Feb. 25 issue

FLOR - ALA The

Feb. 25, 2016

Volume 84, Issue 22

www.FlorAla.net

RICHARDS GOES PRO PAGE 12

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

Students, officials lobby for funding ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

The Flor-Ala file photo

Students take a smoke break outside of the Guillot University Center January 2015. The Student Government Association passed a resolution to revise the campus tobacco and smoking policy Feb. 11.

SGA passes tobacco policy resolution KAITLYN DAVIS

Associate News Editor news@florala.net

The Student Government Association passed a resolution for the campus tobacco and smoking policy Feb. 11.

After three long years of debate, the revision passed with a vote of 19-1.

The revision suggests the university designate tobaccoonly areas on campus. Students will not be able to use tobacco products outside of these areas.

The resolution states the UNA Police Department should penalize students who break this rule.

“The resolution will still allow students to smoke on campus,” said SGA President Nick Lang.

“However, it will also ask the university administration to review the

INSIDE

this week’s paper

current Smoking and Tobacco Policy. By doing so, we hope to find a way to move smoking and tobacco use to locations that are not in front of the university buildings or in the center of campus.”

The Shared Governance Executive Committee asked SGA to review the Smoking and Tobacco policy. SGA conducted student surveys on the smoking and tobacco policy last November, Lang said. “(SGA) wrote the resolution according to the results from the survey, discussions with students and polls at SGA events,” said Chair of the Student Welfare Committee Mollie Schaefer.

“As SGA, we are here to serve the students, so we didn’t want to write something that the students couldn’t get behind.

So, the poll was referenced often in the writing sessions because

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

that was the clearest data on what students want.”

SGA presented the resolution during a senate meeting and passed an amendment stating each residence hall should have a smoking area nearby.

During the meeting, SGA did a good job of considering student opinion when many other universities do not show the same consideration, said Director of Student Engagement Tyler Thompson.

“I’m proud of the work (SGA has) achieved, and I hope that students can stand with this resolution,” Schaefer said. “If there are ever any questions about the issue, I hope to answer them to the best of my ability.

She said she hopes SGA is serving the students the best they can.

“I think (smoking areas) would be kind of inconvenient

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

honestly,” said freshman Perry Jackson.

Senior Kaitlyn Wilson said she is happy with the resolution.

“Since there are negative health implications associated with smoking and secondhand smoke, I think there should be designated spots for smoking,” she said.

“I think (smoking areas) would be kind of inconvenient ho honestly Wilson said. “That way, students who wish to smoke still have the freedom to do so, without being bothersome to students who don’t want to be around it.”

Freshman Jun Nadatamo said he agrees with the resolution because of the negative impacts smoking has on one’s health.

FILM, FILM, FILM

Every year, students and campus officials from across Alabama get up early and make the trek to Montgomery to stand on the capitol steps and rally for higher education funding.

UNA still ranks 13th out of 14 public universities in Alabama in terms of funding.

Each year, the university receives about $5,000 per student, said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter.

“It’s very disappointing just because we want to keep our people who are graduating from high school (in Alabama) in our state so that they can increase their education and stay in Alabama,” said SGA Chair of Legislative Affairs Sarah Green.

“Obviously, that’ll just impact our economy as a whole. I like that they’re giving to K-12, but I would like to see them give higher education more money. ”

”

ITʼS VERY DISAPPOINTING JUST

BECAUSE WE WANT TO KEEP OUR PEOPLE WHO ARE GRADUATING FROM HIGH

SCHOOL (IN ALABAMA) IN OUR STATE SO THAT THEY CAN INCREASE THEIR

EDUCATION AND STAY IN ALABAMA.

SARAH GREEN

CHAIR, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Students march to the capitol, cheer and participate in competitions, she said. While this looks like just a good time, Green and Carter said the day holds much more importance.

See FUNDING, page 6

........9

FLOR - ALA The

Please recycle your paper.

2 News

Feb. 25, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Homeward Bound

ANNA BEAHM I News Editor

The Keystone Business Centre holds various personal and government offices. The board of trustees approved the purchase of the building including internal fixtures and furniture for $1.8 million during an executive session Feb. 22.

Trustees find home for HES department ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

The board of trustees approved the purchase of the Keystone Business Centre on Seminary Street during an executive council meeting Feb. 22. The building will house the Department of Human Environmental Sciences.

The university will purchase the building, including all internal fixtures and furniture, for $1.8 million, said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter.

“The property meets our needs better than any of the other properties we’ve looked at,” Carter said. “There’s no need to renovate. It just needs modest improvements for classroom space.”

The building is less than a mile from campus, according to the resolution.

He said he suggested the university purchase the building with cash reserves other than a loan to avoid more debt and immediately own the building.

“This basically is the first domino to fall in place to make everything else that we’ve been working on happen,” said trustee Steve Pierce.

The 30,000-square-foot building comes with an additional 8,000-squarefoot basement, Carter said. The building

also comes with an 87-space parking lot.

“There’s plenty of parking to go around,” Carter said.

Carter said there are four spaces in the building the university can automatically start upgrading to classroom spaces.

In addition to the initial cost of the building, Carter said the university set aside $400,000 for renovations and upgrades to accommodate the department except for culinary arts.

“We have authority to spend up to $400,000 to retro fit the necessary classrooms (to accommodate the department),” said Pro-tempore of the board of trustees Marty Abroms.

Carter said he estimates HES will move into the building in January 2017.

Floyd demolition should begin February or March 2017, he said.

“We are delayed at this point one semester on the nursing building primarily as a result of HES moving to Floyd as opposed to doing more construction,” he said. “We think we can make up that in the construction schedule, which I think is about 18 months.”

Several tenants still occupy the Keystone, Carter said. The university will honor the tenants’ contracts until they expire, which is the end of this year, he said.

The building is about 0.8 miles from

campus. Calculations from Google Maps indicate it takes about 16 minutes to walk to the building from campus.

While university officials have not yet determined whether they will run a shuttle bus to the building, there are other ways students can shorten the walk, said Student Government Association President Nick Lang.

”

This basically is the first domino to

fall in place to make everything else that we’ve been working on happen.

Steve Pierce

Trustee

“I know that we currently have a shuttle bus that drops students off at the downtown Florence parking deck,” he said in an email. “With that being said, I think the students could ride that shuttle bus downtown to shorten their walk to the new building.”

With other departments occupying buildings in downtown and other parts

of Florence, Lang said he expects the university will continue expanding into downtown Florence.

“UNA and the city of Florence have developed a partnership with each other,” he said. “I believe that both groups understand that we all want what is best for the students and the city of Florence.

“However, it is important to realize that UNA will probably not go further downtown unless downtown Florence and the university agree that it would be beneficial for both parties.”

Abroms said he abstained from the vote because he owns part of the office next to Keystone.

“UNA likely will have misplaced those tenants, and they will likely seek other locations, one of which would be the building that I have part ownership of,” he said. “I am abstaining; I do like the project, though.”

Abroms said the building is still subject to final appraisal before the university purchases the building. “(The purchase) cannot happen unless appraisal goes well,” he said. “We want to pay fair market value for the building.

If the appraisal is lower than what we are offering, we will have to negotiate with the owner.”

NEWS 3

Feb. 25, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Near miss encourages ʻno turn on redʼ sign NOEL GEIGER

Police Beat Writer nmiguel@una.edu

The City Engineering Department of Florence placed two “no turn on red” signs in early February at the crossing of Pine and Irvine streets.

The City Engineering Department recommended the sign after a driver nearly hit a student while turning right.

“Part of the issue was the drivers being used to the rule of turning right on red,” said UNA Chief of Police Kevin Gillilan.

“Coupled with that, the pedestrian relied on the crosswalk to stop traffic.”

He said the City Engineering Department deactivated the lights and installed the signs, warning drivers not to

”

PART OF THE ISSUE WAS THE DRIVERS BEING USED TO THE RULE OF TURNING RIGHT ON RED. COUPLED WITH THAT, THE PEDESTRIAN RELIED ON THE CROSSWALK TO STOP TRAFFIC.

KEVIN GILLILAN CHIEF OF POLICE

turn right on red in that particular area.

“Drivers are still getting used to those signs,” Gillilan said. “It is kind of taken for granted in Alabama on when you can turn right on red when it is clear. When (drivers) pull up (to the light), they are particularly looking for vehicular traffic and (they) take their eyes off of people crossing.”

Gillilan said he has not received any reports or violations of the new law, but saw a driver break the rule.

“I was in traffic the other day, and the vehicle in front of me was a contractor, I believe,” he said. “They pulled up to the stop light and started to pull out, but caught the sign and stopped rather abruptly.”

He has heard good reviews on the newly placed signs, said Deputy Chief of Police Mark Parker.

“I posted a photo of it on the police department’s Facebook page shortly after they went up and got several compliments,” Parker said. “I think it was appreciated, and people like the idea.”

The sign placement has created another problem rather than a solution, said sophomore Macey Morris.

“I just feel that they will serve as a distraction for drivers,” Morris said. “It gives (drivers) more time to look at their phones to text and sometimes miss the

light. I see a lot of those signs around the city, and I do not think they are necessary.”

The rule is inconvenient to some students, said sophomore Will Bryant.

“That’s the way I come every morning, and I’ve never had a problem there,” Bryant said. “So, now it is going to be irrelevant for everyone.”

The rule serves as another way to protect students from harm while crossing, said senior Kahri Bolden.

ANNA BEAHM I News Editor

Students cross the intersection of Pine and Irvine streets. The UNA Police Department placed a “no turn on red” sign at the intersection earlier this month after a driver nearly hit a pedestrian, officials said.

Officials: marijuana use on campus ʻconcerningʼ

ELECT

NOEL GEIGER

Police Beat Writer nmiguel@una.edu

Pd. POL. AD. BY COMMITTEE TO ELECT GALE SATCHEL; 805 PICKWICK STREET, SHEFFIELD, AL 35660

Community Involvement à Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated àAmerican Cancer Society-Relay for Life (Board Member) àCamp Courage….A Helen Keller Experience (Board Member) àCave Springs Missionary Baptist Church àColbert County Department of Human Resources (Quality Assurance Committee) àHugh O'Brien Youth Foundation Counselor àEllen McGowen Spirit of Relay Award àFocus on Leadership (Times Daily) àHelen Keller Birthplace Foundation (Secretary) àHelen Keller Hospital Foundation àJunior League of the Shoals Class of 2014 àLeroy Finch Education Award àPeople to People Ambassador Programs (Primary Delegation Leader) àRelay for Life-American Cancer Society (Team Captain) àShoals Chamber of Commerce (Ambassador) àShoals Leadership – Class of 2014 àThe Healing Place (Board member) àUniversity of North Alabama Educator of the Year 2014 àUniversity of North Alabama-ODIE Advisory Council àPresident of the Shoals Democratic Club

“I think they have been put there in order to cut down on accidents,” Bolden said. “In addition to keeping pedestrians safe, I think it is necessary.”

He said although they help students use the crosswalks, there are a number of students crossing outside the designated areas.

Gillilan said he is going to continue monitoring the crosswalks and see if there are new ways to make them safer.

Administrative Experience Colbert County Schools, Board of Education - Director of Federal Programs - Academic Competitions Director - Pre-K Program Director - Safety Coordinator - Public Relations Liaison - Homeless Youth and Children Coordinator - Transition and District I Coordinator - At-Risk Coordinator - Liaison for Tennessee Valley Juvenile Detention Center Tuscumbia City Schools, Deshler High School - Career/Technical Guidance Counselor Tuscumbia City Schools, Deshler Career/Technical Center - Interim Director Northwest Shoals Community College - Academic Counselor Lawrence County Board of Education - Lawrence County High School, Guidance Counselor Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services - Rehabilitation Counselor II University of Wisconsin- Stout - Academic Counselor - Student Support Services University of Wisconsin- Stout - Admissions Counselor - Admissions/School Relations

Primary Election Day: March 1st, 2016 Elect Dr. Gale D. Satchel “Bringing the Students Back to the Forefront of Education”

University crime logs indicate 20 cases of marijuana use or possession occurred on campus since January 2015.

Of the 20 marijuana related cases, 18 involved students in possession, and two involved students smoking marijuana.

“I’m not going to use the word ‘alarming,’ but I am concerned that there’s that much used on campus,” said Deputy Chief of Police Mark Parker.

He said marijuana use on campus has been consistent since he started working for UNA. “After a student is caught on campus with the possession of marijuana, there will be determinations made on whether to charge that person criminally or allow the student conduct board to take care of the issue,” Parker said. “We do use the student conduct board quite a bit because we run into a lot of cases that are very small and that we feel like can be best handled through the student conduct board.”

Parker said the most common place officers catch students with the drug is around the residence halls.

In the residence halls, there is a no tolerance policy on drugs, said Director of Student Conduct Kim Greenway.

“Even if there is a seed or baggy that

had marijuana in it, or a paraphernalia, you are generally, if found responsible for that, removed from the halls,” Greenway said.

Parker said the police department follows the proper procedure for any type of search.

“We have to have probable cause and reasonable suspicion,” he said. “We have to follow proper court gear, guidelines and rulings from the Supreme Court, and all the way down, as to how we can approach a case like that.”

Parker said all of the officers undergo regular training and updates on search and seizure and are familiar with the policies that they can follow. However, officers cannot conduct every search due to legal rights.

“For example, if we walk up on a car and there is a strong smell of burnt marijuana coming out of the vehicle, than that’s (reasonable grounds for making a search),” Parker said. “However, the probable cause to search there may not lead us to everything we need to know about it. We may have to back up because of Fourth Amendment rules.”

The Fourth Amendment protects Americans from unreasonable searches unless there is probable cause for search.

See MARIJUANA, page 8

4 IMAGES

Feb. 25, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

▶

Taste Test

KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer

Preparation

(Left to right) Junior Aleigha Edwards and seniors Elana Rebholz, Josh Bowman and Hunter Nicholson prepare to guess which cheeseburgers are from various fast food restaurants. Edwards favorite was Jack’s, Rebholz’s was Wendy’s and both Bowman and Nicholson chose Burger King.

KAITLIN DOUGLASS Chief Photographer photo@florala.net

Bowman Edwards

Nicholson

Rebholz Jack’s

= correct

Burger King

McDonald’s

Wendy’s

= incorrect

Take a guess (left)

Elana Rebholz, a senior, takes a bite out of a Wendy’s cheeseburger. Rebholz guessed one out of four burgers in the experiment correctly.

▶

Taste test results:

▶ Fast food

Cheeseburgers from Jack’s, Wendy’s, McDonald’s and Burger King await consumption for the taste test.

The cheapest cheeseburger was Burger King’s “Jr. Cheeseburger” for 99 cents.

▶

It’s not a surprise that the expectation is for college students to eat more fast food. Overall, statistics show Americans spend $110 billion annually on fast food, and on average, college students spend $850. But, $850 sounds harmless in a whole year, right?

Let’s pretend money isn’t an issue for a moment. After purchasing your food, do you remember what you ate? Does it all taste the same? Do hamburgers from McDonalds have a distinctive taste from those at Jack’s?

I decided to experiment with four college students eating cheeseburgers from four fast food restaurants. The participants were junior Aleigha Edwards and seniors Elana Rebholz, Josh Bowman and Hunter Nicholson.

I chose the following restaurants: Wendy’s, Jack’s, McDonald’s and

Burger King.

The experiment was basically a taste test. First, I created a list of possible restaurants. Next, I blindfolded each participant and cut the cheeseburgers into fourths. Then, they ate the cheeseburgers and told me where they thought the cheeseburgers were from.

I would assume restaurants thrive on individuality regarding taste or flavor, and obviously we know specific tastes of foods, otherwise we wouldn’t have favorites.

At first, I thought the results of this assignment would be that we, as college students, tend to eat mindlessly.

However, the experiment showed two out of four participants guessed 75 percent of the restaurants correctly.

Apparently, we, or at least some of us, are more attentive to what we eat.

So, even if college students are busy with many responsibilities on our plates, we tend to pay attention to our eating habits.

Disappointment

Josh Bowman, a senior, exemplifies the downside of taste testing. He did not enjoy the pictured burger.

NEWS 5

Jan. 25, 2016• The Flor-Ala

3 Day Startup program enters second year ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

The College of Business is hosting the 3 Day Startup program again this year in hopes of helping students from various disciplines launch businesses in Florence.

The event begins 4 p.m. April 8 and ends 10 p.m. April 10. All food and snacks are provided for participants, according to una.3daystartup.org.

“We have all these students from different areas coming to UNA and a lot of them aren’t staying in the area,” said senior and assistant organizer Christopher Aycock. “They’re opening businesses in Madison, or they’re going to Madison or Memphis or these technology hubs across the U.S. We want some innovation in (this) area.”

The worldwide initiative helps students and local entrepreneurs start a business in 72 hours.

Aycock said he was on one of the business teams last year.

“We had two strong teams,” Aycock said. “One of them, that I was a part of, had the potential to get funded. The couple guys decided they had too much on their plates, and it required too much commitment to keep going. That’s why

we really want to get it going this year.”

This year, Aycock said he hopes students from many disciplines will sign up for the event.

The event is open to the public, but the department will accept students first.

Professionals and mentors from various disciplines come to the event to help students shape their business ideas.

“The main thing we noticed last year was that the large majority of participants were business students, which is fine, but you can’t have a diversified group of people that are bouncing really good, new, innovative ideas off each other if they all have the same basic knowledge,” he said. “That’s one reason why we really want to reach out to all majors.”

Even though UNA has not yet launched a successful business from the program, many other universities have started businesses using the program.

“So far, there have been 123 schools participate across 26 countries,” Aycock said. “There’s been 95 businesses successfully started from it and about $70 million raised in funding for these new groups from the 3 Day Startup program.”

Participating in the event can help students build a business because the whole weekend is structured around teamwork and success, said senior and Computer Information Systems major

Richard Allen Stubbs.

“It’s a great environment for getting on your feet,” Stubbs said. “There are people everywhere who are interested in your success.”

He said he thinks the program can potentially sprout new businesses and create new jobs in Florence.

“The Shoals is a thriving environment for potential world changers, and that’s not limited to music,” Stubbs said.

Students can register for the event at una.3daystartup.org. The deadline to register for the event is 11:59 p.m. Feb. 29.

photo courtesy of Shannon Wells

Business students stand with Mitch Hamm (middle), temporary director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the grand opening of the Generator Oct. 17, 2015. The Generator is one of UNA’s business startup efforts.

6 NEWS Staff receives honors at annual competition

Feb. 25, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Four members of The Flor-Ala staff were honored at the Southeast Journalism Conference in Clarksville, Tennessee, Feb. 18-20.

Judges considered 441 qualified entries from 35 universities across the Southeastern U.S. to select for honors.

Editor-in-Chief Kali Daniel, Managing Editor Jasmine Fleming, former Graphic Designer Shilo Cupples and former Associate Sports Editor Kadin Pounders won awards for their contributions to journalism during the Best of the South awards banquet Feb. 19.

Cupples won first place in the Best

Newspaper Page Layout Designer category. Cupples, who designed the Life and Sports sections, created “clean” designs for a New Year’s Resolutions page, a story about divorce and a page about bullying.

Daniel ranked second in the Best News Graphic Designer category. Her infographic about increasing minimum wage gained this award.

Fleming placed eighth in the Best Opinion/Editorial Writer section. Her editorials about the importance of millennial voting, supporting assault victims and the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day earned this award.

Pounders ranked third in the Best Sports Writer section. His coverage of UNA women’s soccer’s historic season this year won the award.

CUPPLES

DANIEL

ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

Y F R OR A G N U H T JOB? GREA y’s Is Hir Zaxb

®

ing.

Want to join our team?

Great opportunities for advancement in a growing company!

Zaxby’s® is looking for friendly, outgoing individuals who want to have fun, be part of a team and earn a paycheck in the process.

366 Cox Creek Pkwy. • Florence 256.765.0054

Each Zaxby’s restaurant is independently owned and operated under a license agreement with Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. © 2015 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s” is a registered trademark of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.

The Flor-Ala tied with Georgia State University and Samford University for fourth place in Best College Magazine section for its’ work on The Roar-Ala, the SOAR Magazine. The Flor-Ala also tied fifth with University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University for Best College Newspaper.

“The UNA community can be proud of these talented students as they work hard throughout the year to produce 30 newspaper editions and a magazine while maintaining the florala.net news website and several social media channels,” said Student Media Adviser Scott Morris.

“Rather than taking time to celebrate after Friday night’s awards, our students said they needed to finish writing stories for the next edition of The Flor-Ala. This is typical of their dedication.”

”

RATHER THAN TAKING TIME TO CELEBRATE AFTER FRIDAY NIGHTʼS AWARDS, OUR STUDENTS SAID THEY NEEDED TO FINISH WRITING STORIES

FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF THE FLOR-ALA. THIS IS TYPICAL OF THEIR DEDICATION.

SCOTT MORRIS

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISOR Fleming, Associate News Editor Kaitlyn Davis, Associate Life Editor Monday Sanderson and Graphic Designer Michael Meigs represented UNA and The Flor-Ala at the conference.

FLEMING

POUNDERS

Y F R OR A G N U H T JOB? GREA by’s Is Hir

FUNDING, continued from page 1

This year, Carter said UNA will try “We might go down and pitch for (more funding) and have the ‘rah, rah’ to keep its $1 million science building type cheerleading atmosphere, but earmark, protect it’s $1 million nursing ® behind the scenes we’re also going to building earmark and secure additional have our little, for lack of better words, funds for a forensics lab. ninja strike force budget team that’s “There’s a local initiative being going after specific earmarks,” Carter driven by Northwest Alabama Council said. “That’s what we did last year, and of Local Governments to stand up a we had a lot of success.” forensics lab in conjunction with UNA,” These earmarks are government funds Carter said. “To do that will require state set aside for a certain project or plan. funding. There’s no doubt.”

Last year, UNA was one of the top Adding the law will also help schools who received the most increase establish a forensics program of study at in funding compared to the previous UNA. year, Carter said.

Carter said he and his budget team While students will not help will not only be fighting for more funds, legislators work on the budget, they but for a change in the funding model. still play an important role in the event, “We’re advocating for a complete Green said. breakdown of the current funding model,” “We’re definitely showing he said. “Out with the old and in with (legislators) that we care,” she said. the new. (We need) a new performance“We’re showing the Alabama senators based model that team? takes into consideration Want to join our and reps that we’re voting students and the number of full-time students as well that we care about higher education as a number inof avarying performance Great opportunities for advancement growing company funding.” metrics that can be considered.” ® Zaxby’s is looking for friendly,Because outgoing individuals wan Because UNA receives less funding UNA’s enrollment who increased per student theofmedian university intechnically havecompared fun, be to part a team this and year, earn the a paycheck the proce per student rate, which is about $7,500, received less funding per student, Carter Carter said he and the budget team will said.

366 Cox Creek Pkwy. • Florence ask the legislators to fund UNA to the “Altogether, we think we’ve got a 256.765.0054 median amount per student. very good shot,” he said. “I think if we “If you’re 13th or 14th in the bottom can protect what we have, it would be of the heap, you can’t get to the median a win. If we could carve out an extra overnight,” he said. “Our goal is to finish earmark for forensics, it would be a in the top three, if you will, every year. home run.”

As long as we’re in the top five, I think we’re in good shape.”Each Zaxby’s restaurant is independently owned and operated under a license agreement with Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.

Zax

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© 2015 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s” is a registered trademark of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.

Viewpoints 7

Feb. 25, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Review

Student government passes fair resolution

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kali Daniel MANAGING EDITOR Jasmine Fleming NEWS EDITOR Anna Beahm ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR Kaitlyn Davis LIFE EDITOR Melissa Parker ASSOCIATE LIFE EDITOR Monday Sanderson SPORTS EDITOR Mike Ezekiel ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR Savannah Vickery ONLINE EDITOR Emily Kazungu BUSINESS MANAGER Jordan Byrd CIRCULATION MANAGER Justin Blanchard GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Peyton Lawler Michael Meigs Kelsey Weathers JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jacqueline Willis CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Kaitlin Douglass STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Amandalyn Dorner Shay Redd Jackson Townsend ADVISER Scott Morris

ANNA BROWN

News Editor news@florala.net

I have always tried to respect other people’s choices, even if I think those choices are wrong or harmful.

As a marathon runner, smoking has never been part of my lifestyle. I even prefer to stay away from cigarette smoke. I know there are other students who feel the same.

If my fellow classmate wishes to smoke, I have no problem with their choice. I just ask they do it in certain areas on campus designated for this activity. There is nothing worse than receiving a face-full of smoke while walking across the university.

The Student Government

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

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

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

going to do if they want to smoke between classes? If campus is completely smokefree, that means the only place they could smoke is off campus. Students will not walk five minutes to smoke a cigarette that takes only three to four minutes to smoke.

It is not reasonable to ask students to walk off campus for a smoke break.

Second, going smoke-free tells students in the residence halls they cannot carry on with their habit, even in the place they call “home.” Living on campus may force some students to alter their lifestyles.

The university might remove all ashtrays and cigarette butt disposals if it went smoke-free because “no one is smoking on campus.” It is very important to dispose of these items properly to protect our environment.

The study said the majority of cigarette butt waste is the filters, which decompose very slowly. These slowly decomposing butts have the potential to become hazardous waste.

Because of this, I think it is important to keep the cigarette butts off the ground and in a cigarette-only disposal. I also encourage our administration to consider disposing of the butts at a hazardous waste facility instead of mixing them with the general trash.

Cigarette butts comprise about 30 percent, by count, of the total litter on US waterways, shorelines and land, according to a study by BMJ Open Respiratory Research.

Third, how could our campus enforce such strict tobacco regulation when the current policy is not enforced at all? UNA would only be smoke-free on paper, not in practice.

University officials, I urge you to act on SGA’s legislation.

Create smoking areas within reasonable distance of the academic buildings and residence halls with adequate ashtrays and cigarette butt disposals so students who smoke can enjoy their habit without affecting those who wish to abstain.

Competition explains importance of planning ahead

Editorial Policy Corrections

Association passed a resolution Feb. 11 requesting campus officials to amend the campus smoking and tobacco policy, and I support every word of the resolution.

The current policy states students can smoke anywhere on campus as long as they stay at least 30 feet from the entrances to buildings.

However, this rule is poorly enforced. I have never seen an officer ask one of the many students who smoke right outside the buildings to put out a cigarette or even talk to them.

“Students can carry on with reasonable habits as they could at home,” according to the resolution.

In the resolution, SGA requests campus officials create tobacco-only zones on campus.

They also asked that there be at least one smoking area within a reasonable distance from each residence hall.

I believe our campus is not ready, or will ever be ready, to go completely smoke-free, and I see many problems with going smoke-free.

First, what are students

JASMINE FLEMING

Managing Editor managing@florala.net

I participated Feb. 19 in the on-site editorial writing competition at the Southeast Journalism Conference for the second time. Although I did not win, I learned more about an issue I sometimes face: Not planning my goals well.

In the competition, students from various southern universities had to study information on a given topic and present an opinion on it.

This year’s topic was Austin Peay State University’s recent purchase of land near the university with which to possibly build new structures such as nonacademic buildings or shopping centers. The question for us student

journalists was whether or not the university should have made the purchase and if the expansion is appropriate.

After reading through the provided links, I was shocked.

The university president held a press conference Feb. 16 to discuss the purchase and the university’s plans, according to a Feb. 16 article in The All State, APSU’s student newspaper. The only issue was, there was not an actual plan.

APSU President Alisa White provided images showing how the university wanted to expand, according to the article. However, she said they were just ideas and that the actual expansion probably would not resemble the designs.

Although beginning to plan for the university’s growth is important, I felt planning should have happened before the purchase, as the land cost the university $8.8 million, according to the article.

Another major issue resulting from the plan is that the designs for the expansion went farther than the land the university purchased.

Instead, it encroached upon local businesses, according to a Feb. 11 article in The Leaf-Chronicle, a Clarksville, Tennessee, newspaper.

Ironically, one of the major reasons for the expansion, according to The Leaf-Chronicle, was for the university to have more interaction with the community if they choose to place shopping locations on the newly-purchased land. But, taking over other businesses’ spaces does not seem like the best way to grow closer to the community.

Had APSU taken a similar approach to UNA’s search for the Human Environmental Science Department’s new home (see page 2), I could have supported their expansion plans. UNA is finally finding a central location for the department after months of searching, and although the project is costly, the process was thoughtful, included many locations and resulted from thorough planning.

After submitting my editorial diagreeing with the expansion, I realized I could

Congratulations to our Writer and Photographer of the Week!

take the same planning advice myself. As managing editor for The Flor-Ala, part of my responsibilities is getting us involved on campus to show students we work to keep them informed. I have had many ideas for doing so this year, but sometimes those ideas did not come to fruition.

In the same way, as a student, I often think of my academic goals and what I want to accomplish with my education, such as completing my Capstone Project for the Honors program.

But without the proper planning of figuring out all the steps I need to get to the finish line, I will not reach my goals.

Seeing this real-life, expensive example helped me realize how much more I can do if I plan my goals better.

I also believe I am not the only UNA student who could benefit from heeding this advice. I encourage anyone else with big dreams and goals to consider how they will reach them. By doing so, it will not discourage you. Instead, it will give you a way to make your goals a reality.

Savannah Vickery & Jackson Townsend

8 NEWS

Feb. 25, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Digital marketing proves effective, affordable ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

Have you noticed more purple and gold popping up on your phone?

The Department of University Communications and Marketing has turned their attention to digital, social media and mobile marketing to draw students to campus.

While the profit from digital marketing can be difficult to measure, the department’s efforts are working, said Director of University Communications and Marketing Bryan Rachal.

“We had record enrollment last semester,” he said. “There are a lot of factors that go into that, but I certainly think that one of those factors was the fact that we were advertising.”

The department revamped the university Facebook account and added an Instagram account and Snapchat filter to their arsenal of advertising techniques this school year, Rachal said.

“We’re real big on social media,” he said. “We feel like social media is kind of our avenue to hit this newer generation of students. These are students that have grown up with a phone in their hand and knew how to swipe and touch a screen before they really knew how to click a mouse.

“My daughter picked up my office

phone one time and didn’t know what it was because it looks like a normal phone.”

The department hired several students to help generate content for the university’s social media accounts, he said.

“We want them to help us understand it,” Rachal said. “We look at it like, ‘Why not use people that we’re trying to reach to help you reach those people?’

They know better than most about what students want to know about it.”

”

WE HAD RECORD ENROLLMENT LAST SEMESTER. THERE ARE A LOT OF FACTORS THAT GO INTO THAT, BUT I CERTAINLY THINK THAT ONE OF THOSE FACTORS WAS THE FACT THAT WE WERE

ADVERTISING.

BRYAN RACHAL

DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING He said he thinks having junior Jackson Townsend and senior Sam Satterfield running the accounts and creating content will help the university better engage with them on social media.

Townsend, who primarily runs

the Instagram account, said he thinks student-run social media will help the university reach more perspective and current students.

“It’s a great job,” Townsend said.

“It’s awesome to help the university grow in that way since social media is becoming the most popular way for us to communicate. It’s also cool to put content out there that I know other students love.”

More than just sharing information, Rachal said he wants to see people engaging with the posts, not just scrolling past.

“It’s one thing to post, but it’s another to have engagement,” he said. “We want people to retweet, to comment and to like these things.”

Aside from social media, which is free, the department is working on a geo-fencing campaign that sends advertisements directly to mobile devices, he said.

This method allows them to pinpoint a certain audience rather than sending one message to a mixed group.

“Every app that runs on your cellphone, when you sign into it, you basically sign an agreement that people can track that app,” he said.

IN

REVIEW

• UPC SNOW BALL - 7 TO 10 P.M. IN GUC BANQUET HALLS. DOORS OPEN @ 6:30 P.M. • SENATE VETOED BILL TO TRANSFER $500 FROM MANE IDEA CAMPAIGN LINE ITEM TO COLLEGIATE LEGISLATURE LINE ITEM FOR TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENTS. SENATE WILL NOT MEET FEB. 25.

• OFFICER RUNOFF ELECTIONS OPEN FEB. 29 - MARCH 3.

• HIGHER EDUCATION DAY - FEB. 25.

BUS LEAVES @ 5:30 A.M. FROM GUC PARKING LOT. • SHOALS SYMPHONY/UPC PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN - FEB. 26 @ 7:30 P.M. IN NORTON AUDITORIUM

FOR MEETING BRIEFS AND UPDATES ON THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION, VISIT FLORALA.NET

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

MARIJUANA, continued from page 3

Now hiring at Muscle Shoals branch! 2017 Avalon Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

SGA

Even though marijuana possession and usage are felony offenses, UNA deals with the offense from an educational standpoint, Greenway said.

Charged students must face the Student Conduct Board for discipline and education. The board is made of students, faculty and staff members, Greenway said.

“Our goal in it is to find out how we can educate that student to make better decisions in the future,” Greenway said.

Depending on the circumstances, rulings vary, she said.

“It depends on lot of things,” Greenway said. “It’s case-by-case, but we try to be consistent with sanctioning across the board. If they have a low level amount of marijuana, suspension is not our first option.”

She said often the board does research on state laws and how (drugs) affect students. The board also does an exercise where they ask the student where the student sees marijuana in his or her life five years from now.

“We want to educate that student,” Greenway said.

She does not support recreational use of marijuana, but believes in legalizing it for medical use, said senior Elana Rebholz.

“I think that medical marijuana should be legalized in all states for those with severe conditions where they are in pain every day, hospice patients or elderly folks,” Rebholz said.

CAMPUS CRIME LOG • FEB. 7 PUBLIC

LEWDNESS AND

PUBLIC INTOXICATION

LARIMORE STREET • FEB. 5 THEFT OF PROPERTY RICE HALL • FEB. 2 HARASSMENT COMMONS BUILDING • FEB. 1 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

CIRCULAR ROAD • JAN. 30 DAMAGE TO PROPERTY LION HABITAT FULL CRIME LOG AVAILABLE AT UNA.EDU/POLICE/CRIMELOG

LIFE 9

Feb. 25, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

N OW UPC Presents P L AY I N G Shoals Symphony brings pirates to university MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

Hoist ye sails and set a course for Norton Auditorium Feb. 26: Pirates are coming.

Shoals Symphony at UNA presents Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” live beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Audience members will watch the fulllength film on a giant screen while the Shoals Symphony Orchestra, a group of more than 70 musicians, and sections of the UNA Collegiate Singers and Chamber Choir perform the soundtrack.

”

ITʼS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

EXPERIENCE THAN ANY OF US HAVE

EVERY HAD PLAYING FOR THE SYMPHONY

BEFORE.

MIRANDA MCAFEE SENIOR

Tickets are $15 — $25 for adults and $5 for students and children 12 and under. The most expensive seats are center floor seats.

The production has already sold more than 1,300 tickets, said Associate Professor of Music and Music Director of the Shoals Symphony at UNA Daniel Stevens. A sell out of 1,650 tickets is possible.

University Program Council and the Office of Student Engagement provided 200 free student ticket vouchers

Jan. 13 — Feb. 5.

There are many people involved in the production of this show, Stevens said.

“Our musicians range from upper amateur through professionals,” he said. “They lift each other up, and the quality continues to improve.”

Rehearsing for this production has been interesting, said Director of Choral Activities Ian Loeppky.

“The score for this movie basically treats the voices as another set of instruments,” he said. “They never sing any words.”

Others involved include Buena Vista Concerts and Disney Music Group who contracted the show and a video engineer from iMusicImage, Inc. who will fly in from California to run the show.

Local technical company Sutherland Sight and Sound will bring in the big screen and speakers and help run the sound, Stevens said.

“It is quite the project,” he said. “This is my first time conducting something quite of this magnitude.”

The symphony has to be constantly focused, said senior and viola player Miranda McAfee.

“We could be playing something slow and melodic and immediately change into something fast and exciting, all in a few seconds,” she said.

Most people think when they go to a symphony production, they are going to sit there and listen to Mozart, said junior and French horn player Victoria Roose.

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

Half Minute Horror adds contest to film festival MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

Have what it takes to create a 30-second film? Get a team together, head to 306 Barbecue Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. and take a stab at an unusual type of film: A 30-second horror film.

Teams will compete to win a trophy and a $100 prize from sponsor Half Minute Horror at the 19th Annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival Awards Show March 5 at the Mane Room.

Each week, Keith Sims, executive producer and owner of Half Minute Horror, and Tashina Southard, UNA alumna and series creator, gather a cast and crew to film their own 30 seconds of horror.

“We thought it would be interesting, in addition to the film festival, to see if people would be interested in trying to do what we do every week,” Sims said Competitors will randomly select one subgenre of horror, Sims said. Half Minute Horror will give them a line of dialogue, a prop and a name to use in their film. They will also need to include a Shoals landmark of their choosing.

Each team will have 24 hours to film their movies, Sims said.

They will submit films at Court Street Market Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.

Southard said she started writing 30-second scripts as a writing exercise.

“I had read a prompt going around the Internet about writing a 30-second story in prose,” she said. “I wanted to see if I could do the same thing for film.”

Half Minute Horror won the 48 Hour Film Festival in

Huntsville last year, and Sims and Southard are on the Lindsey Film Festival committee.

“We decided to do this because we need to tap into some of the great talent we have in this area — namely, Keith and Tashina and their Half Minute Horror productions, and the fact that they’re seasoned guerrilla filmmaking people,” said English Department Chair and Lindsey Film Festival Committee Chair Cynthia Burkhead. “I’m really happy they came up with this idea.”

Those interested can sign up online at the Half Minute Horror website.

George Lindsey Film Festival Besides this new addition, there are 10 categories in the Lindsey Film Festival including professional short, student narrative, student documentary, short screenplay, Best of Show and Best of Alabama.

Junior Paige McCay’s film “Stay” is a finalist in the Best of Alabama category.

“It was my first movie to direct myself,” she said. “When I realized the film fest was so near our shooting date, I knew we had to try.”

Screenings of the films are open to the public. Those interested can visit the Lindsey Film Festival website for more information.

General admission tickets for the March 5 awards show are $10 and will be on sale at the UNA bookstore and at the door.

Admission for UNA students is free.

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

10 LIFE

Feb. 25, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Students behind the podium PoBoys offers authentic Cajun cuisine

A series on critical language partners

MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer

Junior Emily Kazungu teaches an Elementary Swahili class of two students. “I love telling them about my culture because I think it’s important for them to know about Nairobi, Kenya, and Africa as a whole,” Kazungu said.

Kazunguʼs bubbly personality attracts students MONDAY SANDERSON Associate Life Editor life@florala.net

“I think most people only know of the negative side of Kenya, so any opportunity I get to spread a different kind of message, I’ll use it.”

Junior Emily Kazungu is from Nairobi, Kenya, and teaches Swahili as a critical language partner. She began teaching spring 2014 as a sophomore.

Kazungu said the previous Swahili teacher, Nickson Onchao, recommended her for the job.

“I didn’t even know he was going to do it,” she said. “Ms. Joy Kelly sent me an email asking if I wanted to teach Swahili, and I said, ‘Sure.’”

She said despite the unexpected offer, she is glad she started teaching.

“I love teaching people my language,” she said. “I love telling them about my culture because I think it’s important for them to know about Nairobi, Kenya, and Africa as a whole.”

She is a wonderful teacher, said freshman Katelyn Walton. “(Her teaching style) is very diverse and covers a wide range of material,” she said. “Ms. Kazungu is very good at making Swahili easy and understandable.”

Walton said Kazungu’s personality is one of the reasons she decided to take Swahili 102.

“Ms. Kazungu is very bubbly and has a happy personality,” she said. “She keeps class very lively and fun.”

Kazungu has a happy demeanor, said

Coordinator for International Student Success Cala Flippo in an email.

“Emily is always smiling, which is contagious, and loves to have a fun time,” she said. “If I post on our board that I need help with things, Emily always replies quickly and will volunteer to help if she can.”

Kazungu said she is also a UNA Navigator.

”

WHETHER PEOPLE BEING NICE IS GENUINE OR NOT, IT DIDNʼT MATTER BECAUSE IT HELPED ME SETTLE IN WHEN I FIRST MOVED HERE. I WAS PRETTY SCARED, BUT WHEN I SAW PEOPLE SMILE AT ME OR SAY ʻHIʼ I JUST THOUGHT ABOUT HOW THEY WERE SO NICE.

EMILY KAZUNGU

JUNIOR

“Navigators are ambassadors for UNA, especially to internationals,” Flippo said. “Their goal is to be a connector and friend for our international students as they come to UNA to study.”

Flippo said Kazungu has done well as a Navigator.

“This is Emily’s second year as a Navigator, and she has focused on helping with photography and media this year,” she said. “She is faithful, hard working, friendly, fun and dedicated. She has been a valuable part of the team.”

Kazungu said she did not plan to come to UNA, but a family friend informed her aunt about the option.

“My auntie one day just called me up out of the blue and asked me if I wanted to study in America,” she said. “I started the entire process and the rest, as they say, is history.”

Kazungu said the appearance of Florence surprised her.

“I expected tall buildings, skyscrapers and public modes of transport,” she said.

“I didn’t do any research or Google where Florence is or how it looked, because I wanted to be surprised, and I was surprised. I was used to the America they show on TV and movies, and most of the time they showed the larger cities like New York or Los Angeles.”

She said despite this culture shock, she has found the city enjoyable.

“Whether people being nice is genuine or not, it didn’t matter because it helped me settle in when I first moved here,” she said. “I was pretty scared, but when I saw people smile at me or say ‘hi’ I just thought about how they were so nice.”

Other than participating in activities related to school, Kazungu said she likes to dance.

“I wish I was in a group that danced, but I just freestyle in my room,” she said.

She said when she does not dance, she spends time with her friends, but school and work fill the rest of her week.

Editor’s Note: Emily Kazungu is the online editor of The Flor-Ala.

While enjoying a night out, my companion and I wanted to try a new restaurant.

A few of my friends had recently been posting pictures on Facebook of delectable dishes they had eaten at PoBoys Cajun Grill in Tuscumbia. We decided to give this place a try.

After a short 15-minute wait, the hostess seated us close to the kitchen.

My seat allowed me to peek over the counter into the kitchen where I could see the chefs preparing several different appetizing dishes. Each new plate of food that raced past me in the hands of the servers looked more mouth-watering than the one before.

As is our normal practice when trying a new restaurant, we asked our server what she recommended. She named a few meals she assured us were delicious.

I decided on the large plate of Molasses Bourbon BBQ Chicken with sides of mashed potatoes and green beans for $13.95. My companion ordered a large bowl of Shrimp Creole for $15.95.

Since we were splurging and wanting to try several things, we decided on an Alligator Bite appetizer for $9.95. My companion also ordered a cup of Seafood Gumbo for $4.95, and I ordered a cup of Red Beans and Rice for $3.95. The Alligator Bites were tender and juicy and came with a spicy dipping sauce.

My Red Beans and Rice was warm and delicious, and the Seafood Gumbo had just the right mix of seafood and rice.

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

MELISSA PARKER I Life Editor

PoBoys Cajun Grill’s Molasses Bourbon BBQ Chicken provides a satisfying meal at a reasonable price. This restaurant is on South Main Street in Tuscumbia.

Life 11

Feb. 25, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Maples addresses diversity on campus MONDAY SANDERSON Associate Life Editor life@florala.net

Marcus Maples is the only person of color on UNA’s board of trustees after replacing John Bunyan Cole, the previous person of color.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley appointed Maples in June 2014 after Cole’s death.

“I’m very proud to be an African-American member on the board of trustees,” he said. “So, of course, diversity issues play a particular role in what I’m involved in and interested in.

“I’m also one of few trustees that are alumni of the university.

It’s important to me to reach out to other alumni and make sure their needs are addressed.

I also want to make sure they are connected back to this great institution.”

”

(Diversity) is crucial on

the board of trustees because

we’re not only talking about

racial diversity, but also diversity

of thought. I think I bring a

particular skill set to the board because of my background as an

African-American, and that helps the board make better decisions.

Marcus Maples

Trustee

Maples said he began school at UNA in 1998 and graduated in 2002.

He said he works on the finance committee and the diversity and alumni on campus.

Maples began working with the alumni board of directors once he graduated, said Carol Lyles director of the office of alumni relations.

“He was working his way up the ranks to be president and he was vice president when he was appointed on the board of trustees,” she said. “He is very involved in supporting alumni.

He has hosted our alumni in his corporate office a few times for a private luncheon.”

Maples’ experience as an attorney and a former president of the Student Government Association assists his position on the board, said SGA President Nick Lang.

“As an attorney, I think he

provides the board of trustees with a legal perspective on any potential decisions that the board of trustees may carry out,” Lang said in an email. “As (SGA) President in the past at UNA, (he has) some insight on the past decisions of the board of trustees.”

Maples said diversity is important for the board. “(It) is crucial on the board of trustees because we’re not only talking about racial diversity, but also diversity of thought,” he said. “I think I bring a particular skill set to the board because of my background as an AfricanAmerican, and that helps the board make better decisions.”

Maples said while he is a member on the board, he is an attorney first.

His grandfather is the reason he became an attorney, he said.

“My grandfather told me when I was 5 years old that I was going to make a lawyer,” he said. “His goal of me making a lawyer was his dream and passion.”

Maples said he made his grandfather’s dream come true when he graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2006.

He said he embodies certain traits that help him in his career an attorney.

“I’m a good problemsolver,” he said. “That is essentially what a lawyer does. They solve problems for their clients.

He said he is also compassionate.

“You have to be that for your clients,” he said. “I take on every issue that they have. I want to make sure they are doing well and that they are successful.”

Lang said Maples is energetic and friendly.

“He is very easy to talk to, and I believe that he can easily relate to college students,” Lang said.

Maples said he balances his responsibilities as a husband, father of three and member of the board.

When the workday is over, Maples goes home to his wife, Kyowa, and three daughters: 3-year-old twins Eden and Vivienne and 16-month-old Mya. “I always said that although I’m passionate about practicing law, my main job in life is taking care of my children,” he said. “I try not to miss any of their events if I can help it. My children will be my legacy.”

photo courtesy of Sirote & Permutt, PC

Marcus Maples is the only African-American on UNA’s board of trustees. “Diversity issues play a particular role in what I’m involved in and interested in,” Maples said.

12 SPORTS SCOREBOARD FEB. 18-20

Feb. 25, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Cornwall, England Florence, AL

Wilstatt, Germany

Feb. 18

Womenʼs BB vs. Union 80-67 Loss Menʼs BB vs. Union 87-73 Loss

Feb. 19

Baseball vs. West Georgia (DH) 13-1 Loss, 3-2 Win

Softball vs. West Georgia (DH) 5-1 Win, 7-4 Win

Feb. 20

Womenʼs BB vs. Christian Bros.

68-64 Loss Menʼs BB vs. Christian Bros.

73-71 Win Baseball vs. West Georgia 5-4 Win Softball vs. West Georgia 2-1 Loss Softball vs. Truman State (DH) 3-2 Loss, 4-3 Win Menʼs Tennis vs. Chattanooga 4-2 Win

UPCOMING Basketball

Feb. 27 vs. Alabama-Huntsville Women Tipoff @ 2 p.m.

Men Tipoff @ 4 p.m.

Tennis

Feb. 25 at Christian Brothers (Both) Feb. 26 vs. Lindsey Wilson (Both) Feb. 28 vs. Delta State (Both)

Softball

Feb. 27-28 at Shorter March 5-6 vs. West Florida

Baseball

Feb. 27-28 at Shorter March 5-6 vs. West Florida March 8 vs. Lemoyne-Owen Games continued at roarlions.com

Richards signs professional soccer deal MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

Former UNA standout soccer player Chloe Richards signed a professional contract with a team from the German Bundesliga, the top league in Germany, last week.

Richards, who led all of Division II last season with 26 goals and is the second-leading scorer in UNA’s history, signed with the SC Sand and plans to leave for Germany March 14 to begin her professional career.

Richards said it is an honor to represent her university on the professional level.

“Everybody here (at UNA) made this possible for me,” Richards said. “If I hadn’t come to UNA, I don’t know what would have happened. They’ve really helped me develop as a player.”

The two-time Division II All-American explored offers from teams in Finland, but ultimately decided the German Bundesliga was the best fit.

The league consists of 12 teams. SC Sand, who is in fourth place this season, faces Bayern Munich in Richards’ first game.

Bayern Munich has the highest league record this season. “(Bayern Munich) is like the New York Yankees of soccer,” said UNA coach Chris Walker.

“They are arguably one of the five top teams in the world, and they’re in the same league as (SC Sand). The league is probably the second or third best league in the world.”

Claudio Marcone, a women’s soccer agent who represented players in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, worked with Richards and helped her close the deal.

Richards said her contract lasts from March 14, 2016, to

July 2017, spanning two full seasons. The deal includes a place to live and travel, on top of her salary, which Richards did not disclose. Richards said she is content at this point in her career.

“It’s a great start,” she said.

“The good thing with a lot of these situations is that they provide housing and flights.

That takes a lot of my costs away, so that really helps a lot.”

Richards, who majors in Exercise Science, is set to graduate in May and hopes to have her work completed before going to Germany. She said at the latest, she might push graduation back to this summer.

“Dr. (Thomas) Coates has been really helpful,” Richards said. “I’m trying to work with him to get things sorted out. I wouldn’t have taken (the pro contract) if I wasn’t going to be able to finish my degree. I have been here four years and not for nothing.”

Seeing a student athlete work hard to finish his or her degree before taking an opportunity of this caliber means a lot, said UNA Athletic Director Mark Linder.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for her, and I appreciate the academic community working with her to give her the opportunity to go,” Linder said. “Graduating is important to her and important to us.”

Linder said Richards fits the athletic department’s motto.

“We talk about ‘graduating champions’ a lot,” Linder said.

“Chloe is a champion. In all my years of being in athletics, and I’m including myself in this comment, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anybody work harder than Chloe. She is a great ambassador for the University of North Alabama.”

TORI PATTERSON I Student Photographer

Former UNA standout forward Chloe Richards signed with SC Sand from the German Bundesliga in February. Richards is the second leading scorer in UNA women’s soccer history.

SPORTS 13

Feb. 25, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

SENIOR NIGHT

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

From left to right: Seniors Alexus Patterson, Janae Lyde, John Fletcher and Bilal Richardson shoot and dribble the ball in the 2015-16 season. Lyde, Fletcher and Richardson’s careers each come to an end this year, while Patterson hopes to gain one more year of eligibility from the NCAA.

Womenʼs team honors Lyde, Menʼs basketball secures Pattersonʼs return possible victory on senior night MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

A 68-64 loss to Christian Brothers was not what UNA’s women’s basketball team had in mind for its senior night Feb. 20, but a positive vibe took over Flowers Hall.

UNA head coach Missy Tiber presented veteran point guard Janae Lyde a framed jersey, as Lyde’s family escorted her to center court at the conclusion of her final home game. The crowd gave Lyde a standing ovation.

“It hit me pretty hard (last week) that I only had a couple of weeks left in my basketball career,” Lyde said. “It hurts when you’ve been playing basketball for so long. I don’t regret any moment of (my career), and it’s been an amazing ride here at North Alabama.”

Despite having two seniors listed on the roster, the women’s basketball team decided to only honor one.

As for the team’s other senior, center Alexus Patterson, Tiber said she hopes to return Patterson to the roster next season as a graduate student. The newcomer from Southern Illinois could still have eligibility, but will need to check with the NCAA and UNA compliance director Todd Vardaman.

“I think we have a 50-50 shot,” Tiber said. “She had one year (at SIU) where she played very limited games. She played five games, and we’re going to try to get that year back.

“We’re going to appeal to the NCAA and ask them if we can get another year of eligibility back for her. It’s going to take several months (to find out).”

Tiber said the team cannot officially file a waiver until the subjective player is finished with that year of eligibility.

“Whenever our last game is over, that next day I’ll be in (Vardaman’s) office,” Tiber said. “We’ll be starting the process with all the paperwork. She’s that important to us. She’s made a difference on the team in the short time she’s been here.”

The team has yet to express how they will honor Patterson if she is not able to play another year, as they are confident she will return next season.

Lyde closes out her career on the road Feb. 27 against rival Alabama-Huntsville in Spragins Hall. Lyde said her ultimate goal is to lay a foundation for the Lions and their future teams.

“I hope that I’ve left something for the team to look back on,” she said. “I’m happy at this point in time we are getting better. In the next two years, this program will be right back where it was.”

Tiber said the team will miss Lyde’s influence next season.

“She’s made herself better each year she’s been here,” Tiber said. “Every year, she’s grown as a player and into her leadership role. This season, I think that’s come into fruition, and she’s embraced that role. She’s the leader of this team.”

With hopes to return next season, Patterson said she plans on working toward going to graduate school while playing in the 2016-17 year.

“I will always take any opportunity to play basketball, and if it’s helping me with school, I’ll take that too,” Patterson said. “(If the NCAA deems me eligible) I’m 100 percent coming back next season.”

MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

As the final buzzer rang in Flowers Hall Feb. 20, Bilal Richardson and John Fletcher, two seniors on the UNA men’s basketball team, received a standing ovation from the home crowd.

Knowing this could be the final home game, depending on where the Lions (1611, 13-8 Gulf South Conference) land in the conference tournament seeding, the two seniors said they “left everything on the court” in a heart-throbbing 73-71 win over Christian Brothers.

“I always like to win on senior night,” Champagne said. “I don’t know how many senior nights we’ve lost (in previous years). I always like sending those guys out on a high note because they give so much to this program on and off the court.”

The Lions travel to AlabamaHuntsville Feb. 27 for the final regular season game. A win gives UNA a chance to host in the tournament, while a loss would most likely put the Lions on the road in round one.

“When we didn’t beat Union the other night, we put (our fate) in someone else’s hands,” Champagne said. “It looks like UAH will finish first, West Georgia second, Union third and it will be between us and Delta State (for the fourth seed and home court advantage).”

Fletcher is the only returning senior from last year’s squad. The junior college transfer from San Diego said he had strong emotions knowing it could be his final home game.

“This crowd treated me great for two

years,” Fletcher said. “I’m definitely going to miss it. It would mean the world to me to host another game.”

Fletcher, who finished with nine points on the night, said while it was not his best individual performance, he would not change anything from his senior night.

“My performance personally wasn’t that good, but as a team, we played awesome,” he said. “We had a couple of mistakes here and there, but we pulled through. I’m just happy to see the team win.”

Richardson, who finished with 21 points and seven rebounds against the Buccaneers, said although he only spent one year with the team, he would miss playing in front of the Flowers Hall faithful.

“We had a good audience this year,” Richardson said. “A lot of people showed us support. I just want to thank everybody for coming out and showing their support because we couldn’t do this without them.”

Richardson said he enjoyed winning on senior night, but is ready to turn his focus to UAH. “It’ll be a great start for us (to host in the tournament),” Richardson said. “This was a game we needed to win. Going into next week, we’re ready.”

The Lions clinched a spot in the tournament Feb. 13, but will find out their final position Feb. 27 after all the GSC teams complete their games.

The eight-team GSC tournament tips off March 2 at the No. 1-4 seeds’ campuses. The semifinals and finals take place March 4-5 at Samford University in Birmingham.

14 SPORTS

Feb. 25, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

First year player fills shortstop position

F R E S H M A N

SAVANNAH VICKERY Student Writer svickery@una.edu

Peyton Sockwell, a freshman shortstop from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, is off to a solid start in his UNA career.

Sockwell is exceeding the expectations of many, said UNA coach Mike Keehn. Early in the season, the Gulf South Conference named Sockwell the freshman of the week.

Keehn said Sockwell’s ability to play a high-profile position is impressive.

“The short stop position is the leader of the infield and the defensive alignment,” Keehn said. “It’s definitely a position where you have to be consistent.”

Sockwell said he is thrilled to play as much as he has this early in his collegiate career.

“It’s been awesome getting to see the field as a freshman,” Sockwell said.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs already in the season for me. I’ve learned there’s not a lot of leeway for mistakes at the college level.”

The first-year player from Lawrence County (Tennessee) High School led the team in runs batted in and possessed a batting average of .360 his last two years.

The Tennessee High School Athletic Association named him part of the alldistrict team in baseball his junior and senior year.

With a change in the level of pitching and hitting, Sockwell said transitioning from high school baseball to the collegiate level is intimidating at times, but support from the UNA clubhouse has

helped.

“All of the guys, especially the upperclassmen, have been nothing short of incredible with teaching and showing me the ropes of how things work here,” Sockwell said. “Having 33 guys behind you picking you up when you’re down and helping you along the way is huge.”

Sockwell’s defensive skills are very smooth, and he enjoys working together in the middle of the diamond, said senior second baseman Kyle Crabtree.

Crabtree said Sockwell is a team player, even when he is not in the game.

“He’s started this season, and (at times) he hasn’t started this season,” Crabtree said. “Yet his attitude hasn’t changed at all, and that speaks volumes to me as a senior.”

Crabtree said he and Sockwell have already formed a bond in the clubhouse.

“Peyton is a great baseball player,” he said. “He has been very coachable, and I’ve been really impressed with him.

I love him as a person.”

Keehn said Sockwell stepped up in the Feb. 14 game against Spring Hill. Fielding wise, Sockwell had three putouts and two assists, helping the Lions take home their only win of the series.

“It’s difficult for a freshman to jump in and take charge on the infield,” Keehn said. “But so far, he’s done a quality job.”

Sockwell said he hopes to live up to UNA baseball’s tradition of success.

“All in all, I’m really excited for the rest of this season and for the next four years of playing (baseball) here,” Sockwell said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to get to play here where so many great guys came before.”

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Freshman shortstop Peyton Sockwell exits the field after UNA’s walk-off win against West Georgia Feb. 20. Sockwell has started five games for the Lions.

I M P A C T E R

EXTRA 15

Feb. 25, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Thurs., Feb. 25 Higher Education Day 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Scale Smashing (Feel Good Naked Week) Amphitheater 4 p.m.

Circle K Meeting Stone Lodge Upper 7 — 10 p.m.

Snow Ball GUC Performance Center

From left to right: Republican candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, along with Democratic candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, are the front-runners for the bipartisan elections March 1.

Fri., Feb. 26

Sat., Feb. 27

Mon., Feb. 29

9:30 a.m. — 4 p.m.

Freshman Forum Leadership Conference GUC 200, GUC 208, GUC Performance Center and Stone Lodge (Upper)

7:30 a.m.

MathCounts Tournament Stevens Hall Auditorium

10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Campus Outreach GUC Atrium 11 a.m. — 2 p.m.

DAREoke - The Well GUC Atrium Noon — 1 p.m.

Your Vote Matters Amphitheater 3:30 — 5:15 p.m.

SGA Meeting GUC 200 8 — 10 p.m.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Commons 300

11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Kuwaiti National Day (Global Lions) GUC Atrium 7:30 — 10:30 p.m.

Disney Live: Pirates of the Caribbean Shoals Symphony Norton Auditorium 7 p.m.

30IN24 Film Competition 306 Barbecue 7 p.m.

Cultural Counseling Initiative Murder Mystery Dinner Show

1 p.m.

UNA basketball vs.

UAH Spragins Hall in Huntsville 6 p.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet GUC Banquet Halls

Sun., Feb. 28 6 — 8 p.m.

Pinky Promise Stone Lodge (Lower) 8 — 9:30 p.m.

ENCOUNTER Stone Lodge (Upper)

Tues., March 1 SUPER TUESDAY

3:30 — 4:30 p.m.

Student Allocations GUC Events Conference Room

Wed., March 2 10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Circle K March of Dimes GUC Atrium 4:30 — 5:30 p.m.

Freshman Forum GUC 200 4:30 — 6 p.m.

SAFE Stone Lodge (Upper) 5 — 6:30 p.m.

JUMP! Stone Lodge (Lower)

10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Circle K GUC Atrium

8 — 9 p.m.

Catholic Campus Ministries Bible Study GUC 200

11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Campus Outreach GUC Atrium

8 — 9:30 p.m.

ENCOUNTER Stone Lodge (Upper)

16 EXTRA

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

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Feb. 25, 2016 • The Flor-Ala