April 18 Issue

GLUTEN OR NO GLUTEN? LIFE 1B

April 18, 2013

Volume 81, Issue 28

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

SAFETY

WOMEN’S HOOPS

Fee increase could provide GPS for busses

Fowler: Iʼm going to South Alabama

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Students could potentially see an increase in their transportation fee next year after SGA Senate passed Resolution 13-02 at their April 11 meeting.

The resolution, presented by student senators Sarah Emerson and Jordan Graham, proposes an increase of $2 per semester, which would raise the fee from $22 to $24 in the fall and spring semesters.

Part of the increase T LANCE would cover the mainte- • PROPOSED $2 nance and INCREASE TO upkeep of the TRANSPORTATION GPS tracking systems for FEE the university • GPS SYSTEMS TO buses, while a POTENTIALLY BE small part of the fee would INSTALLED DURING go toward SUMMER other services provided by the UNA Police Department, according to the resolution.

“Therefore, the Student Government Association proposes for the transportation fee to be raised by two dollars, from 22 dollars to 24 dollars per semester in the fall and spring semesters, with $1.50 of the funds going towards the cost and maintenance of the new GPS Tracker Systems for the buses and $0.50 to go towards the UNA Police department’s efforts to continue to provide the university with adequate services and safety,” the resolution states.

The University Police Department has reached out to the company Transloc Inc. and currently has plans to install the tracker system in the buses this summer, according to the resolution.

“Everyone has a smart phone now,” Graham said. “It will be easy to use those to track the buses with this system.”

Emerson said the system could be useful to on-campus students and commuters alike.

“This will be beneficial to commuters and students who park off-campus, too,” she said. “I see the buses every day, but it’s nev;MM /8; XIOM ) er at

A AG

INSIDE

this week’s paper

JAMES DUBUISSON ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ RL]J]Q[[WV(]VI ML]

UNA head women’s basketball coach Terry Fowler said he will leave UNA because he has accepted the vacant head coaching position at the University of South Alabama April 16.

The signing was not made official as of late Tuesday afternoon, officials said.

FOWLER

At press time, South Alabama Assistant Director of Athletics for Media Relations Kevin Beasley said there was no information regarding Fowler’s coaching

status because “the search is still ongoing.”

UNA Athletics Director Mark Linder said he has not formally received a letter of resignation from Fowler.

Fowler said he was in Mobile on the morning of April 15 to sign as the new head basketball coach at the Uni-

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HEALTH

DROWNING IN POLLEN Students suffer through allergy season

”

ONE THING I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE IS TO USE NASAL IRRIGATION SYSTEMS, SUCH AS NETI POTS. THOSE ARE GREAT TO JUST CLEANSE OUT THE WHOLE NASAL

NEWS................2A IMAGES..............4A VIEWPOINTS.........7A

PASAGE AND THE SINUSES.

CHARLOTTE CRAMER

KAITLYN TEW

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After a long, cold winter, many students at UNA are thankful that spring has finally arrived.

Unfortunately, with warmer weather come seasonal allergies from allergens such as pollen.

Some al- lergies to substances such as pollen

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photo by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Staff Photographer

LIFE...............1B SPORTS...........5B EXTRA.............8B

BASEBALL STRUGGLES THROUGH SEASON... 5B

2A NEWS

News Briefs

JUMP to host festival April 23

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

FINANCIAL

Fate of Kilby secure for time being

The Japanese University Meal Project (JUMP) will host an all-day outdoor festival April 23.

JUMP group members will wear traditional Japanese attire, and students are invited to have their pictures taken with them.

JUMP will show films from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. as part of a Japanese film festival.

From 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., local artists will do live performances. Students will receive free sushi, rice cakes and Japanese pancakes. In addition, several booths will be set up to teach attendees origami and basic calligraphy.

The Society to host second event The Society, a group that combines art, electronic music and conversation to create an alternative to the typical bar scene, is hosting its second event April 26 at Indie Spaces in downtown Florence.

The event will run from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Attendees who are 21 or over will receive drink tickets at the door with their tickets.

Tickets are $10 until April 20. After April 20, ticket prices rise to $15. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.

IndieSpaces.com

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

Student teaching intern Victoria Roberts teaches Mandy Wicks’ first grade class at Kilby School. Officials said they are trying to generate more funding internally to reduce the school’s financial pull on the university.

ELISE COFIELD

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The unrest about the fate of university-owned Kilby Laboratory School has been called off, at least for the time being.

Last May, UNA President Bill Cale announced the official commitment that UNA would continue to supply funding to Kilby. He also announced that Mary Maschal, director of Kilby School, and Donna Jacobs, dean of the college of education, were in the process of developing a plan to generate more funding.

As part of this plan, the UNA Board of Trustees approved June 11 the plan to charge a $500 yearly tuition fee per stuUNA officials will host Derby Day dent, effective in the fall of 2012. Because 2013 May 4 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the lawn of Coby Hall.

DUCATION This innaugural fundraising event will raise money to benefit the UNA Foundation, which supports the welfare and future development of the university’s institutional goals.

UNA President Bill Cale will host PACE HOLDBROOKS ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ the event with the help of host of volunPPWTLJZWWS[(]VI ML] teers led by Director of Admissions Kim Mauldin and Johnette Davis.

The Florence City School board voted “Join us on May 4 and help the univer- unanimously April 9 to approve a measity win the race to be the best,� said Dan sure to reduce UNA graduate school tuHendricks, vice president for university ition to $675 per course for teachers of the advancement.

Florence City school system.

An anonymous donor made the deduction of this and other fees possible, said Janet Womack, superintendent of Florence City Schools. “In order to accomplish this plan, we knew we needed to have the financial News Briefs are compiled by support of three separate entities,� WomNews/Managing Editor Alex Lindley. ack said. “We had Florence City Schools UNA on board, but we needed a priEmail alindley@una.edu or call (256) and vate donor as well to reduce the price.

765-4296 to have your event featured Through this arrangement, the educator will have still have a financial obligation in this section.

Officials to host Derby Day to benefit UNA Foundation

of the fee, Kilby is generating more of its funds internally, requiring UNA to make a smaller financial contribution this year than in years past. “The enrollment fee only generates $75,000 to $80,000,� said Donna Tipps, UNA controller.

Maschal said this fee is enough to pay for necessary classroom expenses, such as textbooks, consumables and paper, which are not paid for by UNA or by state-appropriated funds.

The enrollment fee does not seem to be turning parents away; in fact, it seems to be having the reverse effect on student enrollment. “We have more kids than we’ve ever had before,� Maschal said. “(Parents)

�

(PARENTS) HAVENĘźT SAID ANYTHING NEGATIVE. THEYĘźRE JUST VERY HAPPY THAT THE SCHOOL IS HERE.

MARY MASCHAL haven’t said anything negative. They’re just very happy that the school is here.�

UNA Communications Manager Jeremy Britten and his wife Christi will have four children enrolled at Kilby this fall,

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E

Florence school board approves fixed tuition

HAVE AN EVENT?

when pursuing a master’s degree, but it will not be a large one.�

Womack said the program, which is called Impact 80, is designed to train teachers through UNA’s graduate studies to enhance the quality of the classroom experience within the school system. “Teaching credentials are valid for a period of five years, and the most convenient way to renew a certificate is to earn a graduate degree,� said Donna Lefort, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. “Since the retention rate for new teachers is extremely low, the advanced degree is one way to assist and support new teachers and hopefully encourage them to stay in the classroom. In addition, teachers are compensated based on the highest degree they hold, so earning master’s or specialist degrees will re-

sult in an increase in pay.�

The first group of teachers will most likely be able to begin their graduate studies this summer, Lefort said. “With Impact 80, we wanted to set up a model that can be replicated by other schools systems in the state,� Womack said. “This is especially important at a time when so many teachers are retiring, so programs such as this one will allow younger individuals to gain valuable experience. We are so fortunate to live in a town where, as a school system, we have a university that is always willing to partner with us.�

Lefort said the donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, believes the initiative to equip teachers and enhance the

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NEWS 3A

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

ACADEMICS

Research Day features 35 student presentations

photo by COURTNEY WATKINS I Staff Photographer

UNA graduate Victoria McCoy gives a psychology presentation at UNA Research Day. This year, Research Day featured 35 student presentations, as well as the presentations of several faculty members.

JAMES DUBUISSON ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ RL]J]Q[[WV(]VI ML]

UNA hosted Research Day in the GUC banquet halls April 8-9. There were 35 student presentations throughout the two days.

UNA student Alex Edwards, who presented his research on analytical solutions to the cubic equation, said research is very important for students.

314*A KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) but he said he did not even consider switching schools when he found out about the enrollment fee.

“It’s unfortunate, but it’s definitely worth it,” he said. “My daughter is in Pre-K — she just turned 5 — and she’s reading just as good as my first grader is.”

Britten said paying the fee is worth the confidence it gives his family in Kilby’s doors staying open.

“We haven’t toured any other schools or anything because I guess we’re optimistic that Kilby is sticking around, but we have thought about that,” he said.

Carole Maynard, former president of Kilby PTO, said parents are fine with the tuition fee.

“Just from what I’ve heard, when the alternative was not having Kilby, they were perfectly happy to pay the $500,” she said.

While these funds do help with the budget situation, Kilby will continue to require income from UNA and the state.

“The Board approved for $125,000 from the university account to be put into the Kilby account as of Oct. 1,” Smith said.

“I think it is very fundamental,” he said. “I think undergraduate research is something that needs to be strengthened at all universities.”

The turnout received a mixture of feedback as some were pleased with it, while others were disappointed.

“Turnout has been rather well,” Edwards said.

Katie Melching was one of those who was disappointed by the turnout.

“(Attendance) hasn’t been as good as I expected it to be,” she said. “I think a lot of the students are here because they have to be here for a class.”

Lisa Keys-Mathews, director of the Quality Enhancement Plan, was pleased with the turnout and presentations but wants to improve upon the numbers next year.

“I don’t think I could be more pleased,” she said. “We have had faculty

This is a reduced amount compared to years past and will primarily go towards paying for teacher salaries. “(Kilby is) still active with fundraising,” said Julie Graham, director of financial affairs. “They’re just not needing to put as much in now because of tuition.”

Kilby is gearing up to host its third annual 5K April 20 to raise money for its physical education department.

“It would be very difficult for Kilby to become self-sufficient,” Maynard said.

“The state budget that we get only allots so much per student. The expectation that UNA would provide funding is a reasonable expectation since (Kilby is) officially a part of the university.”

This year, Kilby received $873,000 from the state through Lauderdale County.

Kilby’s other source of income is a yearly Pre-K grant from the state.

This year, the amount appropriated was $92,700. These dollars fund Kilby’s cafeteria, its Child Development Center and its after school program.

Smith said he could envision the possibility of Kilby becoming financially independent but that making such a prediction would be premature.

“I’m sure later on if things improve that that’s a possibility, but that would be determined by the Board,” Smith said.

<-)+0-:; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) classroom experience is worth the investment.

“Teachers have not had a pay raise since 2007, so this is also a strong incentive for the participants,” Lefort said.

Womack said the employees of Florence City Schools are highly valued because of the positive impact they have on

members bring entire classes in. I would like to shoot for twice as many presentations and twice as much traffic next year.”

In the second year of this event, Keys-Matthews believes comfort has been very important in the improvement of the event.

“I think that students are becoming more comfortable with presenting research, and I think faculty is becoming more comfortable with helping students with research,” she said.

Melching enjoyed seeing the other departments’ research and meeting some of the professors from the other departments.

“I think it is really neat to see how different departments across campus are doing research and what their research interests are,” she said. “It is cool meeting professors from other departments that I would have not usually met.”

There are also improvements to be made to the Research Days.

“I want to get community members involved more,” Keys-Matthews said.

Edwards would like to see professors help get students into the banquet halls to see the research.

“I think an improvement would be letting class out for a day and making students write a one-paragraph summary of what they read,” Edwards said.

Edwards has also realized the unique situation UNA is in when it comes to research.

“We have a very unique situation here where we don’t have a huge graduate program, but we have a bunch of Ph.D. professors that are very capable of doing a lot of research and are able to have oneon-ones with undergraduate students, and I think that is a great opportunity for the university,” he said.

students.

“In the world we live in, the team of leaders must be innovative and creative to be to retain the best (teachers) out there,” Womack said. “We are willing to work for that because we believe only the best teachers are good enough for our kids.”

The program’s curriculum will consist of 11 classes total, which the first 40 students will begin taking in June, Womack said.

4A IMAGES

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

HUNTING FOR FUN

by Staff Photographer Alli Ownby

As a freshman who is new to the area, I’m not fully aware of all the cool and interesting things to see and do around Florence. I’ve found a lot of awesome and amazing things through geocaching, though!

Geocaching is a hobby shared by people from all over the world. Geocaching is simple — a member hides a cache, logs the coordinates on the website, and other users can find it using a GPS. There are caches all over the world, including the Shoals.

There are a few different kinds of caches.

Some are small, and you only sign your name to mark you successful find. Some are larger and contain trade items, which you can take and re-

place with a trade item of your own.

My friends and I spent the entire day last Saturday looking for caches. I love geocaching because it leads you to many new places you might overlook otherwise, such as a pretty view of the river, interesting stores or even just a nice, quiet trail through the woods. We found caches all over Florence, Muscle Shoals and even Tuscumbia. In Florence, we found cool new things such as a huge dinosaur sculpture, the Indian Mounds and a neat creek in the woods.

Geocaching is a great way to hang out with friends, learn about your area and appreciate good weather. It’s easy to get started — just go to geocaching.com and make an account.

NEWS 5A

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

POLLEN from 1A: Students use allergy remedies to ease symptoms 8744-6 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM )

photo by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Staff Photographer

Taking over-the-counter antihistamines like Allegra and Claritin can ease allergy symptons, experts say.

/8; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) the same time or on a schedule.”

While Emerson said raising the fee now will prevent a larger increase in the future, SGA President Will Riley said

.7?4-: KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) versity of South Alabama.

USA announced the firing of their head coach Rick Pietri on Friday April 12. Fowler said he interviewed for the job the same day.

“This is a great opportunity for me and my family,” Fowler said.

Fowler said he told his UNA players and their reactions were as expected. “(Their reaction was) not good, they are very emotional right now,” he said.

“It is very emotional for me, too.”

Fowler spent three years as an assistant coach at USA from 2000 to 2002.

He also spent five years as an assistant coach and two years as head coach at Spring Hill College in Mobile. His familiarity with the Mobile area had little to do with the decision, he said.

“Of course it helped in the decision, but it did not have that big of an affect on the decision,” Fowler said.

USA is a part of the Sun Belt Confer-

he is concerned about the portion of the fee increase that will be used for other services provided by UNA Police, like SNAP patrol.

“I don’t care for student fees going to something that’s not expressly named,” he said.

However, the pool of funds for other

ence, which is a NCAA Division I conference. This had a big part in the decision to leave, he said.

“As a coach, you always want to see if your system will work somewhere else,” Fowler said.

Fowler was 115-86 in his seven years at UNA. “The fans are the best, the fans in Flowers are the best, the Flowers fanatics are the best,” he said. “I want to thank them for their support. We had a good record in Flowers and the fans were a big part of that.”

Fowler said he was also thankful for the community support.

“I want to thank the entire UNA community for their support of me and my family the past seven years,” he said.

Fowler said he was not going to be in Florence until Thursday, April 18.

South Alabama athletic director Joel Erdmann was not available for comment on the hiring.

Stay with www.florala.net for the latest information as it becomes available.

can cause sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and itchy, watery eyes, experts said.

Many students at UNA are suffering from this particular allergy.

“I take an antihistamine everyday and keep a steady supply of Kleenex and nose spray handy,” said Jessi Wood, a freshman at UNA. “When it gets too much to deal with, I go to the infirmary and see if they can give me something to clear all this mess up.”

There are some things students can do to prevent or reduce allergic reactions. “(One thing students can do) is plan their time of activity outdoors,” said Charlotte Cramer, assistant professor of nursing at UNA. “Many experts feel that the best time to be outdoors related to lower pollen count is early in the morning and late evening.

“However, others disagree and feel that it doesn’t matter since the pollen is there. I guess a person just needs to check on the pollen count and plan activities accordingly. One thing, too, is when they’re in the car, (they can) keep the windows up and run the air conditioner with the recirculation setting.”

Allergies are not just limited to pollen, experts said. “(I’m allergic) to cats and mowed grass,” said Kelcy Paulsen, UNA senior.

“I take an Allegra and go to sleep.”

Medications are great for treating allergies, but there are other ways to treat the symptoms before taking medicine.

“One thing I strongly encourage is to

services in the department covers more transportation-related things, too.

“That 50 cents also goes toward the maintenance of the golf carts, which is transportation,” Graham said.

Riley recommended passing the resolution, since the installation would take up to six weeks this summer. SGA Trea-

”

(ONE THING STUDENTS CAN DO) IS PLAN THEIR TIME OF ACTIVITY OUTDOORS. MANY EXPERTS FEEL THAT THE BEST TIME TO BE OUTDOORS RELATED TO LOWER POLLEN COUNT IS EARLY IN THE MORNING AND LATE EVENING.

CHARLOTTE CRAMER use nasal irrigation systems, such as Neti pots,” Cramer said. “Those are great to just cleanse out the whole nasal passage and the sinuses.”

She does, however, believe oral antihistamines, are very important and takes them herself.

“The suggested ones that are over the counter are Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra,” she said. “The advantage of those is they are taken once a day and not several times a day. Benadryl is one that people can take, but the disadvantage of Benadryl is the fact that to get the full effect, you take it three or four times a day.

The real disadvantage is the drowsiness it causes.”

To save money, Cramer said, generic medications are usually less expensive and are probably just as effective.

She also said some over-the-counter topical nose sprays can be helpful, but they should be used with caution and should not be used for more than two to three days at a time because they run some risks of dependency.

There are many remedies to treat allergies, Cramer said, but if they get to be too much to handle, consult a physician.

surer Laura Giles also pointed out that the fee increase would have to be approved through other groups on campus before it goes into effect.

“This still needs to go through the other branches of Senate, so it’s going to take a while,” she said.

file photo by MICHAEL REDDING I Staff Photographer

UNA women’s head basketball coach Terry Fowler discusses a play with players during a game earlier this year against Christian Brothers University in Flowers Hall.

6A NEWS

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

EVENTS

Storytelling seminar to partner with Front Porch Fest ANNA GRACE USERY ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ I][MZa(]VI ML]

Take a moment to recollect the memories of being tucked into bed, given milk to sip through a straw and being told a soothing story to help fall asleep. Instead of an app, there’s a class for that.

Communications professor Bill Huddleston is conducting a Storytelling Seminar, COM 480/580, during the May 1331 interim term that students can take for a three-hour course credit. The class will inform students on how to tell a story, how to differentiate types of stories and how to use a variety of techniques within storytelling.

“Students will learn how to share information in a way that tells their story,” Huddleston said.

He said to think of storytelling as an attic.

“Reliving the people we’ve encountered, places we’ve seen and problems we’ve experienced is like going through the attic of your mind, and where the three intersect, that is where the story is,” Huddleston said.

UNA graduate and professional writing major Linely Mobely said it would have been interesting to take the class prior to graduation.

“When a person writes a story, they get into their own groove, and it is hard to change that, but if you are in a roomful of people telling a number of different stories, you become encouraged and

”

RELIVING THE PEOPLE WEʼVE ENCOUNTERED, PLACES WEʼVE SEEN AND PROBLEMS WEʼVE

EXPERIENCED IS LIKE GOING THROUGH THE ATTIC OF YOUR MIND, AND WHERE THE THREE INTERSECT, THAT IS WHERE THE STORY IS.

BILL HUDDLESTON challenged to try new things,” she said.

“Artists of every kind create a strong community, and it is through community that you come to better yourself.”

Partnering with the class, students will be attending and working the UNA Front Porch Storytelling Festival May 16-18.

The seminar is a three-day internship where students will be working with audio, assisting patrons to different events, directing parking and helping with registration.

The third annual Front Porch Storytelling Festival will be featuring many nationally and locally acclaimed storytellers such as Rick Bragg, Donald Davis, Diane Ferlatte, Delores Hydock, Bill Lepp and Barbara McBride-Smith.

McBride-Smith, a storyteller, school librarian and seminary professor, said she is more than excited to visit Florence for the first time to participate in the Storytelling Festival.

“Most of us, or from my personal

photo courtesy of SHANNON WELLS I University Photographer

Delores Hydock performs one of her stories at last year’s Front Porch Storytelling Festival. Each year, the festival features nationally and locally acclaimed storytellers. Past performers include Rick Bragg, Donald Davis and Diane Ferlatte.

experience, don’t think we really understand who we are until we understand the people who came before us,” she said.

“By looking back at the uniqueness of the town I grew up in, the high school I went to and the kids I grew up with, I am able to tell stories from these things that shaped me into the person I am today.”

McBride-Smith said the main importance of storytelling is that “the audience can associate at least one character in the story to someone they know. When the

characters are relatable to family, friends, etc., you learn something you didn’t already know about them.”

The UNA Front Porch Storytelling Festival will be held May 16-18 in the GUC Performance Center and will feature various storytellers, workshops, and meet and greet sessions. For ticket pricing and a list of scheduled events, visit www.una.edu/storytelling.

FACULTY

Students name faculty most satisfying feature of UNA PACE HOLDBROOKS

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A recent study indicated that almost 30 percent of UNA students named the faculty as being the most satisfying part of their UNA experience. The study was conducted as part of a marketing research report presented by the UNA Office of Research, Planning and Assessment.

“A majority of students cited that their most satisfying experience while attending UNA was related to the instructional experience, whether that be due to the quality of faculty or their appreciation of small class sizes,” according to the report. “Furthermore, a large percentage of those surveyed could recall no outstanding negative experience associated with their time as a UNA student.”

For this particular survey, a total of 44 non-returning students or their parents were contacted and asked what they considered to be the most and least satisfying aspects of UNA. The survey indicated that faculty was most satisfying, followed by general social reasons and class size.

“I think it’s a very accurate statement,” said Bailey Witt, UNA senior.

“Because UNA is a smaller university, faculty and students are able to interact with each other on a more personal level.

Most professors are very understanding and willing to help students any way they can.”

Witt said she has enjoyed taking classes from most of the faculty at UNA that have taught her.

“If I didn’t like the professors, I would not have encouraged my younger sister to attend this great school in the fall,” she said.

Lavonda Cruse, UNA junior, came to the university after sustaining injuries that led her to pursue a different career and cites the faculty as having a positive impact on her readjustment to college life.

“I came because UNA had everything I needed,” she said. “I wasn’t familiar with UNA at all but I’ve been here for a year and have not had a teacher who was not helpful. Everyone here is willing to help you, everybody is really good.”

Cruse said she agrees with the other statistics and finds the class size and fellow students especially helpful.

“The teachers here seem to go out of their way to help,” Cruse said. “It’s like (students and faculty) want you to pass and want you to know things and be educated. They just want you to get a good

;MM .)+=4<A XIOM )

Drew Estate and Joya de Nicaragua Double Shot Event Thursday, April 18 5pm-9pm 366C Cox Creek Parkway Florence, AL 35630 256-275-3601

Exercise your right to experience pure smoking pleasure.

Join us tonight for fun playing the Krackers game and great deals on the legendary cigars of DREW ESTATE and JOYA DE NICARAGUA (cigars include: Acid, Tabak Especial, Undercrown, Joya de Nicaragua)

VIEWPOINTS 7A

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA

THE

JOSH SKAGGS EXECUTIVE EDITOR ALEX LINDLEY NEWS/MANAGING EDITOR ANN HARKEY LIFE EDITOR MALISA MCCLURE SPORTS EDITOR JARED MCCOY COPY/OPINION EDITOR BLYTHE STEELMAN ONLINE EDITOR LAURA IVIE BUSINESS MANAGER CORTNEY OLIVER GRAPHIC DESIGNER ALEX GOUIN AD REPRESENTATIVE MATTHEW WILSON CIRCULATION MANAGER KAYLA SLOAN CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER CHRISTINA COVINGTON MICHAEL REDDING ALLI OWNBY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS REBECCA WALKER ADVISER

Lack of involvement my biggest regret ANN HARKEY

Letters Policy

4QNM -LQ\WZ IPIZSMa(]VI ML]

The Flor-Ala welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor.

• The deadline for submitting letters is 10 a.m. Monday, the week of publication.

• Letters must not exceed 400 words.

• Letters must be accompanied by the writerʼs name, mailing address, phone number and email.

• The Flor-Ala prefers to publish your letters exactly as written, but reserves the right to reject slanderous or libelous material.

• The publication of any letter is left to the discretion of the Editorial Board.

• Priority is given to letters critical of The Flor-Ala, or written in direct response to an editorial, a column, or a news story.

• When the editors deem it necessary for ease of understanding or to clarify facts, an Editorʼs Note may accompany a letter.

• Address correspondence to The Flor-Ala. UNA Box 5300, Florence, AL 35632.

Email: florala@una.edu.

• Phone: 256-765-4364

Here I stand at the end of my undergrad career, smiling that it is over and tearing up that is coming to an end.

I will miss my wonderful friends who I will keep up with over Facebook and Twitter, the professors who have guided me into the path I currently am on and The Flor-Ala.

Copyright © 2013 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved.

First copy free.

Additional copies $1 each.

Working in the office with this group of amazing and brilliant people is going to be something that I will not easily be able to adjust from. From hilarious conversations riddled with inside jokes to serious news reporting issues that we have encountered this year, calling them family is an understatement. I like them more than my own family, really.

What would I have done differently if I was starting college all over? I would have joined The Flor-Ala sooner.

I spent two years of college robotically going to class then heading straight home or to work. I didn’t take the time to make friends, join clubs or imbed myself into that college

culture.

It was a slightly depressing existence. Feeling like you paid enough money to a university to belong, yet experienced that strange disconnect every day walking to class, seeing faces you didn’t recognize.

Starting with the wrong major didn’t help. I had a passion for writing, yet was sitting through business classes, trying my best to understand the material. Once I changed majors, the rest came easy.

I started writing every week for The Flor-Ala. I came back every week not just to pad my resume but to get to know the interesting editors.

Now it feels weird to not see

one of their faces at any given time.

I wouldn’t be where I am — where I am going — without getting to know them. A group of peers that are driven, creative and downright smart will only shape you into a person worthy of the adult world.

Don’t just mope around UNA for four years with no friends. Don’t go through your undergrad without joining some clubs or at least trying them out. A degree is only as valuable as what comes with it. Anyone can finish college, and employers know that.

Might as well throw some clubs on a resume and gain some BFFs while you are at it.

Diet changes should benefit personal needs

MALISA MCCLURE

;XWZ\[ -LQ\WZ U[UKKT]ZM(]VI ML]

The Paleo diet. The juice diet. Vegetarianism, veganism.

What about gluten-free?

One diet, two diet, red diet, blue diet.

With all the popular dieting options out there, you might find yourself trying one after another, getting amazing results or none at all or maybe just laughing at your friends asking, “How many points is this?”

Add to that conflicting information from opposing groups — the vegans versus the meat eaters, the FDA versus HungryForChange. tv, organic enthusiasts versus Semi-Homemade with San-

dra — and your head might be swimming with misinformation.

So, what exactly is the right diet?

As someone who has an on-again, off-again relationship with vegetarianism, an obsession with yoga, and the occasional hankerin’ for a beer and plate of fried chicken, I have found that there is no one perfect diet on the books.

The best diet out there?

The “you” diet. In the words of vegan chef and MindBodyGreen columnist Aimee DuFresne, “YOU are the best expert when it comes to your body.”

And I think she’s right.

My mom always said that if you’re craving something, really craving it (say, you’ve been thinking about mashed potatoes since last night or you just desperately want a bowl of ice cream), then there’s probably a reason why your body is asking for a specific food item.

Perhaps the diet you’ve put yourself on has created a

nutrient deficiency or three and your body is trying to make up the difference. Maybe the diet you’re on doesn’t fulfill all your bodily needs (shocker!) and is leaving you deprived.

So, listen to what’s going on inside. What does your body need? What do you want to eat for dinner? What food, and what lifestyle, makes you feel good?

Now, I’m not saying that you should necessarily give in to every little craving you get.

Gorging yourself on McDonald’s simply because you drove by and realized you haven’t eaten there in a while is probably less of a bodily need and more of a mental comfort.

Still, if you find yourself dreaming about french fries, what’s the harm in treating yourself to a small, medium or even large order once in a while?

Sound crazy? Treating yourself and listening to those insane cravings — that’s against everything dieting has ever taught us, right?

But what exactly has dieting taught us? The Atkins diet taught us that, while we could eat our weight in bacon grease and steak, a piece of bread was out of the question! Weight pills like Hydroxycut taught us that side effects like increased blood pressure and nosebleeds were just part of the weight loss process. And systems like NutriSystem teach us that by ordering a buttload of frozen meals, we’ll feel healthy, lose weight and the food will taste great!

All in all, “diets” often miss the mark. They tend to lead us astray, ask us to put our body under some serious stress and most of them don’t stay popular long.

My advice? Take what you will from whatever diets you try. Some things will work for you, and some things won’t.

Combine the different diets that work, and remember that what you must do is try to change your lifestyle for the better.

8A NEWS

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

AWARDS

Amber Bodiford named employee of year TRISTA IRVIN

in the office of Student Conduct and Student Affairs Assessment since January 2011. She is the first point of contact for The UNA Student Employment Rec- students and visitors and does general ognition Committee named Amber Bodi- secretary duties. ford the 2013 Student Employee of the “I have supervised literally hundreds Year at a reception April 11 to recognize of student employees in my 24 years at the nominees and finalists for the award. UNA; Amber ranks in the top 1 percent Along with university recognition, of those students in every aspect of her Bodiford received a $500 scholarship work,” Greenway said. “In fact, she litand will be nominated for the Regional erally may be the most reliable student National Student Employment Associa- employee I’ve ever supervised.” tion Organization.

Bodiford, a native of Foley, is a seBodiford has held the position of nior majoring in computer information student assistant to Student Conduct Di- systems with an emphasis in enterprise rector Kimberly Greenway and senior information systems. She will be graduadministrative assistant Amy Swinford ating at the end of July and plans to be admitted to Kennesaw State University in Georgia to obtain her master’s of busiMBER ODIFORD ness administration. By 2016, Bodiford will pursue a career with the FBI’s Cyber T LANCE Security Division.

“During the two years that I have • NATIVE OF FOLEY worked as a student employee, I have • WORKS IN THE OFFICE OF learned to be patient, take responsibility STUDENT CONDUCT AND STUDENT and have a proper work ethic,” she said.

“It has also given me a better underAFFAIRS ASSESSMENT standing of expressing empathy toward • COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS students.

“Some of the students who are sent to MAJOR our office may have found themselves in • RECEIVED AWARD AND $500 some kind of trouble, so we want them to know that we are not here to punish them SCHOLARSHIP in any way but to help them find out why • PLANS TO PURSUE A CAREER they made a mistake and help them figure out how they can make better choices IN THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF and prevent the same mistakes in the fuINVESTIGATION ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ \QZQ^QV(]VI ML]

A

B A AG

:

”

I HAVE SUPERVISED LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF STUDENT EMPLOYEES IN MY 24 YEARS AT UNA; AMBER RANKS IN THE TOP 1 PERCENT OF THOSE STUDENTS IN EVERY ASPECT OF HER WORK. IN FACT, SHE LITERALLY MAY BE THE MOST RELIABLE STUDENT EMPLOYEE IʼVE EVER SUPERVISED.

KIM GREENWAY ture.”

She advises future student employees to make sure to be involved at work and try to help students as much as possible, so they can worry about one less thing and focus on schoolwork.

“I recommend students to look into student employment; working as a student employee helps you get better equipped for the professional world and prepares you for the future,” she said.

“There’s only so much classes can teach you and student employment is very hands-on.”

Her campus involvement includes Circle K International, Student Government Association, Phi Beta Lambda, Association for Information Systems and the University Student Conduct Board.

Bodiford also volunteers her time to the Shoals community soup kitchen, which she feels is her proudest achievement.

<-)+0-:; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) grade.”

The study indicated that 36 percent of those surveyed did not state a significant negative experience while attending UNA. “Most of these students indicated that there were personal reasons why they chose not to enroll in the fall 2012 semester,” according to the report. “The highest category of negative experience was ‘dorm life,’ as 15.9 percent of respondents indicated such.”

Josh Smith, UNA junior, said he did not believe the statistics fairly represented the student body.

“While UNA does provide excellent faculty members, it has been my personal experience that some are lacking greatly,” Smith said. “However, what I do believe is drawing in more students and keeping current students is the slightly greater than mediocre faculty, combined with lower tuition and location convenience. These seem to be more attractive for UNA than students’ opinions of the faculty.”

Stephanie Simmons, UNA student, also said the study may not accurately represent the entire student body’s experiences, although she believes UNA’s faculty are unique in many ways.

“I think it’s that most of them have a unique way of teaching classes,” Simmons said. “I think it’s just the way they handle the students and the classroom— they are real down to earth. They don’t talk to students like they’re children.”

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LIFE S

ECTION B

April 18, 2013• The Flor-Ala • Life Editor: Ann Harkey 256-765-5233

The Gluten-free diet

photoi illustration by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

Gluten is a protein found in several foods such as pasta, bread and salad dressings. Gluten allergies affect a little more than 1 percent of the population, according to WebMD.

Students respond to Celiac disease, change diets CORINNE BECKINGER ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ KJMKSQVOMZ(]VI ML]

Following a gluten-free diet to lose weight has increased in popularity in recent years as quick and easy diets become more popular among young adults.

“My friends and I talked about doing aid Caroline it one time in high school,” said Thomas, UNA freshman. “We bought a few prod-

ucts, but it was way more expensive and inconvenient than we originally thought it would be, so we dropped it.”

According to WebMD, gluten is a protein found in several food and beverage items such as pasta, bread, licorice and salad dressings. A person wanting to lose weight quickly and effectively will remove all forms of gluten in their diet to help eliminate unnecessary calories.

For some people, following a glutenfree diet is not a choice but a necessity.

People with Celiac disease have trouble digesting and breaking down gluten. As a result, the lining of their stomachs can become damaged.

According to CNN, gluten allergies a affect a little more than 1 percent of the p population within the United States.

Although the likelihood of developing a gluten allergy is low, the allergy itse is a very serious one. itself “My symptoms began my freshman year of high school with sharp pains in m my side,” said Tessa Johnson, UNA sopho sophomore.

“I have been going to doctors in Florence since 2007.”

Jo Johnson can relate to other Celiac

disease patients. UNA freshman Natalie Martin said finding and controlling a gluten allergy can be hard if a doctor does not run certain blood tests or help to monitor the diet.

“Once I discovered I had a gluten allergy, it changed my life,” Martin said.

“I had to change the amount of bread intake each day and learn how much my body could handle without becoming sick.”

Because gluten is a common protein found in many foods and drinks, Celiac patients need to monitor their food intake closely.

Sometimes, this can inhibit their daily lives when shopping at the grocery store or eating with friends at a restaurant.

“There is a lot of food one would never think contained gluten, for example, punch straws,” Johnson said. “Google has been my best friend through this because there are so many Celiac websites and forums to help.”

Johnson said she must also be careful when cooking with family and friends.

“The tricky part to cooking is making

sure no cross-contamination occurs,” she said. “When we cook spaghetti and ly has two differdifffeerrmy family ent kinds of noodless cooking, we can-not use thee oon same spoon th. to stir both. at I still eat just likee everyonee d else and my fam-ily findss a way too make it.” ite Despite ficulthe diffi culisease ties the disease presents, Johnson tin maintain and Martin a positive attitude.

“Going gluten-free was not the easiest change I have had to make in my life, but it was also not the worst I could imagine,” Johnson said. “I could think of a million other things and be thank thankful that I only have Celiac.”

2B LIFE

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

CREATIVE PROJECTS

Students create music videos for Munookʼs new album

photo courtesy of Jason Flynn

Vance Parrish performs in Patrick Aker’s “Introverted Revolutionary,” one of the films that was shown at The Munook Experiment.

LYNN ECCLESTON

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ TUMKKTM[\WV(]VI ML]

Members of UNA’s Film and Digital Media Production (F&DMP) Department presented The Munook Experiment

April 5 in the Communications Building, showing an uninterrupted public screening of music videos they created to accompany Munook’s album “In & Of It.” The music of Munook is written and performed by David John Lanier with contributions from other artists on the

album.

“Each musical creation is left openended and largely improvisational in order to allow room for the songs to ebb and flow with subtle changes, thereby staying fresh to the creators and the listeners from performance to performance,” according to Munook’s website.

Every one of the 10 videos was made voluntarily, nine by UNA film students and one by Jason Flynn, assistant professor of F&DMP. “There are three things you need in this field: talent, drive and luck,” Flynn said. “Voluntarily making these videos demonstrates drive. When an opportunity is put out there and (students) take initiative, it makes me proud. That’s the part I can’t teach.”

UNA student Adam Robinson said he enjoyed attending The Munook Experiment.

“Being a film major, I always like to see what other film students are producing,” he said. “It encourages me to work harder on my own projects.”

Lanier gave the students total creative freedom, allowing them to listen to the music and do whatever inspired them, Flynn said.

Leah Franks, who made the video for “Making Fire,” said the song inspired her video.

“I thought the lyrics’ jaded themes about wanting to make a difference in the world could fit a weary war vet, so I asked my dad to be a part of it,” she said.

“He’s a Naval Reservist who’s toured Afghanistan with the Army, so he had plen-

ty of inspiration to give. The whole thing was really fun. It gave me a good chance to spend some time with my dad, which I don’t get to do very often these days.

It felt good to be able to involve him in my creative pursuits and show him how proud I am of him and his military duties.”

Each of the videos will be sent to separate film festival competitions, free of charge for the students, and all of the videos will be online.

“I think the music was a labor of love, and I think the videos were a labor of love,” Flynn said. “I expect us to do something like this again in the future.”

Chris Rabb

“Entrepreneurship and community wealth-building in the new economy” Featured on MSNBC, NPR, The Nation, the Huffington Post, and various other media outlets.

Photo Credit: Mary Brown Photography

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

UNA PERFORMANCE CENTER Lecture by noted author and consultant Chris Rabb on the intersection of entrepreneurship, media, civic engagement, and social identity.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC • For info: 256-765-4208

LIFE 3B

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

DATING

Social media provide new dating forum, officials say

RESTAURANT REVIEW

My BIG FAT Greek sandwich

WILL WHALEY

;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ __PITMa (]VI ML]

Social media outlets, such as Facebook and Twitter, have changed the dating and relationship process, especially now that it is possible to know as much about a person as they are willing to disclose on their page.

“Social media has changed the first process of dating, which is meeting someone,” said Amber Paulk, associate professor of family and consumer sciences. “Now, you have the opportunity to meet and date someone that you have never even met in person, and sometimes that person is not even real.”

Social media has also affected the way couples are getting to know one another. Paulk said it is possible to know a lot about a person just by looking at their Facebook page.

“You see courtship now as very different as it was, say, 100 years ago,” Paulk said. “Now, we can access someone at any time to get in touch with them, and I can find out mostly everything just by looking at your page.”

Social media has also redefined commitment. The infamous status change is now a popular way to show the entire social media spectrum that you are in a relationship with someone.

This also makes breaking up even more public than some would like.

“When you break up with someone, that is just spit out into the world, and I can see in real time the breakup occur online,” Paulk said. “It used to be I would not know that someone’s relationship ended until I saw them in person and asked them about it.”

UNA student Katie Bagwell said she thinks that posting relationship status changes is disclosing too much information.

“I would rather be broken up with in person, because that way, the whole country does not know about it instantly, because it is just between me and him,” she said.

Conversely, social media can make a breakup easier when used for lamenting and attention seeking, Paulk said.

This can include going through old photos on your profile and daily checking your ex’s statuses.

“It is easier to lament about a breakup when everything is right there, connected to you on Facebook,” Paulk said.

Jealousy is also a factor that Paulk uses as an example in her classes about social media.

Paulk and her students found that Facebook stalking is an online form of the primal instinct of mate guarding.

“Facebook is now an extension of a form of mate guarding, whether it is checking their page hundreds of times, checking their e-mail or going through their phone,” she said.

For these reasons, Paulk said that she is certain that social media has had a negative impact on modern-day dating.

photo by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Staff Photographer

Beef, chicken and lamb are cooked rotisserie style for gyros. Garlic cloves and tomatoes add flavor to the meats as the juices flow down the metal rod.

The Gyro Shop brings good food to downtown KALI DANIEL

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ SLIVQMT (]VI ML]

On Tuscaloosa Street, a block away from Wilson Park, The Gyro Shop recently opened in a small shop that’s easy to overlook.

The shop is entirely unexpected.

A Greek sandwich shop in the heart of downtown Florence seems like a misplacement, though as I entered the small shop during a one o’clock lunch hour, seven people stood in line behind me.

The restaurant is tiny, with no seating available inside or outside – a downside if you’re needing a place to type an email or take some last-minute study notes while eating your food. There was little room for me and my seven friends to move around, though a homey atmosphere was allowed as we began chatting.

Walking in, we noticed a menu above us, simply written “Any sandwich - six dollars, Any dip - four dollars”.

The gyro options are chicken, beef or lamb, cooked traditional, rotisseriestyle on a skewer with tomato, garlic and

seasoning before your eyes. The friendly shop owner prepared my chicken gyro with crisp lettuce, a tangy radish and delicious tzatziki sauce with a strong goat milk flavor, all tucked into a pita pocket.

Fries made fresh in the shop are also available for a mere dollar and a half more. The sliced potatoes are fried and quite greasy, though scrumptiously so.

While chicken is the most traditional meat choice for gyros, the lamb was decidedly tastier. The spices and cooking technique accentuate the flavor of the lamb.

The hummus, however, is a more acquired taste. This chickpea and olive oil spread served with two slices of pita bread was tangy, be that due to lemon juice or the chickpeas themselves. It is not exceptional, but definitely preferred over store-bought hummus.

I recommend taking cash. There is no tax, but the owner ran into some complications when running my card through the Square card reader.

Despite the small location, minimal menu selection, lack of seating and payment hassle, the nearby Wilson Park pro-

vided a lovely venue to indulge in a massive amount of food for such a low price.

If you have a tight budget and a big appetite but are looking for an authentic taste of Greece, The Gyro Shop awaits you.

WHATʼS • LAMB,

IN A

GYRO?

BEEF OR

CHICKEN

• LETTUCE • TZATZIKI

(GOAT CUCUMBER)

SAUCE

MILK WITH

• TOMATOES • ONION • PITA BREAD

4B LIFE

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

HOUSING

Students discuss on-campus housing pros and cons

photo courtesy of SHANNON WELLS

Rice and Rivers Halls provide housing for on-campus students and are located on Pine Street.

WILL WHALEY

;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ __PITMa(]VI ML]

UNA’s Residence Life Office increased the rates of housing for this coming year.

Prices for the standard double occupancy in Rivers and Rice halls have increased to $3,005 per year at Rivers Hall and $2,780 per year at Rice Hall.

Double-as-single occupancy at Rivers Hall is now $4,843 per year and

$4,478 at Rice Hall per academic year.

Inside single room housing that is only available in Rice and Rivers halls is $3,924 per year at Rivers and $3,630 per year at Rice Hall.

Triple-as-double occupancy is now $3,456 per year at Rivers Hall and $3,196 at Rice Hall.

At Lafayette and LaGrange Halls, the double occupancy is $2,889 per academic year.

Double-as-single occupancy is now $4,682 per academic year at Lafayette and LaGrange Halls.

Residence Life is encouraging students to live on campus for many reasons.

“I think when you start taking everything into account — the Internet, utilities, the staff members that work on campus, the food services — it is actually cheaper to live on campus,” said Kevin Jacques, director of Residence Life.

Safety is also an added bonus for living on campus, he said.

“We have staff members on every floor of our residence halls that go through extensive training, actually a one-hour credit class that they have to take prior to being hired,” he said. “We believe greatly in safety on campus.”

Some students who live on campus find it easier to be involved on campus.

“I would strongly encourage all students to live on campus, especially as a freshman,” said Kaitlin Chappell, UNA student. “It allows you to get plugged in more easily, and you are aware of what is

going on campus at all times.”

Yet another reason to get involved on campus is the potential for networking.

“We also have the community that we build here,” Jacques said. “You get to meet a whole lot of different people, you get to form many great relationships and, most importantly, you get to be involved with events on campus.”

Students who live on campus are also not affected by the parking problems on campus.

“You do not have to worry about being late for class because you can just walk to your classroom,” Chappell said.

“This is opposed to living off campus where you still have to worry about finding a parking spot.”

With pros to living on campus, there are also cons to living on campus.

Some students enjoy the freedom that comes with living off campus and the amount of room that apartments have.

“You do not have as much room as you would in an apartment and you may have to have a roommate, but these things are minor and easy to adapt to,” Chappell said.

Some students dislike the precedents set, such as directives.

“There are too many rules and some people are just nasty,” said Keanu Kirkpatrick.

However, the foremost reason to live off-campus may be the solitude.

“My favorite thing about living off campus is not having a roommate,” said Zach Page, UNA Student.

4/20 RECORD STORE DAY featuring:

The Bear, Grace & Tony, and Blind the Sky

Vinyl Junkies Yardsale and

Shirey Ice Cream will be

scooping

Dark Chocolate Porter Special Guest:

John Paul White will be signing copies of his solo album

“The Long Goodbye” recently released on vinyl.

• 4/25 Shoot Him If He Runs, Legends of Leviathan, and Crimson Purge • 4/26 Hip Heart 2013 Art + Dance Music Party • 4/27 An Abstract Theory, Stego, and Sin City Scoundrels • 5/3 Cheap Thrill DeVille CD Release Party with guests Guano Island, Random Conflict, and The Lonely Gales

SPORTS 5B

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

BASEBALL

Lions struggle in 2013 season MATT WILSON

;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ UL_QT[WV (]VI ML]

The UNA Lions currently sit sixth in the Gulf South Conference and face an uphill struggle to return to the NCAA regional tournament as they did a season ago.

The Lions hope to finish the season strong in their final eight games in order to improve their seeding for the GSC tournament that begins May 2.

Last season, UNA constantly flirted with national rankings and was consistently at the top of the conference.

“It’s been a little disappointing year,” said Andrew Almon, third baseman. “We came off the past two years with great regular seasons.”

With no automatic bid to the NCAA regional tournament sitting on their doorstep, the Lions are going to have to manufacture a return trip.

“We’re probably going to have to make a good run and win the conference tournament to make it back to (NCAA) regionals,” Almon said. “We’ve got a lot of talent, and it’s been an up and down year. We’ve had some games that didn’t fall our way which seems to be the story of the year.”

UNA has shown flashes throughout the season, including a series win at home against UAH who was ranked ninth nationally at the time.

“We’ve beaten all the top teams at least once,” Almon said. “We’ve got the

photo by MICHAEL REDDING I Staff Photographer

UNA shortstop Mathew Tittle waits for the ball while Valdosta State’s Hunter Thompson slides into second base during the April 13 home game.

confidence and the talent to beat those teams again. We’ve just got to get into the tournament and do it.”

Besides the series win against UAH,

the Lions have come away with wins against top conference and region teams such as West Florida and Delta State.

“Against some of the top teams we’ve

had small leads late in the game and they were just tough to hold,” Almon said.

;MM *);-*)44 XIOM *

TRACK

Runners enjoy first season, prepare for final meets JAMES DUBUISSON ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ RL]J]Q[[WV(]VI ML]

The UNA track team will travel to Sewanee, Tenn., to compete in the Sewanee Mt. Laurel Invitational April 20.

The team is made up mostly of members of the cross-country team and other UNA sports.

“It is basically our cross-country team on the track team,” said Scott Trimble, head coach. “It has been a lot of fun.”

Trimble has been coaching crosscountry for 14 years and coaching track for 10.

He said that, in coaching track, he has found that his team responds better to track workouts than they do to longer cross-country workouts.

“In track, you do more short speed workouts than in cross-country and I have learned that they respond better to short speed workouts than long speed workouts,” he said.

Trimble said the season has been a fun one and that the girls have been get-

ting along great.

“When you get 16 ladies together and there is no drama, you have something special,” he said.

With the fun comes work, as many of the team members have been working for months preparing for this season.

“Eleven of them have been training since August getting ready for the season,” Trimble said. “The others are involved in other sports on campus.”

The track team works hard off the field also, having a cumulative GPA of 3.66. Trimble has nothing but trust for the team.

“I have a 7-year-old at home; I would not hesitate to call any one of the 16 ladies on this team to watch her,” he said.

“That is the type of people they are.”

Trimble got into coaching to coach football but has found cross country and track more enjoyable.

The team has two meets left in the season. The final match is scheduled to take place at Troy University in the Coach “O” Invitational April 27.

“We are getting better every day,”

photo courtesy of Sports Information

Hope Rayburn runs in the Emory Crossplex Invitational Jan. 28 in Birmingham.

Trimble said.

The team will run hard but will also keep the fun times going as they wrap up their season.

“They really enjoy each other’s company,” Trimble said. “There is never a dull moment.”

6B SPORTS

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

SOCCER

Team works on replacing seniors CORINNE BECKINGER ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ KJMKSQVOMZ(]VI ML]

With the semester coming to a close, the UNA soccer team is gearing up for their fall season with preseason training as well as recruiting.

“We have a large amount of incoming players so we will use preseason for several team bonding activities along with the usual team tactics and fitness,” said Chris Walker, head coach. “We will look to get all of the players on the same page and set a very competitive practice environment that will hopefully bring the very best out of all of the players.”

”

THIS COMING FALL WILL BE A GREAT

OPPORTUNITY FOR SEVERAL PLAYERS ON THE ROSTER TO STEP UP AND TAKE THE TEAM WHERE WE WANT TO BE.

CHRIS WALKER The team has 13 returning players for the fall, but the team is able to fill the roster with 22 to 25 players, he said.

Walker said he and his coaching staff have been all over the United States as well as other countries searching for new talent to bring to the UNA fields.

Although the team will not have outgoing senior player Chloe Roberts in the fall, Walker hopes his team will take advantage of the new season and step into her shoes as leaders on the field.

“We had a talented group of seniors finish last fall, so it was never going to be easy to replace what they brought to the team,” he said. “This coming fall will be a great opportunity for several players on the roster to step up and take the team where we want to be. “ Walker and his team are planning to maintain their competitive edge in the Gulf South Conference. Walker expects West Florida will remain one of their toughest opponents in the coming year.

To prepare for the upcoming season, players will be expected to participate in daily summer workouts that will include

photos by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Staff Photographer

(Above) Chloe Richards and Ellis Hillman work on their footwork during the first day of the soccer team’s spring practice.

(Below) Abby Hellem participates in spring practice.

field work and weightlifting. The 13 players currently on the roster have already begun their spring workout training.

“I have used this spring to get to know all of the returning players, and I have to give them credit in the fact that they have worked hard and done everything that I have asked of them,” Walker said. “We have a very close-knit group, and I think that will only help us as we prepare for the upcoming season.”

Walker could not release names of the newly signed players, but he remains confident the soccer team will develop into a strong team by the fall.

“We have managed to sign what we believe is a really good incoming class,” he said. “We are expecting several of them to set up straight away and earn a considerable amount of playing time.”

PLEASE JOIN US IN TOWERS CAFE ON TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2012 AT 5:00 PM TO WATCH UNA’S FACULTY AND STAFF BATTLE EACH OTHER IN THE TASTE OF THE SOUTH SHOWDOWN!!!

COME WATCH THE COOK-OFF AND EAT DINNER WITH US!!

SPORTS 7B

April 18, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

P RIZED PITCHER Riley recieves GSC honors three times this season JAMES DUBUISSON ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ RL]J]Q[[WV(]VI ML]

Breanna Riley, sophomore pitcher on the UNA Lions softball team, has been named GSC Pitcher of the Week twice this year.

Riley is second in the GSC with a 1.84 ERA and leads the conference in strikeouts (127) and wins (17).

”

SHE TAKES CARE OF BUSINESS IN THE CLASSROOM, AND WE NEVER HAVE PROBLEMS OUT OF HER. IN OUR EYES, SHE IS A GREAT KID.

JASON ANDERSON “Bri has done a great job for us,” said Jason Anderson, head coach. “She had a great fall for us, as well, so we knew coming into the season that if she was to throw the way she did in the offseason that she could be a big time player for us.”

Riley is from Hartselle and has been playing softball since she was a child.

“I started when I was about 5 years old,” Riley said. “One of my best friends at the time, she played. I was too young to play, so I would go out there and watch her and that is what got me playing.”

She has been pitching since she was 10 and her parents have been supporting her for her entire career.

RILEYʼS GSC RANKINGS 17 WINS (1) 1.84 ERA (2) 127 STRIKEOUTS (1) 125 INNINGS PITCHED (2) 26 APPEARENCES (3)

“They have been with me the whole time,” she said. “My dad would catch for me when I was younger, and when I go home sometimes, we still go into the backyard and he catches for me. My mom would sit there and chart pitches.”

Anderson said the pitcher is the most important position and has the ability to take over a game, unlike any other position in softball.

“The pitcher is involved in every play,” he said. “They can single-handedly have the ability to shut the other team down.”

Anderson said that ability can determine who wins and who loses a ball game.

“In softball, it starts in the circle,” he said. “If you put a solid pitcher in there, you always have a chance to win a ball game. And that is why she has been so important to us.”

Riley said she believes confidence is the most important part of being a great pitcher.

“As a pitcher, you have to go out there and block everything out,” she said. “There are people in the dugout and the stands yelling at you. If you go up there and you have no confidence in yourself, then one hit off of you and you are just down on yourself. And then it is downhill from there.”

Riley is an industrial hygiene major who holds a 3.22 GPA. “She takes care of business in the classroom, and we never have problems out of her,” Anderson said. “In our eyes, she is a great kid.”

The one area that both Anderson and Riley agree can be improved on is her ability to field her position.

“With fielding her position, I would say Bri has a mental thing,” Anderson said. “When a ground ball comes back to her, it is the throw to first that really gets her.”

Riley said that she has struggled with overhand throw to second since her sophomore year in high school.

“I guess I have a mental block with throwing the ball overhand,” she said.

“Fielding my position is probably the one thing I can improve on. But I have found ways to cope with it.”

Riley is the type of player who leads

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

Breanna Riley looks in and begins her windup in a game earlier this season.

by action instead of words.

“I would say she is one of the team leaders, but I think she leads more by the way she goes out and does things,” Anderson said.

Riley sees everyone on the team as leaders.

“I pretty much look up to every girl

on the team,” she said.

The Lions will lean on Riley when it comes to the conference and national tournaments.

“We need her to do well if we have a chance to really make a run at this thing, to win the conference and try to advance in the postseason,” Anderson said.

to .963 a season ago, but where have the differences in 2012 and 2013 come from?

The Lions finished 2012 with an 8-8 record on the road compared to the current 5-11 away record. The Lions also fared better in 2012 at home, posting a 28-6 record at Mike Lane Field while this year’s team is sitting at 17-6-1 with no home games remaining.

“The goal going into the season was to get back to the (NCAA) regional tour-

nament,” Almon said. “We haven’t done a good job to set ourselves up for that so far. But there is still a chance of doing that by winning the (GSC) tournament.

“We’ve got the pitching depth and a deep enough bullpen to come in and pitch some extended innings so we can go out there and win the GSC tournament.”

*);-*)44 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * With a 12-9 conference record and an abysmal 5-11 overall away record, the struggles of this season aren’t easy to pinpoint.

“We’re kind of performing below our standards,” Cyr said. “Our starting pitching has been good again this season. It seems like when they pitch well, we’ve just not hit the ball as good as we should.”

The Lions are currently batting .309, but the bats are not as consistent as Cyr

thinks they could be.

“It seems like we’ve been hitting just enough and not really as good as we can as a team,” he said. “Hitting goes up and down and there’s not one team that stays hot all season.”

“I think we’re like second in the conference in fielding right now,” Almon said. “I think we might be playing better defensively this year.”

Indeed they might be, with a team fielding percentage of .967 compared

8B EXTRA

Tweets of the week

April 18, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala DISCLAIMER: The tweets below are public tweets found on Twitter by searching hashtags and keywords involving UNA, Florence, Shoals and other university-related topics. Want to see yours on here? Be sure to hashtag UNA and Shoals in your tweets.