April 7 issue

FLOR The April 7, 2016

Volume 84, Issue 27

BASS 3-PEAT? PAGE 14

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

Are you

SATISFIED? Officials discuss future of residence halls ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

While students think about what classes to take next semester, university officials are thinking about what is next for student housing at UNA. Student residence hall reclaim started in early March for every hall except Mattielou and Olive. Freshmen are only able to claim what is left of the rooms after upperclassmen get their pick, said Vice President of Student Affairs David Shields.

“We have enough spaces for everybody if they want to reclaim and live on campus from freshman residence halls, but what we are finding is that even though those rooms are there, they’re not the rooms that students necessarily would want to be in,” Shields said.

After living in Mattielou Hall, moving into Rice or Rivers halls is not desirable, said freshman Taylor Head.

“I wasn’t sure what to do when deciding what to do next (year),” Head said. “Mattielou has been nice. I don’t want to move into Rice or Rivers.”

Over 750 freshmen lived on campus this year because of the live-on requirement, the most freshmen to ever

INSIDE

do so, Shields said. He said the university is waiting to see how many students claim rooms in Rivers to make a decision on the residence hall situation.

The university is surveying current freshmen living in campus about the residence halls, he said.

“We’re trying to collect some good data from our current freshmen students in particular,” he said. “Primarily right now (we are surveying) just the freshmen because if you were a sophomore or junior, you’ve never known Mattielou or Olive. You only know what buildings you’ve been in since you’ve been here.

“What we’re trying to do is determine what is our best course of action and what is the best course of action for the university and for our students. Their input on this is important for us, but for me, it’s about making sure we have the right kind of housing here.”

Every student living on campus, not just the freshmen, have a valuable opinion, said sophomore Benjamin Schoenbachlar.

“They should especially ask the upperclassmen because they have been here longer,” he said.

NEWS . . . . . . . . 2 IMAGES . . . . . . . 4 this week’s paper VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7

See FUTURE, page 8

LIFE . . . . . . . . . 9 SPORTS . . . . . . . 12 EXTRA . . . . . . . . 15

design by MICHAEL MEIGS I Graphic Designer

University conducts student satisfaction survey KAITLYN DAVIS

Associate News Editor news@florala.net

For the first time in 10 years, UNA is asking students their opinion about UNA emails, parking or bathroom cleanliness.

If students want to voice their compliments or frustrations, now is their time to shine.

The university is buying a survey from Noel-Levitz, a company who specializes in university surveys, for $4,500, said Director of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment Andrew Luna.

But the survey is no average questionnaire. It consists of over 100 questions.

The office of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment will send every student a survey through email April 18, he said.

Students will have one or two weeks to complete the survey, Luna said. “(The university) will actually be doing something with (the survey),” Luna said. “If students help us out, we will utilize it to make a positive change.”

The survey asks students how

important certain factors are to them, such as bathroom cleanliness, and then asks them how satisfied they are with it on campus, Luna said.

”

IF STUDENTS HELP US OUT, WE WILL UTILIZE IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE CHANGE.

ANDREW LUNA

DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH, PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT OIRPA will then analyze the performance gap.

Subtracting one score from the other determines the size of the gap.

“Where you have the larger gaps is where you are least meeting the students’ expectations,” Luna said.

“That helps us fine tune what we really need to work on.”

See SURVEY, page 8

#SERVETHESHOALS .............11

FLOR - ALA The

Please recycle your paper.

2 News Students, alumni active in political scene

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

KAITLYN DAVIS

Associate News Editor news@florala.net

The political arena is not just Trump and his hair or Clinton and her emails.

It is much bigger and includes UNA students and alumni.

Current and former students have done it all, from working for state representatives to holding political office.

Junior Ruby Villalobos, alumnus Thomas Beach and alumna Chassity Martin have all stepped foot into the political arena.

Villalobos is double-majoring in Political Science and Foreign Languages with a minor in Legal Studies. She is an intern for the Alabama House of Representatives through the Alabama Law Institute Legislative Internship program.

”

We need for our generation to be

engaged so they will be able to solve the problems our country will face down the road.

Chassity Martin Alumna

Beach’s political involvement started local and grew nationally, he said.

“I started getting offers from around the country (to manage) congressional races and senate races,” he said.

Martin juggled her duties as a student and as a politician.

Martin successfully ran for the Collinwood City Commission when she

was 20 years old and still a junior at UNA, she said.

Students should get into politics because the country depends on them, she said.

“We need for our generation to be engaged so they will be able to solve the problems our country will face down the road,” Martin said.

Down the road is not far away, Villalobos said.

“When you drive down the street to your local grocery store to get food, it is law that you must have insurance on your car to be able to drive on the road,” Villalobos said. “You pass street signs with speed limits that you must obey, and your food had to pass (Food and Drug Administration) measures. Basically, government is all around you.”

It is important for students to be politically involved and voice their opinions because the government is inclusive, Villalobos said.

Villalobos’ passion for politics took her by surprise, she said.

“My interest in politics came sort of unintentionally,” Villalobos said. “Kind of like ordering your cheeseburger without all the extra toppings, but then getting the extra toppings anyways so you just eat it, but end up liking it.”

Beach loves politics because of the science behind it, he said. “(The science is) what you do to win an election,” Beach said. “There’s certain techniques, there’s certain strategies, there’s certain formulas.”

Beach started paying close attention to how politicians avoided directly answering questions during interviews, he said.

“They’re actual names to tactics on being interviewed,” Beach said.

“So I could tell who was a very good communications director by how they

photo courtesy of Chassity Martin

Alumna Chassity Martin successfully ran for a political office while attending UNA. “We need for our generation to be engaged so they will be able to solve the problems our country will face down the road,” Martin said.

photo courtesy of Thomas Beach’s Facebook

Alumnus Thomas Beach managed congressional and senatorial campaigns from 2009 to 2014. “You’re going to be interacting with people from all walks of life, and knowing how to do that makes you a better, well-rounded person,” Beach said.

handled themselves, what tactics they used during interviews. I could see the science behind everything, and that’s why I absolutely loved politics.”

Martin chose to run for the Collinwood City Commission position because Collinwood is her hometown, and she is passionate about watching it grow, she said.

She helped establish Collinwood’s first Industrial Development Board, Martin said.

“My main focus is revitalization of

our main street,” Martin said.

Villalobos’ main focus is working for several representatives from both parties who are members of the committees she is on, she said.

Her committees include Military and Veterans Affairs, Child and Senior Advocacy, Public Safety and Homeland Security and the Technology Committee, she said.

To read the rest of the story, visit florala.net.

photo courtesy of Ruby Villalobos’ Facebook

Ruby Villalobos is a junior and an intern for the Alabama House of Representatives. “My interest in politics came sort of unintentionally,” she said.

News 3

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

ROTC to host three-day centennial celebration ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

In the year Coca-Cola introduced its legendary formula to the market, 1916, another American tradition was born: The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

UNA is helping ROTC celebrate its 100th anniversary through a series of events April 21-23, said Professor of Military Science Lt. Col. William Pruett.

The events include a military history

symposium, dedication ceremony in the Memorial Garden, a 5K Camo Run and a Junior ROTC challenge.

“The cadet command commanding general has asked universities that host ROTC programs to help her celebrate that, and that’s what we’re doing here at UNA,” Pruett said.

ROTC will host the military history symposium April 21-22 as part of UNA Research Days, he said. The event will include student presentations about the history of ROTC and presentations from

photo courtesy of Shannon Wells

Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps students participate in the UNA Army ROTC-hosted JROTC Challenge March 1, 2014. ROTC will host another challenge as part of the 100th Anniversary of ROTC April 23.

authors and military historians, he said.

When the symposium ends April 22, there will be a dedication ceremony for a new plaque containing the names of commissioned ROTC officers from 2015, said Recruiting Operations Officer Jose Atencio.

“The university has put together a commemorative garden for us with all of our commissionees’ names on it,” Atencio said. “We’ve filled up a bronze plaque of new names, and we’re going to unveil (it).”

The commemorative garden holds the names of every ROTC student who graduated from UNA since the program came to campus in 1950, he said. This plaque will bring the garden up-to-date with the graduates from 2015.

While this is something significant to celebrate, Atencio said there is a bigger number to celebrate this year.

“We’re on track this year to have the largest commissioning class since 1989,” he said. “We’ll have 16 total commissionees at the end of this year.”

The celebration continues April 23 with the 5K Camo Run, Pruett said.

Proceeds from the event go to the student-managed UNA Army ROTC cadet fund, he said. Or, participants can earmark their registration fee toward the American Military Legacy scholarship, he said. This scholarship funds a UNA Army ROTC cadet, he said.

“It was established by Col. Buddy Brooks, who was also a UNA Army ROTC alumn(us),” Pruett said. “He’s

also using that 5K run as essentially a fundraising event for that scholarship.”

The run is part of the JROTC challenge, he said. High school students in JROTC programs compete against each other in a physical challenge on campus.

UNA ROTC cadets plan, supervise and judge the competition, he said.

“This will be a great event to take part (in),” said junior and ROTC cadet Jose Figueroa-Cifuentes. “There will only be one 100th anniversary of Army ROTC. If we want to be part of history at UNA, participating in this event will be one for the books.”

Figueroa-Cifuentes said he is excited about the event and has been promoting it by word-of-mouth across campus.

Pruett said he encourages students and local community members to visit the Department of Military Science in the Wesleyan Hall Annex to learn more about the program and its benefits.

“Just because (students) are in ROTC doesn’t mean they aren’t involved in other things normal college students are,” he said. “They’re just doing more. All those things you could imagine students do on campus, our students cadets are involved in as well.

“What we’re involved in is leadership development. It’s not just developing officers, although, that’s our primary mission and purpose. I think that ROTC programs bring students with leadership skills to the campus and also back out to the communities.”

Counseling services seeks additional space, staff ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

Student Counseling Services is looking for new ways to treat students proactively.

The number of students seeking services has increased dramatically, said Director of Student Counseling Services Lynne Martin. “(All national trends) are moving upward,” Martin said. “Over 20 percent of our (middle and high school) students have a mental health diagnosis. The big thing for us is moving to a different model of delivering services. That requires more staff and more specialized space.”

Martin said the center needs three to four more professional staff members, a new facility and a larger budget in a presentation to the board of trustees March 17.

She said she hopes the center can gain accreditation from the International Association for Counseling Services Inc., in the future. She said they need an appropriate facility to gain this accreditation.

Counseling Services is an important component of the university, said senior Haley Fields.

“I think all university matters should

be equal in importance, but this is something I feel very strongly about,” Fields said.

She said she thinks it is important the university provides an adequate place for students to get help for any emotional or mental conditions.

“People who suffer from mental illnesses have been conditioned to thinking that there’s something shameful about speaking up about it,” she said.

“Sort of a social stigma, if you will.

Who’s to say that students who suffer from mental illnesses and need the help are less important than other matters?”

Since 2001, the counseling center has greatly increased the number of service hours available to students.

“When I came to UNA, I had four hours (per week) available and not all those hours were filled,” she said.

“Today, five licensed professionals are working in the building.”

On a normal day, all the scheduled appointments are filled with some walkins and after-hours services, she said.

The percentage of students visiting the center who indicated they had prior treatment including other mental health medications rose 10.6 percent from 2014 to 2015, according to statistics from the Student Counseling Services intake forms.

The number of students who reported harassment, abuse or controlling behaviors increased 9 percent and those reporting self-injury increased 6.9 percent.

The only trend that has not increased at UNA is the number of students who have attempted suicide at least once, she said. This statistic reduced to 10.8 percent of patients from 13.2 percent, she said.

While the number of students seeking services has increased, Martin said the biggest increase they have seen is the number of walk-in students. The center currently accommodates walk-ins, but Martin said she would like to have a counselor designated for walk-ins, or what’s known as a “triage system”.”

Creating a student health center that houses both University Health Services and Student Counseling Services would benefit the university, said Vice President for Student Affairs David Shields.

“They really are a critical office in the university’s retention efforts,” he said. “If we didn’t have this, I’m sure we would lose those students.

“On those occasions when you have a student in significant crisis, they provide an opportunity and a way for us to intervene and help those students seek out additional help that we may not be

able to provide for them, but can help facilitate.”

To read the rest of the story, visit florala.net.

Since 2011, Student Counseling Services has conducted: • 8,355 Individual sessions with students (1,736 unique clients) • 379 psycho-educational & therapy groups, campus Awareness events • 8,147 student and guest contacts during every SOAR session

4 Images

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

MELANIE HODGES

Student Photographer mhodges2@una.edu

OLDSPORT ▶

Up high

OLDSPORT member Jake Elliff jumps from the rafters in the Mane room during a Jan. 30 performance. Elliff’s interesting tactics makes their concerts one of a kind.

▶

Down low (left)

▶

For those who love music, the community surrounding the university is an unexpected hotspot for up-andcoming artists.

Though the Shoals has been a notorious destination for musical talent in the past, in more recent times, Florence has begun to build its own musical reputation. Not only have numerous artists grown successful careers out of Florence, but many other local artists are well on their way.

OLDSPORT, a band of multiple UNA students, is one such group making a name for themselves.

OLDSPORT is truly a band unlike any other. Their concerts are far beyond just a musical experience; they present a much more interactive and unconventional approach to the concerts.

Not only do they provide their audience with inspirational and powerful tunes, they also provide homemade grilled cheese sandwiches.

OLDSPORT’s concerts are one-ofa-kind ordeals. The lights switch off as a spot light scans the crowd. Soft music and anticipation fills the room as the band takes the stage. The scent of grilled cheese sweeps across the room adding a confusing, yet well-received, touch to the atmosphere.

The crowd pushes forward as lead singer, senior Jake Elliff, starts singing.

Though the show begins in usual fashion, as it continues, the unconventionality of OLDSPORT reveals itself.

A musician throws a drum into the audience, and fans have the chance to drum along with the band. Elliff dangles from the rafters, making the hearts of everyone in the room skip a beat. As he falls back to the stage, the crowd parts, making way for Elliff as he flings himself from the stage into the crowd.

The band even goes so far as to switch instruments with one another during their performance.

Their high energy, combined with their overwhelming passion for what they do, provides an unforgettable atmosphere.

Though not everyone may get to experience OLDSPORT’s live performances, they have been hard at work recording their debut release, “III.” They released the EP March 14, and it contains three songs, including their most popular song, “Humans.” Anyone can find the EP on all major music outlets, and is well worth a listen.

New music

Singer Jake Elliff, drummer Taylor Von Jones and keyboardist David Craft perform for the crowd in the Mane Room. The show featured OLDSPORT and previous UNA student Jordy Searcy.

Band mates Will Martin (left) and Jake Elliff entertain the audience with “Alone.” The song is one of three featured on their debut EP, “III.”

NEWS 5

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Treasurer-elect hopes to make SGA ʻmore approachableʼ KAITLYN DAVIS

Associate News Editor news@florala.net

Nikki Mathews is the youngest of the incoming Student Government Association Executive Council, but students should not underestimate her.

The SGA Treasurer-elect has a strong work ethic and a desire to reach out to every student on campus.

“It’s really easy working with Nikki because she’s very straightforward,” said Freshman Forum Adviser Maurice Mull.

“She’ll put her ideas out there.”

Mathews takes criticism well, Mull said.

”

SHEʼS ALWAYS WILLING TO WORK. IF YOU ASK HER TO DO ANYTHING, SHEʼS WILLING TO DO WHATEVER, WHENEVER YOU NEED IT (DONE).

KELSEY HYCHE

FRESHMAN FORUM ADVISER “She’s always willing to work,” said Freshman Forum Adviser Kelsey Hyche.

“If you ask her to do anything, she’s willing to do whatever, whenever you need it (done). She’s very reliable and trustworthy.”

At the beginning of the semester, Mathews was too intimidated to approach SGA executives, she said.

“I hope to make the SGA members more approachable,” Mathews said.

“They were really intimidating because I was like, ‘Wow, I want to be them. I really want to be them.’ So that’s what I’m trying to do, make the students realize that we’re people, too.”

One thing Nikki has never found hard to approach is her television to turn on Netflix.

“She is addicted to Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix,” said Secretary of Freshman Forum Megan Statom in an email.

Mathews said she likes to watch the show on repeat when she is bored because it is one of her favorite ways to spend her free time.

Her favorite character is Alex (Karev), she said.

“He’s got a soft spot in my heart right now,” Mathews said.

Mathews often repeats the things she likes best, like rereading her several of her favorite books.

Mathews said. “I’m really big into Nicholas Sparks and The Hunger Games series. I’ve reread those two or three times.”

Eating potato soup is another activity she said she could do on a regular basis.

“Since I’ve been in college, I haven’t been able to get it a lot,” Mathews said.

“I only get it when I go home.”

Although UNA does not provide Mathews with her favorite homecooked meal, the university does provide her with plenty of leadership opportunities.

Mathews is currently a member of the Freshman Forum Leadership and Development Committee.

“Recently we did a leadership conference for high school seniors,” Mathews said. “It was a success. I’m proud that we were putting together a conference and asking people to come to campus, and they did.”

Mathews has many other memorable experiences with Freshman Forum.

“The funniest thing that happened was at homecoming,” Mathews said.

“Freshman Forum did a float, and right before the parade the float fell apart,” Mathews said.

Mathews’ ability to handle unfortunate situations with a positive attitude is a characteristic her friends admire.

“Nikki’s just really happy and a gowith-the-flow kind of person,” Mull said.

Initially, Mathews is shy and reserved, Hyche said.

“But once you get to

know her, she’s constantly laughing about stuff (and) cracking jokes,” she said.

She is a fun person to be around, Statom said.

To read the rest of the story, visit florala.net.

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Student Government Association Treasurer-elect Nikki Mathews participates in discussion during the March 26 Freshman Forum meeting.

Mathews said she hopes to make SGA more approachable next year.

6 News

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Viewpoints 7

April 7, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Recent deaths emphasize life’s importance FLOR ALA The

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kali Daniel

MANAGING EDITOR Jasmine Fleming NEWS EDITOR Anna Beahm ASSOCIATE news EDITOR Kaitlyn Davis LIFE EDITOR Melissa Parker ASSOCIATE LIFE EDITOR Monday Sanderson SPORTS EDITOR Mike Ezekiel ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR Justin Jefferies ONLINE EDITOR Emily Kazungu ASSOCIATE ONLINE EDITOR Madi Winkler BUSINESS MANAGER Jordan Byrd GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Peyton Lawler Michael Meigs Kelsey Weathers JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS David San Miguel Jacqueline Willis

MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

One morning I woke up thinking about life, aging and the inevitable end to it all. I wrote a Facebook status to share those thoughts with others.

“I was thinking about something this morning,” the post said. “Age and aging. We are all dealing with something I call ‘life years.’ The years left in your life. Someone who is 25 may have the same ‘life

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Amandalyn Dorner Shay Redd Jackson Townsend ADVISER Scott Morris

Content is determined by the student editorial staff of The Flor-Ala and has not been approved by the university.

Corrections The staff strives to maintain the integrity of The Flor-Ala through accurate and honest reporting. To report an error, call 256-765-4364 or email editor@florala. net.

Letters Policy Letters to the editor should be emailed to editor@florala.net or mailed to: The Flor-Ala UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632 Letters must include name and telephone number for verification. Please limit letters to 400 words. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

Ware wrote a book listing the five biggest regrets of the dying. Their biggest regrets in life, when it was far too late to do anything about them, were: 1. Wishing they’d had the courage to live a life true to themselves and not live the life others expected of them 2. Wishing they hadn’t worked so hard 3. Wishing they’d had the courage to express their feelings 4. Wishing they’d stayed in touch with their friends 5. Wishing they had let themselves be happier.

Let the recent deaths serve as a reminder that life is precious.

Do those things you have been putting off. Wear that crazy outfit, cut your hair and love who you want. Call your

friends. Call your parents. Tell that certain someone you love them. Be you and be happy about it.

I’m still working on this.

I’d like to say it gets easier to, as Nike suggests, “Just Do It,” but the fact is, it doesn’t.

It’s a daily struggle to put my happiness first or at least nearer the top of my to-do list, but I’m not giving up. I’m back in school at 46 and loving every anxiety-ridden moment of it.

Next on my list is traveling outside the U.S. I want to make the most of my ‘life years.’ What about you?

Writer Marie Beynon Ray said it best: “Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake.”

Group projects suffer without initiative

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Kaitlin Douglass

Editorial Policy

years’ left as someone who is 85. Make the most of your ‘life years’ people. Live each day to the fullest and let nothing and no one hold you back from happiness and pursuing your dreams.”

We never know how much time we have left.

The campus and community have experienced far too many deaths lately.

Jacob and Jeremiah Sanders, Crystal Lyle, Bessie Morris and others in the community are gone too soon.

We often think we will live forever. The truth is, we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

Life is short. It doesn’t matter how many years a person lives. It’s not enough.

I see so many people afraid to be themselves because they are too worried about what others will say or think.

Hospice nurse Bronnie

MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

“If you want to get something done, ask someone who is busy.”

Many will read this as a contradicting phrase, but in reality, nothing could be truer.

Busy people are busy for a reason: They want to be productive. Likewise, a nonbusy person is not busy for a reason: They simply do not want to be.

As college students, we are often forced to work in groups to complete a project or achieve an objective.

Sometimes the professor allows the students to select their own groups, but other times the professor uses random selection. Just like a box of chocolates, you never

know what (or who) you are going to get.

In my four years of college, I have worked in some of the best groups known to man. I would compare it to the 2016 San Antonio Spurs, who will dethrone the Golden State Warriors as the reigning NBA Champions this season. Mark my words.

I have had excellent groups, but I have also had some not so great ones.

“USA Today” writer Ashley Ritter penned “7 tips for surviving a group project” with the needs of college students in mind.

The seven were choosing group members wisely, communicating, setting deadlines and check-ins, stepping up and leading when needed, having a time cushion, asking the professor for help and staying positive.

While not all of these always apply, if students can execute the aforementioned seven tips, they will more than likely be in good shape.

But it is easier said than done.

When I think of the

bad groups I have been in, groups worse than this year’s Philadelphia 76ers come to mind. Philly may not even win 10 games in an 82-game season, so having worse groups than that is mind-blowing.

The easiest way to differentiate a good and bad team member is by their communication. Yes, we have jobs. Yes, we have other classes. Yes, we have our extracurricular activities.

It is not always convenient or possible to meet in person in correlation with everyone’s schedules.

But thankfully, we live in 2016. Have you heard of people like Shirley Ann Jackson, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Janus Friis, Niklas Zennström, Steve Martocci and Jared Hecht? Each invented forms of this thing called “technology” that make it possible for people to communicate, even when they are not in person.

With that excuse off the table, many group members claim to be “too busy” to do their own assignment,

causing them to freeload for a grade. It is the most sickening aspect of group projects, and it puts a dent in the credibility of a college degree.

It also bothers me when I see someone I am relying on for a project out shopping, hanging out with friends or killing time in the game room, but claim to be “too busy.”

When you are working on a group project, think about the future. You might have to work with incompetent narcissists and slothful, sponging freeloaders in your career and will need to adapt to those situations.

If you can survive a college project, mastering the bad group members will be almost unceremonious.

While in college, be a good group member by being a good communicator and leader, holding up your end of the deal and staying busy. Those are the students who get letters of recommendation from professors and will succeed in their field.

Congratulations to our Writer & Photographer of the Week!

Noel Geiger & Jackson Townsend

8 News

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Student media editors win awards STAFF REPORT

The Flor-Ala Staff editor@florala.net

The Flor-Ala and the Diorama beat universities across the country and earned awards for their journalism and design efforts.

Former News Editor Ashley Remkus and current News Editor Anna Beahm received honors from the Society of Professional Journalists’ 2015 Mark of Excellence Awards March 28.

Remkus won in the General News Reporting section for her article, “Data reveals funding disparity between UNA student organizations,” about the unbalanced distribution of student allocations. Remkus and Beahm were also finalists in that same section for their article, “Employment applications raise equality questions,” about unfair employment practices in the community.

Remkus’ winning streak continued in the Breaking News Reporting category for her article, “4 bystanders rescue man from flaming house,” which she wrote as an intern for local newspaper TimesDaily.

“We are proud of both Ashley and Anna for taking on controversial issues that are not always popular on campus or in the community,” said Student Media Adviser Scott Morris. “Both of these articles are good examples of watchdog journalism conducted by student journalists. It is good training for the students, and their readers also benefit.”

Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina make up region three out of the 12 SPJ regions. Winners in each section will compete against winners in the other regions for the national Mark of Excellence Awards.

The Diorama staff won third place for Best Yearbook Cover at the 2016 Spring National College Media Association Convention in New York City March 15.

The Diorama staff chose to design a geometric lion with a fall color pallet for the yearbook cover, said Executive Editor Jaclynn Kampmeyer.

“The staff took a chance with an

”

I feel like there are some students out there who don’t really care. But there’s a lot of us out there who want our voice to

be heard, and we actually care about stuff that goes on on campus.

Victoria Moore Sophomore

The Noel-Levitz survey will also help improve the university’s homemade surveys, Luna said.

Homemade surveys are more costeffective, but a survey like the Noel-Leviz can provide more detailed information that UNA can use to compare themselves to other universities.

Most other universities conduct a survey similar to this every two years, he said.

in

Review

• UPC meeting canceled April 4 • Senate passed Bill 16-04 as amended. The bill transferred $500 from the miscellaneous line item for purposes of the

SGA re-branding project.

• Senate passed Bill 16-05. The bill added a provision for filling

SGA Executive Officer positions to the Code of Laws.

• Reality Check event - April 15 • Senate interviews - April 12 • Officer transition dinner April 22 vacancies for

For Meeting Briefs and Updates on the Student Government Association, visit florala.net.

The Diorama won third place for Best Yearbook Cover at the National College Media Association Convention in New York City March 15. The mouth of the lion, when rubbed, shows the faces of students.

SURVEY, continued from page 1

The university will reward students who complete the survey, Luna said.

Possible prizes include gift cards or a free parking spot, Luna said.

Most of the surveys the university conducted in the past were ones the university created, Luna said.

unusual year book cover for 2015,” Morris said. “The creative design must have caught the attention of the contest judge, just as it did the students on our campus.”

Placing under the University of Miami’s award-winning yearbook, “The Ibis,” was exciting, Kampmeyer said.

“Knowing that we can compete with such a big school, with such a huge well-developed (yearbook), is a super awesome feeling,” Kampmeyer said.

“We spent a lot of time, a lot of hard work collaborating and getting creative with the yearbook. I’m glad people saw that.”

SGA

The survey will allow the university to see how UNA compares to other southeastern schools, Luna said. “(It is) nice to hear directly from students (about) what they like and don’t like,” Luna said. “If students aren’t here, (faculty and staff) won’t be here.”

Emailing the survey to students is not the best way to get them to take it because most students do not regularly check their email, said sophomore Briana Thorn.

“I think having a link on the home page of Portal may spark students’ interests in giving their opinion if they can see the specific topic right at their fingertips,” Thorn said. “(That would be) much simpler than sifting through emails.”

Freshman Carter Mathis said the survey is a positive thing for students, but he will only take it if he has the time.

“I feel like there are some students out there who don’t really care,” said sophomore Victoria Moore. “But there’s a lot of us out there who want our voice to be heard, and we actually care about stuff that goes on on campus.”

Not many students are willing to voice their opinion through Student Government Association, but students might be more willing to speak up through a survey, Moore said.

FUTURE, continued from page 1 The older residence halls are in good condition, but the biggest drawback of them is the communal restrooms, Shields said.

“Having your own bathroom is a little different than sharing it with 40 of your closest friends,” Shields said.

Living on campus is good because it is convenient, but there are other inconveniences of living in the residence halls, said sophomore Rice Hall resident Micaela Rabl.

“There is always at least one elevator not working all the time,” she said.

“Maintenance requests take a while for (employees) to take action on them.”

The results of this data will determine the next action the university takes regarding residence halls, Shields said.

The university does not plan to use Rice Hall next year, which served as an upperclassman building this year, he said. Instead, upperclassmen will live in Rivers Hall.

“If we have a tremendous increase in student enrollment and we have more freshmen than we know what to do with and more students coming back, we will use every building we have,” Shields said. “We’ll find a way for everyone to live on campus if they want to.”

The dorms are 90 percent filled including all in-process contracts, said Director of University Residences Kevin Jacques in an email.

Campus Crime Log • April 3

Burglary/Theft of Property

Grandview Apartments • March 31 Domestic Violence/ Harassment

Twin Oaks Apartments • March 27

Burglary/Theft of Property

Grandview Apartments • March 25 Possession

of Marijuana/Drug

paraphernalia

Rice Hall • March 17 Harassment and

disorderly conduct Olive Hall

Full crime log available at una.edu/police/crimelog

LIFE 9

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

HELP D E T N WA

Experience Expo provides real-world opportunities MONDAY SANDERSON Associate Life Editor life@florala.net

Students will have the opportunity to search for internships and potential jobs at the new Experience Expo April 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Guillot University Center Banquet Halls.

While the department of Career Planning and Development is focusing this event on internships, it is about gaining experience, said Employer Development Coordinator Amanda Terry.

“The ideal purpose of this event is to encourage students to think forward about the importance of obtaining experience,” she said.

“Often times a degree now is prerequisite to apply for a job. Experience is that vital component that helps make yourself more marketable.”

Terry said different employers will offer volunteer opportunities, part-time jobs and internships.

“This event will be less formal than the Career Fair we have in the fall,” she said. “While it will be more laidback, students should still dress presentably.”

She said she recommends students bring a resume.

“If they are avidly seeking an internship or job, it would not hurt to go ahead and have your resume in hand,” she

said. “Although, they are not required but being prepared will let you be one step ahead.”

Terry said this event is replacing the annual Career Carnival.

“The Career Carnival was a less formal event,” she said.

“It was just kind of educating students about different companies and how you could get experience with them.

This event is directly pushed toward thinking outside of the box. ‘How do I make myself more marketable?’”

”

THE IDEAL PURPOSE OF

THIS EVENT IS TO ENCOURAGE

STUDENTS TO THINK FORWARD ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF OBTAINING

EXPERIENCE.

OFTEN TIMES A DEGREE

NOW IS PREREQUISITE TO APPLY

FOR A JOB. EXPERIENCE IS THAT VITAL COMPONENT THAT HELPS MAKE

YOURSELF MORE MARKETABLE.

AMANDA TERRY

EMPLOYER DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR She said internships are one way students can make themselves marketable.

Internships are helpful for future careers, and students

should take advantage of them, said senior Abigail Ferris.

“I need an internship to graduate, but it is a great opportunity for experience,” said senior Jonathon Cutter.

This event will provide assistance to students, said Computer Science and Information Systems Department Chair David Nickels.

“I think it is a great idea because it publicizes the fact that internships not only are available and supported through Career Planning and Development, but also it kind of brings to mind to students that internships are important,” he said.

He said most employers look for graduates who have hands-on experience.

Ferris is a public relations major and said her internship helped boost her confidence.

“Through my internship experience, I have learned how to test my knowledge that I have gained in the classroom by dealing with real clients,” she said. “I now know that I can handle some of the responsibilities required in my field.”

Cutter said he has learned how to work better with others through his internship with the Huntsville Havoc hockey team.

“While everyone has

their specific job title and job description, they also have to know how to do other stuff,” he said. “Us interns have to help with gameday operations as well as take ticket orders.”

Nickels said UNA offers many opportunities for internships and the Experience Expo provides a place for students to find those opportunities.

“I do think that for UNA as a whole it differentiates our new graduates from some other universities,” he said.

“They get to go into realworld environments, and they work with professionals in their fields. They gain the experience of knowing what a professional environment

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

is like.”

Cutter said he would have enjoyed going to an event like this.

“I would have liked to see what else is out there besides what I am doing,” he said.

Terry said students will benefit from coming to the event.

“The job market that (the students) are entering is very competitive,” she said.

“Oftentimes a degree doesn’t mean a job. You have to stand out by having experience to add to that degree. It’s also a great way to network with staff in our department and employers.”

PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS

AMERICAN PAPER BANK INDEPENDENT EPIC CHURCH FIRST METRO BANK HEXAGON SAFETY & INFRASTRUCTURE JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFFʼS OFFICE LOWEʼS MARTIN INCORPORATED PERSONNEL BOARD OF JEFFERSON COUNTY REPUBLIC FINANCE LLC SHERWIN-WILLIAMS TOWER LOAN YOUTH VILLAGES

10 Life

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Students motivate, mentor at-risk eighth graders JAKE RODGERS

Student Writer jrodgers2@una.edu

A group of around 10 UNA students volunteer one hour every Wednesday morning for Florence Middle School’s Pathways program.

“Pathways is a grant-funded program for at-risk students at Florence Middle School,” said Sociology Professor Andrea Hunt. “They are chosen for the program and are considered at risk for various reasons including grades and excessive absences. Some of them have had a hard time finding a social group that they fit in with, and this may be the reason they are in the program.”

Hunt said she first became involved with the Pathways program when she presented CHOICES, a program to help eighth-grade students who have at-risk academic issues, to students at FMS. “It was so much fun,” she said. “I told them I would love to come back and check up on them.”

The students seemed excited about the prospect, she said.

“I talked with the teacher to see if I could come back,” she said. “She told me

they had been trying to get some mentors to come, and I told her I would try as well. I reached out to students, and this is how it all got started.”

Hunt said she first told her sociology class about the Pathways program as a possible way for them to gain experience working with young people, but told them she would not offer extra credit for it.

Being lucky enough to have positive role models in her own life is why she got involved, said senior Erin Cooper.

“It’s the least I could do to pay it forward and be a positive role model for someone who may not have one,” she said. “We hang out with them during class and talk to them. Sometimes we have a particular topic to talk about. Once, we talked about test taking strategies and studying tips.”

After overwhelming support from her students, Hunt said she called the Athletic Department and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. to get more male students involved.

Both the athletes and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. students were more than willing to get involved, she said.

“It says a lot about our athletic

program that we’ve created at UNA that people aren’t coming here just to play sports,” Hunt said. “They are also important to the community, and they serve as role models to the community.

This also reflects so much on our university and a sense of community that we really cultivate at our university.”

”

(We wanted to give the eighth-grade students) something that would give them some incentive to come to school to help

their attendance and also a place for them to develop larger goals outside the eighth

grade.

Andrea Hunt

Sociology Professor

Athletics encourages student athletes to get involved in the community, said athletic director Mark Linder.

“Serving others is important to our character development and living a

champion’s life,” he said. “Serving others is critically important in becoming a productive member of society.”

The FMS students are happy to see the volunteers each Wednesday morning, Hunt said.

They want to show what they have done the past week, said sophomore Kaitlin Sharpton.

Volunteering will continue at FMS, Hunt said.

“Next semester, we will be helping them work on character education, helping them develop time management skills, developing healthy relationships with people around them, helping them to mediate conflict and (teaching them) how to avoid conflict in general online and social media,” Hunt said.

These students feel like they have people in their lives that care about them, she said.

“We just wanted to give them something they were excited about,” Hunt said. “(We wanted to give the eighth-grade students) something that would give them some incentive to come to school to help their attendance and also a place for them to develop larger goals outside of the eighth grade.”

Life 11

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

#ServetheShoals

SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer

Student volunteers spend Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 18, filling food boxes for the community as part of a Leadership and Volunteerism initiative. During the #ServetheShoals event in April, volunteers can post pictures of service work they are doing to social media. “Really, it’s to just draw attention to the fact that there are a lot of really great things happening in this area with people helping one another and reaching out to one another,” said Assistant Director of Student Engagement Bethany Green.

April event highlights local volunteers MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

People know the Shoals for its music, but there is more happening here every day they may not be aware of. One group of women plans to change that.

Andrea Holt, Executive Director for Court Appointed Special Advocates, first presented the idea to highlight local volunteers to Chelsea Kauchick, Shoals Chamber of Commerce Director of Marketing and Leadership Programs and Executive Director of Keep the Shoals Beautiful.

The women shared their ideas with Beth Haddock, Director of United Way, and Bethany Green, Assistant Director of Student Engagement.

They came up with the #ServetheShoals social media event that began April 1.

“The idea behind it is, because April is National Volunteer Month, why not, for those 30 days, ask people to basically document their volunteer service,” Green said.

People can take pictures of their volunteer work and post to social media, she said. They should include a short description of what they are doing and use #ServetheShoals.

Kauchick said the biggest goal is to raise awareness about local volunteers.

“Really, it’s just to draw attention to the fact that there are a lot of really great

things happening in this area with people helping one another and reaching out to one another,” Green said.

Kauchick said Holt came to her with the idea of wanting to celebrate local volunteers.

She said she told Holt about a program she is doing with Keep the Shoals Beautiful and kindergarten through sixth-grade students to highlight how they are cleaning up the community.

“We’re asking them to post a photo of themselves picking up trash or recycling and use the hashtag #IKeeptheShoalsBeautiful,” she said She said she thought this would be one way to celebrate the local volunteers and suggested the idea to Holt.

“We just started talking,” Kauchick said. “It was fast. These gals just pulled it together.”

Green said volunteers do not have to work through an agency.

“It can just be a daily out of the goodness of your heart kind of thing,” she said.

Volunteering is important because it is a good way of giving back to the community, said freshman Brayan Patlan.

“For me, it makes me happy knowing that I was able to help someone and make them happy, so I always feel accomplished,” he said.

Green said students unsure of ways to volunteer can visit the Leadership and Volunteerism website and look under the

Serve the Shoals tab to find volunteer requests from local agencies.

If students do not see a volunteer opportunity that interests them on the website, they can ask her for other possible opportunities, she said.

”

The idea behind it is, because April is National Volunteer Month, why not for those 30 days, ask people to basically document their volunteer service.

Bethany Green

Assistant Director, Student Engagement Volunteers contribute to making the world a better place, said junior Dominic Summerhill.

“I think volunteering is the best expression of human emotion,” he said.

“It’s people acting on behalf of the communities where they grew up and currently live.”

Loving and helping others is important, said senior Tia Nall.

“Our society places value on a lot of things, including ourselves,” she said. “It is so important to take the time to look beyond our own needs and consider the

needs of others as more important than our own.”

The women are still working out details, Green said.

Though they have not chosen a venue yet, when the event is over there will be a celebration, she said. At the celebration, they will select a random grand prize winner from all the pictures posted. “(It’s) just as a small way of saying, ‘Hey thanks, you’re doing some awesome stuff,’” she said.

Green said she hopes people participate.

“If people don’t do it, we can’t see it,” she said. “That’s the whole concept, to actually see it and let others see it. It’s an effort to bring the community together when it comes to service.”

Kauchick said this event will also help educate people on the number of nonprofits in the area and what each of them does.

“I’m really excited about it, just because working here at the Chamber we deal with volunteers all the time, and there’s only so many times you can say thank you,” Kauchick said. “I’m amazed at how much people give back to their community even though they’ve got so much going on. It’s just amazing to me what people can accomplish.”

More information about the event is available at servetheshoals.org.

12 Sports

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Scoreboard March 29April 3

March 29

Baseball at Trevecca Nazarene 7-5 Loss

April 1

Tennis vs. Lee (W) 7-2 Win, (M) 8-1 Win

April 2 Softball at UAH (DH) 7-3 Loss, 8-6 Win Baseball at UAH (DH) 12-1 Loss, 8-6 Loss

April 3 Softball at UAH 4-0 Win Baseball at UAH 6-0 Loss

Tennis vs. Valdosta State (W) 7-2 Loss, (M) 5-3 Loss

Upcoming Tennis

April 7 at Alabama A&M (M/W) April 11 at Rhodes College (M/W) April 14-16 GSC Tournament

Softball

April 9-10 vs. Mississippi College April 14 vs. Tuskegee (DH) April 16-17 vs. Union April 23-24 at Christian Brothers

Baseball

April 9-10 vs. Mississippi College April 13 at Montevallo April 16-17 vs. Union April 19 at Stillman April 23-24 at Christian Brothers

Track

April 15 Mountain Laurel Invitational Sewanee, Tennessee

Golf

April 17-19 Gulf South Conference Tournament in Ford City Games continued at roarlions.com

KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer

The UNA student section cheers on the Lions during a homecoming game against Western Oregon Oct. 4, 2014. UNA Athletics and Student Government Association agreed to move the student section to the home side in 2016.

Student section moves to home side MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

UNA students will have a different view for home football games next season, and many believe it is for the better.

The Student Government Association and UNA Athletics composed a plan this year to move the student section close to the north end zone on the home side, as opposed to the away side, said SGA President Nick Lang.

“I feel like the students possibly feel disconnected being on the away side,” Lang said. “Letting students sit on the home side will help them feel a better connection to their school because they are sitting on a full side of purple.”

In the Oct. 22 issue of The Flor-Ala, senior Jennifer Sewell suggested moving the student section to the home stands would be the only thing she

would change about UNA’s gameday experience.

“I think it would be cool if students could sit on the home side and cheer with the other UNA fans,” Sewell said. “I love the venue, and that would make it more enjoyable.”

With ongoing construction in the spirit quad area, student tailgating will move to its original location on Spirit Hill, said UNA Athletics Director Mark Linder.

In addition to moving students on the home side, the plan also involves having students run through the inflated helmet before the team does.

Students who wish to do so can touch Pride Rock, run through the helmet and flock to Section A through a gate.

“We’ve been kicking (the idea) around for maybe a year or two now,” Linder said. “I met with Nick (Lang) and (SGA President-elect) Sarah (Green) about two weeks ago, and they

were excited about it.”

Green said letting students touch Pride Rock and run through the helmet should generate an unforgettable experience.

“That’s just going to bring a whole new element to our football games,” she said. “I can’t wait to run through (the helmet). I touched Pride Rock one time, and it was just the most empowering moment of my life.”

Lang said he wants touching Pride Rock to become prestigious.

“It needs to be a tradition that when football season comes around, as students, we’re going to pack out the stadium for the athletes and show the athletes appreciation for their hard work and touch Pride Rock,” he said.

Linder said he hopes implementing the new ideas will raise attendance for the home games following homecoming, as there is usually a large drop-

off in attendance in the final home games.

“It seems like there is always a lag in our fourth home game attendance by our students,” Linder said. “Maybe the students that come feel disengaged because they’re on the other side and the homecoming activities are toward the west side. We want to take that excuse off the table.”

Lang said he is grateful to Linder and President Kenneth Kitts for allowing the move to the home side to happen, but encourages students to hold their end of the deal.

“I just want to stress to students the importance of sitting over there,” he said.

“This is going to be like a trial run. If students don’t come to the games and sit on the home side, then of course Mr. Linder and President Kitts will be like, ‘Well, the students didn’t really care about sitting on the home side if they aren’t coming.’”

in that category Feb. 7 at the Birmingham CrossPlex Arena.

“I had a feeling like I broke (the record),” Harper said. “I mean it helps that there is a giant clock that shows our time, but our assistant coach Erin Covington confirmed it when she came over and hugged me saying that I broke the record.”

In UNA’s most recent track event, the Gamecock Quad Meet at Jacksonville State University, Harper continued her success

after finishing second in the 400-meter dash with a 1:00.55 time and fifth in the 200-meter dash at 27.75.

As Harper surpasses her own times at each event, her teammates are taking notice, said senior Marlah Stancil.

“Sarah is extremely driven and competitive, even when it comes to just practicing, but even more so when it comes to racing in meets,” Stancil said.

“She currently holds the team’s

record for the 400-meter and has broken her personal record several times this season.”

Harper began competing in track late in her high school career as a senior at Fairview High School. Since she did not run cross-country in high school and waited until her final year of high school to run track, Harper said she was surprised to get an opportunity on the college level.

Sophomore runner sets school track record JONATHAN SLATTON Student Writer jslatton@una.edu

The UNA women’s track team has competed in six events this season, one of which involved a short-distance specialist breaking a school record.

With a time of 1:00.2 seconds in a 400-meter dash, sophomore Sarah Harper set the school record for fastest time

See HARPER, page 14

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

information gathered by MIKE EZEKIEL I Sports Editor infographic designed by KALI DANIEL | Editor-in-Chief

SPORTS 13

14 Sports

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Bass fishing team aims for three-peat ”W ’

e are one of the only schools

that doesn t have a coach.

We kind of take care of everything on our own, and to be honest with you, I like it that way.

It makes us more responsible.

Andrew Tate

Social Media Coordinator UNA Bass Fishing Team

MELANIE HODGES I Student Photographer

UNA bass fishermen (from left to right) Andrew Tate, Makenzie Henson, Sloan Pennington and Caleb Dennis come up with a fishing strategy at McFarland Park April 4. Henson, Pennington and Dennis, along with Triston Crowden, placed first at the 2016 Cabela’s Collegiate Bass Fishing Open. Tate and partner Dawson Lenz finished fifth in a national championship event in South Carolina March 17-19.

MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

Many students start organizations and clubs on campus, but not as many maintain success with little help.

The UNA bass fishing team is the only college team to win back-to-back Cabela’s School of the Year honors. The club has been 100 percent student-run since its establishment about a decade ago, said senior Andrew Tate, the team’s social media coordinator.

“We are one of the only schools that doesn’t have a coach,” Tate said. “Our adviser is (UNA Vice President) David Shields, but he doesn’t really have to advise us much. We kind of take care of

everything on our own, and to be honest with you, I like it that way. It makes us more responsible.”

Tate said many teams have an adviser or administrator who prepays for the team’s hotels or makes equipment purchases, but Shields lets the students operate the entire club.

“We do it all on our own,” Tate said. “(Shields) will come and sit in on our meetings and he’ll check in on us, but I think he’s realized by now over the last few years that we can take care of ourselves.”

Whatever the team is doing must work, as the team of Makenzie Henson, Caleb Dennis, Sloan Pennington and Triston Crowden collected a first-place finish at the 2016 Cabela’s Collegiate

HARPER, continued from page 12 “It was really strange for Coach (Scott) Trimble to take a chance on me and give me a scholarship for cross-country,” Harper said. “I had never really ran crosscountry before and had just stared running (track), but I am so glad he did. It’s just a blessing in my life.”

As the women’s track team continues to grow since its establishment in 2012, Stancil said runners like Harper will keep the team in good shape.

“Being a new track team that was only established four years ago, we are constantly working to beat our own times and to establish new goals for not only ourselves, but for future recruits as well,” she said.

The team will look to replace four graduating seniors next season, but expects Harper to become one of the team’s leaders, said assistant coach Erin Covington.

“Sarah will have no problem stepping into that (leadership) role,” Covington said. “Girls will want to follow her because of how passionate she is about running.”

Harper and the team will compete next at Mountain Laurel Invitational at Sewanee, Tennessee, April 15.

The following week, the Lions will compete in the Gulf South Conference Championships in Clinton, Mississippi, April 21-23.

Bass Fishing Open on Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Arkansas, two weeks ago.

In addition, Tate and his partner, senior Dawson Lenz, took home a top 10 finish at the Fishing League Worldwide National Championship Tournament at Lake Keowee in South Carolina March 17-19.

Tate said placing high in tournaments and winning Cabela’s School of the Year helps bring in money and equipment to maintain the club.

“Last year, Cabela’s sent us probably $1,500 to $2,000 worth of stuff apiece,” Tate said.

While earning money in tournaments helps keep the budget afloat, the team continues to grow in members as well.

Lenz, from Peachtree City, Georgia, said

his primary reason for coming to UNA was for its bass fishing team.

“When I was a freshman, we only had like seven or eight guys on the team,” Lenz said. “Everybody on the team at that point was locals. Since then, now that I’m a senior, we have over 40 members.

It has grown tremendously.”

Tate and Lenz said the team’s exposure comes through word-of-mouth, which has reached internationally.

“As of last year, we had a guy come from Japan just to be on the fishing team at UNA,” Lenz said. “We have guys from Illinois, Japan and I have another buddy from Georgia who I grew up fishing with who’s a freshman this year. It’s a huge deal, and I hope it keeps growing after I leave.”

Lenz said having multiple lakes close by leaves the team no excuses to neglect practicing.

“We have that luxury of having the Tennessee River close to the house,” Lenz said. “It’s just a huge advantage.

You have guys (at other universities) that haven’t been fishing in the past week or two, and it will take them a couple of days to figure things out.”

Henson, a Rogersville native, said being a member of UNA’s bass fishing team is a sportsman’s paradise.

“We have Wheeler, Wilson and Pickwick (lakes) right here in our own backyard,” Henson said. “I live about five minutes from Wheeler and 10 minutes from Wilson. What more could you ask for?”

Sarah Harper • Class: Sophomore • Hometown: Baileytown, Alabama • High School: Fairview • Best 400-Meter Time: 1:00.55

EXTRA 15

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Thurs., April 7

10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Active Minds Bake Sale GUC Atrium 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Sigma Alpha Iota Bake Sale GUC Atrium 3 — 4 p.m.

Active Minds meeting Stone Lodge (Lower) 4 — 5:30 p.m.

Circle K meeting Stone Lodge (Upper) 7:30 p.m.

David Ramirez with Belle Adair The Mane Room

Fri., April 8

10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Sigma Alpha Iota Bake Sale GUC Atrium

photo courtesy of David Ramirez

David Ramirez will perform with Belle Adair at The Mane Room April 7. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Sun., April 10

3 p.m.

UNA Choirs: Spring Sing!

UNA Memorial Amphitheater

1 p.m.

Softball vs Mississippi College Softball Complex

5 — 6 p.m.

College Democrats Commons 307 6 — 8 p.m.

NPHC Manhood Monday Stone Lodge (Upper)

Wed., April 13

10 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Pi Kappa Alpha Dunking Booth Memorial Amphitheater

11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

8 — 10 p.m.

Higher Education Day Fellowship of Christian Memorial Athletes Amphitheater 2:30 — 4:45 p.m.

Commons 307 International Tea 1 p.m.

3 — 4:30 p.m.

Stone Lodge (Upper) Baseball vs Mississippi SAFEZONE Interest Tues., April 12 College Meeting 8:30 a.m. — 6 p.m.

10 a.m.

— 2 p.m.

GUC 208 ALA-WSL Conference Mike D. Lane Field Experience Expo GUC Loft 8 — 9:30 p.m.

4:30 — 6 p.m.

GUC Banquet Halls ENCOUNTER SAFE meeting 11 a.m.

— 1 p.m.

Sat., April 9 Stone Lodge (Upper) Stone Lodge (Upper) Higher Education Day 1 and 4 p.m.

7 p.m.

Baseball vs Mississippi Mon., April 11 Memorial Dr. Jackson Katz Amphitheater College 9 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Lecture Mike D. Lane Field Model UN Conference 4:30 — 5:30 p.m.

More Than a Few Stone Lodge (Lower) Hispanic Culture 2 and 4 p.m.

Good Men Organization Softball vs Mississippi 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Norton Auditorium Stone Lodge (Upper) College JUMP! Bake Sale Softball Complex GUC Atrium 8 — 9:30 p.m.

6 — 7 p.m.

Healthy Relationships ENCOUNTER Stone Lodge (Upper) GUC 208

16 EXTRA

April 7, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

APRIL 12, 10AM-2PM GUC BANQUET HALLS FREE FOOD, DRINKS AND PRIZES!