Jan. 14 issue

FLOR - ALA The

Jan. 14, 2016

Volume 84, Issue 16

www.FlorAla.net

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Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

SGA continues student smoking survey for resolution KAITLYN DAVIS

Student Writer kdavis16@una.edu

The Student Government Association is reviewing the current Smoking and Tobacco Policy, and it might be going up in smoke.

The Senate will suggest changes to university administration and the Shared Governance Executive Committee once they review the policy. SGA is considering suggesting a “smoke-free” campus.

“As of right now, the senators drafting the resolution will define ‘smoke-free’ as restricting smoking outside of designated areas,” said SGA President Nick Lang.

“However, this key component of the resolution could change as we gather student feedback.”

The resolution would include all tobacco products

defined in the Smoking and Tobacco Policy. This includes smokeless tobacco products such as snuff, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

Senators have debated what a “smoke-free” campus means.

Lang said the Senate wants student opinion on a smoke-free resolution before they bring any proposals to the floor.

SGA conducted a survey to gather students’ opinions on a smoke-free resolution last November.

Each student received a smoking survey and answered questions about UNA’s current smoking policy. Students also shared their opinions about smoking on campus.

SGA plans to email a new survey to each student again before they submit their proposals, said Lang and Senator Mollie Schaefer.

“We need

(students’) feedback in order to fully voice what the students want to the administration,” Lang said. “Students can voice their opinion by taking the survey or by talking to me or any other SGA representative.”

Lang said SGA hopes to have the resolution ready by the end of January or February.

“The (Student Welfare) Committee did a lot of work on the resolution last semester, but we didn’t feel comfortable rushing it,” Schaefer said.

“We’re taking this month to complete surveying.”

She said the November survey results indicated that most students were in favor of designated smoking areas like “smoking hubs,” not banning smoking and using tobacco products entirely.

However, she said SGA needs a second survey before making any changes.

Schaefer said she encourages students to reach out to SGA and share their opinions about the smoking policy. She said SGA needs student feedback in order to function properly.

“I think as long as smokers are courteous and mindful of others then I don’t mind if they smoke outside on campus,” said sophomore Jessica Coffey.

Senior James Rainey said he supports a smoke-free campus because he cares about the health of the student body.

“I am for a smoke-free campus because secondhand smoke affects my health and it smells bad,” Rainey said.

“I also think a smoke-free resolution would help improve the health of the students and also the environment around the campus.”

”

AS OF RIGHT NOW, THE

SENATORS DRAFTING THE RESOLUTION

WILL DEFINE ʻSMOKE-FREEʼ AS

RESTRICTING SMOKING OUTSIDE OF

DESIGNATED AREAS. HOWEVER, THIS KEY COMPONENT OF THE RESOLUTION

COULD CHANGE AS WE GATHER STUDENT FEEDBACK.

NICK LANG

SGA PRESIDENT

CURRENT SMOKING POLICY • THE

USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND SMOKING OR

VAPOR PRODUCTS WILL BE PROHIBITED WITHIN ALL UNIVERSITY FACILITIES.

• THE

USE OF TOBACCO AND SMOKING PRODUCTS WITHIN

THIRTY FEET OF ENTRANCES, EXITS, OPEN WINDOWS AND INTERCONNECTED BREEZEWAYS IS PROHIBITED.

design by MICHAEL MEIGS I Graphic Designer

Officials: Circular Road lot construction to begin in June JOHN ED DEARMAN Student Writer jdearman@una.edu

Students might not have to circle the parking lot on Circular Road in the coming years.

The board of trustees approved the Circular Road parking lot project at the December board of trustees meeting and will begin construction at the end of the spring semester, said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter.

“Right now we are in the surveying process, and that will

INSIDE

this week’s paper

be finished in the next couple of weeks,” he said. “Once they are done, we will then have our architect come in and finalize designs.”

The parking lot will add 244 spaces, he said. “(The lot) will (hold) about 60 percent of what a parking deck holds, but for a lot less money,” he said.

The estimated start date for the project is June 1, said Assistant Vice President for Facilities Administration and Planning Michael Gautney.

The total cost of the parking lot will be about $1.2 million,

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

and the university will use some of the money left from the residence hall construction to fund it, Carter said.

“We will have about $710,000 left over from the residence halls, and we will use our own money to fund the rest of the project,” he said.

Gautney said UNA will then send the final plans to the state for approval.

The first phase of the project is the demolition of the university apartments along Circular Road, he said.

“In the next months, we will start notifying the students who

LIFE . . . . . . . . . 9 SPORTS . . . . . . . 12 EXTRA . . . . . . . . 16

live in those apartments that they must be moved out by the end of May,” Carter said. “We will do whatever we can to help them with finding new housing.”

He said the university is not terminating those students’ contracts, the university will simply not renew the contracts after they expire May 31.

Junior Bia Nogueria said even though she lives in the apartments, she is glad UNA is getting another parking lot.

“I know having a new one will really be beneficial to those students who have to drive to campus,” she said. “That’s why

I don’t have a problem trying to find somewhere else to stay.”

Junior Joshua Cook said he thinks building a new parking lot is a great idea.

“I have some friends who have to park downtown just because there are no other free spaces,” he said. “It would be nice to see them be able to park closer to campus.”

Gautney said UNA will not close Circular Road during construction.

See PARKING, page 5

NEW RSO ........ 9

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Please recycle your paper.

2 NEWS

Jan. 14, 2016• The Flor-Ala

‘ UP AND UP ’ ON THE

AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Junior Viktoria Piepke uses the new elevator in Bibb Graves Hall to reach the third floor. Now, students are able to take a ride on the elevator instead of climbing the never-ending stairs to their classes.

Elevator provides easy access, satisfies ADA requirement ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

Need a lift to class this semester?

The new elevator in Bibb Graves Hall can help students, faculty and staff easily navigate the historical campus building.

After financial setbacks, the elevator project started in June 2015, said Facilities Administration and Planning Project Manager Kevin Hudson. The elevator passed final state inspection Dec. 16, he said.

“The product is fantastic,” said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter. “If you’ve ridden on the elevator, you’ll know it is about as smooth as a ride as you’ll ever find.

You don’t even notice that the floor is moving.”

”

THE CHAIR LIFT WAS DATED. ACTUALLY, YOU CANʼT BUY PARTS FOR THAT MODEL ANYMORE. (NOW), WE HAVE SOMETHING RELIABLE IN THE BUILDING.

KEVIN HUDSON

UNIVERSITY PROJECT MANAGER

The construction crew removed the chair lift that previously provided transportation for disabled students, faculty and staff after the elevator passed inspection.

Hudson said the chair often broke and needed constant repairs.

“The chair lift was dated,” he said.

“Actually, you can’t buy parts for that model anymore. (Now), we have something reliable in the building.”

He said the lift satisfied the university’s American Disabilities Act requirements, but it could not when it was broken. Now, the elevator satisfies that requirement, he said.

While not every building on campus has an elevator, others have ADA features like wheelchair ramps and chair lifts.

Hudson said Facilities Administration and Planning is working hard to bring the campus up-to-date on ADA requirements.

He said there are many future projects that will help the campus be more friendly to disabled students, faculty and staff.

The final cost of the elevator is about $530,000, Carter said.

Carter said the university spread the expenses across two years. He said they took $250,000 from the 2015 Facilities Fee and $280,000 from the 2016 Facilities Fee. While the ride on the elevator is smooth, the road to its completion came with many bumps and turns, Hudson said.

“It was a challenge getting an elevator in a building that was built in 1929,” Hudson said.

Some of these difficulties added to the cost of the project, he said. Because the building did not previously have a space for an elevator, access to the site was limited. Hudson said the contractors had to mix concrete and lay cinder blocks by hand, adding to the labor cost.

Due to heavy student and employee traffic during the day, contractors had to complete most of the construction at night, he said.

He said the high cost of the manual labor for the project is the reason why the board of trustees had to raise the budget and re-bid.

“We were somewhat subject to the ebbs and flows of the market as far as overall construction prices,” he said. “We do our best job that we can at estimating that initial cost.”

“I think it’s great that they finally put an elevator in there,” said sophomore Bria Paschal. “I will definitely be using it and I know for a fact other students will, too.”

AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Junior Viktoria Piepke walks from the new elevator to the first floor in Bibb Graves Hall. The elevator passed state safety inspection and was opened for use Dec. 16.

News 3

Jan. 14, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Officials: Security cameras help solve local crimes CHRISTOPHER PARKER Student Writer cparker4@una.edu

Students should feel a little safer on campus after recent police reports.

The university completed phase one of the security camera initiative last semester, and the university and Police Department are currently addressing a second phase, said Vice President for Student Affairs David Shields.

Chief of Police Kevin Gillilan said the added cameras around the parking deck and lobbies of residence halls

have already been helpful with tracking individuals involved in crimes.

“In the very short span of time that the cameras have been utilized, UNA Police have solved several cases involving a variety of offenses including theft of property, drug activity, assault and the recovery of a stolen vehicle,” Gillilan said. “We’ve had around six cases that have been successfully solved (because of the cameras in the parking deck).”

Shields said phase two includes adding cameras to the outside of academic buildings and the library.

Gillilan and Shields said they believe

KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer

Freshman Kobee Vance and junior Tia Nall enter Collier Library. University officials plan to place security cameras at the entrance of all academic buildings on campus during the 2016-17 school year.

adding security cameras around campus will ensure a safe community.

Gillilan said other outside law enforcement agencies have used the footage to help solve other crimes in the area.

It is possible that perpetrators are less likely to commit a crime if he or she knows the area is under surveillance, and he said he would like to add signage throughout the deck indicating the area is under surveillance.

Phase two of the initiative should take place in the 2016-17 academic year, Shields said. Planning for the initiative is expected to happen during late spring and into the summer of this year.

“Additional cameras will be placed as funding is made available,” Gillilan said.

Many students said they feel the university should add cameras to the outside of academic buildings, as well as inside them.

Sophomore Jonathan Wells said students were getting away with crimes without the cameras, and now they are caught in the act.

“Our biggest concern here is making sure that everyone is safe, not only on the UNA campus, but also in the community,” Shields said. “Like going in a bank, the cameras help deter incidences from happening like a burglary.”

Shields said the cost of the initiative depends solely on the number of cameras the university adds.

Sophomore Rosie McClendon said she often feels uncomfortable walking

back to her apartment at night.

“I usually call my friend if I sense someone walking too closely to me,” McClendon said.

Shields said students need to look out for each other, and if they notice something suspicious, they should report it.

Gillilan said most crimes on college campuses are crimes of opportunity, meaning the perpetrator committed the crime without planning because he or she had the opportunity to commit the crime.

To prevent crimes of opportunity, students should remove valuables from their vehicles, store them securely in a safe place where only they know about it and keep emergency contacts in their phones, he said.

UNA police has a program called Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP) which provides personal security service to students. If a student feels uneasy about walking at night, he or she can call and a SNAP employee will transport the student to his or her destination.

If SNAP is not available, the UNA police will escort, follow and even drive students to wherever they are going.

Freshman Paige Lewey said she has used SNAP a few times to safely escort her home.

“Sometimes, after leaving the library late at night, I don’t feel comfortable walking back, so I called SNAP,” Lewey said.

Floyd Hall demolition on hold until HES finds home JASMINE FLEMING

Managing Editor managing@florala.net

The humans in the Human Environmental Sciences department are one step closer to getting a new, unified environment this semester.

In about one to two weeks the university will have an update on a possible location for the HES department, but the deal is not yet finalized, said Clinton Carter, vice president for Business and Financial Affairs, who heads the search.

The university is mostly looking at off-campus locations in the Shoals area, Carter said in an email.

“We feel that the open-faced brick, original hardwood floors and tin ceilings that are common in many of the downtown business districts would likely contribute toward the creativity and outside-the-traditional-box mentality that already exists with so many of our talented folks in HES,” he said.

The Department of Facilities Administration and Planning is also helping with the search, providing guidance and recommendations on cost and feasibility, said Assistant Vice President of the department Michael Gautney.

Although the department is currently

in two locations, Floyd Hall and East Campus, Gautney said they are looking for one location for the entire department.

Carter said this decision will increase operating efficiency and allow for a stronger connection between different areas of study in the department. “(These areas) can, at times, feel a sense of being forgotten when housed away from the rest of their college,” he said.

Amber Lyons, a senior fashion merchandising major in the department, said having the entire department together will help with unity.

“I feel like a lot of the HES students are already pretty close since we are a smaller department, but having one big place we can call our own would bring us even closer,” she said. “In the long run, it would make us a stronger, more productive department.”

Other requirements for the new location include having more than 20,000 square feet and being energy efficient and affordable, he said. “(We’re also looking for) a unique sense of character of the building that’s befitting of the immensely talented and remarkable faculty, staff and students that will plan to call it home,” he said.

Once HES vacates Floyd Hall for a new space, the university can begin making plans for the new nursing

building, Gautney said.

“The location for that is where Floyd Hall is currently,” he said. “So, we’re trying to at least be ready to start construction on that at the end of this (academic) year. The time frame would be from now until the end of the summer to get HES relocated.”

Demolition can begin after contracts are in place and go through the bidding

process, he said.

However, finding a quality home for the department is still the priority, Carter said.

“There are no plans to move HES out prematurely until we have a suitable and permanent alternative for them elsewhere, even if that means delaying the demolition of the Floyd Hall building,” he said.

The Flor-Ala file photo

A student walks by Floyd Science Hall on her way to class. The building will remain mostly empty until it is demolished.

4 Images

Jan. 14, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

KAITLIN DOUGLASS Chief Photographer photo@florala.net

New Year’s

Resolutions ▶

It is tradition that, at the beginning of each year, people make New Year’s resolutions for themselves. By definition, a resolution is a firm decision to do or to not do something. However, most (not all) of us break the resolutions we make within the first few weeks of the New Year. It should be called “New Year’s I’ll-Think-AboutIt” or “New Year’s Maybes.”

It’s kind of silly to wait until a specific time to change yourself in a way you believe will better you. It’s important to broaden your horizons whenever you can and not to wait for a specific date. Do something that can make you grow as a person or to further you getting what you can out of this life.

This doesn’t have to be achieved by traveling the world, although that sounds nice, or discovering another religion, which could be exhilarating. It could be as simple as spending less time on your phone or stepping out of your comfort zone to accomplish something. I personally tend to stay seated in the first class, section A, seat 1 of my comfort zone, so this is difficult for me, too.

It’s more important to let yourself be acquainted with things other than your norm. Maybe try listening to music you normally wouldn’t, meet new people or try new restaurants. Even if you hate the song, don’t care for the people and can’t stand the food, you learned from it.

So you go run that 5k, quit smoking, eat three cupcakes or go talk to that cute person. Let your goals become both accomplishments and experiences.

Temptation

KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer

▶

Junior Brittany Garrison decides if keeping her resolution is worth it. Eating healthier is a popular New Year’s resolution.

Hitting the gym

Technology break

Senior Josh Bowman makes the resolution to spend less time on his cell phone. He realizes the resolution is more difficult than he expected.

▶

▶

Junior Tasha Thomas works out at the gym. Exercise can help with a resolution to get in shape or be healthier.

Newfound friends

(Left to right) Freshman Kacey Womack, Towers Cafeteria employee Anna Abel, senior Richard Allen Stubbs and sophomore Andrew Burton work on their resolution to spend more time together to strengthen their friendship.

NEWS 5

Jan. 14, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Serving in his steps

ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

This Monday, students can use their time for more than just a day free from classes.

The Office of Student Engagement, Leadership and Volunteerism is hosting a service day and memorial walk on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 18, said Assistant Director of Student Engagement Bethany Green.

Director of the Office of Diversity and Institutional Equity Joan Williams said the theme of this year’s event is “Making a Difference in the 21st Century.”

“Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a national day of service in remembrance of what he stood for,” Green said. “We definitely wanted to be a part of that.”

The event begins with check-in and pre-registration at 10 a.m. in the Guillot University Center Performance Center, she said. Students can register for the event online through OrgSync.

However, if students do not

”

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY IS A

NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE IN REMEMBRANCE OF

WHAT HE STOOD FOR.

WE DEFINITELY WANTED TO BE A PART OF THAT.

BETHANY GREEN

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

preregister, Green said they can register the day of the event from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Sophomore Daniela Medina said she participated in service events on campus during her freshman year and plans to do more.

“I think volunteering is great because people donate their time to help someone and you also get to know people you’ve never met before,” she said.

Instead of going to other agencies across Florence, like last year’s event, volunteers will stay on campus for the service event.

All volunteers will work in the GUC banquet halls. Volunteers will package food in bags for food pantries in the Shoals, Green said. Each bag of food can provide up to six meals and is fairly healthy, she said.

The cost per meal for each bag is about 20 cents.

“It’s something that we tossed around last year just because it’s difficult to bus people around and take people back and forth,” she said. “We’re hoping the turnout will be better this year because it’s starting later than it did last year.

We’re actually going to all be together during the service.”

Green said she hopes to see over 100 volunteers at the event. There were about 100 at the event last year.

Students can come to the service event and not the march or vice versa.

She said the main point is to have students participating in Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

See SERVICE, page 8

The Flor-Ala file photo

Students and volunteers march in the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial march in January 2015. Student engagement will host a service day and memorial march Jan. 18.

PARKING, continued from page 1 “We will make sure to do whatever we can to limit traffic on the road,” Gautney said. “We will try to have some kind of indicators on each end of the road to let people know that construction is going on and to drive cautiously.”

Carter said the university will do other things to make people drive carefully along the road.

“We will speed bump the hell out of it,” he said. “We may also have bollards, which are those large poles, to help with traffic.”

Carter said the new lot will not solve the parking issue, but it will help reduce

some of the problems.

“We’re hoping that this new lot will provide congestion relief for many areas,” he said. “There won’t be as many people parking on the sides of the street anymore, and that’s something we are all really looking forward to.”

Senior Taylor Davis said he is glad UNA is getting a new parking lot and said he thinks it will be a benefit to the university. “(I think) there won’t be as many students getting tickets from parking in illegal places,” Davis said.

6 NEWS

Jan. 14, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Where does the Student Activity Fee go?

University Program Council

Budget Oversight “The fund is as large as the UPC fund because we want the student organizations to have the same access to funding as the University Program Council,” said SGA President Nick Lang.

“The funds that UPC receives goes to all of the events that UPC plans that are open to all of the students,” said SGA President Nick Lang.

Distributed among the five committees: Spirit Live Acts Movies and Novelties Service Culture and Education

RSOs can apply to receive funding through

44%

which host events like Movie Mondays Throwback Thursdays Film Fridays Spring Concert Welcome Week The Big Deal Homecoming Concert Bonfire Pep Rally Snow Daze Formal Ice Rink SOAR night activities

3%

44% 9%

149 This committee oversees all

registered student organizations (in terms of funding)

“SGA and the students will receive the same amount of funding,” Lang said. “SGA does this to recognize student organizations and enable these groups to develop their own programming.”

Miss

Leadership UNA & Volunteerism

“

SGA has the authority to change the breakdown of the student activity fee based on the students’ needs.

— SGA President Nick Lang design by Editor-in-Chief Kali Daniel information provided by Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Tammy Jacques

Viewpoints 7

Jan. 14, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Review

New Year should equal more sleep

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

MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

The dreaded moment where it is time to start class after a short break is officially upon us.

The holiday break serves many purposes for the college student, faculty or staff member. It provides an opportunity to get away from campus, visit family, go on vacation and relax.

It also gives us a chance to recharge and relieve the stress of college life. Believe it or not, this makes a difference to one’s mental health.

Having time to catch up on sleep and avoid college stress for a little while is healthier than one might expect. On the flip side, a lack of sleep is detrimental in the long run.

“One of the main issues that most people ages 16-25 don’t understand is that there may not be issues now (with sleep deprivation), but later on there can be,” said Phyllis Greene, the Director of Sleep Studies at Shoals Hospital.

“We’re looking at blood pressure problems, diabetes, heart problems, things that a 20-year-old wouldn’t think about.”

Furthermore, 70 percent of college students admit to sleep deprivation, which can result in a low GPA, compromised learning ability and an impaired mood, according to Shelley D. Hershner and Ronald D. Chervin’s study, “Causes and consequences of sleepiness among college students.”

Many times through my college career, I have fallen asleep in the middle of typing an article or blog post. I have overslept and missed class inadvertently on occasion.

Even more embarrassingly, I fell asleep in class once unintentionally (sorry Dr. Beth Garfrerick).

Fortunately, there is a

solution to this problem.

Greene said the answer is simply setting a bedtime and a wake up time every day.

“What we want people to understand is that it doesn’t matter what your age is, you still need at least seven or eight hours of sleep each night,” Greene said. “You need to have the same bedtime and wake up time, limit caffeine and alcohol, limit media (television and cell phones) at least two hours before bed.

“If we do those things, our sleeping will be OK. Otherwise, we experience a lack of concentration, the ability to retain information, general fatigue and things of that nature.”

Since becoming the sports editor for this wonderful newspaper (I can state my personal opinion, right?), I have had nights where I required myself to stay awake and pull “all-nighters” to produce my best effort. The problem occurred when one night became multiple nights.

As we hit the young adult range (18-25), our circadian system (better known as the

internal clock) causes students to be less tired at night hours.

As one makes a habit of staying up late, it is next to impossible to break it.

As someone who wants to see my peers lead successful lives, I encourage everyone to try trimming down that normal bedtime hour. It may not happen overnight (no pun intended), but can happen gradually.

Thanks to the above study I read over the break and consulting with Greene, it is apparent I need to set a time each night to go to sleep and to wake up. Not to sleep more, but sleep efficiently.

A common theme for college students is prioritizing, which is beat into our heads as freshmen. Adequate sleep schedules should factor in toward the top of the list.

We can thank ourselves in a few years after shaking President Kitts’ hand and receiving that sheet of paper we desire. Furthermore, we can thank ourselves when we avoid major health problems.

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8 NEWS

Jan. 14, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Flowers Hall pool will remain open this semester WENDIE ROBINSON Student Writer wrobinson1@una.edu

The verdict is in: The swimming pool in Flowers Hall will remain open this spring.

Senior Cody McGowan, who works at the Student Recreation Center said, “It has been years since the pool has been open to students, and this past semester was kind of a trial to see if it will stay that way.”

The pool was open to students Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. said Recreational Sports and Fitness Director Eubanks.

This semester, the pool is scheduled to be open on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 until 10:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m. This will take

effect Jan. 20.

“For this semester, we had 180 different individuals utilize the pool and 611 total visits to the pool,” Eubanks said.

He said the student use was slightly less use than previous semesters, but just enough to keep it open.

“I’ve never used (the pool), but I know a lot of people that do (use it) regularly,” said junior Tyler Delano.

“They play water polo and kayak polo a lot there.”

McGowan said they have had several students ask about the pool and when it was open.

“We have had so many students interested (in the pool) now that they have started a club swim team,” he said.

Two lifeguards patrol the pool to ensure students are using it safely.

“Only students are allowed, and (they) must show their mane card just as they do at the SRC,” McGowan said.

“We keep a list of all the visitors, so we have had a lot, mainly athletes. They have really utilized the pool since it’s been open.”

He said athletes have begun to use it as part of their workouts.

“I took a swimming class at the pool last summer,” said sophomore Jessie Cooley. “It was fun. I liked it enough, but it was exhausting.”

The pool will be open more than two days a week this semester, according to the daily schedule on the Recreational Sports and Fitness page.

Junior Stacey Webber said she went to the pool while it was open in the fall and will more than likely use it again this semester.

SERVICE, continued from page 5

2015

“Our goal is to package 30,000 bags of food,” Green said. “(The bags) also provide information about what you can mix with the food and ways to prepare it.

That way when people come to pick up the food, they actually know what they can cook with it.”

Some of the bags will go to UNA’s “Feeding the Pride” food pantry, she said.

“Our food pantries run out of them so fast because people always come get them because they really enjoy them,” Green said.

All the food and packing materials are provided by Numana Incorporated.

Numana’s mission is, “to empower people to serve through educational, hands-on packaging events,” according to numanainc.com.

After the service event there will be a memorial march in remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. The march will begin around 12:15 p.m., depending on the number of volunteers.

The march will end at the Baptist Campus Ministry center where there will be a meal provided and guest speaker, Rev. Alvelyn Sanders.

Sanders produced the documentary, “Foot Soldiers: Class of 1964.” The documentary tells the story of the women in the Class of 1964 at Spelman College.

The college participated in one of the largest coordinated civil rights marches in Atlanta.

Sanders is also the pastor of Greater St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Florence.

“(The pool) was good,” Webber said.

“I played water polo there and (swam) there a couple times.”

Junior Shaq Shoulders said he wants UNA students to know it is open.

“I think most students just don’t know it’s open,” Shoulders said, “(The pool) has many great uses. (For example), sports can use it as a recovery treatment, other people can exercise or they can use it as a place to have fun.”

POOL HOURS

• MONDAY - 8:30 TO 10 P.M. • WEDNESDAY - 6:30 TO 9:30 P.M. • THURSDAY - 8:30 TO 10 P.M.

CAMPUS CRIME LOG • DEC. 9 DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE AND

DAMAGE TO VEHICLES

UNIVERSITY APARTMENTS • DEC. 9 DAMAGE TO VEHICLE PARKING DECK • DEC. 9 POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA AND DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

RICE HALL • DEC. 4 POSSESSION OF OBSCENE MATERIAL, HARASSMENT RESIDENCE LIFE OFFICE • DEC. 3 DUI ARREST CIRCULAR ROAD FULL CRIME LOG AVAILABLE AT UNA.EDU/POLICE/CRIMELOG

LIFE 9

Jan. 14, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Counseling Services will serve as advisers for the RSO.” Allen said it is easy for students to join and get involved.

“Our meeting times will be posted, there is no participation fee and all they have to do is come ready and willing to work,” she said.

Martin said students will be working on planning activities and coming up with new ideas to raise awareness.

The group has not decided on a designated meeting place and time as of yet, she said.

Wright said this group will be a great resource for everyone on campus.

“They will not only be able to raise awareness about mental illness, but they will also be able to give students the tools and resources they need to combat it,” she said. “I’m interested in joining because I struggle with a mental illness, and if I joined it, I would be able to better deal with (it).”

Freshman Lauren Bobo said UNA has needed an organization like this for a long time.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about several mental illnesses as well as a lot of stigmas surrounding them,” she said. “It’s great that they’re w a n t i n g to spread awareness and educate people.”

OCD

MENTAL ILLNESS IN AMERICA • 43.8 MILLION ADULTS EXPERIENCE IN

100 AMERICAN OF

AMERICAN

ADULTS LIVES WITH

OF

AMERICAN

OF

• SUICIDE

ADULTS LIVE WITH

MINDS ON OUR CAMPUS WILL HELP

OPEN THOSE DOORS AND START THOSE

CONVERSATIONS.

CHLOE ALLEN SOPHOMORE

Bobo said she is interested in joining to gain more knowledge about mental illness.

“I would be interested in joining because I have some experience with mental illness,” she said. “However, that by no means makes me an expert on it, so I am interested in helping educate others and myself more about it.”

The hope is that people will now know they are not alone, Allen said.

“No one should ever have to struggle in silence,” she said. “We want to make sure our classmates know they have nothing to be ashamed of. Now that we have Active Minds in place, they never have to fight alone again.”

IS THE

2ND

LEADING CAUSE

OF DEATH AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS,

ADULTS LIVE WITH

AMERICAN

DISCUSS IT. I BELIEVE HAVING ACTIVE

FUNCTIONING.

CLAIMING THE LIVES OF EACH YEAR.

MAJOR DEPRESSION

• 18.1%

LIKE THEY HAVE TO WAIT FOR ME TO

SO DEPRESSED THEY HAD TROUBLE

BIPOLAR DISORDER

• 6.9%

I DONʼT WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL EMBARRASSED TO SEEK HELP. I DONʼT WANT MY CLASSMATES TO FEEL

STUDENTS REPORT HAVING FELT

SCHIZOPHRENIA

• 2.6%

”

MENTAL ILLNESS IN COLLEGE • ALMOST ONE THIRD OF ALL COLLEGE

MENTAL ILLNESS IN A GIVEN YEAR

• 1

Students can make a difference in Active Minds, Allen said.

“Students should get involved with our organization because we stand for something much larger than ourselves,” she said. “We are educating and advocating not only for the students of UNA but for people struggling with mental illness everywhere.”

AUTISM PTSD

SCHIZOPHRENIA DEMENTIA

ADD BIPOLAR

Students will have the opportunity to learn more about mental illness and how they can make a difference on campus this semester.

UNA welcomes the new registered student organization, Active Minds, a nonprofit organization that strives to educate and raise awareness about mental health and disorders on college campuses, said sophomore and UNA’s Active Minds Student President Chloe Allen.

“We plan to host events centered on providing information for students and giving them a platform to ask questions and learn,” she said.

Allen said she was diagnosed with depression when she was very young and started going to Student Counseling Services her first semester at UNA. “Whenever I tell people at school that I go to counseling, I receive one of three responses,” she said. “The person feels uncomfortable and changes the subject, the person gets excited and says, ‘me too,’ or the person begins to ask questions because they know they need help, too.”

Allen said Director of Student Counseling Services Lynne Martin encouraged her to check out the Active Minds website.

“I just thought it was the greatest thing,” Allen said.

“I don’t want people to feel embarrassed to seek help. I don’t want my classmates to feel like they have to wait for me to bring it up in order to discuss it.

I believe having Active Minds on our campus will help open those doors and start those conversations.”

Martin said their first activity

ADHD

Associate Life Editor life@florala.net

will be for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week beginning February 22 and will include activities for Feel Good Naked Week. “(These activities) will bring about awareness and provide information concerning disordered eating, self-esteem and body image issues,” she said.

Martin said the group also plans to do different activities for domestic violence and alcohol abuse.

Junior Casey Wright said this organization will be a great addition to the campus.

“Their goal is ultimately to raise awareness about mental illness and erase the stigmas attached to it,” she said. “This is great because mental illness is still something that is seen as taboo.”

Freshman Dalton Shorette said he has not heard of Active Minds but thinks it will be helpful to all students. “(It will help) not only those who suffer from mental illness, but students who would like to learn more,” he said.

Martin said students should attend meetings to find out how the national organization works and how other college chapters raise awareness about mental health on their campuses.

“Students can offer ideas that will reach their peers,” she said.

“Counselors f r o m Student

DEPRESSION

MONDAY SANDERSON

ANXIETY

New student organization brings awareness to mental health

• MORE

ADULTS LIVE WITH

ANXIETY DISORDERS

1,100

STUDENTS

THAN HALF OF COLLEGE STUDENTS

HAVE HAD SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND IN design by PEYTON LAWLER I Graphic Designer Information gathered from nami.org and ActiveMinds.org

10

1

STUDENTS SERIOUSLY CONSIDER

ATTEMPTING SUICIDE.

10 LIFE

Jan. 14, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Students behind the podium New barbeque restaurant offers two dining options

A series on critical language partners

MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer

International student Daichi Shigematsu teaches an intermediate Japanese class of three students. “Students consistently praise his dedication to teaching them Japanese,” said Director of Critical Languages Program Craig Christy.

Shigematsuʼs personality shines in classroom MONDAY SANDERSON Associate Life Editor life@florala.net

UNA’s international community is home to more than 600 students from 52 different countries. While many come here only to learn, there are some who take on the role of teacher as well.

There are currently six students teaching their native languages to others on campus. Instructors include one in Arabic, one in Chinese, two in Japanese, one in Swahili and one in Russian.

In fall 2015, there were 26 students enrolled in the critical language courses, according to the Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment.

Junior Daichi Shigematsu said he found out about the critical language partner position from his friends.

“It’s been something I always wanted to try out,” he said. “I can say that I’m kind of confident in my English and I’m fluent in Japanese, so I felt like I could do a decent job teaching oral communication skills in Japanese.”

Shigematsu said he applied for the job on LionJobs, starting off as an elementary level teacher but quickly moving up to the intermediate level.

In an email, Director of Critical Languages Program Craig Christy said the main requirement to become a language partner is to be a native speaker in the language.

“No specific training beyond that is required since students study the grammar on their own, that’s the selfinstructional part,” he said. “The language partner’s principle function is to model the language and engage the students in conversation.”

Shigematsu said leading an oralbased classed can be difficult.

“When there aren’t enough students who show up, it’s hard to make a class out of it,” he said. “I currently have three students, so one missing student can make it awkward.”

Junior James Gasque said there are some differences between Shigematsu and his other professors.

“The communication is more open between the teacher and the students,” he said. “The primary thing that makes him different from an ordinary professor is the fact that he is only paid around minimum wage to instruct a class that students pay full price for. That’s unfortunate for a person who tries as hard as he does.”

Christy said students have said favorable things about Shigematsu.

“Students consistently praise his dedication to teaching them Japanese,” he said. “He even goes beyond the call and gives them extra practice sessions, especially before the final exam.”

Gasque said Shigematsu is a competent teacher.

“He makes the class very easy to understand and very interesting,” he said. “He is very patient and willing to give us all of the help that we need. He even schedules out of class sessions for practice whenever anyone needs it.”

Christy said one of the reasons he chose Shigematsu for the job was his personality.

“When I interview potential LPs, I look for someone whose personality is compatible with this approach, so outgoing, affable and socially engaged,” he said. “Daichi matches the above described profile.”

Shigematsu said he sees himself as

”

I CAN SAY THAT IʼM KIND OF CONFIDENT IN MY ENGLISH AND IʼM FLUENT IN JAPANESE, SO I FELT LIKE I COULD DO A DECENT JOB TEACHING ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN JAPANESE.

DAICHI SHIGEMATSU

JUNIOR, JAPANESE INSTRUCTOR different from others.

“I’m different because even though I’m from Japan I’ve lived in the United States for many years,” he said. “I think both cultures influenced me to the extent that I’m kind of uncertain if I would be considered more Japanese or American.”

Christy said Shigematsu is also active in the Japanese University Meal Project, a registered student organization.

Shigematsu is the president of JUMP and he is doing an excellent job, said associate sociology professor May Takeuchi in an email.

“I have been hearing that JUMP now has a more diverse member composition in terms of their racial, ethnic and national backgrounds,” she said. “It seems to be one significant contribution that Daichi has brought to the group and to the University.”

Shigematsu said he has had an enjoyable experience during his time at UNA. “It’s interesting to relive the American experience,” he said. “All the people I’ve met here have been really nice, so it’s been a good time here.”

Let’s face it. While there are several dining options available on campus, they can get pretty boring if eaten every day.

Fortunately, there is a new restaurant in town, and it is within walking distance of campus.

After spending most of the break indoors catching up on Netflix shows and sleep, my daughter, Kimberly, and I decided to venture to Florence for lunch and post-Christmas shopping.

Not wanting the usual pizza or burgers, we decided to try out this new place on Court Street.

306 BBQ offers patrons two ways to dine. The front dining area serves delicious meals in a fast-food style, while the back area offers customers a full-service dining experience.

I entered the restaurant, my daughter alongside me, unsure of what to expect.

After staring at the menu for what I am sure seemed like eternity to the guy behind the counter, I decided on a pork potato, which he informed me was his personal favorite. Kimberly ordered wings with sides of macaroni and cheese and potato salad.

We selected a table close to the entrance, the huge windows letting in the sunshine, something we had not seen in weeks.

In less than five minutes, the server placed a steaming hot potato before me and served Kimberly a plate of six wings, hearty helpings of macaroni and cheese and potato salad and a roll. My spud was covered in pork, cheese, chives and sour cream. The size of the meal was perfect for one person, and the $8 price tag did not break the bank.

See 306 BBQ, page 11

MELISSA PARKER I Life Editor

The six-wing meal from 306 BBQ comes with the diner’s choice of two hearty sides and a roll. The new restaurant is located on Court Street and within walking distance of campus.

LIFE 11 LOSING OUR RELIGION?

Jan. 14, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Campus members discuss religious freedom, practices among millennials WENDIE ROBINSON Student Writer wrobinson1@una.edu

Many religions have a certain weekday or time of day to worship.

People of all faiths can celebrate their beliefs Jan. 16 on Religious Freedom Day. “We have this day because of Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia (Statute for Religious Freedom),” said Psychology Professor Larry Bates. “(America began) disengaging from a single religious faith to proclaim that no one should be ‘compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place of ministry whatsoever.’”

President George H. W. Bush enacted Jan. 16 as Religious Freedom Day in 1993 with the purpose of recognizing and respecting the freedom each religion has in America. He wanted people to utilize the day by participating in religious

practices in their places of worship, homes and schools.

Although we have freedom to practice religion, many studies have shown a decrease in religious beliefs among millennials.

“Many young people come out of homes where they were raised at a time when religion was very important, and as a result they rebelled against that,” said religious studies professor Carl Gebhardt. “They want to do their own thing.”

Senior Brooke Viall said she does not think she is less religious than when she was in high school but feels many millennials are.

“When you’re younger, if your parents went to church, you went to church,” she said. “In college, you have your own freedom. Your parents don’t have the authority to force you to go to

church.”

Bates said he thinks the decrease is because people are unhappy with organized faiths so they choose a more personal path.

“I agree that the millennials tend to be less religious, but I don’t think that necessarily translates to less spiritual,” he said.

Freshman Erin Askew said she was involved in church more when she was in high school than she has been since coming to college.

“I believe millennials are less religious,” she said. “I think it’s because all the things going on in the world discourages people. It makes them question God and His plans.”

Bates said the many religions observed in the U.S. can open doors for study.

“From a scientific standpoint, the idea of a diverse, multifaith country such as ours makes for fertile ground for research,” he said.

Freshman Marcus Hammond said he does not think people are less religious, but rather exposed to new things and ideas.

“It used to be people only knew what their family knew and they weren’t aware of all that is out there,”he said.

Gebhardt said there are a couple ways for students, faculty and staff to participate in Religious Freedom Day. “One is going out of their way to interact with people of different faith

stances on campus or in our community,” he said. “The other is in that interaction to assure them that we are not enemies because of our differences that we actually have more in common.”

Freshman Moka “MAN” Nassef said he could participate in Religious Freedom Day by telling people about Islam.

“I could correct some mistakes about what people think of Islam, especially during this time with ISIS,” he said.

Askew said she thinks spirituality and religion are two different things and people should be free to celebrate their beliefs anytime.

Bates said another idea is to take someone of a different belief out to lunch for a chat.

“Take an atheist to lunch and ask them about their world, or if you are an atheist, then take someone of faith to lunch and do likewise,” he said.

International Admissions Coordinator Echo Yang said she does not think young people are losing religion, but they have more choices.

“I believe in Buddhism,” she said.

“Spiritually, I feel like I can practice my religion, but there’s not a place to worship. It’s about the heart.”

Although people are given the freedom to choose their religion, it does not mean they always exercise their right. Share your beliefs with others on Religious Freedom Day.

photo courtesy of morguefile.com

Empty pews may be a sign of the times. Studies show a decrease in religious beliefs among millennials. Religious Freedom Day, Jan. 16, is a day set aside for people to participate in religious practices in their places of worship, homes and schools.

306 BBQ, continued from page 10

Kimberly described her wings as “crispy and delicious,” and the macaroni and cheese as “extra cheesy” — both wins in her book. Kimberly’s meal was also $8 and provided her leftovers for later.

The front dining area is the perfect choice for anyone with little time for

a meal. The service was quick and courteous, and the food was delicious.

The large, open dining area is perfect for casual meals and conversation. Six TVs provide entertainment and news for those who want to catch up on what is going on in the world while enjoying a good meal.

For those with a little more time to

spare, or anyone wanting a full-service dining experience, the restaurant offers the Back Alley Sports Bar. Located in the back of the restaurant, this dining area provides plenty of TVs and a fullservice bar.

Anyone looking for a new place to eat should check out 306 BBQ on Court

Street. The meals are perfectly sized for one person with leftovers a definite possibility. For about $10 plus tax and tip, customers get a substantial meal and beverage. Take a short walk and grab some lunch in between classes. I will definitely be going back.

12 Sports

Scoreboard Jan. 2-11

Jan. 14, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Home Sweet Home

Jan. 2

Women’s BB at Delta State 71-37 Loss Men’s BB at Delta State 97-74 Loss

Jan. 4

Women’s BB at Miss. College 91-80 Loss Men’s BB at Delta State 73-68 Win

Jan. 9

Women’s BB at Christian Bros.

81-69 Loss Men’s BB at Delta State 82-64 Win

Jan. 11

Women’s BB at Union 81-69 Loss Men’s BB at Union 82-64 Win

Upcoming Basketball

Jan. 16 vs. Alabama-Huntsville Women Tipoff @ 1 p.m.

Men Tipoff @ 3 p.m.

Jan. 21 vs. West Florida Women Tipoff @ 6 p.m.

Men Tipoff @ 8 p.m.

Jan. 23 vs. Valdosta State Women Tipoff @ 1 p.m.

Men Tipoff @ 3 p.m.

Softball Jan. 29-31 GSC/Peach Belt Challenge Columbus, Georgia

Baseball Feb. 6 vs. Miles College (DH) Feb. 7 vs. Stillman (DH) Games continued at roarlions.com

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Senior forward Bilal Richardson goes up for a slam against West Alabama Dec. 12. The UNA men’s basketball team has a 7-1 record in Flowers Hall this season, including a 4-0 record at home against the Gulf South Conference.

Men’s team successful in Flowers, struggles on road MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

There is no place like home for the UNA men’s basketball team.

The Lions (9-7, 6-4 Gulf South Conference) own seven of their nine wins on the year inside Flowers Hall. Away from home, the schedule has not been as friendly.

After losing its first five road games, UNA snapped the drought with a 73-68 win at Mississippi College. The Lions are now 2-6 on the road.

“We’ve had some rough times on the road so far,” said head coach Bobby Champagne.

“Every road trip is pretty tough.

It would be nice if we can play all 22 league games at home.

We’ve been pretty good at home.”

With uncertainty going into the 2015-16 season, the GSC picked UNA to finish seventh in the preseason standings. The Lions returned two players from last year’s team, neither of whom were regular starters.

Nonetheless, the Lions have

exceeded expectations so far.

“Our guys have done a pretty good job gelling together,” Champagne said.

“Our freshmen in particular have come on pretty good as of late. Our seniors have done a good job of being leaders.

We’ve done what we need to do so far to keep pace in this league with the leaders.”

As returning players, senior John Fletcher and junior Jeff Hodge transitioned into the role of starter this season. Joining them in the starting rotation this season were three transfers: Junior guard Dimario Jackson, senior forward Bilal Richardson and junior forward Austin Timms.

As many were unsure how quick the team would come together, Timms said there was some doubt in his mind early on, but good team bonding negated that.

“At the very beginning, it was kind of hard,” Timms said.

“We only had two guys coming back and a lot of new faces.

Nobody really knew each other, but when we started practicing and hanging around each other,

we made tremendous progress.”

Timms said there is ample reason to be optimistic about the 2016 portion of the schedule, as the team is beginning to hit its stride.

“We’re getting better as the season goes on,” he said. “By the time we get really deep in the season, I think we’ll be right where we need to be and playing

”

Every road trip is pretty

tough. It would be nice if we can

22 league games at home.

We’ve been pretty good at home.

play all

Bobby Champagne

Head Coach

to the best of our ability.”

The UNA bench has shown promise throughout the season, as the team has seen contributions from numerous role players, including some promising freshmen.

“Our bench has been important in each and every

game for us,” Champagne said.

“I think we have five guys (scoring) in double figures who have been pretty consistent.

When someone is in foul trouble or injured, our bench has done a good job stepping up and giving us a spark.”

Freshman Tavaras Tolliver leads all bench players with 9.3 points per game and averages over 18 minutes a game from the guard position. Tolliver said he enjoys having a six-man role as a young player.

“Coach told me coming in he expected a lot out of me as soon as I stepped on campus,” Tolliver said. “I feel like I’ve built a lot of chemistry with my teammates, and I feel like I’m getting better each and every game.”

The Lions host rival UAH Jan. 16 in Flowers Hall, followed by home games against West Florida and Valdosta State the following week.

“It really doesn’t matter if we play at home or away, we just have to show up and be ready to play,” Tolliver said. “It shouldn’t matter where we are.

We just need to play hard.”

SPORTS 13

Jan. 14, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Vander Laan wins second straight Harlon Hill trophy MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Ferris State quarterback Jason Vander Laan gives a speech after being presented the Harlon Hill trophy Jan. 8 in the GUC. The award is presented to the best player in Division II football and is the equivalent of the Heisman trophy.

If Ferris State quarterback Jason Vander Laan thought one Harlon Hill trophy was heavy, wait until he holds two.

A host of representatives from UNA, the Shoals area and Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, gathered for the 30th annual Harlon Hill Trophy ceremony in the Guillot University Center Jan. 8.

Vander Laan, a graduating senior from Frankfort, Illinois, won the Harlon Hill trophy for the second year in a row. The trophy, named in honor of UNA legend Harlon Hill, goes to the best player in Division II football each season.

“I was moved just as much this year as I was last year,” Vander Laan said. “With the support from Alabama, the support from the committee and my university, it was a great experience to come back to Florence again.”

Vander Laan finished ahead of seven other players, including UNA quarterback Luke Wingo.

Vander Laan set the NCAA record for career rushing yards by a quarterback on any level his senior season. He finished his senior campaign with 2,625 passing yards and rushing for 1,542, more than any quarterback in college football.

He accounted for 52 of his team’s 70 touchdowns this season en route to a second round playoff visit.

Despite numerous individual accomplishments, Vander Laan said his most memorable achievement is the Bulldogs winning 25 straight regular season victories, with the last loss coming his sophomore season.

“I don’t remember the last time going into a film session during the season after a loss,” Vander Laan said. “It’s been two and a half years since we lost (in the regular season), so going undefeated in back-toback seasons will always stick with me.”

Ferris State head coach Tony Annese, who is in his fourth year as the Bulldog’s head coach, said Vander Laan’s character is a big part of his success.

“It’s an exceptional honor for our whole university,” Annese said. “I’m just proud to have Jason, who has been such an accomplished young man for four years in every aspect of what we hope to be at Ferris State.”

Annese said it made his job as a coach easier having a leader like Vander Laan.

“As a coach, sometimes you try to describe what the perfect student-athlete is, but I just have to point my finger,” he said. “We had four academic AllAmericans, and he was one of them. He was the right kind of player and person.”

Vander Laan became the fourth student-athlete in Division II history to win the Harlon Hill more than once. His 217 votes from the Division II sports information directors make him the fourth-highest voted player in the award’s prestigious history.

Jerry Hill, the son of Harlon and the former head coach at Brooks High School, said Vander Laan is the type of player his father would have wanted to see win.

“I told Jason my only regret is that he couldn’t meet (Harlon),” Hill said. “Dad pulled for the underdog, the Division II guys like Jason, who have never been in trouble and doesn’t care about the spotlight. ” Vander Laan, who graduated in December, plans to train in Atlanta, Georgia to prepare for the NFL draft.

Vander Laan said scouts have shown interest in him playing multiple positions, including quarterback, tight end and running back.

“The NFL has been my ultimate goal since I was a kid,” he said. “I didn’t know coming to college what my chances would be, but fortunately it looks like I have a shot. I’m going to give it my all and see what happens.”

Womenʼs basketball team hopes for mid-season turnaround MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

The first half of the season for the UNA women’s basketball team has not quite lived up to expectations.

The Gulf South Conference coaches picked the Lions (2-13, 1-9 GSC) to finish fifth in the preseason poll, but injuries and a lack of depth have hindered the team from success.

“We started in preseason with both of our returning point guards injured,” said UNA head coach Missy Tiber. “It’s been a bad year with injuries and how they have affected us, but I think we can overcome some things down the stretch.

Our mindset the last couple of days is where it needs to be.”

Senior guard Janae Lyde recently recovered from a concussion, sidelining her for four weeks. Throughout the season, the Lions have seen key players suffer injuries, including freshman guard

Jennifer McMahan and sophomore guards Jaclyn Heath and Shay Trent.

Tiber said Trent, who would have had an important role with the team, is out for the year.

The biggest hole in UNA’s rotation before the holiday break was the lack of a true post player. Tiber addressed this problem during the break, recruiting one of her former players from her previous stint at Southern Illinois.

Alexus Patterson, a 6’1’’ senior from Knoxville, Tennessee, played just five games her final season for the Salukis last year. Tiber said Patterson still had eligibility and expressed interest in another opportunity to play.

“Alexus is really going to help us once we get her in shape,” she said. “Our team has to understand when to pass her the ball. When she gets the ball down on the block, she can really score. She is a real power player.”

Patterson said her transition to Florence has not been easy, but her

coaches and teammates have helped in the process.

“I’m adjusting well with the team and with practice, but I’m still trying to figure out my way around here,” Patterson said.

“My teammates reached out to me and asked if I needed help moving in. They do a good job of making me feel like a part of the team.”

Before Patterson’s arrival, the Lions leaned on freshman forward Katelyn Nunley to play the post. Nunley said she feels less pressure playing outside the post, but wanted to do what was best for the team.

“I feel a lot more comfortable outside,” she said. “I’m happy that I can pass the ball inside and work my driving game a bit. It takes a lot of pressure off me and gives us another leader on the court.”

The Lions, whose only conference win came against West Alabama Dec. 13, shot 43 percent from the field, including 16-34 from behind the arc. Heath

propelled the team with 26 points, hitting 7-12 from downtown.

Tiber said the difference in the conference win was simply hitting shots, as many of the losses included low shooting percentages.

“We’ve had games where we didn’t shoot the ball well, but I know we are a better shooting team than that,” she said. “We shot the ball well in practice since the break, but we need to carry that confidence over into the games and get the same type of shots.”

UNA hopes to turn around its woes in a three-game home stand as they face UAH Jan. 16, West Florida Jan. 21 and Valdosta State Jan. 23, all in Flowers Hall.

UPCOMING GAMES

• JAN. 16 • JAN. 21 • JAN. 23

VS.

UAH VS. WEST FLORIDA VS. VALDOSTA STATE

14 SPORTS

Jan. 14, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Leaving A Legacy #11 Chloe Richards

NATIONAL HONORS 2014

• FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICAN • DAKTRONICS DIVISION II NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR • ALABAMA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION STATE SMALL COLLEGE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

2015

• FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICAN • HERO SPORTS DIVISION II WOMENʼS SOCCER OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

CONFERENCE HONORS 2012

• ALL-GSC TOURNAMENT TEAM

2014

• 5 GSC PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARDS • GSC PLAYER OF THE YEAR

2015

• 4 GSC PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARDS • ALL-GSC TOURNAMENT TEAM • FIRST-TEAM ALL-GSC • GSC PLAYER OF THE YEAR

ACADEMIC HONORS 2014

• ACADEMIC ALL-GSC TEAM

2015

• FIRST-TEAM COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT • FIRST-TEAM COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN • NSCAA WOMENʼS NCAA DIVISION I & DIVISION II SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICAN

CAREER STATS

• 71 CAREER GOALS - RANKS SECOND IN THE UNA HISTORY AND THIRD IN GSC HISTORY • 72 GAMES PLAYED • 65 STARTS • 156 POINTS • 14 ASSISTS • 417 SHOTS

REGION HONORS 2012

• SECOND-TEAM NSCAA ALLSOUTH REGION

2014

• FIRST-TEAM DAKTRONICS ALLSOUTH REGION • FIRST-TEAM NSCAA ALLSOUTH REGION • DAKTRONICS SOUTH REGION PLAYER OF THE YEAR

2015

• FIRST-TEAM D2CCA ALLSOUTH REGION • FIRST-TEAM NSCAA ALLSOUTH REGION • D2CCA SOUTH REGION PLAYER OF THE YEAR

STATS LED 2014

• LED NCAA DIVISION II IN GOALS SCORED (26) • LED NCAA DIVISION II IN TOTAL POINTS (57) • LED NCAA DIVISION II IN GOALS PER GAME (1.4) • LED NCAA DIVISION II IN POINTS PER GAME (3.0)

2015

• LED NCAA DIVISION II GOALS SCORED (30)

IN

design by PEYTON LAWLER I Graphic Designer JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

EXTRA 15

Jan. 14, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Thurs., Jan. 14 3:15 p.m.

Police Phil Harmon Orchestra Norton Auditorium 3:30 p.m.

SGA Senate meeting GUC 200 4 p.m.

Circle K Meeting @ Stone Lodge (Upper)

Fri., Jan. 15 8 a.m.

MLK Project GUC Banquet Hall

SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer

UNA students march to the Muscle Shoals Theater to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King last Spring. Students can march again Monday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. in the GUC.

11 a.m.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders’ Day GUC

1 p.m.

“Movement” George S. Lindsey Theatre

11 a.m.

MLK Presentation GUC Performance Center

3:30 p.m.

SGA University Program Council GUC 200

Sat., Jan. 16 1 p.m.

Women’s Basketball vs. UAH Flowers Hall 3 p.m.

Men’s Basketball vs. UAH Flowers Hall

Mon., Jan. 18 10 a.m.

MLKJ Day of Service GUC Performance Center

Tues., Jan. 19 4:30 p.m.

Step Sing: Captain Meeting GUC 200 4:30 p.m.

Hispanic Culture Organization Stone Lodge (Upper) 6:30 p.m.

UNA Swim Club GUC 200

Wed., Jan. 20 1 p.m.

“Movement” George S. Lindsey Theatre

6 p.m.

Ethan Zohn: Guest Speaker GUC Performance Center

4:30 p.m.

SGA Freshman Forum GUC 200

8 p.m.

ENCOUNTER Stone Lodge (Upper)

Have an event?

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16 EXTRA

Jan. 14, 2016• The Flor-Ala

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

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