Aug. 28 Issue

Red Zone Aug. 28, 2014

Volume 83, Issue 2

www.FlorAla.net

Page 1B

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

FEATURE

STROKE OF A CHAMPION

Paralympic swimmer wins gold in international meet

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No legs, no shoes, no problem.

Competing in an international Olympic swim match with the absence of your lower body may seem like a feat of nature, but for one UNA student, winning a gold medal is just another check mark in a box.

Public communication major Roderick “Rod” Sewell’s first international meet debuting with the U.S. Para-swim team landed him a gold medal as he met the finish line with a 1:40.68 time, propelling beyond his competitors in the 100-meter breaststroke.

The U.S. team competed against 20 other countries in Pasadena, California’s Rose Bowl Aquatics Center during the Pan Pacific Para-Swimming Championships Aug. 6-10.

His nine-a-week practices during the three-month summer period prepared him for competition in four events: 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter breaststroke, 100-meter backstroke and the team medley relay.

“I feel honored,” he said. “But this isn’t it. I want to reach for Rio and win a gold medal. Even then, that wouldn’t be where I would stop.”

Sewell, 22, has been an above-theknee double-amputee for almost 21 years. He was born lacking both tibias,

the large bones located on the lower half of the legs. His feet were also twisted 360 degrees. Sewell’s fate would either be in a wheelchair or in prosthetics for the rest of his life.

His mother, Marian Sewell, made the executive decision to have his legs amputated when he was only a year old.

She now describes it as a blessing in disguise, she said.

“Early on, I felt like having no legs meant having no life,” she said. “He showed me different.”

Sewell practiced positive thinking by saying, “I am who I am,” despite his physical differences. He said he learned to shake negativity off his shoulders and focus on his passion: swimming.

Fear of the water at age 10 became Sewell’s motivation to make his start in the pool, he said.

“I met a friend of mine who was another double above-the-knee amputee, and he knew how to swim,” Sewell said.

“I wanted to learn so I could overcome my fear.”

He said his first swim coach, Alan Voisard, became one of the “most influential people in (his) life.”

Voisard had only the same to say about Sewell.

“I met (Rod) through the Challenged Athletes Foundation after he applied for a grant to learn how to swim,” Voisard said.

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Roderick “Rod” Sewell emerges from the water while practicing his breaststroke. Sewell won the gold medal for the 100-meter breaststroke in Pasadena, California when he competed Aug. 6-10. photo by DALLAS MOORE I Chief Photographer

CRIME

Football player pleads out on 2 misdemeanors, felony ASHLEY REMKUS

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A UNA football player arrested on charges of theft, escape and assault of a police officer in June, accepted a plea agreement and is back on the field, officials said.

Steven Levi Fell, a starting defensive back for the Lions, was allowed to plead out on

INSIDE

this week’s paper

misdemeanor charges of thirddegree theft and third degree escape, and a felony charge of second-degree assault of a police officer, said Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly.

“After reviewing the evidence in the case and consulting with the arresting officer, I agreed to allow him to plead guilty as a youthful offender,” Connolly said. “He

NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A PHOTO ESSAY . . . 4A VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7A

entered his plea July 17 and was treated accordingly as allowed by law.”

When any member of UNA athletics is charged with a felony, he or she is typically suspended from the program until the legal process is completed, said Athletic Director Mark Linder.

“In general terms, legal issues have to be resolved prior to an athlete being allowed back on the field,” Linder said.

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

”

HE ENTERED HIS PLEA JULY 17 AND WAS TREATED ACCORDINGLY AS ALLOWED BY LAW.

CHRIS CONNOLLY DISTRIT ATTORNEY

He confirmed Fell has returned to practice.

Director of Student Conduct Kim Greenway said when a student is charged with a felony, he or she goes through the Student Conduct process, and if found responsible for his or her actions, is sanctioned accordingly.

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SRC GETS A FACELIFT .......5B

Please recycle your paper.

2A NEWS

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

ADMINISTRATION

Arts and Sciences Dean hired VERONICA LEWIS ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ ^TM_Q[(]VI ML]

Students who enter the office of the new Dean of Arts and Sciences will find a comfy atmosphere along with a straight-back chair and a coffee table covered with papers and files.

Carmen Burkhalter fills the position left vacant when former Dean Vagn Hansen left earlier this year.

She brings over ten years experience as a dean to UNA. Previously, she was department chair of criminal justice, a tenured associate professor and a tenured professor of communicative disorders at the University of Alabama.

“I will be spending a lot of time getting to know as much as I can about all departments in the College (of Arts and Sciences),” she said. “I want to develop a plan so we can grow all majors and be part of new initiatives at UNA like increasing international learning opportunities for our students.”

Just as if she were a student, Burkhalter enjoys her free time. She can often be found gardening, canning vegetables, reading mystery novels or sci-fi books, or traveling while away from campus.

“I would like to travel to the equator,” she said. “Besides being a great lifetime story it would be very cool to observe the magnetic forces there. I hear that because of gravity differences, water

runs differently and that an egg can balance on a nail.”

Burkhalter’s love of travelling came from her mother. As a social worker, her mother worked with refugee families and children. Her mother’s goals contributed to her own love of international learning, she said.

“My mother always said ‘work hard and have a good attitude,’” she said. “I have found that everything else will take care of itself.”

“On the personal side she is warm and friendly,” said Interim President John Thornell. “She is also very datadriven and student-oriented.”

Her plan for the fall academic term is focused on assessment and development.

“We want students to communicate with us about what will help them be maximally successful,” Burkhalter said. “If there are stumbling blocks in a student’s educational journey, we want to work to find solutions.”

Her diverse experience leads her to think innovatively, said Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Thomas Calhoun.

“She brings fresh and exciting ideas to this university and she’s a wonderful new colleague,” he said.

The College of Arts and Sciences is now utilizing social media to keep students in the loop and can be found on Facebook, Burkhalter said. photo by Katlyn Shannon I Staff Photographer

New Arts and Sciences Dean Carmen Burkhalter (right) takes notes during a meeting of campus faculty and staff. Burkhalter arrived at UNA this summer.

LEGISLATION

New coordinator plans Title IX education ANNA GRACE USERY -LQ\WZ QV +PQMN MLQ\WZ(NTWZITI VM\

A shift in the approach toward gender equity is taking place on college campuses across the U.S., and UNA is following suit.

A familiar face is taking on a new role as Tammy Jacques, former director of Student Engagement, is becoming acclimated to the duties and protocol of her new role as Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Title IX Coordinator.

Jacques said legislation is being enacted and updated every day with Title IX affecting each student in some way, although many may be unaware.

The main proponents of the mandatory changes under new Title IX federal regulations are education and prevention, she said.

“Everyone on campus including students, faculty and staff will have to be trained on the new legislation,” she said.

“As an institution, we’ve got to really communicate to victims of crime who they can turn to and report to.”

Title IX is part of the Education Amendments of 1972, which states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination

under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

UNA’s Title IX retainer lawyer Brett Sokolow said the update protects students from hazing, bullying, gender identity discrimination, and discrimination against pregnant or parenting teens.

Sokolow is the president and CEO of the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management (NCHERM) Group.

“Gender equity is an inherent good in education,” he said. “All these changes are intended to help to further and foster gender equity so that full participation in the education experience is right for all.”

He described the mandates as complex, complicated and onerous, but said, “many campuses are gearing up to meet them, blending live trainings with online trainings and curricular infusion.”

Jacques said she would like to have a plan of action established this year, and she currently is collaborating with other campus entities to develop strategies for campus-wide education.

“We’re looking at what it is we are doing currently as far as education and prevention under Title IX, and what it is we can do next,” she said. “We’re trying to do everything in our power to make sure people in the UNA community feel comfortable.”

UNA Athletics, the University Police Department, and the Office of

Student Conduct are participating in the discussions.

University Police Chief Bob Pastula said he believes the education component is important because when students coming to college for the first time get away from home, they could potentially put themselves in harm’s way.

“We’ve always had educational programs,” Pastula said. We’re just going to be stepping up what we’ve already been doing. Since there are other organizations on campus aiding the education and prevention piece, I think this will cause positive change on campus.”

Jacques said education could produce one of two effects: “It could bring in more cases, meaning students could feel more comfortable reporting it,” she said. “Or it could have a preventative effect and the number of cases could decrease.”

She said there are no current Title IX investigations at UNA that she is aware of, adding she plans to keep it that way.

Any student in need of help with a Title IX-related issue should contact Jacques at 256-765-4248, Pastula at 256-765-4357 or Director of Student Conduct Kim Greenway at 256-7655012.

84-) KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) Whether a student is found guilty by the court system or not has no effect on Student Conduct cases, Greenway said.

”

“IN GENERAL TERMS LEGAL

ISSUES HAVE TO BE RESOLVED PRIOR TO AN ATHLETE BEING ALLOWED BACK ON THE FIELD

MARK LINDER ATHLETIC DIRECTOR “The outcome of the legal system generally has no effect on the university conduct process, except that the student, if charged with a felony, would be allowed to have an attorney present as an advisor, not as a participant, during the hearing process,” she said.

She said because of regulations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the findings of Student Conduct cases cannot be released except to the parties involved.

“A school may not generally disclose personally identifiable information from an eligible student’s education records to a third party unless the eligible student has provided written consent,” she said.

NEWS 3A

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

SGA

SGA branches look forward to positive campus atmosphere NATALIE BEE

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As school leaps back into session, SGA leaders are eager to maintain a positive environment on campus — a place where students want to get involved.

SGA officers were elected last semester, as well as senators and program council members were chosen. Members of Senate and UPC narrowed down and established goals for the 2014-2015

school year during their summer retreat.

“We are going to push positivity because everybody is important. From the janitors on staff to the students, we are all one big unit. And if we want UNA to excel, we have to come together,” said Senate Vice President Nick Lang. “SGA knows that everybody is important, and that everybody plays a vital role in UNA and the community.”

The goals set for this year’s Senate branch include collaborating with students and the community and increasing student participation in SGA

activities, Lang said.

Senate has started off the year strong connecting students with Florence and campus communities through events such as Lion Night and The Lucky Dip, he said.

Junior Hailey Blankenship, who took the lucky dip on the first day of school, said it helped students connect with UNA. “I think that The Lucky Dip was a fun thing for UNA to do. We didn’t really have any first day traditions, so it’s great that someone finally started one,”

photo by DALLAS MOORE I Chief Photographer

Two students dip their pencils in the fountain on the first day of school as another student takes their photo. SGA members said they wanted to bring back the dip becuase it has been a campus tradition in the past.

Blankenship said.

Future projects are already in the works, Lang said. Those plans include updating the paw prints that can be seen on Court Street downtown.

He said Senate also wants to get students involved with voting on campus and voicing their opinions.

Only 311 students voted in last year’s SGA elections, but Lang said he hopes better marketing in addition to rewarding students for voting may increase participation.

UPC Vice President Daniel Thompson said he hopes to receive more feedback from students to help with future events.

“We are here for the students,” Thompson said. “We are reaching out to them to make sure to get feedback about what they want to do.”

He said the main goal UPC has is to bring the best possible entertainment to students and to let students know there are options to enjoy themselves on campus.

Thompson said a large number of students attend events like the spring concert, but he hopes to increase attendance at other events by providing top-notch entertainment and spreading the word through social media.

“There’s plenty of opportunity for students to enjoy themselves on campus,” he said. “We’re trying to show them what they can do through SGA.” He said UPC is currently working on making homecoming a weeklong event to increase school spirit.

GREEK LIFE

Fraternities, sororities kick-off with recruitment events JASMINE FLEMING 7VTQVM -LQ\WZ WVTQVM(NTWZITI VM\

As back-to-school events wind down, Greek recruitment is just getting started.

There are three Greek councils at UNA — the Interfraternity Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the National Panhellenic Conference — all of which follow a different set of recruitment guidelines, said Assistant Director of Student Engagement for Greek Affairs Julie Fletcher.

All three councils participated in Welcome Week activities such as Meet the Greeks and The Big Deal.

National Panhellenic Conference NPC President Kerstin Miller said recruitment begins Thursday, Aug. 28 with orientation and is followed

by Philanthropy Night Friday, when students learn about each chapter’s service projects. Saturday night students learn about each chapter’s beliefs and sisterhood.

NPC recruitment winds down Sunday night’s Preference Night, Miller said.

“Preference Night is very sentimental for everyone,” she said. “The women will hear personal stories from chapter members. They will hear what made

members decide to go Greek and also what being Greek means to them.”

New members are selected the following Monday, Sept. 1, she said.

“It is always an exciting time for everyone,” she said. “The potential new members will receive their bids and then run to the chapter from who they received the bid.”

Junior Lauren Goodwin said she plans to go through NPC recruitment and has enjoyed meeting the sororities during Welcome Week activities.

“Everyone is friendly, outgoing and easy to get to know,” Goodwin said. “I’m looking forward to learning the process of joining a sorority.”

National Pan-Hellenic Council Fletcher said NPHC’s Step Show held after the Big Deal is one way NPHC gets involved with students on campus, as well as the Back to School Bash that occurred Aug. 26. They will also be hosting a pool party on Royal Avenue Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. with a $2 admission fee.

NPHC’s main recruiting event, she said, is Convocation Sept. 4 in the GUC at 7 p.m. This event is a big opportunity for NPHC members and prospective members to make connections, she said.

Freshman Zaria Dailey said she has

been attending recruiting events such as Meet the Greeks, and has been impressed with what she has seen from Zeta Phi Beta, the sorority she hopes to join next year.

“I’ve wanted to be a Zeta since I was six,” Dailey said. “Zetas have so much history associated with them, and it’s just amazing. You can tell they are very family-oriented and down-to-earth.”

Interfraternity Council IFC president Cullen Akin said IFC recruitment differs from other councils. “(The guidelines allow) the fraternities to be constantly searching for new members all the time, not just in a certain time period,” Akin said. “It also allows them to set their own goals and time frames.”

As part of its recruitment activities, IFC partnered with Campus Outreach to bring a flag football game to campus Aug. 24, and the council will also participate in the Greek Alumni Leadership Expo Sept. 2, Akin said.

“What this event is intended to do is give potential members and active members the opportunity to hear about how joining a Greek organization is more than a four-year commitment, but for a lifetime,” he said.

Thad Hogan, a freshman, said he

enjoyed meeting Alpha Tau Omega at Meet the Greeks and The Big Deal.

“I really liked ATO,” he said. “They were really friendly. I think I’d like to be a part of them.”

photo by DALLAS MOORE I Chief Photographer

Members of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity talk to potential members at the Big Deal Aug. 21. Each Greek organization could set up a booth at the event for students to get more information about the chapters.

4A IMAGES

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

▶

Frost Bites Gummy worms are one of the many toppings available at Frostbite.

Parking Problems ▶ Parking signs on campus show students where to park and where to park illegally.

my

Photos by Dallas Moore

UNA

Here at UNA, a lot of students share the same ups and downs, the same day-to-day experiences and the same thoughts of this place we call ‘home’.

Upon returning to college after an extended break after high school, I decided I was ready to jump in to college life. Since then, I have made myself at home in a place I can call my UNA. My UNA is a campus community divided over many issues. One of the most recurring is parking.

When I say ‘divided’ I mean split between the students and those who enforce the power of the white, yellow, green, and red lines.

My UNA is a campus with a squirrel every 20 feet. While many students see them as a nuisance,

▶

Friend or Foe The squirrels on our campus have a reputation for being approachable, and sometimes quick to approach. They always find time to pose for a photo.

Lunch with Friends ▶ Senior Anna Leigh Rossi and Junior Kahri Bolden enjoy lunch together in the Commons building.

I love them. They remind me that while I am struggling or living life to the fullest, there is someone or something else out there with different struggles.

My UNA is lunch with friends in the GUC or The Commons, and what has recently become one of my favorite parts of UNA – Frostbite Frozen Treats.

My UNA is one where I’ve tried my hand in various organizations and majors to see what fits me best. I started as marine biology and ended up in Spanish, with several other programs falling in between. I’ve gone on trips with The Outdoor Adventure Club, danced the salsa with the Hispanic Culture Organization and worked to educate the campus community as former President of SAFE – the Student Alliance For Equality.

Now I believe I’ve found my place with UNA Student Media. As Chief Photographer for The Flor-Ala and Diorama I love what I do and the people I get to meet and work with every day.

The college experience is unique to each student. As is often said, ‘It’s what you make it’.

Over the past two years, this has become my UNA. What will you make yours?

NEWS 5A

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala ;?155-: KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) “The original intent was to teach him to swim for safety purposes.”

Voisard acted as his mentor and pushed him to pursue a college degree, knowing his education would prepare him to be the best representation of America he could be, he said.

“Rod knows mediocrity is not the path to success,” he said. “And as the

fastest SB6 (swim breaststroke class 6) swimmer in America and No. 13 or 14 in the world, his hard work has put him at a good chance to qualify (for the games in Rio),” Voisard said.

Originally, Sewell said, he kept swimming just to see how well he could do. But when he created a following of people cheering him on, he knew he began to swim for his supporters, not himself.

At a spring break swim meet in Miami earlier this year, Sewell raced in a

qualifier for the U.S. team to compete in the Para Pan Pacific Championships and qualified along with 44 other athletes.

“I went just to get my best time, then I got an email saying I made the team,” he said, grinning. “Once that happened I had to change my entire summer plans, move to California and start training.”

Sewell plans to graduate in the spring and either move to California to continue training and working or live in the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

He said his experiences working with kids and being in the public light have inspired him to become a motivational speaker.

“I feel honored, and I feel like I’ve come a long way,” he said. “But this is only the beginning for me.”

He said his next aspiration is to compete in the world championships next year in Glasgow, and ultimately, to win gold in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

photo by DALLAS MOORE I Chief Photographer

Roderick “Rod” Sewell practices swimming as he propels his arms forward. Sewell is one of the fastest paralympic swimmers in the world.

ENROLLMENT

Study: Journalism class enrollment takes nose dive KELSEY WHITE

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Recent research by a team at the University of Georgia shows a decline in enrollment in college journalism courses across the nation, according a study released by the University of Georgia’s James M. Cox Jr. Center for International Mass Communication Training and Research.

“Collectively, enrollments in journalism and communication schools nationwide recently fell two years in a row for the first time in two decades,” the study found.

Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Thomas Calhoun acknowledged the researchers’ findings.

“We have had declines in every college at UNA except the college of business,” Calhoun said. “It is not huge, but it is definitely a decline.”

Some researchers suggest the negative publicity of the media is a major deterrent for prospective students, according to the American Journalism Review.

Chair of the Department of Communications Greg Pitts echoed this.

“We hit a peak about two to three years ago, but our enrollment is down a little bit,” Pitts said. “I think it is due in part to the national look people have had

at journalism.”

Sophomore Marina Loveland said a person’s view of the media depends on his or her life experiences.

“My sister was raised to watch the news,” she said. “But she’s 10 years older than me, and I always thought ‘why does (news) matter?’”

Pitts also pointed to the curriculum as a contributor.

“People sometimes think of writing as more of a bitter pill to swallow,” Pitts said. “Right now, people are probably a little unfocused in how they look at it.”

Loveland said students should know what they are getting into no matter what they choose to study in college.

“No matter what your major, you have to do your research,” she said.

“Know what you’ll be doing.”

Money is one of the greatest concerns low enrollment poses for higher education officials and students.

Calhoun said.

He confirmed the money issue has become more prominent over the last decade.

“A decline in enrollment directly leads to a decline in financing and makes universities charge more tuition in order to balance (their) books,” Calhoun said.

“They don’t want to charge more, and students don’t want to pay more.”

One such way UNA is working to ease monetary demands is by changing

the way scholarships are offered, he said.

Pitts also described positive changes in the Department of Communications.

“If you were to pull the catalog and look at how it was in 2009 when I came here versus how it is today, you would see almost a 180 degree turn,” Pitts said.

”

WE HAVE HAD DECLINES IN EVERY COLLEGE AT UNA EXCEPT THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS. ITʼS NOT HUGE, BUT ITʼS DEFINITELY A DECLINE.

THOMAS CALHOUN INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PROVOST “We are teaching more digital skills,” he said. “The more of these skills you have the better off you are going to be.

Writing, critical thinking, liberal arts, and digital skills make a great undergraduate degree for someone.”

The light research has shed on enrollment is causing some college officials to take a more personal approach toward recruitment, and Calhoun said officials at UNA are working vigorously to combat enrollment declines.

“We are launching a more aggressive marketing campaign to prospective

students,” Calhoun said. “There may be a decline, but there is an uptick in the way educational products are being offered.”

Like the curriculum in the Communications Department, changes at UNA are expected to bring in more students and maintain those currently enrolled, he said.

He said developments such as new residence halls, the First Year Experience Program, and the University Success Center are put in place to ensure students a welcoming and helpful college environment.

He expressed his belief that everyone on campus plays a role in recruitment, whether he or she is faculty, staff, or a student.

“We are all ambassadors for UNA,” he said. “Something as simple as holding a door for somebody and saying good morning could influence how UNA is perceived.”

Even though studies project a decrease in college enrollment as we shift out of the millennial generation, Pitts said he is confident UNA is ready to grow.

“I think you want your program to be alive and vibrant and responding to changes in the industry,” he said. “We have to do a better job of telling our story — who we are and what we have to offer.”

6A NEWS PROCEDURES

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

LOST AND FOUND

Police department holds lost items, later donates to charity CAROLINE DOLAN ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ KLWTIV(]VI ML]

Everyone is familiar with that sense of panic. Reaching for a cell phone to update Twitter and coming up empty will put knots in a person’s stomach.

The only hope is someone else knows where it is.

When an item is turned into the police department, it is logged into the system and held at the station for at least sixty days, according to the University Police website. Items such as cell phones, clothing, and eyeglasses are given to various charities after the sixtyday holding period.

“We’ve hadd a lost lo and found here

for a long time,” said University Police Chief Bob Pastula.“Cell phones are one item we receive a lot of.”

After the sixty days, cell phones are taken to Hope House, which he said works with members of the military, or Rape Response, a 24-hour facility available to victims of sexual assault.

Pastula said they send eyeglasses to the Kiwanis Club where they are refurbished and given to developing countries in need.

Clothing items are sent to the Salvation Army or Loaves and Fishes, where they are cleaned and sold, he said.

Bicycles have previously been donated to Loaves and Fishes where they were repaired and given to families in need, but now, Pastula said, he

would like to send them to the Outdoor Adventure Center.

Junior Maggie Beech said she thinks donating the unclaimed items is a “great idea.”

Pastula said jewelry and other highdollar items are typically held longer than 60 days.

“The more expensive stuff we’ll keep a little bit longer,” he said.

A skateboard and a guitar are among the unclaimed items.

Pastula said computers and electronic devices are also kept longer as the police attempt to identify the owner.

He said if a student loses an item, it needs to be reported as soon as possible.

The police will check to see if it has

been turned in and if not, they will take the student’s name, phone number, location and a description of the item.

“We have a list of people who lose things and if we find something, we check that list,” Pastula said.

The system the police department uses to return lost items to students is efficient, Beech said.

“Having a system for logging the items is better than just collecting them,” she said. “It also protects people’s stuff — especially something like a cell phone that’s private.”

The University Police Department is located in the basement of Keller Hall and can be reached by phone at 256765-4357.

infographic by Managing Editor Kali Daniel

Most common items lost

UNA Police allow

60 days to pick up lost items

Hope House Rape Response Kiwanis Club Salvation Army Loaves and Fishes Outdoor Adventure Center

Cell phones Laptops Jewelry Clothes Books

before giving them to charity ACADEMICS

Job market availability keeps nursing enrollment high OLIVIA HARTUNG

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More UNA students choose nursing than any other major.

Of the nearly 200 applicants to the College of Nursing each year, only 96 are accepted, said Dean of the College of Nursing Birdie Bailey.

One reason for the high interest in nursing is related to the availability of jobs on the market for nurses, Bailey said.

“Nursing itself is a career where students can graduate with jobs. That’s one of the problems in the university setting now that we are trying to address — students going to college and not getting jobs,” Bailey said. “Nursing historically has addressed that primary issue — not only getting jobs, but jobs in the field in which students prepare to graduate.”

She said the programs demands and requirements from state agencies and accreditation bodies are just as high as

”N

URSING ITSELF IS A CAREER WHERE STUDENTS CAN GRADUATE WITH JOBS.

BIRDIE BAILEY DEAN OF COLLEGE OF NURSING

the rate of students who get a job.

Since the required GPA for acceptance was raised to 2.5, applications have gone down, but acceptance has remained the same, she said.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobs most common to get under the major are registered nurse, medical assistant and medical clinical laboratory technician. The estimate salary for registered nurses is $65,470 a year, for medical assistants $29,370 and $47,820 for medical clinical laboratory technicians.

Bailey said nursing at the bedside is still the primary career for nursing students. However, there are many career opportunities to work somewhere other than in a hospital or doctor’s office.

“The main jobs are nurses at the bedside, not only in the United States but worldwide,” she said. “Other areas include nurse midwives, nurse antithesis, travel nurses, military nurses, working for insurance agencies, drug companies, lawyers in healthcare, and school health nurses.

Bailey said hospitals are always in need of more nurses, so many get a

job in the area at places like Huntsville Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital in Birmingham, Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield and Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence.

Senior Kimberly Young, a nursing major, said there is not just one reason nursing is the most popular program at UNA, but that she thinks helping others is one of many.

“We are constantly interacting with people on a daily basis from the day we are born and with that, it can become easy to develop compassion for the human condition.” Young said. “We don’t typically find joy when we suffermuch less when we see others in pain or anguish.”

She currently serves in the Alabama National Guard as a medic.

;MM 6=:;16/ XIOM )

VIEWPOINTS 7A

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

Activists need research to educate students EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANNA GRACE USERY MANAGING EDITOR KALI DANIEL NEWS EDITOR ASHLEY REMKUS LIFE EDITOR MARI WILLIAMS SPORTS EDITOR DUSTIN POLLARD ONLINE EDITOR JASMINE FLEMING BUSINESS MANAGER UNDREA RANDOLPH II GRAPHIC DESIGNERS JOHN BAVIS SHILO CUPPLES JORDAN FERRELL CIRCULATION MANAGER LORI BLANKENSOPP ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE KAYLA STINNETT CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER DALLAS MOORE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JOSHUA BROOKOVER DEANNA KAMPMEYER KATLYN SHANNON

KALI DANIEL

5IVIOQVO -LQ\WZ UIVIOQVOMLQ\WZ(NTWZITI VM\

It’s bombarded every form of social media I’ve been on.

It’s cold. It’s humorous. It’s seemingly illogical. It’s the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

“Kali, I know where you’re going with this. It’s for a good cause!”

Agreed. I think. That’s the problem. With all of the ice bucket challenges to raise awareness about ALS, I haven’t seen one video

Letters must not exceed 400 words.

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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.

$53 million due to this viral challenge. But of all the people who have donated, how many of them actually know what they’ve donated to?

According to the Robert A. Stehlin Campaign for ALS, 90 percent of people still have no idea what ALS is.

Before taking part in a viral video challenge, regardless of the cause, do the necessary research. Know what the mission is, where the money is going and what the longterm goals are. Don’t just do it because Ben Affleck did it or because your best friend challenged you. Know the cause you’re fighting for.

Know that dumping five gallons of ice water on your head is not the only way to raise awareness about any disease. Make a video about something you’re passionate

about, just to remind people it exists.

Know that you can do things a little differently than everyone else. I saw a friend take a spin on the ice bucket challenge - don’t worry, she still doused herself in cold water, but she challenged others to donate to the Celiac Disease Foundation. She lives with Celiac Disease and felt her cause was just as important, because it is.

Most of all, know that no matter where you donate, you should know that it’s for a good cause and educate others about it. By understanding the fundamentals about the causes you’re passionate about, you’ll be not only an asset to the movement, but a lasting example of what it truly means to serve.

Community should use app for improvement

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

explaining what it is, and I didn’t know what it is until now.

Lou Gehrig’s Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the degeneration of motor neurons throughout the body. In layman’s terms, certain nerves in the body connecting the brain with the spinal cord and muscles throughout the body deteriorate over time. As those neurons cease to communicate with the rest of the body, muscles harden then die, ultimately causing total brain failure. It is fatal in every case.

That was fairly simple to research, so why did no one include it in their video? If it’s to raise awareness and donate money, that’s fantastic. At the moment I’m writing this, the ALS Association states they have raised more than

ASHLEY REMKUS

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I often see students use social media sites as the bathroom walls of the Internet — Yik Yak is no different.

For those who are not familiar with the app, it allows users on college campuses to post anything anonymously.

According to Yik Yak’s website, “News, funny experiences, shout outs, and jokes spread faster than ever through (the) tight-knit community.”

The app also allows users to give “upvotes” or “downvotes” or make comments on posts from other people in their communities.

It resembles a community bulletin board, but the content is far from friendly.

Many posts from members of the UNA community include statements that criticize fraternity men and sorority women, call out students who are “fat” or “ugly,” sexually humiliate university faculty and staff, and refer to sexual assault as a joke.

Some posts call out students and faculty members by name.

The first time I read posts on the app, I was ashamed of the way our university is represented to the world. I could not believe students on my campus would say things like this about each other. But,

I also realized they probably would not write such repugnant words if their names were attached, and they probably would not make such abhorrent comments if the targets of their abuse were standing in front of them.

I also wondered what the creators of the app were thinking. I’d like to think they had something more mature and useful in mind since the first rule on the app reads, “You do not bully or specifically target other yakkers,” and rule four states, “Don’t clutter people’s feeds with useless or offensive yaks (….)”

To be honest, I do not see many useful or inoffensive posts on the app. Most of what I read is trash.

Campus leaders and administrators have recently talked about developing a

Congratulations to our Writer and Photographer of the Week!

Email: florala@una.edu.

Phone: 256-765-4364 Copyright © 2013 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved.

First copy free.

Additional copies $1 each.

Kelsey Rae White and Brenna Clemmons

better sense of community on campus—making students feel comfortable like they would at home.

Interim President John Thornell said, “We want to make sure students know there’s somebody they can turn to if they’re having a tough time.”

Students, faculty and staff members should make every person feel at home here. If any member of the campus community is being harassed online by other members, he or she probably will not enjoy his or her time here.

The app has the potential to be used as a place for identifying community concerns and issues that affect many people.

Yik Yak should be used as a discussion board for solutions to such problems.

FOR THE RECORD...

We strive to get it right the first time, but when we donʼt, we are happy to set the record straight.

•

In the August 21 issue, Robert Koch was referred to as the Director of the Center for Writing Excellence. While he is the director, his official title is Director of the University Success Center. Kathleen Richards is the Assistant Director for the Center of Writing Excellence.

She facilitates the Center for Writing Excellence.

8A NEWS

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

6=:;16/ KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) After graduating she would like to broaden her work in an intensive care unit for a year, prior to seeking a Master’s Degree.

Judson Harville, a senior, in the Nursing Program chose the major for several reasons. He said he enjoys learning about the human body. He said it is awesome to pursue a career in his interest, but also be able to do his job and help the people of the world.

“When I graduate, I plan to go to work in an Emergency Room or Critical care area. I plan to continue my education and become an advanced practice nurse,” Harville said.

Shielk Underwood, a senior, said she is finishing her nursing degree at UNA and wants work as a nurse in another country.

“I’d like to move back to Korea where I lived with my husband five years ago when he was stationed there with the U.S. Army,” Underwood said. “I would like to apply as a nurse at the military hospital there.”

She said she hopes to get other learning experiences from picking up on the culture in Korea.

“Then I would like to go back home to my birthplace, the Philippines, and teach or maybe build my own little center for the indigent people who live in the outlying provinces,” Underwood said.

SGA in Review • UPC - Passed a bill allowing the Movies and Novelties Committee to purchase food and drinks for its Sept. 19 movie night to be held in the GUC Performance Center at 7 p.m.

• UPC - Announced nomination forms for homecoming court are now available online on the council’s OrgSync page.

• UPC - Will not meet next week because of Labor Day holiday.

• Senate - Reopened applications on its website una.edu/sga to fill vacant seats.

• Freshman Forum - This year’s members are expected to be announced early next week.

Meetings of the Student Government Association are held in GUC Room 200. UPC meets Mondays at 3:30 p.m., Senate meets Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. and Freshman Forum meets Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m.

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LIFE

SECTION B

Aug. 28, 2014• The Flor-Ala

AWARENESS

THE RED ZONE Study indicates increase in sexual assaults during first few school weeks MELISSA PARKER

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For incoming freshman, the threat of sexual assault is real.

In a study by Matthew Kimble, Andrada Neacsiu, William Flack and Jessica Horner, published in the Journal of American College Health, “University and college health and counseling centers frequently warn female students about the red zone — a period early in a student’s first year at college during which she may be at higher risk for unwanted sexual experiences.”

Red Zone may be a problem on other campuses but Bob Pastula, chief of campus police, said this is not the case at UNA. “We don’t really have a particular problem with that at this point and time of year, we just never have,”

40% 51%

Pastula said. “There’s never been a spontaneous outburst of sexual assaults during the first few weeks of school.”

Though Pastula said he does not notice an increase on campus, Kathy Connolly, executive director of Rape Response, said she does see an increase of sexual assaults and rape among college students in the area during Red Zone.

“When we look, we do see a bump — usually in college students. It’s a very under reported crime, so sometimes what you’re seeing is not in any way indicative of how much is happening,” Connolly said.

Sophomore Brianna Coleman said she thinks there are measures the campus can take to better protect its students.

“I think that SNAP is a good program where the students can be escorted. But we also need more security in parking lots and in problem areas particularly at night so that students feel safe,” Coleman said.

Education is a precaution we as a campus community can take to stop the rise in sexual assaults and rapes during Red Zone.

“I think the biggest thing on campus that we can do to reduce risk, frankly, is to do

more education on consent with everybody,” Connolly said.

It’s important to know who you are hanging out with and have friends you can rely on nearby, Pastula said.

“Since I’ve been here we’ve only had one event of stranger rape and we’ve probably had – if I’m going to guess – four or five (reported assaults) since I’ve been here,” he said.

Connolly agreed.

“Most rapes, particularly on campus, 95 percent of rapes are (committed by) someone you know,” said Connolly.

Connolly stressed the importance of being alert when drinking in unfamiliar places.

“I think if you’re going to heighten your awareness in order to reduce your risk it’s important to be more aware of your own surroundings, at a party, than even out walking on c a m p u s , ” Connolly said.

In a study of undergraduate women, 19 percent experienced attempted or completed sexual assault.

37 percent of female rape victims were first raped between 18 and 21.

19% 37%

Among female rape victims 40 percent of attackerʼs were acquaintances, 51 percent of them were intimate partners.

All statistics gathered from www.cdc.gov

IN THIS SECTION

SPORTS

LIFE Eating healthy on campus See page 2B

Help with homesickness See page 3B

SRC gets a facelift See page 5B

Who is Taylor Carney?

See page 7B

2B LIFE

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

FOOD

Eating healthy on campus Campus eateries provide healthy living options MARI WILLIAMS 4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\

If you are one of the many students who spent the summer bingeing on entire seasons on Netflix, moving only when another chip bowl emptied, you might be looking for a healthy start this semester.

The GUC and Towers Cafeteria have a plethora of old and new healthy options for students looking to live a cleaner lifestyle.

“Over at Towers we are piloting a menu cycle for Sodexo called ‘Fresh Square’,” said Paul Teran, executive chef of Towers Cafeteria. “It is a concept that’s been out for about a year. Out of the 2,000 colleges and universities that Sodexo has here in the U.S., we’re probably about one of 10 or 12 accounts that are actually piloting this menu cycle.”

The main idea behind Fresh Square is offering students healthier foods.

“Sixty percent of our menu is featured around mindful items,” Teran said. “It means that they’re healthy, wellness items that we have on our menu cycle.”

Towers first featured the Fresh Square menu last fall.

“We presented it in the beginning part of August this past year to President Cale and some of the senior vice presidents when we were hosting a training camp for Sodexo accounts in the state of

Alabama,” Teran said. “President Cale loved it and I believe the other vice presidents did as well.”

The GUC will also be implementing new healthy alternatives this semester.

” “S

IXTY PERCENT OF OUR MENU IS CENTERED AROUND MINDFUL ITEMS.

PAUL TERAN EXECUTIVE CHEF OF TOWERS CAFTERIA “We’re doing a lot of healthier options on potato chips,” said Denise Seagraves, retail and catering manager for the GUC. “We’ve got new baked chips out and some that are 40 percent less fat — they’re kettle cooked.”

But healthy changes in the GUC do not stop at potato chips.

“This year we are actually posting all the calories on everything,” Seagraves said. “Hopefully within the next two weeks all the new menu boards will be here and will have the calorie counts on them.”

The GUC staff has also been working to accommodate the dietary needs of all

photo by DALLAS MOORE I Chief Photographer

Students can stay healthy by eating at Towers salad bar or trying naturally flavored water at the new Hydration Station.

students. “(Accommodating dietary needs) to me is the big thing,” Seagraves said. “If we have students that have some special needs, come talk to me or one of our ladies and say, ‘I can’t have this, but I can have this.’ We’ll be more than happy to work with any of them.”

Freshman Stephanie Waybright said she goes to Towers when she is looking for a healthy lunch.

“To me, Towers has a wide variety

of healthier options,” Waybright said.

“I really like the salad bar and the new hummus they put with it is really good.”

Towers Cafeteria continues to dish out new innovative ideas like their Hydration Station that kickstarted last fall.

“I don’t usually drink from the Hydration Station.” Waybright said.

“They make a decent effort with the flavors, but most of the time they just don’t turn out to taste good.”

COMMUNITY

Anti-abortion organization under review to become RSO VERONICA LEWIS ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ ^TM_Q[(]VI ML]

photo by DALLAS MOORE I Chief Photographer

Katelyn Spidel overlooks the bridge outside of the GUC. Spidel is the president of UNA Students for Life, an organization that aims to educate students on alternatives to abortion.

By the end of the semester, UNA could have a student organization dedicated to anti-abortion education by the end the fall semester.

Senior Katelyn Spidel, president of UNA Students for Life, got the idea to start the RSO after volunteering with the Women’s Clinic of the Shoals during her sophomore year, she said.

On her first day of volunteering, Spidel said she overheard a counselor finalizing an adoption for a child who would have been aborted.

“That baby has a life now because of that clinic,” she said. “I thought if women at UNA knew where to go for help during an unplanned pregnancy, lives could be saved.”

The purpose of UNA Students for Life is to assist students by informing them to make sound decisions about abortion and sex, she said.

Spidel went on to explain the group will be a volunteer-based organization

and will entail partnering with the Shoals Women’s Clinic.

While conducting research on studentsforlife.org, Spidel composed a constitution, which was based off other constitutions, she said.

The constitution for UNA Students for Life has been rewritten and is in the process of being reviewed.

Spidel tried to start this RSO last year, but the constitution was declined because it lacked clarity.

In starting an RSO, a constitution has to be written and accepted by the Office of Student Engagement to be qualified for funding, Spidel said.

Aja Hall, a freshman, said she most likely will not join the organization because she is in favor of pro-abortion rights.

“I feel like a woman should have that choice for herself,” Hall said.

The organization welcomes all members of campus, Spidel said.

“This is a non-religious, non-gender specified group,” said Spidel.

Editor’s note: to read the rest of this story visit www.florala.net.

LIFE 3B

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

ADVICE

Students offer advice to homesick freshman KELSEY GRAHAM

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“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new,” said Greek philosopher Socrates.

Whether you live close to school or you had to traveled a great distance for your education, college can be quite the transition for freshman. With this change comes more independence than you have ever had and for many students, homesickness is an unfortune side effect. Everyone who has had to move away from everything they know, has felt homesickness at some point in their journey. Wishing to be back at home in your comfort zone is natural and there is nothing wrong with feeling this way from time to time.

But, your entire year is defined by whether you are going to choose to stay inside and let homesickness rule your college experience or go out and meet the friends you are going to have for the rest of your life.

I sat down with a few of our own students and asked them to offer some advice on embracing this new found independence and building one’s new self.

”

“I WOULD SAY GET INVOLVED AS MUCH AS

POSSIBLE BECAUSE THESE PEOPLE AROUND YOU ARE GOING TO BE YOUR BEST FRIENDS AND THE PEOPLE YOU REMEMBER FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THEYʼRE GOING TO BE YOUR FAMILY.

SO GET INVOLVED, STAY HERE, AND JUST HAVE FUN AT UNA.”

BRADY LUNSFORD

JUNIOR

”

TAKE THE NEGATIVES AND TURN THEM INTO POSITIVES. WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE SOMETHING THAT REMINDS YOU OF HOME, THINK OF IT AS AWESOME INSTEAD OF THINKING ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU MISS HOME.

FOR ME, THE QUIET WAS HARD AT FIRST, BUT FINDING THAT PEACE IN THE QUIET WAS KEY.”

VICKY CHITTAMS SOPHOMORE

”

IʼM REALLY CLOSE TO MY FAMILY SO NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE THEM EVERY DAY IS HARD. I CALL MY MOM DAILY, AND I TEXT MY DAD WHILE HEʼS AT WORK. BEING ON MY OWN GIVES ME A SENSE OF INDEPENDENCE, AND I FEEL MORE ACCOMPLISHED. JUST TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME AND ONE CLASS AT A TIME, AND IF YOU GET STRESSED OUT, GO CALL SOMEONE WHO YOU NEED TO TALK TO. JUST BREATHE.”

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4B LIFE

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

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SPORTS 5B

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

RECREATIONAL

SRC renovations provide $49,000 worth of equipment DUSTIN POLLARD

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The Student Recreational Center underwent a renovation to expand the fitness center and replace the old workout equipment with about $49,000 worth of new equipment.

The fitness center now has more room after its move to the first level of the SRC while also taking space in the World of Wings dining area.

“We basically wanted to make more space for the fitness center,” said Director of the SRC James Eubanks. “We’re gaining about 800 - 1,000 square feet with the renovation.”

Instead of having multiple entrances to the SRC there will now only be one way for students to enter. This entrance will be on the second floor, but there will be an exit on both the first and second floors. Students will now swipe their cards once and be able to go wherever they need to, Eubanks said.

Junior Nathan Richardson said the amount of space for working out had been a problem for him in the past.

“It was way too crowded when I went before,” Richardson said. “But I’m excited for the new expansion. More space is a big deal.”

The SRC will still have all the same type of machine exercises except for the TRX (suspension training) machine. Students will also see an addition of new workout devices, Eubanks said.

photo by DALLAS MOORE I Chief Photographer

The fitness center has moved from the second floor to the first floor of the SRC, creating more space for students to workout. The SRC also replaced the old work out equipment with brand new equipment.

“We now have a glute machine and a different version of the abs machine,” he said. “Some of the machines are dual exercise machines so instead of two different machines, it will just be one.”

Eubanks said getting the new machines was important because they will replace the old ones, which had been there for 12 years.

“Technology with these machines is

different than they were 12 years ago,” he said.

He said to block the smell of the food on the first level, a glass wall will be built to separate the fitness center from WOW. With the fitness center moving downstairs, the second level will gain a halfcourt for basketball, and the other side of the court will be used for badminton, Eubanks said.

“Getting the half-court back will help accommodate with the growing basketball crowd,” he said.

Eubanks said because the SRC gained the half-court back they will allow fullcourt games from 3-7 p.m. on court two.

It was previously not permitted.

Editor’s Note: to read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.

ONLINE SPORTS

Fantasy football offers competition, fun for students

DUSTIN POLLARD

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With the NFL regular season approaching, many people around the country are gearing up to cheer on their favorite teams, while also getting in the fantasy football action.

In 2013, an estimated 25.8 million people in the United States participated in fantasy football, according to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association.

The popularity of it is no different on the campus of UNA, as many students are planning to take part in this online competition.

“Fantasy football gives me a direct connection to each team that one of my players is on, even though I’m not

necessarily a fan of the team,” n said sa senior Blake Hollimon.

“It makes watching the game a lot more enjoyable because I’m m waiting for my player to make a big play.”

Instead of paying attention to only their favorite teams, many fantasy football users follow the entire NFL to see how well one of their players is doing or to see how well the competition is performing.

“Fantasy football is a fun and competitive way to keep up with professional football while competing against my friends,” said sophomore Sam Wallace. “I always try to draft my favorite players, too.”

Hollimon said he tries to do research

online and on TV to gain a competitive edge. And he believes that he has the formula to make a good team.

“I’ve developed my own strategy through a few seasons of playing,” he said. “I also read a lot of articles online and watch a few ESPN shows related to draft strategies.”

The competition of fantasy football can get fierce as people try to manage their team to the championship game.

“Competing against my friends in the league is one of the most enjoyable aspects of playing fantasy sports,” Hollimon said. “It gives us something to talk about that everyone in the league can relate to.”

Editor’s Note: to read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.

Fantasy Football Tips 1.

Know the league’s scoring system

2.

Watch out for injury prone players

3.

Create a checklist of sleeper players

4.

Use your brain when selecting players, not your heart

6B SPORTS

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

PRIDE

Lion fans await beginning of football season JAMES DUBUISSON

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The last time students saw UNA play at Braly Stadium, the Lions were celebrating a 30-27 victory over Tuskegee in the first round of the Division II playoffs.

The first chance Lion fans will be able to see the new team in the 2014 season at home will be Sept. 20 against Langston University.

“I am looking forward to seeing the team win and work hard,” said sophomore Noah Cunningham.

Following a 10-3 season and a trip to the third round, high expectations for this

photo by DALLAS MOORE I Chief Photographer

Quarterback Luke Wingo fights for a touchdown as multiple University of West Alabama defenders try to bring him down Nov. 2, 2013.

year from many students is not unusual.

Cunningham also said he was glad to see UNA’s football team voted most likely to win the Gulf South Conference this summer by the Gulf South Conference coaches.

“I think they deserved to be selected because I think they put in the hard work,” he said. “When you walk past Flowers Hall, you can see them actually practicing really hard and putting forth a lot of effort.”

The American Football Coaches Association preseason Division II poll was released ranking the Lions No. 5 in the country. They were also ranked the preseason No. 6 team by the D2Football. com poll.

The pregame camaraderie is senior Jennifer Hogan’s favorite part of football season, she said.

“You can just feel the energy flowing through every corner of campus,” she said. “I love seeing all the purple and gold and hearing the band practicing their songs in the afternoon leading up to games.”

For senior Haley Schrieber, tailgating on Spirit Hill before the games is the most fun part of football season, she said.

Spirit Hill, located right beside the stadium becomes a sea of purple and gold during pregame festivities.

Sophomore Dylan Higgins said he

enjoys the atmosphere of games the most.

“I want to see some good football,” he said. “I expect the football team to win 85 percent of their games and make it to the third round.”

There are five home games scheduled at Braly Stadium. Kickoff for the first four home games is scheduled for 6 p.m., and the last home game is scheduled for 3 p.m. against Shorter University.

Luckily for Lion fans unable to make the trip to Clinton, Mississippi for the first game of the season against Mississippi College, the game will be available for live streaming on ESPN3 at 7 p.m. This will be the first of three UNA games shown on ESPN3.

”

YOU CAN JUST FEEL THE ENERGY

FLOWING THROUGH EVERY CORNER

OF CAMPUS. I LOVE SEEING ALL THE PURPLE AND GOLD AND HEARING THE BAND PRACTICING THEIR SONGS IN THE AFTERNOON LEADING UP TO THE GAMES.

JENNIFER HOGAN

PREVIEW

Volleyball team ready to spike season into high gear KADIN POUNDERS

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The Lions are looking to bounce back this year after a disappointing 2013 campaign in which the team went 8-25 (4-14).

Head volleyball coach Stephanie Radecki attributed the less-than-stellar regular season and conference record to inconsistent play, she said.

“Our record didn’t reflect the talent we had on the team last season,” Radecki said. “We weren’t very consistent last year and that’s always going to lead to an outcome you’re not looking for.”

Despite their record, the Lions made the GSC tournament and played well before West Georgia eliminated them in the semi-finals.

Radecki said her plan to combat inconsistency in 2014 is to emphasize taking the season game-by-game.

“This year I think it’s really important for us to back up a step and take each match individually,” she said.

This offseason Radecki and her staff added 10 new players to the program, with seven returning from last year’s squad. The new players include seven freshmen and three transfers.

Radecki is hopeful that some, if not all, of the new girls on the team will be

“With the history of the program, our championship every year.” able to make an immediate impact.

The Lions will start the season in “You always have an idea about the expectations are always to compete for talent of the players coming in,” Radecki a conference championship,” Radecki Evansville, Indiana at the Southern said. “You never really know what you said. “The one thing I’ve always been Indiana Dunn Hospitality Invitational have until you get them in the gym at our confident in our teams doing is we’re Sept. 5-6. UNA’s first home game will be going to battle to win the conference Sept. 9 against Christian Brothers. speed and our level.”

The Lions were left a void in the setter position after player Hope Rayburn graduated. Both setters on the team are new to UNA. Junior Andrea De Leon is a transfer from Georgia State and freshman Abby Winkler is from Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

“With 17 girls on the team everyone is fighting for playing time, and we all want it really badly,” Winkler said. “I love the competition and I know that the team will be stronger because of it.”

The Lions will be relying on four seniors to lead the team this season.

Shantel Frederick, Joanna Calhoun, Leanna Lloyd, and 2013 All-GSC Second Team player Megan Gorey all have a part to play in guiding the young volleyball team.

“We’ll be looking toward our seniors, more so leadership-wise,” Radecki said.

“Leadership is one of the biggest factors in whether or not you’re successful, and I think those four girls are going to step up photo by Alli Ownby I Student Photographer and be good leaders.”

Hitter Megan Gorey attempts to spike the ball against Christian Brothers University Radecki said the high expectations Sept. 24, 2103. Gorey is a senior. for the team have not changed.

SPORTS 7B

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

PROFILE

Leading returning tackler prides himself on leadership DARIEN PIPPENS

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From walk-on to First-Team All-Gulf South Conference senior football player Taylor Carney has certainly defied all odds.

The 6-foot-2-inch 275-pound defensive lineman from Killen is the leading returning tackler for the Lions.

He was one of the starters on a defensive unit that held opponents to 19.8 point per game, the best in the GSC. “He has been a great leader on the team, played a lot of football in the last three years and has taken a leadership role on the defense,” said coach Bobby Wallace. “He leads by example and he leads vocally.”

The Lions will need Carney’s leadership this year as he is one of only two returning starters on the defense.

Carney says he hopes improve on his stellar campaign last year.

“On a scale of one to 10 (on football

STAYING STAYING IIVVE E A AATCCTTUNA AT UNA CYCLING

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ability) I pride myself on being above average so I give myself an eight right now,” Carney said. “I pride myself on getting better.”

Carney says that when he is on the field he sets a standard to play as hard as he can and to work as hard, so he can be the very best for himself and for his teammates.

“He’s been a great leader for me and the team,” said junior running back Lamonte Thompson. “He’s just a great competitor and a hard worker.”

Carney is a business marketing major and says he plans on working as a pharmaceutical sales representative or work in advertising and marketing when he leaves UNA. He also said he is prepping for an even better season this year than last season’s GSC championship and hopes to let his teammates know what they can do with hard work.

“Don’t let anybody tell you what you can’t do,” he said. “I walked on here and now I am at a good place.”

Su 24

mo 25 NEW GROUP

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Class: Senior Height: 6’2” Weight: 275lb Position: DL/DE Hometown: Killen, AL

photo by DEANNA KAMPMEYER I Staff Photographer

Senior defensive lineman Taylor Carney makes a cut during a drill in practice Aug. 23

Taylor Carney Tackles for Total Tackles: Loss-Yards:

Stats: 2011: 2012: 2013: Career:

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Taylor Carney

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CONTACT SRC FITNESS COORDINATOR GLENDA RICHEY FOR MORE INFORMATION: 256-765-6021

2.5-12 5.5-11 10-29 18-52

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LION SPORTS FALL 2014 Football

Volleyball

Sept. 13 at Mississippi College

Sept. 9 vs. Christian Brothers

Sept. 20 vs. Langston

Sept. 11 vs. Shorter

Sept. 27 vs. Valdosta State

Sept. 12 vs. Mississippi College

Oct. 4 vs. Western Oregon (Homecoming)

Sept. 20 vs. UAH

Oct. 11 at North Carolina-Pembroke

Sept. 26 vs. Valdosta State

Oct. 18 at Florida Tech

Soccer

Oct. 25 vs. West Georgia 12:30 p.m. trx 3:30 p.m ab attack 4 p.m. Zumba Xfit and cycling 7pm tabata 6:30 Kayak polo at flowers hall

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SackYards:

Aug. 30 vs. Trevecca Nazarene

Nov. 1 at Delta State

(Exhibition)

Nov. 8 vs. Shorter

Sept. 4 vs. McKendree

Nov. 13 at West Alabama

Sept. 8 vs. Tennessee Wesleyan Sept. 24 vs. Shorter Oct. 3 vs. Valdosta State Oct. 12 vs. West Florida Oct. 21 vs. Union Games continued at roarlions.com

8B EXTRA SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

Aug. 28, 2014 • The Flor-Ala