomed to the backseat role as sidekick, which Britt makes sure to mention throughout the film. The film wasn’t bad, but much like Green Hornet without Kato, it would be nothing without Chou. MATTHEW RICHARDSON FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
Prophecy School of the Arts is continuing the PanAfrican vision. Every Wednesday there are West African and Afro-Cuban dance classes that collaborate with the African drum class from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Dancers and drummers learn together, which intensifies the dance lesson experience. Prophecy’s owner, Osubi Craig, began African drum lessons at a very young age. His freshman year at FAMU, he joined the Tallahassee Drummers Alliance. Along with Eric Bond, Derek Abdully Hemingway, Alex Harvey and Olusegun Williams, Craig founded Dromatala, a drumming performance ensemble. “It is not the norm that dance classes have drummers,” said Craig. “There are drummers for everything. That is one of the things that make us unique...live drummers. I felt a sense of obligation to the people who came before me to continue to build this community.” The African Diaspora class began over 15 years ago. Beverly Barber, director of Orchesis Contemporary Dance Company, brought teachers from all over the country to help design the curriculum and program for Orchesis. The Dromatala, started performing with Orchesis around the same time, and collaborated with the company to create a sense of family among participants. Teachers of the class have included Eric Bond, founder of the Tallahassee Drummers Alliance and Nia Love, a former African dance professor at FAMU and FSU, who inspired her students to continue to teach African Diaspora classes once she left Tallahassee. Olsegun Williams, a storyteller and the first drummer to participate in Orchesis, has played a significant role in the continuing success of the African Diaspora class. Craig plans to ensure a place in the community for interested people to learn how to express themselves through African drumming and dance. “The whole experience of doing this genre of dance is amazing,” said Nzinga Metzger, an African dance teacher at Prophecy. “There is a transformative power that African dance has on people.” The school’s mission is to provide the greatest quality and training to all of its students, regardless of their experience and to help nurture its students’ self-esteem and confidence. “Being a drummer means servicing the community, playing at graduations, funerals, weddings and baby showers,” said Craig. “It is bigger than just me. It’s about community.”
CAIRA TEMPLE FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
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Lifestyles 7
Astrology shift causes uproar CHRIS WILLIAMS ASSOCIATED PRESS A Minneapolis astronomy professor said Friday that he’s stunned by the attention he’s getting for suggesting the signs of the zodiac are all wrong. Parke Kunkle told a newspaper interviewer that the Earth’s wobbly orbit means it’s no longer aligned to the stars in the same way as when the signs of the zodiac were first conceived. That means when astrologers say the sun is in Pisces, it’s really in Aquarius, and so on, Kunkle said. The story was published in Sunday editions of the Star Tribune of Minneapolis and quickly went viral, with thousands of people fretting on social networks that their sign might change. Among them was Heather McGowan, 26, a student from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who got a red Aries symbol in a black maple leaf tattooed between her shoulders when she was 19. “Go figure seven years later there’s a possibility that I am no longer an Aries,” she said. Kunkle, who teaches at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, said Friday that all the hubbub is based on “2,000-year-old information.” He can’t understand why his explanation
of how a well-known wobble in the earth’s orbit throws off astrology charts turned into an Internet sensation. “Astronomers have known about this since about 130 BC,” Kunkle said while sitting in his office, where the phone rang constantly, as he said it had been since the article came out. “This is not new news. I have no idea why it went viral this time,” Kunkel said. “Almost every astronomy class talks about it.” Shelley Ackerman, an astrologer and spokeswoman for American Federation of Astrologers, said she’s been swamped with e-mails from worried clients whose signs would change under the new system. Ackerman said she advises the clients not to overreact. “This doesn’t change your chart at all. I’m not about to use it,” she said. “I’ve told all of them not to worry about it. Every few years a story like this comes out and scares the living daylights out of everyone, but it’ll go away as quickly as it came.” Ackerman said there are an infinite number of ways to divide the constellations, and that scientists are continually discovering new stars and solar systems. Astrologers don’t change
their systems for every new change, she said. “Just as in medicine when there are new discoveries you don’t change the entire system, you just work with it to see if and where it fits into existing system,” she said. Kate Agliata, 36, a freelance writer and mother of two in Birmingham, Ala., says she’ll stay true to her original sign, even though she may now be a Pisces. “Let’s just say I won’t be swapping out my Aries coffee mug anytime soon,” she said, though she allowed it might make for heavier horoscope reading. “I have a feeling that from here on out, I’ll feel inclined to read Pisces as well.” Kunkle said he’s gotten a few angry calls, including one from someone who said, “Please give me my sign back.” But he said he was having fun with it, patiently answering phone calls from journalists all over the world. Maybe it will make people more interested in the science of astronomy, he said: “I hope people go out and look more at the stars.” CHRIS WILLIAMS ASSOCIATED PRESS
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NewlyWed Blues
By Moloch Richardson
Single Family
By Moloch Richardson
TheFamuan Wednesday, January 19, 2011
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Sports 9
Interim coach seeks improvements
Richardson looks to bring back FAMU baseball RANATA HUGHES STAFF WRITER Florida A&M interim head coach Brett Richardson said he’s looking to make strides during his 2011 campaign despite a 10-win effort from his team last season. “Even though we didn’t fare as well as we would have liked to last year, my team knows I will expect great things from them,” Richardson said. The Rattlers won three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference games last season. The team was shorthanded because of the scholarship reductions per NCAA penalties. 15 walk-ons took the field ast season but the players feel this season is a fresh start for everyone. “We got a new light, new coach, and newer dream,” said senior pitcher Timothy Jones said. Jones also said he believes that the team has taken positive strides already with the steps new coach Brett Richardson has taken. “The little things count and Coach has us working hard,” he said. “He believes in us and we want to give something back to him.” Last season out of 292 Division 1-A baseball programs Florida A&M finished number last in fielding ranking. Richardson said if the team plays as a complete unit and doesn’t look for individual accolades, improvements will come. “We will have very strong team play and with key players returning from injuries that will help improve our fielding and batting,” Richardson said. David Duncan, Tim Jones, and Jimmie Terrell will be the catalyst for this season as the rattlers look to contend in an already tough MEAC. The Rattlers are also losing some top talent last year’s team. Last season sophomore standout Derrick Shaw led the team in several offensive categories and gave the Rattlers sparks that led to Shaw being
File Photo The Famuan The FAMU baseball team is hoping to improve from last season’s 10-win mark that saw losing skids of up to eight games.
drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 41st round of the 2010 MLB draft. Returning batter Tobi Adeyeme is the leading batter returning from last season. Adeyeme a .334 batting average with 31 hits and 3 homeruns, tied for fourth-best on the team last season.
John Scott will also be a big contributor after only appearing in 22 games last season with a .314 BA for the season. “We feel pretty good about our team this season because we are little more experienced and our athletes should provide us with big numbers going into
this season,” Richardson said. The Rattlers begin their regular season Feb. 18.
RANATA HUGHES FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
Sports 10
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Born to swim
Keenan Doanes The Famuan Bria Bennett knew from the beginning she wanted to be in the pool. FAMU’s swim team give Bennett a chance to chase her dreams.
CIERRA JACKSON CORRESPONDENT At just 10 years old, Bria Bennett fell in love with Florida A&M University while attending a college tour. Instantly, she knew it was a place she wanted to be. Not knowing that FAMU would be a place where she would one day set a path for other AfricanAmerican women who share the same dreams as her. Ten years later, she is a member of FAMU women’s swim team and is one of the team’s top competitors. Bennett fell in love with swimming at the age of five, when her father threw her in a pool. “At that pivotal moment I knew
swimming was for me,” Bennett said. “Swimming is something I was naturally good at and I enjoyed doing it.” Swimming started off as something Bennett did for fun. It later developed into competitive activity that slowly became a part of her everyday life. As Bennett began to develop as a competitive swimmer and a young lady, she found herself in a tough place. She was faced with a decision that would determine her destiny. Bennett had reached a point where things like hair and daily appearance began to matter more than ever, and she wasn’t sure if swimming was something she wanted to do. She was forced to make a life
changing experience at a young age. During this central time period, Bennett’s had the love and support of her parents Bobby and Bisa Bennett who had been with her from day one. “Everyone doesn’t have parents who can be there like my parents where there for me,” Bennett said. “Their unconditional support has helped me so much my in life.” Bennett decided to stick with her life’s passion, swimming. Bennett has been a member of the women’s swim team for the past three seasons. She currently holds the university’s top 10 times for the women’s swim team in the 100 and 200 hundred butterflies. Bennett isn’t stopping here, she is determine to push past her personal records and set the mark
for other swimmers to come in the future. “Everyday my goal is to get better,” Bennett said. “Our biggest challenge is numbers; we can’t worry about anybody else we have to focus on our personal goals.” After college, Bennett plans to attend graduate school with a focus on communications. Along with receiving another degree, she hopes to coach her own swim team and give back to those in the community that normally would not have this opportunity. “Like Collin Jones, I want to stand out in the crowd,” Bennett said.
CIERRA JACKSON FAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM
Superstar sick of trade talks
Miami’s Wade weary of Anthony dealings TIM REYNOLDS ASSOCIATED PRESS Dwyane Wade can relate to Carmelo Anthony’s melodrama. Wade said Tuesday that he hopes Anthony — his good friend — has his future with the Denver Nuggets resolved soon. Wade spent most of last season dogged by constant whereare-you-going talk regarding his thenlooming free agency, and completely understands what sort of toll that can take on someone. Anthony has been the subject of trade rumors for months, especially in recent weeks as deals reportedly involving the New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks have been discussed. “He seems like now he’s getting to the point where he’s fed up with it, he’s tired of hearing about it, he just wants to focus on basketball,”
Wade said. “It’s not really bothering him as much as it was at certain points although no matter what kind of game he has, people are going to say something if he doesn’t score 30.” Wade says he talked with Anthony when the Miami Heat visited the Nuggets last week, though noted the conversation mostly revolved around personal matters. Anthony recently missed some time with the Nuggets while mourning the death of his sister. “The biggest thing you can tell a guy like that is ask him to make sure he’s doing fine mentally,” Wade said. Anthony was part of the 2003 draft class that saw LeBron James go No. 1, Chris Bosh No. 4 and Wade at No. 5. Anthony was the third pick that year, one slot behind Darko Milicic. James, Bosh and
Heat Basketball
When LeBron James arrived for a shootaround practice Tuesday morning, his sprained left ankle was still sore and swollen. By game time, the NBA’s twotime reigning MVP was good to go. James started for Miami on Tuesday against the Atlanta Hawks, ending an absence where the Heat lost games in Denver and Chicago with him sidelined. The Heat, however, were without forward Chris Bosh, who sprained his left ankle in the Chicago loss. Source: Associated Press
Gator Basketball Several hours after Florida’s latest loss, Chandler Parsons returned to the practice facility to shoot free throws. He stayed late into the night. H i s teammates probably should have joined him. The Gators rank 11th in the Southeastern Conference and 267th in the country in free-throw shooting, hitting a meager 65 percent from the stripe. They’re on pace to become the worst free-throw shooting team in coach Billy Donovan’s 15-year tenure. Source: Associated Press
Wade were all free agents this past summer. Anthony’s contract was structured differently, so he wasn’t part of the July rosterchanging free-for-fall that saw James, Bosh and Wade all team up in Miami. With as many as 15 players possibly involved in any looming deal, the Anthony trade was the talk of the league for weeks. Not anymore, at least in Wade’s eyes. “I stopped following it,” Wade said. “It’s getting to the point where you’re just like, move on already or don’t. I’m sure ‘Melo is more tired of it than anybody. But it’s just to the point, as a sports fan, you’re just, ‘All right, it’s just enough.’”
UCF Basketball Marcus Jordan has always wanted to make a name for himself on the basketball court, and not be just known as the son of NBA great Michael Jordan. He found the place to do it at Central Florida. Though not exactly known for its basketball tradition, the 6-foot-3, 205 pound guard knew UCF was the program for him. “It was the first and last visit I made,” Jordan said. “I just loved it. The facilities were new and it was definitely a place where I could go in and play right away. I think that was the biggest thing. Me and (UCF teammate) A.J. (Rompza) sat down and said we can start something new and create our own little legacy here.” Source: Associated Press
AP Photo/Charles Cherney TIM REYNOLDS Wade is tired of all the talks surrounding ASSOCIATED PRESS Denver forward Carmelo Anthony.
Blackburn adds depth, leadership to Rattler’s pitching staff MARCUS JOSEPH CORRESPONDENT
As he gets ready for his sophomore season as a Rattler, Heath Blackburn is focused on having a strong campaign to help baseball team rebound this season. The FAMU baseball team is coming off a forgettable 200910 season. The Rattlers finished with a 3-15 record in the MEAC, and a 10-31-1 overall record, and tied for last place in the conference. But, one occurrence that seems to be a positive quality about last year’s season is the emergence of a promising pitcher. Blackburn, a six-foot sophomore and health science major, was a top-notch pitcher and outfielder in high school. He played at Lincoln High, a team that is always rich in talent. He spent time playing for the Florida Legends, a local Florida-Georgia Southeast Collegiate League (SECL) baseball team. “He has progressively gotten better,” Florida Legends
coach Mike Troelstrup said. “I would say he is a very smart pitcher.” Blackburn pitched for Troelstrup’s championship teams that won the 2008 and 2010 SECL titles and a 2009 South division champions. He pitched as a starter, middle reliever and closer, Troelstrup said. “He is a very versatile player and can File Photo be used anyway needed,” he said. Blackburn After success at the high school ranks, Blackburn chose to attend FAMU, a program that has struggled. Interim head coach Brett Richardson said Blackburn has shown promise early and he brings depth to the pitching staff. “He came along at an important time for us last year. We were very thin as pitching is concerned,” Richardson said. “He was able to do a lot of things, hold base players on, he’s
quick to the plate and he knows what to do with the baseball.” As a freshman, the right-hander pitched 84 innings and led the team with the second-most wins and struck out 45 batters. “He gained some experience by playing the full year; we used him a lot,” FAMU assistant coach Tim Schalch said. “Last year we had to use him as much as we could. He was one of our top pitchers.” Schalch said the team will look to Blackburn for leadership on the mound. “We hope to use him as a quality pitcher this upcoming season instead of a quantity pitcher,” Schalch said. “As a sophomore, he will be able to help out with the younger players, but he is still a young guy.” Now, with a year of college baseball behind him, Blackburn is anticipating making tremendous strides on the mound . MARCUS JOSEPH FAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM