August 25th

August 25, 2011

www.FlorAla.net

Volume 80 No. 1

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

Friends, family remember former UNA student 4]Ka *MZZa

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@UNAFlorAla @FlorAlaSports

A LOOK INSIDE

See page 2 More than $12,000 worth of property was stolen from students around campus this summer.

See page 3 Freshmen will be forced to park at off-campus locations starting this fall.

See page 5 Shoals Bicycle Shop owners want to get people rolling in the area.

See page 8 The End theater is undergoing renovations before their fall season.

See page 9 Football season is back, check out the season preview.

Daniel Smith often had a smile on his face, and though he was a quiet young man, his arms were always open to any person who needed a shoulder to lean on, according to UNA junior Barrett Parnell.

Smith, who would have turned 23 Tuesday, passed away June 29 after his kayak overturned on a 6-foot low head dam at Cypress Creek, said officials at Florence-Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency.

The former UNA student, who was last enrolled in the spring of 2010, was a geography major and inactive member of Pi Kappa Alpha. Parnell formed a friendship with Smith, of Cullman, when they were both rushing

for different fraternities in 2009.

Smith’s sudden death at the creek, where many boaters frequent on the weekends and in the summer, was a devastating blow to Parnell and others within the UNA and local communities. “I thought (his death) was like a bad dream, like someone was playing a sick joke on me,� Parnell said. “It was so shocking, but what helped me get through it was knowing I had somebody in my life like Daniel, who changed me for the better knowing you could live your life like he did.�

After Smith’s kayak overturned, rescuers searched through June 30 for his body, which disappeared into the creek after the accident. Lauderdale County Coroner Andy High believes drowning is the suspected cause of death.

Smith, a lover of music, disc

photo by Kayla Sloan

(From left to right) Barrett Parnell, Tabb Sanford, Casey Weatherbee and Adam Sayre hold a photo of Daniel Smith, a former UNA student who died in June while kayaking at Cypress Creek.

golf, politics and outdoor activities, worked for Smith Family Tire,

a wholesale business in Hanceville

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photo by Kayla Sloan

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UNA officials spent the summer informing the Shoals about the possible move to Division I athletics by meeting with civic leaders, alumni, students and others to clear up misconceptions related to the transition.

The UNA board of trustees voted 6-3 in June in favor of moving to D-I athletics. In February, more than 1,700 students took part in a student referendum run by the SGA. The majority of those students voted against the move. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are not looking at joining the SEC,â&#x20AC;? said Mark Linder, director of athletics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think people believe we will be playing the Alabamas and the Auburns on a weekly basis, but we are not looking at joining the SEC, PAC 12 or not even the Sun Belt.â&#x20AC;?

Linder said many people are still thinking of when Division I was split between IA and IAA, which is not the case today. The Division I landscape is now split between FCS and FBS, he said.

FCS would be the branch of Division I that UNA would be involved in if the university makes the transition successfully. FBS is what many SEC teams in Alabama play in, in-

Linder and Alan Medders, vice president of University Advancement, said one of the biggest misconceptions regarding the Division I transition is the amount of money UNA needs to raise to finance the move. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People think we need $3.5 million by tomorrow, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the case,â&#x20AC;? Linder said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We think we can find people that are excited about our transition and will jump on board.â&#x20AC;?

Linder and Medders hope to raise $500,000 in the next 90-100 days and find 500 people to invest $1,000 for the year. They also want to create a 45-60 member advisory committee made up of community members, UNA employees and civic leaders.

Medders said the advisory committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal would be to get $500,000 in hand this year, and the next five years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(The advisory committee) helps create a culture of giving,â&#x20AC;? Medders said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It gets a group of individuals that are passionate.â&#x20AC;?

Linder said a big misconception about Division I is that UNA will have to improve and buy new facilities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to want to improve our facilities, but that has nothing to do with

UNA Police search the East Campus Tuesday after a bomb threat was called in around 1:30 p.m.

Division I,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just want to have the best playing surfaces for our student athletes. There is no attendance requirement for Division I BCS or FCS. We are wanting to improve our facilities and we already started that by adding a new practice field and soccer field.â&#x20AC;&#x153; UNA officials said the reason they want to transition to Division I at this time is to control their own destiny. They said UNA couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait on more money from Montgomery, or for the Gulf

Students, faculty evacuate campus after bomb threat 4]Ka *MZZa

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New freshmen and transfer students got a shock Tuesday afternoon when UNA officials were forced to evacuate campus because of a bomb threat.

UNA Police closed campus after multiple phone calls came through to the university and local 911 dispatchers around 1:30 p.m. Students living in the residence halls were forced to immediately leave campus.

Florence Police, Fire and Rescue and the state fire marshal helped during the process of searching and evacuating the university, said Chief Bob Pastula. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no way to prepare for this, but we tell students if they see anything suspicious, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t touch it and report it to us,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When there is a bomb threat, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good for students to check areas to see if anything is out of the ordinary.â&#x20AC;?

Matisse Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal, an incoming freshman who moved to UNA last weekend, was startled

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photo by Susan King

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News

Thursday, August 25, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Pastula: Theft increases when classes start back 4]Ka *MZZa

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UNA police Chief Bob Pastula said he was shocked when he first came to Florence two years ago and learned how many theft and burglary cases occur at or near campus.

Theft and burglaries, the two most widespread crimes at the university, have steadily increased in recent years, officials said. Police report more than $12,500 in stolen property at UNA since May, and Pastula believes the number of thefts may continue to rise at the start of the new semester.

“Times are tough, and theft is a crime of opportunity,” he said. “The opportunity presents itself and people will take advantage of it. (Theft) does increase when school starts back, so we tell students to lock their doors. The more people lock, the better off we all are.”

Pastula said most on-campus thefts and burglaries take place in the parking lots and garages, residence halls and at Collier Library, where students either leave their vehicles and dorms unlocked or their personal belongings unattended.

Last month, UNA Police installed cameras and placed patrol officers in the library to help cut down on rising theft.

Pastula said they will implement a 24/7 communication center in the new police station at Keller Hall in October and work to bring more security cameras to campus.

College textbooks, laptop computers, GPS devices and other high-dollar electronics are the most frequently stolen items at UNA, officials said. David Shields, vice president of student affairs, said theft is one of the simplest and easiest crimes for students to commit.

“We often give people an easy oppor-

tunity to steal our stuff,” he said. “Still, students feel very safe here, but if you feel too safe, you can become complacent. We try to preach to students to lock their doors, engrave their stuff, lock their cars and practice good safety.”

UNA currently offers services such as the Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol, rape defense training, Lion Alert notifications and the option to be a silent witness to make the campus safer.

Despite available resources to help students feel more secure at the university, many college students are hesitant to report crime for a number of reasons, said Jeff Clifton, photo by Kayla Sloan a police officer at UNA. The parking deck is among many parking lots UNA students’ property is burglarized out of on campus.

Clifton worked bur$5,400 was stolen out of cars on campus during the summer, and that number is expected to rise. glaries in the Alpha Tau Omega and Kappa UNA junior Selena Springer spoke Even Pastula’s son, an undergraduSigma houses earlier this year, where thou- with The Flor-Ala in April about her ex- ate student at a Florida university, sands of dollars in items were stolen from perience with on-campus theft and bur- has had three personal computers stoboth properties. He said many on-campus glaries. She said the lack of security cam- len at his own college campus. During thefts are a result of costly fraternity pranks. eras at UNA is dangerous for students. SOAR orientation this summer, Pastula “Young adults are less inclined to re“I don’t feel safe in the parking deck warned parents and new students to be port (crime) if they feel it wouldn’t help especially because there’s no cameras,” aware of potential crimes on campus. or aid in recovery, or they may simply she said. “I’ve had several friends who “We are trying to get the word out to just not like the police,” he said. “Also, have had their cars broken into there students,” he said. “99.5 percent of crimes they feel less responsible for some of and there was nothing the police could happen when students leave their doors their possessions because they can just do about it because there were no cam- unlocked. We’re encouraging students ask their parents for a replacement.” eras there to prove what happened.” to lock their doors and hide their stuff.”

Sodexo changes plans, new options on the way 2WZLIV *ZILTMa

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UNA’s food provider, Sodexo, is changing up students’ food options this fall, including two new restaurants, a required purchase of dining dollars and a focus on improving communication with students.

Former on-campus locations Jazzman’s Cafe and Rice Box are being replaced by Einstein Bros. Bagels and an Asian-themed restaurant Mein Bowl this fall semester, though Einstein’s has taken longer to install than expected, according to Cindy Conlon, director of procurement for UNA. “We’re hoping for Sept. 15 for Einstein’s,” Conlon said. “It’s partially UNA’s fault. We got a late beginning because of reworking contract language yet again. UNA delayed the opening by about a month.”

Though the installation of Einstein’s has been delayed from its initial installation date at the beginning of the semester, Alan Kinkead, general manager of Sodexo dining services, believes that they are well on the way to getting Einstein’s in the GUC. “I’m hoping mid-to-late September,” Kinkead said. “The contractors have to prepare the area for Einstein’s Bros. Bagels’ equipment. We believe the equipment will be here on the 30th, and then set up in two to three days.”

According to Kinkead, Sodexo then will need to set up a week-long training session with Einstein’s before the location can actually do business.

Mein Bowl opened Monday of this week, and will feature a weekly rotation schedule that will offer a more diverse variety than

what Rice Box offered, including sushi.

The change from Rice Box to Mein Bowl was made when, according to Kinkead, Rice Box pulled out of the UNA deal and location last month.

“Rice Box didn’t have enough personnel to work here as well as at their own restau-

year is the introduction of Dining Dollars, with the requirement that every full-time student without a meal plan must purchase at least $75 worth.

According to Conlon, the dollars are a declining food balance that can be used for any food or beverage purchased at a Sodexo

photo by Kayla Sloan

Mein Bowl, Sodexo’s Asian food option, takes the former place of Rice Box in the GUC. Mein Bowl offers a grab-and-go style Asian food option complete with a sushi menu.

rant,” Kinkead said. “Their first priority was of course their own restaurant. They said they couldn’t open up until they got a cook.

I couldn’t wait, so I contacted Mein Bowl.”

Besides the new food vendors, the biggest change Sodexo is making this

location on campus, and will carry over to the spring semester if not used this fall.

“They’re going to do some innovative promotions, things to help students spend their dining dollars,” Conlon said.

A promotion known as Fill My Fridge

has already run for students, and Sodexo plans to run more throughout the semester, including specials at the convenience store and Towers dining hall.

The most important improvement that Sodexo is making, according to Conlon, is in communication between Sodexo and the student body, especially considering what options are available to the students.

“There are a lot of people who didn’t even know of the block plans that you could buy,” Conlon said. “We want them to get across so everyone can use them. We will know what is happening. Management needs to know.”

Some of the concerns Conlon has revolve around the fact that many students don’t know of the specials Sodexo offers on campus, or even the basic information about meal plans.

For this semester, a food service committee is being set up to review Sodexo’s marketing plans and assist the company with student communication liaisons.

According to Conlon, members of the committee will include representatives from SGA, the business department, the advancement department, and the faculty and staff senate.

Kinkead said the committee will probably meet every month, with the first meeting scheduled to take place Aug. 24.

Conlon said Sodexo could also have additional changes in the upcoming semester, including a possible partnership with the GUC Game Room and introducing food orders through the Mane Card at GUC locations.

Thursday, August 25, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

News

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Freshmen park at off-site locations this fall ;aLVMa <PZMM\

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The lack of parking on campus has been a concern for commuter students for years, and the university is making big changes this fall to help with the problem.

Two off-campus parking lots are now available for parking to commuter students.

The downtown parking garage, which was available for student use last year, has 200 spaces that are available this year. UNA is also renting more than 500 spaces on Darby Drive that are available for student use.

All commuter freshman have been assigned a parking spot off campus, and from those lots they will be able to ride a UNA shuttle bus to campus. Although freshmen have been assigned to these lots,

all students are allowed to park in them.

David Shields, vice president of student affairs, is optimistic about the new lots available to students.

“Students who park here will always have a place to park,” he said. “They will save time and gas that would have been spent circling the parking lots looking for a spot.”

Shields not only supports the program by discussing the positive aspects of it, but he also plans to park off campus and ride the shuttle to ensure the 15-minute wait time is accurate.

Though Shields is hopeful about the parking solution, he also realizes that parking in the off-campus lots will require students to be more responsible.

“You’ve got to plan ahead,” he said.

“The shuttle buses are not high speed— it will be a 20-minute ride. Don’t park

at 7:50 for an 8 a.m. class. Planning ahead is the key. Make time for travel.”

For those concerned with the safety of leaving their cars unattended in an off-campus lot for the whole day, UNA police Chief Bob Pastula said that the cars will be secure.

“The lots will be patrolled constantly, so safety is not a concern with leaving your car there,” he said.

Logan Marks, an incoming freshman who will be commuting to campus, is not excited about having to park off campus.

“I live 10 minutes from campus, but now I have to drive 10 minutes to the parking lot, wait 15 minutes for the shuttle and then ride the shuttle for 20 minutes,” Marks said. “I would just rather find a spot close to campus and walk.”

Allyson Mack, a senior who commutes daily from Athens, has

mixed feelings about the new lots.

“I commute for an hour and then look for a spot for 20 minutes, so I hope it will cut that 20 minute search out,” she said.

“But I also think all those people who parked around campus last year will now park on campus, so I’m not sure it will help as much as they are hoping it will.”

The UNA shuttle buses will also be available for those needing a ride to places off campus, such as Regency Square Mall, downtown Florence and shopping centers.

The shuttle to the Cox Creek shopping centers will leave from the stairs between Rice and Rivers halls on Saturday afternoons, and the downtown shuttle will leave from the Harrison Plaza entrance Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until 2 a.m.

Florence City Council bans texting while driving

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The Florence City Council voted 5-1 banning texting while driving during their July 5 regular meeting. The ban includes the usage of any wireless communication device while operating a vehicle. This made texting while driving an offense punishable by a $100 fine and up to 10 days in jail on the first offense.

The official city ordinance provides that a wireless communication device is a cellular phone or any cellular, digital, analog, or wireless device or computer.

This also means besides texting, drivers are prohibited from sending or receiving pictures, videos, e-mails, instant messages or any other form of Internet usage. While the usage of a GPS is allowed, the programming of such devices is not. Drivers should set the destination in their GPS prior to operating their vehicle.

There are some exceptions to the ordinance, which include using phones to make or receive calls, texting while the car is parked or in neutral in a location that is not part of the highway, street or roadway that is intended for moving traffic and

photo by Darrick Dawkins

The City of Florence’s new ordinance makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while using an electronic communication device, and will allow police to issuse citations to students like Ben Mills (above) who text while driving.

using a phone to make emergency calls.

The ordinance was voted in by the city council as a means of making driving safer for the people of Florence.

“If people aren’t texting so much, it’s bound to make the streets safer,” said Deputy Chief Tim Shaddix, of the Florence Police Department.

“We are all guilty, but we should decide today to not text while driving not because of this new ban, but because we value our lives and more importantly the lives of those around us,” said UNA student Whitney Rowe.

It is important for students to be aware of the new law and monitor their usage of wireless devices while driving.

While the practice of texting while driving is not by a city ordinance rather than state law, UNA Police are still legally able to issue citations to individuals choosing to disobey the ordinance. According to UNA police Chief Bob Pastula, campus police are not currently making the ordinance a top priority but are remaining aware of it while monitoring campus.

“Any area where someone is walking through an area with drivers could be more dangerous if they’re texting since they would be less likely to see the pedestrian,” Pastula said.

Pastula said the decision on whether or not to issue a citation is currently a judgment call on the part of the individual officer.

“Warnings have been issued but no tickets have been issued yet, to the best of my knowledge,” Shaddix said.

SGA to open up to students, ask for input, ideas *ZIVLWV )VLMZ[WV

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With the beginning of a new school year at UNA, SGA will introduce a new opportunity for students’ voices to be heard. SGA is launching Ideas to Action, a campaign designed for students to interact with SGA to improve communication between students and their representatives.

“We’ve always been looking at ways to experiment, ways to reach out to students, and every year we (say) ‘we got to get out there and do it,’” said SGA President Ralph Akalonu. “I thought this year, as president, that we could initiate a campaign type of deal where we create a buzz for it and get people motivated and excited about it, especially for SGA to be able to reach out to students.”

Through the campaign, Akalonu hopes to accomplish two goals: to let the student body know what the SGA is doing and to hear feedback from students.

“If (students) thought about something that has been bothering them and they don’t know who to go to, (they see) that there’s an organization that can help … that is made up of your peers,” Akalonu said. “It’s

that face time and interaction that I think is critical to any representative organization.”

Much of the campaign was planned by SGA members last summer and will be introduced Aug. 24 during the SGA open house.

In order to communicate face to face with the student body, the SGA hopes to hold monthly promos in areas highly populated by students, such as Towers Cafeteria, the GUC and others.

“We plan to have monthly events to promote Ideas to Action,” said Laura Giles, SGA chief of staff. “And we hope to connect with students.”

For Giles, the new program is a good opportunity for students to open up to UNA more than ever before.

“The whole purpose of SGA is to be the voice of the students,” said Giles. “We want to get them as a whole, not just a few.”

Some students are impressed by SGA’s new program.

“It sounds like a good idea,” said Morgan Massey, a UNA band member. “It should really get the students’ voices in and help us be heard more.”

“I know you can’t accommodate everyone’s opinion, but it’s a good idea to listen

to students to find the commonality of a problem,” said UNA student Matt Daniels.

Akalonu strongly values the connection to the students that the SGA represents and hopes that Ideas to Action will continue long after his presidential term ends.

“We’re here to make students aware

that there is an organization that is there to serve (them),” Akalonu said. “I hope that even after I’m gone that my successor will continue the program or tweak it however he or she deems fit, as long as the underlying purpose is achieved.”

Thursday, August 25, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Viewpoints

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama LUCY BERRY EXECUTIVE EDITOR JOSH SKAGGS NEWS/MANAGING EDITOR ANDY THIGPEN LIFE EDITOR TOMMY BOLTON SPORTS EDITOR ALEX LINDLEY COPY/OPINION EDITOR JORDAN BRADLEY ONLINE EDITOR DEVIN KENNAMER AD MANAGER SAVANNAH COMER GRAPHIC ARTIST EVAN KING CIRCULATION MGR MALISA McCLURE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KAYLA SLOAN BARRY MINOR DARRICK DAWKINS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS REBECCA WALKER ADVISER EDITORIAL BOARD: LUCY BERRY ALEX LINDLEY

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

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

• Letters must not exceed 400 words.

• Letters must be accompanied by the writer’s name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail.

• 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 Editor’s Note may accompany a letter.

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

E-mail: florala@una.edu.

Letters may also be submitted through our website at florala.net.

Copyright © 2011 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved.

First copy free.

Additional copies $1 each.

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PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN Calling it like we see it at UNA, in the Shoals, across the state and around the world Florence implemented a new texting while driving ban for all drivers in July after getting City Council approval. Offenders could face up to 10 days in jail and a $100 fine if caught.

Flor-Ala has new face, vision After a recent trip with and what they do on a The Flor-Ala staff to The weekly basis.

Anniston Star newspaper, We can’t hide I was reminded of why I behind a façade each am a student of journalism week as we report the when I read a quote from news, but we’re OK Harry Ayers, former pubwith that. Instead, we lisher of The Star. want to build an “It is the duty of a 4]Ka *MZZa open and honest newspaper to become -`MK]\Q^M -LQ\WZ relationship with TJMZZa(]VI ML] the attorney for the most our readers. defenseless among its subThroughout my scribers,” he said. journey from being a writer to It’s difficult for us being stu- news editor to executive editor, dent reporters, and to find a bal- I have seen the paper undergo a ance between reporting the truth massive transformation. Under and not aggravating our peers, two previous executive editors, instructors and administrators I’ve watched The Flor-Ala reach who work at or attend the insti- very high and low points in a tution we’re still members of. short period of time.

But reporting the news is our Needless to say, I love jourjob, and we won’t apologize for nalism. Very few things give me doing it properly, even if it ruf- more joy and satisfaction than fles a few feathers. That’s The reporting the news and informFlor-Ala’s mission this year, and ing the public. Thankfully, I’ve we won’t hesitate to act as advo- been blessed with a super talcates for our most valued read- ented, eager staff this year that ers—UNA students. shares the same philosophy.

Flor-Ala staff members have The new staff is most conto be mindful of their actions cerned about printing quality,

unbiased stories that both campus and local communities find interesting and relevant. Our objective this year is to continue presenting truthful, tasteful and timely stories, videos, photos, social media and web updates to readers every week.

We want to be transparent to the public and held accountable for what we publish. We’re human beings, and we are going to make mistakes, so let us know when there are errors in the paper or if you have a complaint about something in general.

Stick with The Flor-Ala this year for more localized coverage of the UNA campus. Expect to see us at meetings and events that directly impact students at this university.

Our mission is to provide a voice to students who either can’t or won’t speak out on issues that affect them most.

Lucy Berry can be reached at 256-765-4364 or lberry@una. edu.

Trustees largely ignored student opinion

As both students and members of the media, The Flor-Ala staff had the opportunity and obligation to closely follow the D-I discussion, which led to the UNA board of trustees’ vote in favor of the transition to D-I. Though the trustees and university ensured us that they had taken into account the fact that both UNA faculty and students voted against the move, we cannot help but feel that the voice of the collective UNA community was largely ignored in the decision-making process.

Perhaps this feeling originates in the lack of information given to the UNA community by the trustees and university. Had UNA initiated a truly educational campaign before the vote, instead of relying in large part on the media and word of mouth, many of the gross popular misconceptions about the move to D-I might have been avoided.

The Flor-Ala editorial board wishes that, along with an educational campaign, UNA had taken more initiative in contacting local

groups and residents, who will also be affected by the move to D-I, and asking for their opinions and support.

After the unfavorable vote by faculty and students, the simple promise that our voice would be heard was not enough to satisfy our desire for the process to be at least somewhat democratic. A collective vote bares much more weight than a promise, which allows no opportunity to empirically prove whether or not our vote was truly a factor in the final decision.

Though our voices seemed to have no effect on the final decision, and the initial campaign for the move to D-I made it painfully clear that the decision had already been made, The Flor-Ala editorial board is not absolutely against the move. As UNA continues to grow, it becomes increasingly clear that D-I is in the university’s future. The advantages of a successful move to D-I are abundantly clear for both students and the entire Shoals community, but many obstacles potentially stand

in the way of a successful move at this time.

The Flor-Ala editorial board is concerned for the future UNA students and current underclassmen who will ultimately pay for this move. The difficult economic times along with the value of an undergraduate degree from UNA, which will change for better or worse with the transition, pose significant potential problems for the future of UNA and its students.

The Flor-Ala editorial board asks UNA officials to be transparent and open with the public throughout the entire transition.

This includes allowing the public into meetings and taking in regular feedback from students, faculty and the community. Though the UNA community was snubbed at the outset by haste and personal agendas, the university can still make the community a true part of the process.

The opinions expressed are the collective ideas of The FlorAla editorial board.

New transfer student Sarah Holmes was the first student to get disaster funds after UNA secured a grant for the Caring for the Pride fund. Holmes lost her home in Hackleburg during the April tornado.

Alabama introduced a new immigration bill earlier this summer to cut down on the number of illegal immigrants across the state.

Many civil rights groups have filed lawsuits, saying the new law is too harsh.

SGA initiated an Ideas to Action campaign in order to be more transparent to the student body.

SGA will also host its first State of the Association address Sept. 13.

UNA Police moved its location from Waterloo Road to Keller Hall earlier this summer. The new building is more central to campus and provides easier access to police services at the university.

Arriving on campus to find certain parking lots are closed off with no warning or to see our parking spots that are paid for with student fees taken up by members of the community.

Have a story idea for The Flor-Ala? Have an opinion on an issue or other topic related to UNA or the Shoals community? Let us know. florala@una.edu

Thursday, August 25, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Life

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Shoals Bicycle Shop getting wheels rolling

nity because there are no other shops in the area that are primarily bicycle shops.

There is also no competition on price.

“We have some high end stuff, but The smell of grease, oil and work perI want to accommodate to what people vades the air in the Shoals Bicycle Shop at can afford,” said Darnell. “I don’t want 326 E. Tennessee St. in downtown Florence. people spending a lot of money on it.”

With one wall of new, old and refurbished David Borden, the manager and mechanic bicycles and another lined with parts and a in the shop, discussed the benefits of biking. workshop, the newly opened shop is slowly He is an avid bicyclist who, according to Darmaking a name for itself one bike at a time. nell, biked 30 miles to compete in a triathlon.

The owner, Jim Darnell, is a big man “There’s a wholesomeness to it,” said Borwith a big vision. He wants the citizens of den, looking out the window. “What it brings the Shoals area to live healthier lifestyles, to you is a lot of freedom. You don’t have and he believes a good start lies in the spincumbersome tangibles like keys and fuel, ning spokes of a bicycle wheel. He is also and you’re not trapped in a box. You can’t go a 15-year registered nurse who graduoff into the field in a car. In a bike, you can.” ated from Calhoun Community College.

What Darnell hopes to accom“One of the main reasons I got into this plish is a renovation in people’s mindbusiness is because the state of health in the sets, and this works well with Borcountry is so bad,” said Darnell. “I want to get den’s description of what biking is. people peddling and get their heart rates up.”

“We want to get people back into photos by Darrick Dawkins According to shop owners, the shop is a that mindset,” said Darnell. “It’s a mind- The Shoals Bicycle Shop offers a wide variety of bicycles, from old, refurbished welcomed addition to the Florence commuset of activity our country has lost.” bikes, to brand new ones.

One big problem between Darnell and his goal could be the city of Florence itself.

“Florence is not bike When: Sunday, Aug. 28, obstacles and tasks that have friendly,” said Darnell. “The to be completed at check 6-11pm bike lanes in Florence are conpoints along the way. spicuous in their absence.”

The race will be followed Where: Pegasus Records Despite the unaccommoby a concert at Pegasus dating situation in the Shoals How much: What you records featuring the Nightarea, Darnell remains optimismare Boyzzz, John Cartwright

can afford to give tic and focused on his vision. & The Catapults, and John “We’re encouraged by the Tyler Young.

Registration begins at 5 response,” said Darnell. “We’ve All of the proceeds will p.m. and the race begins at had a lot of good feedback. be donated to improve the 6. The race will last one hour Health and fitness is the main and will be set up in a scaven- cycling community at large. goal, and if I focus on that, ger hunt style with different Eero Wilson works on a bicycle wheel in the Shoals Bithen this will be a success.”

Andy Thigpen

Life Editor pathigpen@una.edu

Roadrunner Alleycat race

cycle Shop.

Walt Aldridge: Up close and professional How vegetarians can survive the business. But I began Lauren Thornton with limited options at UNA Student Writer to develop a real sense of lethornton@una.edu important accomplishStudents planning on study- ment when I saw former ing in the Department of Enter- students going on to find tainment Industry this fall will jobs in the industry and now have the privilege of work- expressing their gratiing with a professional singer/ tude to me for my part songwriter. Country music in the process. When I writer, Walt Aldridge, is well was contacted to teach known in the music industry not classes this fall, the timonly as a singer/songwriter, but ing felt just right to me.”

Not only does Alalso as a producer and engineer. dridge have previous He will be teaching a genexperience teaching eral class called Survey of Austudents in a classroom, dio Recording, as well as two advanced classes, Recording he has also conducted Techniques and Music Technol- workshops throughout ogy and MIDI. Aldridge said the U.S. and Canada. He that he is teaching the behind- explained he is unsure of the-scenes part of recording what his teaching style is, but he because photo by Amanda Chapman teaches students When I was contacted to from an Walt Aldridge will be joining the UNA need to understand teach classes this fall the tim- e x p e r i - faculty this fall in the Department of e n c e d Entertainment Industry. the realperspecity of the ing felt just right to me. tive instead of ternative. If he had only one music inonly teaching album to listen to, it would be dustry. He from a textbook. “The Best of Ray Charles.” feels that Singing River Records, the Aldridge said it is imUNA student-run record label, he hopes stuportant for is something Aldridge plans on students to know more than dents will be able to use his class getting involved in. Accordjust the glamorous part. as a “guide for this part of their ing to him, the label is a great “I taught as an adjunct fac- journey.” He wants to create an chance for students to learn ulty member for seven years environment where students what recording and promoting when I lived here before and feel comfortable to ask any- music is about. Aldridge also really enjoyed the experience,” thing and find the hard answers. wants to find out more about Although Aldridge is well Aldridge said. “Initially, I saw known for writing country the local acts and venues and it as a community service and said that he is always keepa chance to give back to a pro- music, on his own time he lis- ing an eye out for fresh talent. gram that had been instrumental tens to music more towards in helping me find my way into the categories of pop and al-

”

” -Walt Aldridge

Amanda McGough

Staff Writer amcgough@una.edu

For UNA students wanting to follow a vegetarian diet, the options on campus and in Florence can be limited. Since a vegetarian diet is often uncommon in this area, the people choosing to be vegetarian must be resourceful. However, a new restaurant opening in the GUC later this fall will have some new options.

Mein Bowl is a Chinese restaurant taking over the location of Rice Box in the GUC dining area this fall.

It will most likely operate similarly to Rice Box in that patrons will choose noodles or rice and then their meat. While the menu is still in process, some items such as the California Veggie Delight will be vegetarian friendly, though a strictly vegetarian option on the menu is not currently expected, said Alan Kinkead, general manager of Sodexo Dining Services.

For UNA graduate student Bradley Sides, vegetarianism was the right choice. “I’m okay with vegetarianism being unpopular,” said Sides. “It’s a personal choice that I made for myself, after much research and introspection. Jonathan Safran Foer’s ‘Eating Animals’ sparked my curiosity into a vegetarian diet, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”

For people like Sides, choosing to be vegetarian comes with the next challenge of where to buy groceries or dine out. For UNA alum Karisa Austin, living in Florence

made it a bit more challenging. “It was kind of hard, but not that bad,” she said. “However, I didn’t feel like I had a lot of variety in what I ate. Bigger cities are a lot more accommodating to a vegetarian diet.”

While many vegetarians can find produce in Wal-Mart, the Shoals area does offer several farmers markets—it just takes a little leg work to find them. Jack-O-Lantern farms in Muscle Shoals is a hydroponic farm which sells their produce on location. They even have seasonal items such as pumpkins for Halloween and watermelons in the summertime.

Delicious and easy vegetarian recipes are often only a click away since many blogs, online magazines or forums offer up free recipes every day. To keep boredom at bay, “No one wants to eat a salad every single day,” said Austin.

Dining out can be a little more limiting than preparing your vegetarian meals since you have limited control over how your food is prepared and with what ingredients. It is important to read the menu closely since many foods are often prepared with meat or stock and may mislead you.

“Most restaurants, whether fast food or dine-in, have nonmeat options,” said Sides. “And if they don’t, it’s always OK to ask for the meat to be left off. UNA has several places nearby, such as Valley Health Foods, McGraw’s and Rosie’s, that offer vegetarianfriendly meals and food products.”

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6

Photo Essay

Thursday, August 25, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

2:30 p.m. Sunday

2:15 p.m. Sunday photo by Malisa McClure

Emily rides the elevator up to her dorm room in Rivers Hall Sunday.

photo by Malisa McClure

Emily enters the dorm room she shares with another UNA student Sunday afternoon.

Back to school

Freshman Emily Hagood arrives on campus 3 p.m. Sunday photo by Malisa McClure

Emily waves to another student outside Rivers Hall after a fire alarm goes off and students congregate outside. It was a false alarm.

8 p.m. Sunday photo by Darrick Dawkins

2:30 p.m. Sunday photo by Malisa McClure

Emily organizes her dorm room Sunday afternoon in Rivers Hall.

Emily converses with other UNA students at the ice cream social Sunday night.

8:30 p.m. Sunday

8 p.m. Saturday photo by Darrick Dawkins

Emily chats with other new UNA students at the ice cream social in the SRC Sunday night.

photo by Malisa McClure

Emily unpacks her final box inside her dorm room Saturday evening.

Thursday, August 25, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Feature

photo by Josh Skaggs

Members of the Ohio Valley Conference meet with UNA officials during an on-campus visit last week.

, 1 KWV\QV]ML NZWU NZWV\ XIOM South Conference to repopulate its membership.

According to UNA officials, there are 20 Division I institutions within 3.5 hours of the Shoals, and there are only six Division II institutions within the same distance.

Linder said this fact alone is a huge reason UNA needs to change conferences.

The Ohio Valley Conference, the conference in which UNA officials want the university to move into, visited the UNA campus last Wednesday. The OVC was at UNA for an on-site visit to see the campus and athletic facilities, said UNA spokesman Josh Woods.

“Our campus is a beautiful campus, and we felt like anybody that looks at our campus comes away impressed,” Linder said last week

after the OVC visit.

The OVC recently added Belmont University to its conference, which brings the total number of schools in the OVC to 12 institutions.

“I think it helps our chances (having Belmont in the OVC), because right now (the OVC has) nine teams in football and 12 in basketball,” Linder said. “Adding us would give them 10, making it perfect for scheduling in a conference.”

UNA officials have set four benchmarks for the university to transition toward Division I, starting with fulfilling all NCAA Division I membership requirements.

The NCAA requirements include paying the application fee, receiving a conference invitation and adding two sports to the current athletics program.

In addition to the NCAA requirements, the board of trustees capped institutional spending for

photo by Malisa McClure

Barrett Parnell (left) chats with friends at the Daniel Smith memorial concert at Riverfront Park in Sheffield Aug. 5.

;51<0 KWV\QV]ML NZWU NZWV\ XIOM owned by his parents. Casey Weatherbee, Smith’s girlfriend for almost two years, said he was always up to date on current events and would start a conversation with anyone.

“He did everything full force, and if he loved someone, he loved them to the max,” Weatherbee said. “If you called him for help, he would be there by the time you hung up the phone.

He would give you money out of his own pocket. That money could have been all he had for the next year, but

he wanted to see everyone happy.”

Weatherbee said she had spoken with Smith, who was kayaking with two other UNA students the day of the accident, shortly before he went into the creek. Parnell ate lunch with Smith earlier that day and said he would have joined his friend at the creek had he been off work.

Swayze Layton, one of Smith’s best friends and former roommates, said Smith was an Auburn fan who loved kayaking, hiking, video games and watching football.

When he realized his friend was missing at Cypress Creek in June, Layton was hopeful Smith was safe.

Page

athletics at 4 percent. The 4 percent cap is one of the benchmarks the university has set for itself.

Medders said that the cap the trustees put on athletic spending would protect academic funding and ensure that no money intended for academics could end up going to athletics.

In addition, UNA has instituted a phased-in student fee that will not exceed $8 per credit hour. They also have set a goal of raising $3 million during a five-year period, which comes to $500,000 per year.

Many members of UNA’s coaching staff are excited about the Division I transition.

UNA head football coach Terry Bowden said there are some challenges the university will face during the D-I transition.

“Being able to upgrade the facilities will be one of the challenges (we face) because once you move up to the next level, you need the top facilities to be able to bring in the top players,” he said.

“Just having the opportunity to play against the top teams in Division I and being able to play the high profile universities,” said Mike Keehn, head baseball coach.

Keehn said the biggest challenge for him will be recruiting during the transition period and not being able to play in any post-season games.

“Just seeing the university grow and seeing the new buildings added and seeing the community grow around us is what will be exciting,” said Terry Fowler, head women’s basketball coach. “The transition period will be hard, but it opens the door to a lot more players, but they have to realize that this Division I period is a lot bigger than all of us.”

photos by Malisa McClure

(top) Football players train for the fall semester. (bottom) Bill Cale speaks during the June board meeting.

“Calling it a shock doesn’t even begin to describe it,” he said.

“I kept thinking that any minute now he was going to walk out of the woods and ask us, ‘Hey guys, what’s going on?’ with his smile.”

Parnell, Weatherbee and Smith’s other loved ones organized a memorial concert in early August to raise money for relief efforts at the low head dam at Cypress Creek. So far, the group has brought in more than $3,000 from donations in the community.

The dam was built by the city of Florence in 1980, but officials did not get permission first from the Army Corps of Engineers. The city was fined $5,000 and forced to place warning signs around the creek.

Mike Doyle, wastewater manager with Florence Water Department, said the dam maintains the water level for use at Florence Water Treatment Plant. He said the dam is deadly and dangerous for canoers and kayakers.

“There are signs that tell you the dam is downstream and there are also signs that tell you there’s a portage trail,” he said. “There’s a big sign on Cox Creek Parkway that lets people know you risk death by going over that dam. A lot of people do it anyway, even though warnings are there because they want to experience the rapids.”

Doyle is the chairman of a committee to repair the low head dam at Cypress Creek. They are currently seeking an engineer to help reconstruct the dam.

photo by Kayla Sloan

(from left to right) George Grabryan, director of Emergency Management Agency, and UNA police Chief Bob Pastula communicate with other officers after campus was evacuated Tuesday afternoon.

when a SOAR counselor knocked on her door and told her to evacuate.

“I felt a little afraid and alarmed, and felt very unsafe,” she said. “I knew to take the stairs instead of the elevator, especially after the fire drill the other day.”

Freshman Ben Procious was asleep in his dorm room at Lafayette Hall when he was told to evacuate campus. He said anger was the only word to describe how he felt about the situation.

“I hadn’t had a shower yet and had just woken up,” he said. “I’m kind of ambivalent about it.

It doesn’t make anything worse, but it’s something to talk about.”

Officials searched all buildings at UNA before reopening campus later that afternoon. Pastula said the caller had not been discovered at the time of The Flor-Ala’s weekly deadline, but they had leads on the caller’s identity and location.

Kevin Jacques, director of housing, said the process of evacuating campus went smoothly.

“The students were orderly, and the staff was able to answer students’ questions as they had them,” he said.

7

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8

The End is near

Life

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On South Pine Street near the AAA building, there’s an underground theatre called The End—and it is literally underground. Visitors have to take a flight of stairs below street level to see it.

The proprietors have been hard at work renovating the interior.

“It’s similar to when you move into an apartment,” said scenographer Jason Biggers. “It’s not really a home until it feels comfortable to you.”

They’re gearing up for the six-month short season, which will feature works from Ethan Coen and Roberto Aguirre-Sacosa.

“Almost an Evening” is a collection of three one-act plays from Coen scheduled for the end of September, and Sacosa’s “The Weird” will be featured in October.

Scott Long, artistic director and co-founder of The End, describes “The Weird” as a sort of “parody or homage to ‘Tales of the Crypt.’”

Brittany Flory, technical director, is certain the new layout of the theater will be more appealing to the audience. The stage will be in the center of the room with the seating arranged so that the audience is looking at the action taking place on the stage from more than just one side. The layout is designed so that the audience is more immersed in the action, as opposed to watching events take place on a stage.

Couches make up the seating next to the

Thursday, August 25, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

photo by Kayla Sloan

Brittany Flory, technical director for The End theater, gets her hands dirty doing renovations.

stage, for theatergoers who want a relaxed experienced. There are also some vintage theater seats from the 1940s that have been reupholstered with their art deco end caps.

Flory described these seats as “surprisingly comfortable.” They look decorative, considering that they have been sitting in a defunct Moulton theater since the 1960s.

As far as the plans for the interior, Biggers couldn’t say much. However, he does intend for the new design and layout to reflect the mission statement of The End, the focus of which lies in “Producing works, both established and unknown.”

A reopening gala will be held Sept. 8 and the Burlesque will be Sept. 11. Orenda Fink of Azure Ray will be performing at the Gala.

Students attending Welcome Week and The Big Deal can expect a lot of food and a lot of fun as the week works its way into the weekend.

The Big Deal is UNA’s official welcome to freshman and transfer students, and it always promises to be a good time. It runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday evening and will feature some special events, such as a DJ, door prizes and showcases from local vendors. It is also a chance to get involved with organizations on campus.

“It’s about creating an environment with free food and fun where students can hang out and chat while learning about different resources,” said Tammy Jacques, director of student engagement at UNA. “The Big Deal allows returning and new students to learn what organizations are on campus and how you can get involved. It also showcases vendors around town.”

Some of the door prizes include an iPad donated by Best Buy, an iPod shuffle donated by Riverbend, as-

sorted items donated by Bed, Bath, and Beyond, a room makeover by Listerhill Credit Union, and a plethora of gift cards and coupons from various vendors in the community.

After the Big Deal, there is a pep rally featur-

like Snacks at the Library, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and a cookout on campus, running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is all capped off by a concert at the amphitheater featuring Ben Skipworth, Owen Whitehurst, Rosedale and

photo by Kayla Sloan

Pride of Dixie member Max Beech during band camp. The Pride of Dixie will be performing during the Big Deal Thursday night.

ing the UNA cheerleaders, mascots, speeches from the coaches and the Pride of Dixie Marching Band. Afterwards, students needing a fix for their sweet teeth can attend the ice-cream fellowship sponsored by the Baptist Campus Ministry at their building on Wood Avenue.

As the week winds down, Welcome Week speeds up. Friday is walled in by free food with events

Dillon Hodges. The concert will be set up “Woodstock style,” according to Skipworth, with each artist playing 30-minute sets. The concert lasts from 7-9 p.m.

The weekend ends with the Panhellenic Recruitment Tea Sunday afternoon.

Girls who are interested in joining a sorority have an orientation at 11 a.m. in the GUC performance center, followed by tea at 2 p.m. in the Applebee dormitory.

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Danger Mouse has established himself as an artist to be watched during that past decade, specifically by his mash-up album, “The Grey Album” and his work with Gnarls Barkley. Being a self-proclaimed auteur, it should have been expected that Danger Mouse would attempt something as ambitious as a cinematic excursion that tagged the likes of Ennio Morricone.

“Season Trees” is the first track to hit a mark. Norah Jones’ vocals are lush and evocative, and here we find Danger Mouse’s signature funk and Beatles’ psychedelia blend. However, the track is far too short; perhaps an interesting, orchestral bridge would have given the track a grander statement.

Coupled with the stunted track lengths, the interludes feel empty and uninspired, hardly more than fillers.

On the whole, the tracks seem to meander and merely pay homage to the idea of spaghetti Westerns rather than being inspired, reinvented embodiments of the genre. The album is a nice listen, good for road trips possibly, but on its own legs it has no range, its orchestration doesn’t strike a chord and the tracks themselves don’t feel very inspired. Instead they feel like glimpses of things that Danger Mouse likes rather than a cohesive symphonic pop collaboration. That being said, the album is also made monotonous by the shortage of dynamic shifts. The lack of volume modulation creates an unchanging soundscape that doesn’t provoke or engage the listener head-on. Because of that it ends up being more background music than

the sprawling epic that it aspired to be.

“Roman Blue” is an instrumental that recalls a bit a of Air’s “Virgin Suicides” score or Phoenix’s “Run Run Run.” “Two Against One” is the first track

photo courtesy of Amazon.com

that is musically involved. Built on a clipping guitar rhythm and thick, slick bass groove, the track struts aimlessly, but not without at least perking up ears.

“Rome’s” best moments are when the guest singers join, but it never feels as though their presence is anything more than an addition. Their feature never feels integral to the music or the album’s sound.

The album is self-indulgent in that it celebrates its playing off of its influences, but it never makes anything of those influences.

“Rome” is an album with the potential to be a long player; however it sits in the realm of unique candy pop. Despite Danger Mouse’s extensive pop career, he never finds that balance between ambition and directness.

Sports

Thursday, August 25, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Page

9

Lions hope to build on last season

photo by Susan King

Lions quarteback Lee Chapple prepares to deliver a pass during a football game last seaon. With a year of experience under his belt, Chapple looks to build on his experience from last season.

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With a lot of players returning and some talented newcomers, the UNA football team is looking to build onto last season as the team prepares for a run at the title After a 9-4 finish to last year’s season, the Lions return 38 lettermen for 2011, including starting quarterback Lee Chapple, the team’s top rushers, key veterans on the offensive line, and new

key pieces to the team, including Janoris Jenkins, DeAndre Morgan and James Brooks, with all three having plenty of experience at the Division I level.

“They have all the potential in the world, and we have goals of winning a conference championship and national championship, but they haven’t won anything yet, and they know they are going to have to work to achieve it,” said Head Coach Terry Bowden.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Lions returned eight starters back from last year’s team, including a year of experience for starting quarterback Chapple under his belt.

“We have a lot more players coming back and a lot more experience with last year’s team,” Bowden said.

“Lee just has to continue to get better and become one of the team leaders, and that will go a long way.”

Chapple threw for 3,051 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, but with loads of talent at the running back position and a veteran offensive line coming back, Bowden looks for a little more balance.

“We have a lot of talent in the backfield for us this year, and if our line stays healthy, they could be one of our strong points on the team,” Bowden said.

The returning backfield includes Wes Holland, a senior from Pelham, who was last year’s leading rusher, with 716 yards and seven touchdowns.

Chris Coffey, a sophomore from Decatur, Antwan Ivey, a senior from Newberry, Fla., incoming freshman Lamonte Thompson, from Florence, and transfer from the University of Alabama Demetrius Goode, fill up the backfield.

Bowden said the receiver position is something to keep an eye on, as it is still wide open.

“We really have some talent on the outside, but players still need to step up,” he said.

Coming into camp on the defensive side of the ball was a concern for the Lions only returning two starters from last year’s team.

“We only have two full-time starters back, but we have quite a few returning lettermen that played a lot last year,” Bowden said.

The secondary position looks to be the strength of the team, led by transfer Jenkins, a senior from the University of Florida, who received All-Southeastern Conference honors last year and could be a potential first round draft pick next year.

“Everybody we play against is going to want to

Quick Facts 2010 Record: 9-4 Returning Starters: Offense 8 Defense 2 Players to Watch: QB Lee Chapple- 3,051 21tds CB Janoris Jenkins- car. 121 tackles, 8 int.

RB Wes Holland- 716 yds, 7 tds test Jenkins to see how good he really is, and he will have the spotlight on him all season,” Bowden said.

Along with Jenkins, the secondary is loaded with Division I experience. Morgan, a transfer player from the University of North Carolina State, Caleb Massey, from Troy University and Nick Williams from the University of Georgia fill up the secondary At linebacker, UNA has eight returning lettermen, led by senior Lucas Darr of Clearwater, Fla. Darr is UNA’s leading returning tackler from last year with 45 total stops. Bowden feels the addition of University of Georgia transfer Marcus Dowtin will help solidify the unit.

With the departure of the six Arkansas members of the Gulf South Conference, the league has just five remaining football-playing schools, and those four conference games will be UNA’s final four games of the season.

“Even though we lost those schools we still have the core teams of our conference still here, but it makes the pressure to win every game that much higher,” Bowden said.

The Lions are scheduled to play their first game of the season Sept. 1 at home against Central Oklahoma, kicking off at 7 p.m.

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Former University of Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins renewed his college career after being offered a second chance at UNA. After reports show Jenkins had several encounters with the law and was dismissed from Florida’s team, Jenkins decided to redeem his college football career and his image with the UNA Lions for his senior year in hopes of reviving his NFL future.

As a First-Team All-SEC pick last year for the Florida Gators and a potential first round pick in next year’s NFL draft, Jenkins felt that returning for one more year under the leadership of UNA Head Coach Terry Bowden would be the best decision.

“I chose UNA because Coach Bowden has the name, and I got along with the coaches during my first visit,” Jenkins said. “The coaches were honest and I loved the family atmosphere.”

Jenkins has spent this past summer training and working out with his teammates to improve his physical skills and form new relationships with his teammates.

“Jenkins has been injured a lot in the past,” Bowden said. “He recently got banged up at practice a couple of times, but overall he has a good body.”

Bowden is excited to have Jenkins out on the field for practices and games.

Jenkins hopes to help his teammates better themselves during the process of working their way to the NCAA Division II Playoffs. He remains humble and compliments his fellow teammates often, saying that everyone is ultimately a lead player.

“We’re going to be a good team this year,” Jenkins said. “We have a lot of talented guys on our team, and as long as we keep a family atmosphere, we will all work together fine at practice and during games.”

While the speed of Division II football moves at a different pace from Division I, Jenkins explained that he doesn’t mind the change because he is solely focused on the rewards to come. Jenkins is pleased that the coaches and his teammates have accepted him and that they leave his past behind.

When Jenkins is not on the field, he spends his time improving his image by mentoring a young man at Florence High School. If any other free time is offered to Jenkins, he enjoys playing video games and basketball.

Jenkins, along with the rest of the football team, is scheduled to play his first game on Sept. 1 at home versus Central Oklahoma, kicking off at 7 p.m.

BIO FACTS

Hometown: Pahokee, FL Career Stats:121 tackles 8 ints Major: Social and Behavioral Sciences Hobbies: videos games, and basketball

photo by Malisa McClure

New UNA transfer player Janoris Jenkins.

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Sports

10

Thursday, August 25, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

High expectations for womenʼs soccer in 2011 7ZZMa *WT\WV

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Quick Facts

Coming into the 2011 soccer season, the UNA women’s soccer team 2010 Record: 16-4-1 is hoping to build from last year’s 164-1 record with the core of the team Returning Starters: 11 returning.

The team is determined to make Players to Watch: this season something special, being knocked out of the NCAA TournaF-Chloe Roberts- 28 goals 11 ast. ment last season in a heartbreaking extra-time loss.

F- Jennifer Osmond 10 goals 6 ast “The girls have been chomping at the bit to get back on the field,” M- Nikki Brown- 1 goal 16 ast. said UNA head coach Graham Winkworth. “The girls felt like they were G- Alex Mclay- 7 shutouts, 0.83 GAA treated unfairly in the loss at the national tournament, and they are very determined with it showing in pracconfidence.” tice.” photo by Ashton Lance The position Winkworth feels very UNA ranked in the top 10 in the country Junior foward Chloe Roberts prepares to shoot the ball during a game last fall. good about is midfield, led by another julast season, averaging 3.38 goals per game.

Roberts was the leading goal scorer for the Lions last year and is expected to nior all-American, Nikki Brown, who set a Leading the way is junior all-American do the same this year. school record with 16 assists. Also returnChloe Roberts who scored 28 goals last ing to the midfield are senior captain Hollie the defensive end, led by senior goalie Alex feel like she will be the one who can lead us season and is currently fourth in the Gulf Loud, junior Jo Chubb, senior Amanda Hall Mclay, who came off a great season for the far not just in the GSC tournament, but far South Conference career goals. and senior Jamie Takala.

Lions, who recorded eight shutouts. in the national tournament.”

Jennifer Osmond is coming off of a UNA also added some key freshmen to Returning defenders are senior captain As the season approaches, the goal is knee injury and is finally healthy for the the midfield, including Danielle Scanlon of Beth Spurr, junior Julia Osmond and senior well in reach with much talent returning Lions, who should also help put even more Hillingdon, England and Abbey Hellem of Stephanie Bradshaw. Freshman Ellis Hill- for the Lions. The Lions will be put to the goals up this season.

Lincoln, Neb. man of Exmouth, England and Chelsea Rial test, opening the season up on the road at “Chloe is a natural goal scorer and was “Nikki has come back as one of the fit- of Collierville, Tenn.

St. Thomas in Miami, Fla. Sept. 2 at noon. born with the ability to put the ball in the test players I have ever seen, and I would “We have a lot of experience back on “The girls really understand the imporback of the net,” said Winkworth. “Jennireally like to see her add a couple more defense, and that is very crucial,” said tance of the early games in order to make or fer Osmond is having the best pre-season goals this season,” said Winkworth. “We Winkworth. “Alex Mclay is the best goal host the first round of the NCAA Tournaof her life right now and is firing on all cylare very deep at midfield with a lot of tal- keeper in the country and she has made ment,” said Winkworth. “It’s very exciting inders. ent, making it very exciting.” saves not many goal keepers make, which and I am a long ways away from picking a Heather Farmer has also stepped up The most experience on the team is on reminds me how lucky we are to have her. I starting 11.” from last year and is playing with a lot of

Football team prepares for upcoming season )ZQMT ;\MIZV[

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The UNA football team began training camp Aug. 11, hoping to address some of last season’s problems.

Players reported to camp in hopes of improving upon last year’s 9-4 regular season record.

While working hard in training camp, the players are aspiring to showcase their talents in the NCAA Division II playoffs.

The Lions were knocked out of the playoffs during the second round against Delta State last year.

“We’re looking very good this year, and we’re putting in hard work every day,” Head Coach Terry Bowden said. “No major injuries have occurred, but a few guys have been banged up, nothing serious. I hope

that we can go further with no injuries during camp and this upcoming season.”

Bowden said as long as the offensive line steps up to do their part and stay healthy, with a little luck the team will be in great shape for a chance of winning.

Lee Chapple, a returning quarterback, who started 13 games in 2010, was mentioned to be one of the team’s leaders.

Chapple finished last season with 253 of 411 passes for 3,051 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was also named Gulf South Conference Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 13 last year.

Along with Chapple, Bryan Thomas, a returning letterman, was also mentioned as a team leader who played in 11 games andstarted eight for the Lions in 2010.

Thomas was named Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week for Oct.

4 of last year, finishing the season with 41 tackles, making 22 solo stops and 19 assists.

“Returning lettermen are different from last year and they continue to show leadership skills,” Bowden said.

“Progress with the team is still being evaluated. There will be no off time as we get closer to the open of a new season.”

On the offensive end a big question mark heading into camp was who is photo by Malisa McClure going to step up at the receiver spot.

Top returning player Chris Simp- Senior running back Demetrius Goode runs son is still ranked sixth on the team in through a drill during training camp last week. receiving categories last year. uled kick off Sept. 1 against Central Okla“We have a lot of talent on the outside, but players still need to step up to get homa at Braly Stadium. This game will be available on GSC TV live for fans who a spot,” Bowden said.

The first game of the season is sched- cannot attend the game.

New running club keeps students in shape ;QWJPIV /MPZ[

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UNA students have formed an organization dedicated to their shared passion for running.

The new organization, Once a Runner, is open to all students interested in the sport.

“Once a Runner will be great for people who want to stay active and who enjoy running,” said UNA junior Katherine Vandiver.

The name of the organization is based off of John L. Parker’s novel “Once a Runner.” The book is about the hard work dedicated to becoming a good runner.

“Besides loving the book, we chose the name because it describes the reason for the group,” said James Cochran, a UNA junior.

“We are here to remind people that you can leave running but the runner inside of you always remains. Thus, once a runner, always a runner.”

Members are required to pay a one-time fee of $20. The fee pays for a shirt and will help fund the organization.

The first interest meeting will be held in September, and further information will be posted on UNAPortal.

Vandiver said that the organization will benefit any type of runner, whether he/she

is a beginner or has completed prior races.

Multiple time slots will be available for members each week. Team leaders will run different days both in the morning and at night.

“We understand schedules become hectic with classes, but we plan to offer many options so people can work them into their schedules,” Cochran said.

Training will take place at McFarland Park, Deibert Park, UNA’s track and downtown Florence, with meetings held monthly.

Throughout the fall semester, guest speakers will discuss first aid, nutrition and other topics that will benefit runners.

Cochran said that many of the runs will be at the intermediate level, but they will also offer short distance runs for beginners.

Best said that several of the members hope to be trained to complete a half-marathon race by the end of the spring semester.

“The experience will be rewarding and hopefully we’ll get better at the sport,” he said.

One main goal for the organization is to be able to supply everything a runner would need to begin a love for the sport or to strengthen his/her competitive side.

“It’s going to be a team effort where we all better ourselves individually,” Best said.

Thursday, August 25, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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Federal government limits grants, student loans )[PTMa >QKSMZ[

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Congress recently passed a law limiting the amount of Pell grant and federal student loan money students can receive in one financial aid year.

Shauna James, scholarship manager with Student Financial Services, said the new law will greatly affect UNA students who attend class during the summer terms.

“I don’t believe there is any threat of (regular student loans and Pell grants) being eliminated,” James said. “They haven’t cut loans, but they haven’t increased them either.”

James said federal student loans and Pell grants will not be offered to students

in the summer months, but will continue to be offered to students in the fall and spring.

This is due to the federal government cutting the second Pell grant award for the year.

According to James, Pell grants are prorated. Students that do not use the entire amount of financial aid they receive in the regular term can carry them over to the summer term. She added that students who are not enrolled full time in a semester can carry their remaining balance of grant money over to the summer.

Bethany Downs, a freshman child development major at UNA, said the new federal loan and Pell grant regulations are keeping her from attending class during the summer term.

“The Pell grant application is easier

now than it has ever been,” James said.

James recommends students fill out the Pell grant application well in advance of the deadline.

James also suggests that parents apply for a Parent Plus student loan so that they can receive more financial aid.

In the past, Congress limited the amount of Pell grant aid students could receive to $5,550 and did not increase it for this school year.

James recommends students apply for private loans, endowed scholarships and other scholarships in addition to federal aid. She said this allows students to pay the remaining amount of their tuition because the Pell grant typically does not cover the rising cost of tuition.

“It never hurts to fill out the endowed

scholarship application,” she said.

James said a little more than 800 students filled out the endowed scholarship application for this year. She suggests that more students fill out the application to receive financial aid in the future.

James recommends students fill out their FAFSA when they file their taxes, so they will be reminded to turn their FAFSA in. She added that many students wait until it is too late to receive financial aid, and they are forced to use private loan companies to pay for school.

For more information regarding financial aid, contact Student Financial Services at 256-765-4278 or visit www.una.edu/ financial-aid.

News Editor Josh Skaggs contributed to this story.

Theater construction continues through next year 4]SM ;UQ\P

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Construction on the black box theater on UNA’s campus is expected to reach completion by early 2012.

“The new theater, as an addition to Norton Auditorium, will be state-ofthe-art in every respect, with lighting, sound and other technical capabilities previously unavailable on our campus,” said Dr. David McCullough, chair of the Department of Music and Theatre.

“The performance space concept differs from the standard traditional theater design of Norton Auditorium in allowing for flexible seating of about 120 seats that may be arranged and coordinated with the staging and set design of each production,” McCullough said.

He added that the theater will be designated primarily as an academic space, to be used for all manner of theatrical performances and other presentations, as well as allowing for classroom and rehearsal space.

Currently, the first performances scheduled for the theater are student-directed plays to be performed in April of next year.

“The black box was originally planned by the theater professors at the time, Gladys Shepard and Jim Davis, to be part of the actual construction of Norton in 1968-69,” said UNA English professor Terry Pace. “It was ‘postponed’

when the project ran out of money.”

“Jim tried to renew interest in it several times before his retirement, but it never became a priority for that particular administration,” Pace added.

The black box theater is expected to provide a variety of new opportunities for the theater department and its students, as well as to serve as an upgrade from Norton Auditorium.

“Think of the black box as plain space, capable of becoming whatever you need it to be, within certain limitations,” said UNA theater alumnus Steifon Passmore.

“Basically, it’s a blank slate,” Passmore added. “Whereas Norton is this enormous venue capable of great feats of technical gymnastics, it can often be overkill for smaller shows that require less.”

“In a black box, you create the environment you need to successfully produce a show that requires less,” Passmore said.

Passmore added since less is often more, a black box theater offers limitless opportunities for students to evolve their craft as actors, directors and technicians.

According to officials, increased flexibility is another advantage the black box theater will provide for UNA. With the large amount of activity in Norton, an additional venue could eliminate some level of constraint from having to work around that schedule. Since most university theater programs have a black box, it could also make

photo by Kayla Sloan

Construction workers work on UNA’s black box theater. Construction on the theater is expected to be complete by early 2012. The theater will be home to the many student-directed plays and smaller productions the Department of Music and Theater puts on each year.

UNA theater more competitive.

The theater is to be named the George Lindsey Theater in honor of UNA alumnus George Lindsey, who starred in the 1960s television series “The Andy Griffith Show,” officials say.

Allegedly intoxicated student wrecks skateboard, rushed to hospital 2W[P ;SIOO[

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UNA Police responded to a call around 3:45 a.m Tuesday after two UNA students discovered a skateboarder who wrecked into the Harrison Plaza fountain

and sustained serious head injuries.

According to UNA police Chief Bob Pastula, the student was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident and was rushed to ECM hospital in Florence. After being cared for at ECM, the injured student was transferred to a Birmingham hospital.

“He was skateboarding where he shouldn’t be and we have rules against that at UNA,” Pastula said.

UNA has regulations set aside against skateboarding and rollerblading on campus, and has notices posted around the campus.

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Thursday, August 25, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala