Nov. 08 Issue

VOTERS GIVE OBAMA FOUR MORE YEARS Nov. 8, 2012

Volume 81, Issue 12

www.FlorAla.net

GREEK LIFE

FLORENCE POLICE

Students robbed at gunpoint ALEX LINDLEY

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

CHALKED UP

News/Managing Editor alindley@una.edu

Florence police are following up on an armed robbery that allegedly occurred at approximately 10 p.m., Nov. 5, near the 700 block of Nellie Avenue, said Florence police Chief Ron Tyler.

Two males wearing white ski masks struck the victim, a male UNA student, with a handgun took $5 from his wallet and fled, Tyler said.

Despite early reports that the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m., the alleged robbery actually took place closer to

See ROBBERY, page 5A

CAMPUS POLICE

Sexual assault investigator named PACE HOLDBROOKS

Staff Writer hholdbrooks@una.edu

In light of recent crime on campus, UNA police have appointed Officer Shequanda Jenkins as the department’s Sexual Assault Investigator.

Chief Bob Pastula said the position’s purpose is to ensure that sexual assault crimes are handled appropriately in the event of another occurrence.

“The position is for someone that knows how to do the investigation and what is required,” Pastula said. “Students will have the benefit of having someone on campus who not only knows how to do the proce-

See INVESTIGATOR, page 5A

INSIDE

this week’s paper

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

photo by ALLI OWNBY I Staff Photographer

The words “Sigma Chi Derby Days” are written on a car parked in the parking garage on campus. Students’ cars all over campus were written on as part of the predominantly Greek event.

Students upset over prank, contest KALI DANIEL

Staff Writer kdaniel@una.edu

After a number of cars all over campus were painted on with car chalk, students and Greek Life officials are asking questions of the organizations that participated in Derby Days, an event hosted by one of the fraternities at UNA. Cars were marked on in loca-

LIFE...............1B SPORT............5B EXTRA.............8B

tions including the parking garage and near Lafayette Hall.

Campus police have no plans of charging anyone or investigating the matter further, officials said.

“The police department has not commented on the Twitter or Facebook postings,” said UNA police Chief Bob Pastula. “The cars were not vandalized; they were only painted with water-soluble paint

that will wash off with water. Vandalism implies that there was damage done to the vehicles, which we have received no reports of. Vandalism is a crime, and if someone is apprehended vandalizing, they will be treated accordingly.”

Sorority involvement was reported to the Office of Student En-

See UPSET, page 5A

CIVIL WARS TAKE BREAK..... 3B

2A NEWS

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

College Spooks

photos by ALLI OWNBY I Staff Photographer

Student actors lurk in the shadows at the fourth annual Kappa Sigma haunted house in the GUC Halloween night. The brothers of Kappa Sig decided to hire professinals to design and plan the haunted house this year, but they kept UNA students behind the masks scaring the participants.

Kappa Sigma hires pros for haunted house, keeps student spooks HALEY WRIGHT

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The brothers of Kappa Sigma fraternity hosted their fourth annual haunted house in the GUC Halloween night.

This year’s event was a bit different from years past because the brothers decided to hire professionals instead of doing it themselves. The brothers chose Simplified Entertainment to provide the haunted house. This company travels all over the United States, setting up mobile haunted houses.

“The entire structure is departmentalized,” said Francis Fu, Simplified Entertainment employee. “There’s a different element of fear in each room.”

Though the company providing the haunted house is professional, the people lurking in the darkness are still students.

“A majority of the houses are set up on college campuses, and the scarers are typically always students,” Fu said. “This is a fun event for those who are scaring and those who are going through.”

Kappa Sigma member J.T. Adams said, as a tour guide, he was looking forward to the looks on people’s faces.

Before going into the haunted house, Jaleicia George said she wasn’t expecting to be scared. George said students had mentioned the haunted house not

”

ITʼS NOT SOMETHING

YOUʼD EXPECT ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS. ITʼS SOMETHING YOUʼD PAY MONEY FOR.

JALEICIA GEORGE living up to expectations in the past, but she thinks it’s because it’s on a college campus.

“It’s not something you’d expect on a college campus,” she said. “It’s something you’d pay money for.”

UNA student Bishop Alexander said the idea to have the haunted house provided by professionals actually came from Director of Student Engagement Tammy Jacques. They had worked and planned together since June.

As the support for the haunted house grew, more safety precautions had to be

implemented. Alexander said having it on campus is much safer and warmer.

During previous haunted houses, students would have to wait in the cold before entering, but students were able to stay more comfortable in the GUC. There was also a UNA police officer on duty in case of emergency.

The brothers of Kappa Sigma host this haunted house free of admission every year. Alexander said the funding was provided by student activity fees, Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the Alexander Hope Foundation. This event is a way to give back to the community.

“We do this for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and in honor of Chad Silcox,” Alexander said. “It’s a bittersweet event.”

Kappa Sigma member Hunter Daws said Silcox loved to scare people and he would have enjoyed the haunted house.

There were approximately 1,000 students in attendance this year. Attendees said this year’s haunted house was the best yet.

Simplified Entertainment’s crew said UNA was the best college they had toured. They can’t wait to come back next year because of UNA’s enthusiasm and large turnout.

The brothers of Kappa Sigma said they are appreciative of all who attended, UNA and the student activity fees.

NEWS 3A

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

PARKING

Have no fear, parking is here ALEX LINDLEY

6M_[ 5IVIOQVO -LQ\WZ ITQVLTMa(]VI ML]

Officials have begun construction of a new parking lot on Irvine Street in an effort to relieve parking problems at UNA. The construction began Oct. 15 — almost a year after the move of the Student Media Office from that location — and should be completed at the end of this month, said Michael Gautney, director of facilities administration and planning.

“They’ve contracted six weeks to complete the project, which will put the completion date on Nov. 26,” Gautney said.

The lot — contracted by North Alabama Paving — will be entirely for student parking, Gautney said.

“The lot should give 56 spots,” he said. “The spots will all be white striped spaces for students.”

Since the loss of 90 parking spaces to the construction of the Academic Commons Building, officials said they have been working to recoup the spots.

“We took the parking area away for

”

THEYʼVE CONTRACTED

SIX WEEKS TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL PUT THE COMPLETION DATE ON NOV.

26.

MICHAEL GAUTNEY the construction of the Academic Commons Building, which meant losing 90 spaces,” he said. “We’re adding 56 back with this new lot, we added 16 at the Appleby lot and 28 at the location of the old maintenance facility.

“So, once we get the lot on Irvine built, we’ll have more (parking spots) than we had before the construction of the Academic Commons Building was started.”

Gautney said that, for now, there are no current or planned projects to increase parking on campus at this time.

SGA

Sodexo to take questions Nov. 15 LUKE SMITH

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Much of the SGA Senate’s weekly meeting Nov. 1 was devoted to its two guest speakers, UNA fitness coordinator Glenda Richey and Student Recreation Center Director Jim Eubanks.

Eubanks and Richey spoke about the petition to remove World of Wings from the SRC as well as a proposal to renovate the SRC and fitness center.

“One of my ideas is to somehow incorporate WoW into Towers Hall,” Eubanks said.

SGA members said Sodexo would be holding an open forum Nov. 15 that students could attend and ask any questions they may have.

Eubanks said he was not opposed to WoW being on campus and that most universities in this geographical region had a juice or smoothie bar in their student recreation centers.

During the meeting, SGA President Will Riley addressed Eubanks on this matter.

“If we’re advocating moving WoW, it wouldn’t make sense to advocate replacing it with another restaurant,” Riley said.

Eubanks and Richey both mentioned the possibility of replacing WoW with something such as a juice bar or

grill. Eubanks said UNA was the only university in this region that included a WoW location in its recreation center.

“One way to solve the problem is through SGA,” Eubanks said. “We are here for you. We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t care. Where it goes from this point is up to you.”

He added that all the money the SRC received was generated by the fee that students pay to use it. He touched on another UNA issue, the transition to Division I, saying the university’s staff and faculty didn’t agree on the move, but it had progressed regardless.

“The SRC’s operating hours are set by usage,” Eubanks said. “I have to determine if the number of people coming in is worth what I’m paying.”

Richey spoke about the petition and addressed the matter of fitness itself.

“I meet with students every day, and I put them on a calorie-counting diet,” she said. “I went to WoW’s website and couldn’t find nutritional information on several of its items. A lot of WoW’s food is fried. I think there are better choices (of food places) to have in the SRC.” SGA’s next two events are fundraisers: Zumba Night Nov. 8 in the GUC performance center at 6:30 p.m. and The Big Ole Chili Cook-Off Nov. 17.

4A IMAGES

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

WINNING IN CHI-TOWN Story by Life Editor Ann Harkey with photos by Chief Photographer Kayla Sloan

Chicago is a graffiti-flecked, sky riser-packed, talent-laden beehive of a city. The streets are never empty, even when the stars appear and the wind carries an assortment of trash, an unsavory smell of sewage and the beeps of the taxi car horns straight to your senses.

With the buzz of people going to work, attending a jazz club or just enjoying the sights, you can easily become overwhelmed. However, the gritty, dirtiness can’t block the amazing things Chicago holds.

The Windy City houses every venue of talent imaginable, from swing-jazz bars from the Prohibition era to monumental art museums. And of course, Wrigley Field, a thing of beauty in and of itself.

You can’t forget a city like Chicago.

With its skyline so bright, it burns into your memories forever.

Whether it is by the metro, a taxi or your own two legs, this historical metropolis deserves to be explored over and over again.

NEWS 5A

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

Students and community members participate in the SGA voter rally Nov. 5 in the GUC Atrium.

:7**-:A KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) to 10 p.m. The incident was reported to police by concerned hospital staff treating the victim for minor injuries at 1:05

=8;-< KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) gagement. Assistant Director Student Engagement for Greek Life DeAnte’ Smith described the investigations as “on-going.”

“We don’t know exactly how many Greek organizations were involved, though we speculate Pan-Hellenic sororities and one fraternity,” Smith said. “We are doing a lot of assuming, though — it could be only two sororities, it could be more. Those involved really need to make a public apology, but they will receive their due process with judicial action.”

“I’m not even irritated,” said Darien

16>-;<1/)<7: KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) dures correctly but also how to handle them correctly as far as the compassion, care and understanding that has to go in to an investigation like this.”

Jenkins is already involved with Rape Response, having worked with them on campus for several years, he said.

Her familiarity with Rape Response and her experience teaching Rape Aggression Defense Training makes her the ideal person to serve in this role, Pastula said.

a.m., approximately three hours after it occurred, Tyler said.

UNA officials sent out five Lion Alerts about the alleged robbery starting at 2 a.m. and ending at 2:51 a.m.

Tyler said the victim was not originally going to file a police report and that

the circumstances surrounding the incident are a little suspicious, indicating the possibility that the alleged crime was not a random act.

“The victim did not want to file a report at all,” he said. “We’re going to follow up on this, but we can’t force him

to press charges. We’re not 100 percent sure of anything at this point.”

Stick with The Flor-Ala on Facebook, Twitter and our website as this story develops.

Harris, a first-year whose car was marked. “I just want to know the meaning of it and I don’t want it to happen again.”

Harris, like many other students, wants to know the significance of having their cars marked on and why not those who affiliate with Greek life.

Social media exploded early Tuesday morning and throughout the day, escalating quickly and spreading across north Alabama. Allyson Sharif, a UNA alumna now residing in Huntsville, received a retweet from @UNAProblems that she quickly retweeted to the police.

“That tweet brought my attention to the whole ordeal,” Sharif said. “Before that, I hadn’t heard anything about it.”

The tweet from Cody Smith, a senior, addressed sorority girls stating, “I hope

the Florence Prowler rapes you.” Since the incident, Smith has deleted his Twitter account and apologized profusely.

“I don’t blame anyone but myself — I should have known better,” Smith said.

“I didn’t mean for it to offend or upset anyone. I know I should have thought of the women who have been attacked by the Florence Prowler and the fear they are still going through. I’m sorry to them, to the city of Florence, and to the school. I have embarrassed and wronged them all.”

On Facebook’s UNA Memes Page, students have begun arguing over sorority involvement, particularly Alpha Delta Pi and Phi Mu. “It’s a big deal,” said student Stephanie Green on the Web page. “It’s personal property that sororities vandalized. It

doesn’t matter if Alpha Delta Pi weren’t the only ones doing it. If (you were) a part of it, take responsibility.”

Phi Mu President Destin Underwood has already attempted an apology to the community via Facebook comment.

“I apologize on behalf of our organization for any cars that were painted by Phi Mus,” Underwood said. “This was a huge misunderstanding on the rules of a competition for a charity event. Some of our girls did not use their best judgment when participating and are very sorry for their actions.”

Despite social media interference and miscommunication, Smith gave these words to students upset by the behavior: “The campus should know that measures will be taken and people will be suffering the consequences of their actions.”

“I’ve had countless hours of sexual assault training, domestic violence training and processing of sexual assaults,” Jenkins said.

In the event of a sexual assault crime, Jenkins would be the first on the scene after the initial officer, officials said.

“There’s a lot of different things that we do for the investigation,” she said.

“Rape Response typically handles the counseling side, and they do great work.”

Although the new position will work to respond once crimes have been committed, UNA police are encouraging safety measures to prevent future attacks.

Pastula recommends that students should use the buddy system at night.

“Always travel in pairs,” Pastula said. “Students need to take advantage of our SNAP team and always be aware of their surroundings.”

Both officers said they have observed students walking late at night and encourage SNAP’s use at those times, as well as over the weekend. Pastula said he also wants to offer the Rape Aggression Defense class more regularly.

“We want to offer them once a month if we have enough people,” Pastula said.

“Nobody has really taken advantage of them up to this point. Hopefully students will see an advantage to taking this course now.”

Jenkins said the class is currently for

women only. The focus is to offer valuable tools for self-defense in a number of situations.

“It’s a good way to build your confidence and be able to protect yourself in the event of an attack,” Jenkins said. “It usually lasts from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and has a lot of hands-on training. We usually do them on Saturdays, but I’m open to doing them at any other time.”

For more information about campus police or Rape Aggression Defense training, visit http://www.una.edu/police. Jenkins can also be reached about her new position and the training course through email, also available on the website.

6A NEWS

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

MONEY

Students speak out about increased fees Facilities PACE HOLDBROOKS ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ SLIVQMT(]VI ML]

When it comes to paying tuition for a college education, some students wonder about the purpose of their student fees.

It is no different for students at UNA, where student fees have gone up from $359 to $744 per semester since 2005.

Athletic 2005

2012

NONE

$60

Although the tuition bill from the university offers a breakdown of the individual fees that make up the student fee, some students are concerned with the purpose of certain fees, as well as increasing cost.

“I think that the rising cost is the biggest obstacle that we have to receiving a college education today,” said John McGee, a senior at UNA. “The university keeps adding all of these fees, and I feel like it’s taking money for some things I don’t have much use for, other than the Dining Dollars.”

McGee said he does not expect the fees to decrease and wishes there were

Technology 2005

2012

$150

$180

more opportunities for students to discuss fee increases with faculty. The financial implications of a move to Division I are also a concern for students.

“Money now isn’t coming as easy as it used to,” said Kathryn Smith, a sopho-

more at UNA. “With our campus moving to D-I, it will just become more of a financial burden on everyone.”

While there are many questions about the future of student fees on campuses around the country, there is an explanation for the recent increase at UNA. Steven Smith, UNA vice president of business and financial affairs, said many fees have been around for several years, with all increases helping to improve the university for the students.

Smith and University Controller Donna Tipps provided a breakdown of the specific increases in each individual fee. The most significant student fee increases, between fall 2007 and the current semester, are in facilities, athletics and Dining Dollars.

Smith said the facilities fee, which has increased $120 since fall 2007, was “implemented when President (Bill) Cale came because proration (the shortening or elimination of government funding)

Dining $$ 2005

2012

NONE

$105

was hitting us pretty hard and we need money to clean these things up.”

Smith said the state does not give money to repair or replace issues in university facilities. The fee also serves to pay debts created by the construction of the SRC and the parking garage, as well as the salaries of needed staff in those areas.

“It’s like when you buy a car — there are going to be costs associated with it,” Smith said. “The new science building is going to be 160,000 square feet — the biggest thing we have on campus.

There will be costs, but it is a really big need to get our facilities up to the point where we can educate our students with

2005 $60

2012 $180

state-of-the-art stuff.”

The athletic fee was established fall 2009 at $12 per semester (excluding the summer), increasing to $2 per credit hour fall 2011 and $4 per credit hour in fall 2012, according to Tipps’ financial breakdown.

Tipps said funds raised by this newer fee are used to initiate the Purple Pride campaign “by creating a benefit program for students to encourage participation in athletic events.”

Responding to the D-I issues raised by students, Smith said the current contract does not allow the athletic fee to increase to more than $8 per credit hour.

“It’s projected in the resolutions to go up to $8 per hour, but we didn’t give a time limit on that,” Smith said. “They haven’t approved anything beyond it.

There are already some direct benefits in our athletic program, such as the giveaways that we have at games.”

Tipps said Dining Dollars are part of the university’s agreement with Sodexo Food Services. Both Smith and Tipps said students receive direct benefits through purchasing food with Dining Dollars at various places on campus.

“With the Dining Dollars, there will probably be another increase,” Smith said. “The contract with Sodexo runs 10 years, and we are in the third year. There might be another slight increase, but that would be it. And again, that’s a direct benefit that goes back to you where you can get something for that.”

Jacob Chapman, a junior at UNA, said he is excited to see the university working to improve itself for the students. Chapman said he is not excited about the fees but is impressed with what UNA has done in the recession.

“Improvements to the school cost money, especially when those improvements mean new construction projects and working to make long-term changes to the campus,” Chapman said. “You get super-cheap medical care at the infirmary, free Wi-Fi on campus and free access to all home-game sporting events, sometimes with free T-shirts or food, too.”

Chapman said he encourages all students to make use of the benefits the fees offer during their time at UNA.

Overall 2005

2012

$359

$744

ACADEMICS

70 percent of UNA faculty hold Ph.Ds LYNN ECCLESTON

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Among UNA’s 231 instructional, full-time faculty members, 173 hold a doctorate or other terminal degree, putting that number at approximately 70 percent overall, according to UNA’s institutional research website.

Last spring, UNA enacted a policy that requires tenure-track professors to have terminal degrees, said John Thornell, vice president of academic affairs.

According to Barron’s “Profiles of American Colleges,” 2011 edition, 75 percent of professors at the University of South Alabama (USA) hold Ph.D.s., 81 percent of professors at Mississippi State University hold Ph.D.s., 86 percent of

professors at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) hold Ph.D.s., 88 percent of professors at Auburn University hold Ph.D.s. and 90 percent of professors at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) hold Ph.D.s.

All of UNA’s classes are taught by faculty members rather than graduate assistants, according to UNA’s website.

UNA, along with USA and UAB, does not have graduate students teaching any introductory courses, according to the 2011 edition of Barron’s “Profiles of American Colleges.” While graduate students teach 6 percent of the introductory courses at UAH, 8 percent of the introductory courses at Mississippi State University and 18 percent of the introductory courses at Auburn University.

UNA student Adam Robinson said he was surprised by the high number of professors who hold doctorates at UNA. Professors who hold doctorates are more often than not better teachers, he said.

“I’ve learned a lot from the people who have doctorates, and I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth,” Robinson said. “I definitely pay more attention when someone knows what they’re talking about.”

Professors who hold doctorates usually use thorough explanations and examples in their teaching rather than simply reading from a well-rehearsed lesson plan, Robinson said.

“In every possible case, we are going to hire someone with a terminal degree,” Thornell said.

UNA student Brandon Trussell is indifferent about whether a professor holds a doctoral degree.

“While having a doctorate can certainly increase credibility in the professors’ respective fields, I think it depends on the field as to how much it can impact their teaching,” Trussell said. “Plus, I’ve had professors that are doctors but seem to just be there, as well as professors that aren’t doctors that get significantly involved with their students. So, depending on the field as well as the person, a doctorate can be just another label or the mark of a seriously determined and involved teacher but should by no means be used to decide how good they will be at teaching.”

VIEWPOINTS 7A

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA

THE

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

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 writerʼs name, mailing address, phone number and email.

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

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

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

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

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

Email: florala@una.edu.

• Phone: 256-765-4364

Copyright © 2012 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved.

First copy free.

Additional copies $1 each.

PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN

Online whining is ridiculous JARED MCCOY

+WXa -LQ\WZ RUKKWa(]VI ML]

In a time of political campaigns, campus controversies and absurdly long lines at Einstein’s, social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter have become the fail-proof solution to every important issue ever.

Or people at least seem to act that way, judging by the overflow of rants and raves against and about anyone and anything on newsfeeds every day.

As a writer and a journalist, defending the First Amendment freedom of speech is a given part of my job. With that in mind, I believe you can say almost whatever you want — I just question whether some things should be said.

It may be pragmatic of me, but I fail to see how saying how much something sucks will make it stop sucking and argue that people merely want attention and to feel validated by someone agreeing with their stated point, however useless or unacceptable that point may be.

In 2004 psychologist John

Suler noted and described traits of the online disinhibition effect, described in the webcomic “Penny Arcade” as Greater Internet F---wad Theory (normal person + anonymity + audience = total f---wad).

Basically, if people think they can get away with saying something beyond obscene online, they will say it. Go look at a YouTube comment feed if you would like an example.

According to Suler’s research, people may interact differently online than in person because they feel the Internet acts as a sort of barrier, one that blocks social cues such as body language and vocal inflection and gives the speaker no expectation of significant backlash for unacceptable behavior.

Working inside this theory, a person has the ability to say absolutely anything they want, no matter how insulting, irrelevant or nonsensical.

The way people talk to and about each other online can be just appalling, especially considering how different some of the same conversations would look in person.

Imagine this scenario: Person A does something to offend Person B, so Person B writes a complaining update on Facebook or Twitter vaguely resembling the original situation without specifically naming Person A or Person A’s

offensive action.

Is this really supposed to fix the situation by making Person A have this life-changing epiphany and say, “This cryptic status sounds like an issue in my life that needs mending”?

This method of discourse is not only ineffective —after all, you wouldn’t have to tweet complaints if it fixed things — it is also cowardly and stupid.

You don’t want to fix any problem as much as you want for someone to say, “That’s right! This person knows what they’re talking about.”

It seems like people think what they say online doesn’t count in the real world. Here’s the thing — the Internet is the real world because it is a record of conversations between real people.

Pretending like only you and your comments exist — but no one and nothing else — is no different than losing your mind to road rage just because other drivers can’t hear you, and both situations look equally ridiculous to observers.

If you have a legitimate beef with someone, grow a pair of your respective gonads and confront that person to his or her face.

Am I saying that I’ve never been guilty of this stupidly popular practice? No, but I do invite you to correct me if such a case occurs and do so boldly.

Calling it like we see it The FlorAla and its sister publication Diorama placed in their respective categories at the National College Media Conference in Chicago, Ill., Nov. 4.

The UNA soccer team was invited to participate in the NCAA Division II national championship in Pensacola, Fla., despite not winning the GSC championship.

Students complained on Twitter and Facebook after UNA officials sent out numerous LionAlerts after an armed robbery allegedly occured right off campus.

FOR THE RECORD...

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

•

In the article in last weekʼs issue about Step Show, the menʼs division first-place winner was Phi Gamma Delta.

8A NEWS

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

ACADEMICS

STEM majors drop due to outdated lecturing

photo by ROGER WANG I Student Photographer

UNA student and math tutor Olivia Coffey tutors students in the basement of Collier Library. CAARS offers math tutoring there Sundays 5 to 9 p.m.

ELISE COFIELD

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

In recent years, national priority has been placed on increasing the number of graduates in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

Meanwhile, this goal is being deterred by a high rate of students dropping out of STEM courses.

An article published last month in

The Chronicle of Higher Education sheds light on traditional lecturing, suggesting it may be an inefficient, passive teaching strategy.

UNA sophomore Carrie Bailey remembers feeling buried in a large lecture hall in freshman-level courses when she was a professional biology major.

Since then, she has changed her major to a non-STEM field. She attributes the change partly to the lack of personal in-

teraction in her classes.

“If you went to (the professor’s) office and sought help, they were attentive,” she said. “Otherwise, in a large classroom, they either assumed you knew what you were doing or that you didn’t care.”

According to the article, 63 percent of STEM instructors are using lectures as their primary method of teaching.

The article said the number of classrooms using this teaching style correlates to the high percentage of dropouts in STEM fields because lectures lack the professor-to-student interaction necessary to create an engaging, meaningful experience for students.

A report issued this year by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology found that, of entering college students who plan on majoring in a STEM field, less than 40 percent leave college with that degree.

Cynthia Stenger and John Crabtree, professors of STEM courses at UNA, said effective teaching is not achieved by eliminating lecture but by making it more engaging for the student.

“I don’t think it does very much good to give people a list of things to memorize,” Stenger said. “But if students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts during class, they are much more attentive.”

Stenger said she uses YouTube videos and interactive software in her lectures whenever possible. She also as-

signs web-based homework.

Crabtree said he works to make the lesson interactive, but he also expects students to participate.

“Learning doesn’t happen by opening up the brain and pouring in knowledge,” he said. “The student must take an active role. That is why, in my opinion, PowerPoint slides are not always an effective teaching tool.”

Recently, the effectiveness of PowerPoints has been questioned in light of more interactive alternatives.

“As far as teaching programming and software development, I have found that PowerPoint doesn’t work particularly well,” Crabtree said. “When I have used them in the past, eyes tend to glaze over and the light goes off.”

UNA senior Lauren Kirby said students are responsible for what they learn.

She was on a pre-med track but switched her major to psychology after facing difficulty in chemistry courses. She said her difficulty came from both a lack of preparation for the courses in high school and poor study habits.

“There were at least 70 students in those entry-level courses,” she said. “For a teacher, there’s really nothing you can do except lecture, and I think they did their best.

“The responsibility is definitely on the end of the student. I’ve excelled in psychology classes by learning how to study and not relying on lecture as my only source of information.”

LIFE

SECTION B

Nov. 8, 2012• The Flor-Ala • Life Editor: Ann Harkey 256-765-5233

Safe Sex? Condoms, birth control not only ways to stay safe BLYTHE STEELMAN 7VTQVM -LQ\WZ J[\MMTUIV(]VI ML]

It’s Friday night and you’re hanging out with your significant other, your latest hook-up — anyone, really. Things start to heat up and sex is definitely on the agenda.

You fumble around in your pocket for a condom but find nothing. She casually mentions she isn’t on birth control, and now you’re both faced with a decision — do you take a chance and run the higher risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection or becoming pregnant, or do you part ways and call it a night?

In a world saturated with sex, how do you make sure you’re staying as safe as possible?

There are several ways for students to protect themselves, including but not limited to condoms, birth control, being careful about the number of partners you choose and abstinence, said Dr. Kyrel Buchanan, director of university health services, via email.

Numbers released by the National Center f o r

$1

Health Statistics in 2008 said that 72 percent of people ages 15 to 24 are engaging in some form of sexual activity like oral, vaginal and anal intercourse.

A separate study, published in 2010 by the National Institutes of Health, found that less than 24 percent of sexually active 18- to 24-year-olds use condoms consistently while engaging in sexual intercourse.

“Being in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner (is one option students have),” Buchanan said via email.

“However, both partners need to be tested to make sure that they are not infected. Also, think twice about engaging in sexual intercourse with someone who has had previous partners but is unwilling to use protection or to be tested for STIs.” Safe sex reduces the risk of contracting or spreading STIs, too.

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI among sexually active individuals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, Buchanan said via email chlamydia is the most widely contracted STI, consistent with national data for the college age range.

“Females and males can make appointments for STI testing at University Health Services,” Buchanan said via email. “We test for a variety of STIs. Gonorrhea and chlamydia

percent of high school students

average

cost of a

condom *information provided by plannedparenthood.org

taught how to use a condom:

39%

testing are free; the price ranges for other STI tests, depending on the test conducted.”

Buchanan said that while University Health Services provides condoms free of charge to students, they do not give out free birth control packages.

“Females can have a prescription written for birth control pills upon consultation with our providers,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan cautions students to remember what birth control pills and condoms are for, though.

“Birth control pills are designed to prevent pregnancy, not to prevent contracting an STI,” she said. “Latex male condoms are most effective when used consistently and correctly. Please be aware that condoms protect from some, but not all, STIs.” Victoria McCoy, a senior psychology major, is married but still engages in safe sex practices by taking birth control pills daily.

“I definitely do (engage in safe sex practices),” she said. “We can’t afford to have children right now, and that’s why I’m on birth control. I take a daily chewable pill called Generess Fe.”

25%

percent of males who use a condom the

of

vaginal intercourse is

Considering all aspects of engaging in sexual activity beforehand is critical, Buchanan said.

“Students should think very carefully about who they choose for a sexual partner and their motivations for entering a sexual relationship with someone,” she said. “Choosing to be in a sexual relationship with someone is a serious decision, especially given the emotional, psychological, physical and even spiritual implications.”

Buchanan said students with questions or looking for more information about safe sex practices or STI testing should contact University Health Services.

condom-protected

first time they have sex:

82%

2% of

women whose partners

use condoms correctly

will become pregnant w photos by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

2B LIFE

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

STUDENT PROFILE

‘The Casual Vacancy’ KATIE LINDSAY

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J.K. Rowling, author of the popular “Harry Potter” series, recently released her very first “adult” novel.

While it is not in any shape, form or fashion in the same category of adult novels as E.L. James’ “Fifty Shades of Grey,” it is certainly not a book that is suitable for children — or any person without a tolerance for swear words.

“The Casual Vacancy” is the story of the small town of Pagford, in Great Britain. It is beautifully written and quite uniquely structured in terms of format; however, it can be a bit confusing.

We begin with the death of Parish Councillor Barry Fairbrother, leaving a casual vacancy in the council. The rest of the novel progresses through the election campaigns for his seat, revealing and raising the hostile tensions held throughout the town.

Because it is the story of a town and all its people, Rowling writes about several different characters, meaning that there are several plots within the main plot, and almost every character is in some way intertwined with the other characters. For me, this was a slight hitch in reading because it was a little difficult to determine what the big picture was.

While Pagford has the appearance of quaint and quiet suburbia, Rowling reveals the mental, emotional and physical abuse within each family introduced, whether from drug dependence or poor anger management skills.

The book jacket makes clear that the town is in a state of “civil war,” and Rowling makes this painfully obvious.

Teenagers fight with their parents, parents fight with other adults and the entire town is split over one political issue.

Rowling still does a wonderful job in channeling her inner teenager, just as she did in the “Harry Potter” series. She points out the main problem many teens face: the world doesn’t care what they do or say — they can’t make a difference.

Rowling pulls the reader into the novel with scenes of tragedy and cruelty, evoking sympathy and outrage from the audience. She furthers the lifelike tone of the story using realistic problems such as domestic abuse, rape and relationship troubles. Unlike in “Harry Potter” where there is an appointed “bad guy” with no redeeming qualities, “The Casual Vacancy” shows the reality of people. The characters are seen from several different perspectives that illustrate their dark and light sides, their downfalls and salvations.

All in all, I enjoyed this novel immensely. My only two problems with it were the variety of subplots and the length of the book; even though it was enticing, it was an almost tedious read.

Why do you

vote? photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

“I believe the Electoral College and political system is broken,” said Shane Parker, UNA student. “I don’t believe it is suited for modern elections.”

Students vote for varying reasons HALEY WRIGHT

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Students at the University of North Alabama have conflicting views when it comes to voting in the 2012 presidential election.

Many students said they believe voting is a civic duty.

“The fact that it’s a privilege, not a right, makes me vote,” said William Nash, UNA junior. “I vote because it’s a civic duty, I guess.”

The idea of voting being a privilege, not a right, was mentioned by several students. UNA senior Tyrie Fletcher agrees that it’s a civic duty, but he said his vote means something to him.

“The biggest reason I vote is because I’m African-American,” Fletcher said. “People went through hard times to make voting possible.”

Fletcher said he remembered when he was little and his whole family would wait to go to the polls together.

That value is instilled in him. He said he voted in the 2008 election and it felt amazing.

“It may sound cliché, but I felt like I was making a difference, like my voice was being heard,” Fletcher said.

Some students have an opposite view on whether or not their vote matters. Shane Parker, UNA sophomore, said he doesn’t plan on voting because he isn’t registered here and because he doesn’t agree with either party. Parker also said he doesn’t believe his vote counts.

“I believe the Electoral College and political system is broken,” Parker said. “I don’t believe it is suited for modern elections.”

Even though some students don’t agree with the Electoral College, they still plan on voting. UNA freshman Drew Treece said he is planning on voting but had not picked a candidate yet.

“If the votes were to matter and I voted for the third-party representative, then I’d be throwing away a vote that could actually help another candidate,” Treece said.

”

YOUR VOTE IS GOING TO COUNT. WHY WILL IT COUNT? BECAUSE YOUʼRE THE VOICE.

WHITNEY WOOD Despite how students vote, most have political views. The way in which students are obtaining those views vary greatly.

UNA junior Haley Clanton said her family helped her form her political views. She said voting is a privilege.

“My mother would kill me if I didn’t vote,” Clanton said.

Many others are not only influenced by their parents but also receive their information about candidates and issues from their parents. UNA freshman Jared Wood said he doesn’t watch television, so he gets his views from

what his parents talk about.

“My parents said this is probably one of the biggest elections,” Wood said. “My parents feel it’s an important election, so I think that, too.”

While some get their views from their parents, some students are getting their views from other influential people. UNA senior Evan Curtis said his teachers have influenced him more than his parents.

“Teachers have always been the people who stressed how important voting was,” Curtis said.

UNA freshman Brittany Pruitt said she sees the importance of voting without the influence of anyone else.

During the voter rally in the GUC Nov. 5, UNA President Bill Cale urged students to use their right to vote.

“Take your time to vote,” he said.

The newly elected Florence Mayor Mickey Haddock followed Cale, speaking on the importance of voting.

He mentioned the soldiers fighting for this country and their sacrifices. He also discussed other topics on the ballot.

“It’s very important to go out and vote,” Haddock said. “Get you an opportunity to speak.”

The last speaker during the rally was Whitney Wood from Higher Education. She urged students to vote as well.

“Tomorrow your vote is going to count,” Wood said. “Why will it count?

Because you’re the voice.”

LIFE 3B

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

RESTAURANT REVIEW

photos by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

(Above) Yumm Sushi and Beyond is located downtown on Court Street. Its full menu is available on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/YUMMSushi-and-Beyond.

‘YUMMy’ restaurant opens downtown KATIE LINDSAY

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Yumm Sushi and Beyond is located directly next door to Alabama Outdoors on Court Street.

I’ve only recently taken a liking to sushi.

For the longest time, I believed the popular misconception that sushi is just raw fish and seaweed, a combination I thought could never be anywhere near tasty. I say misconception because this verdict is entirely false, and Florence’s new-

est sushi bar will prove that time and again.

Yumm is not a very large establishment. White walls, tables and chairs combine with gray and silver accents to give the restaurant a modern, posh atmosphere complemented well by the pleasant service.

Our server was charismatic and dedicated to giving quality service. He was rather knowledgeable in terms of the menu and was extremely helpful in helping us decide which dishes to order.

We chose the Kamikaze roll and the three-flavor catfish, both of which were quite enjoyable.

The Kamikaze roll is made of yellowtail, tuna, salmon, izumidai,

The Civil Wars announce temporary hiatus ANN HARKEY

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

The Civil Wars announced Nov. 6 via their website and social media that they are cancelling all tour dates until further notice.

“We sincerely apologize for the canceling of all of our tour dates. It is something we deeply regret,” the duo said via Twitter. “We thank each and every one of you for your amazing love & support.”

The duo claimed “internal discord and irreconcilable differences of ambition” as their reason for a temporary hiatus.

Their Facebook page explains to their fans stuck with concert tickets and other costs related to their hiatus that they can be reimbursed by emailing the band at

info@thecivilwars.com, along with a scanned copy of their receipts related to their cancellations, if they are nonrefundable expenses.

The duo doesn’t give any indication as to when they will get back together or if they will get back together at all, according to their Facebook page.

“Our sincere hope is to have new music for you in 2013,” the duo said online.

The band released their full-length album, “Barton Hallow” in 2011, whichwon two GRAMMYS in the Best Folk Album and Best Country Duo/ Group Performance categories.

They performed at UNA Oct. 1 to a sold out audience in Norton Auditorium.

UNA announced at this concert the John Paul White Scholarship for the entertainment industry department.

cucumber and black bean garlic sauce, all flash-fried and served with pickled carrots and daikon. It was delightful and gone in less than 10 minutes.

The three-flavor catfish was phenomenal. With tender catfish fried to perfection, it is bursting with ginger, teriyaki and soy flavors. It was served with steamed rice and Asian slaw, which were also quite delicious. The entire dish was tantalizingly delectable.

The service was quick but not rushed in the least bit. We were in and out of the sushi bar in less than an hour.

The pricing was a little expensive.

We walked out spending about $37, including taxes and tip, but it was well worth it considering the quality of the food and service.

f l o r a l a . n e t

Yumm does offer takeout services and full menus with food descriptions are available on their Facebook page, making it a convenient alternative to Rice Box and other competitors.

All in all, Yumm Sushi and Beyond is a wonderful new restaurant with a unique ambiance, friendly service and fantastic (if slightly expensive) food.

One of my two complaints is that it is slightly unnoticeable due to it’s small and understated sign compared with those surrounding it.

Having walked out with only two minor complaints, they have definitely made a sushi eater out of this former skeptic, and rest assured, I will be eating at Yumm again in the future.

.DUHQ V &RUQHU /DGLHV $SSDUHO

Dressy Dresses Linen Suits Pants Short Sets Jeans Capris Sterling Silver Jewelry Purses Prom Pageant 224 North Court Street Florence, AL 35630 256-712-5349

Mon. - Fri. 10:30 - 5:30 Sat. 10:30 - 3:00

4B LIFE

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

HEALTH

Students find different ways to exercise, stay healthy

photo by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Staff Photographer

Inactive students have a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and depression, according to U.S. Health and Human Services.

YU FU

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More than 80 percent of students do not get enough exercise, according to a National Health Interview survey released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Such behaviors can result in severe health problems

later in life.

Inactive students have a higher risk for early death, heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, depression and some cancers, according to the U.S. Health and Human Services.

“I do not go to the gym regularly because I do not have time to do it,” said Nan Wang, education major.

Wang said she would like to walk, do

housework and go shopping rather than go to gym if she has time. She thinks these activities could replace exercise in a gym.

“If I am really tired, I want to take the time to rest instead,” Wang said.

According to the CDC, active transportation, such as bicycling and walking, have declined compared to previous generations.

“I use my car to get to school,” said Tesha Vickery, biology major. “It is a faster means of transportation. I feel like I barely have time to do anything.”

Vickery works out every Monday and Thursday for cheerleading.

“Other than my required workouts, I just go to a gym whenever I am not tired and have free time,” Vickery said. “I also like to be active and play ultimate Frisbee when my friends invite me.”

According to the CDC, developing good habits early in life, such as regular exercise, can lead to a healthier life.

“I met with one of the trainers from the Student Recreation Center twice a week last semester,” said Rachel Bond, social work major. “It really helped. I am not trying to lose weight, but I do want to be healthy.”

Bond walked to school every day.

She said she was thankful to find something she enjoyed and keep in a good shape.

“I have done some cross training on some days between by using the elliptical or stationary bike,” Bond said.

Bond is doing the Hal Higden Training schedule for a half marathon.

According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, young adults need to do aerobic and musclestrengthening activities every week to stay healthy.

“I run and walk about five days a week; it lasts for an hour,” said Glenda Richey, coordinator of fitness and recreational sports.

SPORTS 5B

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

Follow us on

Twitter!

@FlorAlaSports SPORTS BRIEFS

Keepinʼ up with the Lions Weekly scores, stats andd other tidbits VOLLEYBALL (11-14, 7-6) The Lions swept the UAH Chargers in a three-set home win Nov. 2 before falling to Palm Beach Atlantic Nov. 3 at Flowers Hall. At the Nov. 3 game, the program honored seniors Cara Gregg and Priscilla Massengale. The Lions play their final season games away Nov. 6-10 against Christian Brothers, Shorter and West Georgia.

CROSS COUNTRY Women - 9th place The cross country ladies finished 9th of 12 teams in the D-II South Regional in Huntsville Nov. 3.

Victoria Acocella led the Lions with a 29th place finish overall.

The regional concluded the 2012 season for the team.

BASKETBALL The Lions play their final exhibiton game Nov. 10, before both teams return to Flowers Hall to host Fisk Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. for womenʼs and 8 p.m. for menʼs.

FOOTBALL (5-4, 2-2) Tarleton State - 38 UNA - 28 The Lions had a disappointing showing in their final home game of the 2012 season when they foiled a fourth-quarter comeback by allowing the Texans to take the ball 75 yards down the field for a touchdown in the final minutes of the game.

The Lions travel to West Alabama Nov. 8 to play their final regular season game.

SOCCER (12-5-1, 6-2-1) UWF - 4 UNA - 0 For the fourth straight year, the Lions will compete in the NCAA Division II tournament, playing Valdosta State Nov. 9 on the UWF campus. The team lost the GSC title match to West Florida Nov. 4 after defeating West Georgia Nov. 2.

SOCCER

Champions dethroned Lions lose GSC, head to D-II playoffs MATT WILSON

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

The UNA Lions will make their fourth straight appearance in the NCAA national tournament after being selected Nov. 5 as the fourth seed in the South regional.

The South regional play will be hosted at the University of West Florida campus Nov. 9-11 in Pensacola, Fla. The Lions will face fifthseeded Valdosta State Nov. 9 at 5 p.m. with the winner to face the No. 1 seed West Florida.

Tampa, Barry and Rollins College represent the other side of the region play.

UNA (12-5-1) won its GSC tournament semifinal match Nov. 2 against West Georgia 5-0 before falling to West Florida in the tournament final. For more on that story, visit http://

NCAA D-II SOUTH REGIONAL NOV. 9 - 11 2012 • UNA WILL PLAY VALDOSTA STATE NOV. 9 AT 5 P.M. • WINNER WILL FACE WEST FLORIDA NOV. 11

photo by ALLI OWNBY I Staff Photographer

Chloe Richards and UWF’s Alex Pickrell square off during the Sept. 16 regular season game at the UNA soccer field. UWF defeated the Lions for the GSC title Nov. 4 in Pensacola, Fla.

www.roarlions.com/Soccer/ Current_Season/2012_GSCFinal.htm.

Seniors Jo Chubb and Chloe Roberts earned tournament coMVP while Nikki Brown and Chloe Richards joined them on the all-tournament team.

The 4-0 loss to West Florida in the GSC tournament finals was UNA’s second loss this season to the Argonauts.

The Lions lost at home to West

Florida 4-1 Sept. 16.

The Lions have the chance to avenge those losses if they can defeat Valdosta State in the first round of the NCAA regional tournament. UNA defeated the Blazers Sept. 21 in a closely fought 4-3 result. That win for the Lions helped them to edge out Valdosta State for the second seed in the GSC tournament and a first-round bye.

“We upset Valdosta in a closely fought game at their home,” said head coach Graham Winkworth. “They are definitely going to be motivated and they will be more rested.”

Winkworth said UNA and Valdosta State are different teams but that he feels the Lions match up well.

;MM ;7++-: XIOM *

FOOTBALL

Lions hope to end season on winning note MALISA MCCLURE

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

After losing its final home game of the 2012 season, the Lions football team will travel to Livingston to play West Alabama Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

The game will be the Lions’ final game of the season and the team’s last chance to have a winning overall season.

The team is currently 5-4.

“We’ve just got to get ready to show up and play this last game and hopefully win it — have a winning season,” said head coach Bobby Wallace.

The game will be a tough one, with West Alabama being ranked No. 1 in the GSC and No. 21 in the nation. Though the Wolves are coming off a Nov. 3 road loss to Abilene

Christian, they hold a season record of 7-3 and are still undefeated in the GSC (4-0).

The Lions are coming off a 28-38 home loss at the hands of the Tarleton State Texans Nov. 3, in which they blundered a fourth-quarter comeback when they allowed the Texans to march the ball 75 yards downfield for a touchdown and twopoint conversion in the final minutes of the game.

“We left some plays on the field that we should have made,” said junior quarterback Chris Alexander.

After the Texans’ touchdown, the Lions had a disappointing drive before handing the ball back to Tarleton. Tarleton scored a field goal with 16 seconds left in the game, putting the final score at 38-28.

photo by MICHAEL REDDING I Staff Photographer

Lion running back Lamonte Thompson breaks an attempted tackle by Tarleton State’s Chance Wallace for a gain of 41 yards in the Nov. 3 game at Braly Stadium, which the Lions lost 38-28.

“We put ourselves in the chance to win with four minutes to go in the game; you

;MM .77<*)44 XIOM *

6B SPORTS

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

BASKETBALL

Just around the corner...

Basketball teams prepare for next season JAMES DUBUISSON ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ RL]J]Q[[WV(]VI ML]

The UNA Lions men’s and women’s basketball teams have been preparing for the upcoming season.

The men’s team travelled to Birmingham Nov. 3 to play the University of Alabama in Birmingham in an exhibition match. The Lions fell 98-81 to the Division I Blazers.

“We have had one out of 22 pretty good practices,” said Bobby Champagne, UNA men’s head basketball coach.

Champagne said the whole team has been healthy for about three weeks.

“We’ve been fighting through fatigue and injuries and learning, which is usual with a team that has seven or eight new guys,” Champagne said.

The Lions have one starter returning this year and seven new players. They lost their two leading scorers from last year in Beaumont Beasley and Theron Jenkins.

“Somebody better fill that role,” Champagne said. “We lost about 75 to 76 percent of our scoring and about 70 percent of our rebounding last season, so somebody better step up.”

We s Long, junior guard, had 9.3 points per game and 3.1 rebounds per game off the bench last season.

The only returning starte r is Kenyan Jackson, who started 24 games for UNA last

season.

“I think our overall depth is pretty good,” Champagne said. “We’ve got a good mix of juniors, seniors, sophomores and freshmen. I don’t think returning starters is as big of an issue as it looks on paper.”

Of the seven newcomers, Jere Vucica is the only freshman. The others are transfer students, including Louisiana Tech transfer Lonnie Smith, who averaged 3.75 points for the D-I Bulldogs.

Champagne and the Lions will look to run an up-tempo offense this season.

“We try to score 100 as quick as we can,” Champagne said. “We play some pretty entertaining basketball, I think.”

The Lions will look to run man-toman with a mixture of zone defense, looking to score easy baskets off turnovers and fast breaks.

“That will be the deciding factor on how good this team can be — how quickly we gel and how much team chemistry we have through the season,” Champagne said.

The women’s basketball team lost 69-58 to Tennessee State Nov. 1 in its first exhibition game of the season.

The Lions were picked to finish fifth in the GSC this season, according to the coaches’ poll provided by a recent GSC press release.

“That is probably right considering the fact that eight out of 13 players are freshmen or sophomores,” said Terry Fowler, head coach. “Basically, we have a new team in here.

Only t w o u p p e rclassmen played considerable minutes last season.”

Fowler said the youth may cause problems early on, but he believes the team has the talent to compete and be successful.

Mekena Randle, a

file photo by CARRIE COOK I Student Photographer

Lions sophomore guard Lauren Faris looks to get past UAH’s Bailee Robinson in the 2011-2012 regular season game against the Chargers, held at Flowers Hall Jan. 30, 2012.

photo by MICHAEL REDDING I Staff Photographer

Freshman forward Jere Vucica looks for an opportunity to pass in the Oct. 23 Purple Pandemonium pre-season kickoff game while teammates Lazar Petrov and Corey Ricks close in.

transfer from Arkansas State, leads a group of five newcomers. Randle had a 44 percent shooting percentage in 26 games last season for the Red Wolves.

“Practice has been good; I have been pleased with our practices,” Fowler said.

Fowler said the biggest problem the Lions face is the transition from one system to another.

“There are things we just don’t know,” Fowler said. “We’re trying to teach a lot of players how we do things at UNA. When you have been doing things the way you have done them for most of your life, it is a tough adjustment to break those old habits.”

The Lions will look to their defense to win games for them.

“It is probably more important for us that we are a great defensive team, so that is where we need to continue to improve on the defensive end of the court,” Fowler said. “Hopefully, we can create some offense with our defense.”

The Lions will use man-to-man as the primary defense, running zone on certain occasions.

Playing as a team is the key to success for this team, not the play of an individual standout.

“This is not a team that has one superstar player; it’s a team that everything we do we have to do together,” Fowler said. “We have to gang score; we have to gang rebound.”

The men’s team will look to make it to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2008 with a mixture of under- and upperclassmen. They will begin their run in Flowers Hall Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. against Fisk.

The women’s team will use its playas-a-team mentality to try to have a repeat performance from 2011, when the Lions had a 21-7 record, their first NCAA tournament berth since 1994.

Both teams host their first home games Nov. 12 against Fisk at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Flowers Hall.

2012 HOME GAMES NOV. 12 - FISK WOMEN @ 6 P.M. MEN @ 8 P.M.

NOV. 14 - TENNESSEE TEMPLE WOMEN @ 6 P.M.

NOV. 17 - MONTEVALLO WOMEN @ 1 P.M.

NOV. 26 - LANE WOMEN @ 6 P.M. MEN @ 8 P.M.

NOV. 29 - WEST FLORIDA WOMEN @ 6 P.M. MEN @ 8 P.M.

DEC. 1 - VALDOSTA STATE WOMEN @ 1 P.M. MEN @ 3 P.M.

DEC. 4 - OAKWOOD MEN @ 6 P.M.

DEC. 8 WOMEN V PAINE @1P.M. MEN V TENN. TEMPLE @ 3 P.M.

DEC. 30 - GA. SOUTHWESTERN MEN @ 3 P.M.

SPORTS 7B

Nov. 8, 2012 • The Flor-Ala .77<*)44 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * can’t ask for nothing more than that,” Wallace said. “(We kicked) the ball out of the back end zone. They’ve got to go 75 yards to score and they did it.”

Before the Texans’ touchdown, the Lions had put together back-to-back scoring drives, taking them from being down 27-14 to having a lead of 28-27 with 4:37 left in the game.

“It was very disappointing for a lot of reasons – giving up a 99-yard touchdown play, lack of discipline staying on sides,” Wallace said. “Offensively, it looked

good at times, but we turned it over in crucial times.”

The 99-yard play Wallace referred to occurred in the second quarter when Tarleton quarterback Jake Fenske completed a pass to Cordell Valentine at the Tarleton 1-yard line. Valentine then carried the ball 99 yards to score a touchdown.

Alexander said he thinks the team needs to be more aware throughout the game.

“Every play of the game counts,” Alexander said. “We just have to play like

every play counts.”

Alexander said the only word to describe the way he and other players felt after the Nov. 3 loss was “disappointment.”

“We’ve just got to play better,” Alexander said. “The coaches put us into position to make plays. We’ve just got to play better and execute.”

Wallace, who said he doubted some players’ desire to play after the Nov. 3 loss, said he hopes the Lions will have a good week at practice and that the players

will step up.

“We’ve just got to get ready for this week – and the competitors, they’ll come out and practice hard and play hard and get ready to play – and if (there are players who aren’t competitors), we need to find others,” Wallace said.

The Nov. 3 game will be televised on “GSC-TV” on CSS and will be livetweeted by @NorthAlabamaFootball.

2012 Seniors At the final home game of the 2012 football season, the Lions recognized this year’s graduating seniors.

The group of 10 players hold an overall record of 34-13 over the last four years, including a 16-7 record at Braly Stadium.

WOODSON

Defensive linemen Brian Allen and Richie Mata’afa, wide receivers Daniel Almon and Brandon Warren, linebackers Dimitri Benoit and Rod Byrd, offensive linemen Will Furlong and Blake Ray, long snapper Josh Roberts and defensive back Rod Woodson make up this year’s

ROBERTS

senior class.

In the last four years, these players have also been a part of three straight NCAA Division II playoff appearances and one Gulf South Conference title.

The team has been in the D-II top 25 for 40 weeks of the class’ four years,

MATA’AFA

FURLONG

and in the top 10 for 31 weeks. The team has been ranked No. 1 for five of those weeks.

The seniors lost their final game at Braly Stadium to Tarleton State Nov. 3 but hope to win their final game with the Lions at West Alabama Nov. 8.

ALMON

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”

“Iʼm not ending my career at UNA by losing to Valdosta State. Iʼm not ending my career like that.

CHLOE ROBERTS

“They are a big, physical team that plays a direct style of play with a lot of long balls while they substitute a lot of players in and out,” Winkworth said.

“They are dangerous on set pieces and corner kicks as well. We need to defend firmly but patiently.”

The Lions gathered in a classroom in Flowers Hall Nov. 5 to watch a live selection show broadcast through the NCAA website to see if they would be

invited to their fourth straight NCAA regional tournament and where they would be seeded.

After UNA’s match-up was announced, Roberts said she was ready for the next match.

“I’m not ending my career at UNA by losing to Valdosta State,” she said. “I’m not ending my career like that.”

Winkworth said the approach to the south regional NCAA tournament is not

much different from the approach they take for the GSC tournament.

“We’ll have pretty much the same schedule this week as we did last week and try and limit some of our practice so we can stay fresh,” Winkworth said.

“The itinerary will be nearly identical; we’ll stay at the same hotel, eat at the same restaurants. It has worked for us in the past.”

8B EXTRA

Tweets of the week

Nov. 8, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala DISCLAIMER: The tweets below are public tweets found on Twitter by searching hashtags and keywords involving UNA, Florence, Shoals and other university-related topics. Want to see yours on here? Be sure to hashtag UNA and Shoals in your tweets.