Jan. 28 issue

FLOR - ALA The

Jan. 28, 2016

Volume 84, Issue 18

www.FlorAla.net

THE BRO SHOW PAGE 9

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

Royalty

Barnes takes the crown at Miss UNA Pageant KAITLYN DAVIS

Student Writer kdavis16@una.edu

Anxious silence filled Norton Auditorium Jan. 23 as the contestants of the 2016 Miss UNA Scholarship Pageant lined the stage and awaited the announcement of the winner.

While 18 young women competed for the crown, only junior Jocelyn Barnes received the title Miss UNA 2016.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Miss UNA 2015 Rachel Wammack crowned Barnes.

Barnes said this was her third year competing in the pageant.

“I actually prayed a lot before, and I just asked God to give me peace and let me have the ability to do my best,” Barnes said. “So, I had a very peaceful calm about myself.”

Barnes said she is passionate about her platform, “Lupus Awareness ‘No Lupus.’”

“Your platform has to mean everything to you,” Barnes said.

“Be ready to work, but don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Barnes said.

Barnes competed in Miss UNA in 2015 and won the People’s Choice Award, as well as being named third runner-up.

She is involved in many organizations on campus including Student Orientation Advisement Registration, Phi Mu Sorority, Student Government Association and Film Club.

Any UNA woman thinking

INSIDE

this week’s paper

about competing in the pageant should give it a try, she said.

Junior Victoria Roose was the first runner-up.

This is Roose’s third year competing in the pageant. Her platform was, “Empowerment of the Arts in Music.”

Roose said her favorite part of competing in the pageant was bonding with her fellow contestants.

”

YOUR PLATFORM HAS TO MEAN EVERYTHING TO YOU. BE READY TO WORK, BUT DONʼT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP.

JOCELYN BARNES MISS UNA 2016

Senior Mary Katherine Holloway was the second runner-up.

Holloway’s platform was, “R-word: Spread the Word to End the Word.”

When she graduates, she said she hopes to travel to foreign countries to teach children with special needs.

Freshman Harper Brooke Canaday was third runner-up.

Canaday’s platform was, “Dangers of Hypoxic Training,” which warns of the risks associated with underwater breath holding exercises.

See BARNES, page 8

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

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Miss UNA 2015 Rachel Wammack crowns junior Jocelyn Barnes as Miss UNA 2016. Last year, Barnes won the People’s Choice Award and third runner-up in the pageant.

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

GROCE BECOMES STARTER ..... 12

FLOR - ALA The

Please recycle your paper.

2 NEWS

Jan. 28, 2016• The Flor-Ala

College Republicans to host NRA education event ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

College Republicans plan to tackle a national concern next week: Gun rights.

The National Rifle Association will be on campus Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. in the Guillot University Center banquet halls. The event is free and open to both students and the public, said President of College Republicans Nathaniel White.

“We’ll go over the Second Amendment and what that means to the individual and in different aspects,” White said. “We’ll be going over local and state laws. It’s going to be a very informative event.”

Senior William Wade said he thinks people need to know more about guns and gun control laws because a gun holds the power to determine someone’s life.

White said there will be free food and refreshments available to anyone attending. Students can also register to become a member of the NRA free of charge.

NRA Grassroots Coordinator Natasha Montague will speak at the event. Montague frequently travels to colleges across the country doing presentations similar to this one.

“It should be a good time whether you like guns or not,” White said. “Of course, there won’t be guns at this event, but it’s always good to be informed.”

Wade said he thinks the gun control and gun rights issues are much deeper than they seem on the surface.

“I’m on both sides (of the gun rights issue) because there’s some people that

aren’t mentally stable for them; and sometimes for those mentally unstable people we need them,” Wade said. “So, it’s kind of like a double-edged sword.”

Freshman Kasey Biggs said she thinks it is important for college students to know and understand gun laws and rights.

Alabama state law allows each college to decide whether or not students c a n

carry weapons on campus. UNA does not allow students to carry any firearms on campus, according to the UNA weapons policy.

“A gun permit does not authorize a staff member, faculty member, student or visitor to bring firearms into UNA buildings or into other UNA facilities under any circumstances,” according to the policy.

AT ANY TIME.

A

UNIVERSITY

GUN PERMIT DOES NOT

AUTHORIZE A STAFF MEMBER, FACULTY MEMBER, STUDENT OR VISITOR TO BRING FIREARMS INTO

PRESIDENT OF COLLEGE REPUBLICANS

ALABAMA WEAPON LAWS

FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, OR DANGEROUS WEAPONS ARE

NORTH ALABAMA

NATHANIEL WHITE

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

ALLOWED IN BUILDINGS OR OTHER FACILITIES OF THE OF

IT SHOULD BE A GOOD TIME WHETHER YOU LIKE GUNS OR NOT. OF COURSE, THERE WONʼT BE GUNS AT THIS EVENT, BUT ITʼS ALWAYS GOOD TO BE INFORMED.

The policy states that any student, faculty or staff member caught with a firearm must leave campus.

“I think people should have the right to carry guns on them but I think it should at least be visible to other people,” said freshman Sergio Granados.

While White said he thinks the NRA represents the right of Americans to own a gun, he said he thinks they represent more than just that.

“They represent a protective lobbying group of the Second Amendment,” he said.

“The Second Amendment is the first line of defense against anyone who’s trying to destroy the United States.

It’s important to many people to be able to protect themselves and have self-defense.”

White also said he thinks the Second Amendment represents the right to hunt.

UNA WEAPONS POLICY • “NO

”

UNA

BUILDINGS OR INTO OTHER

FACILITIES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.”

UNA

• ANYONE

MAY OPENLY CARRY A

GUN EXCEPT THOSE WHO HAVE COMMITTED OR HAVE ATTEMPTED A VIOLENT CRIME, OR ARE

ADDICTED TO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.

• PUBLIC

INSTITUTIONS AND

UNIVERSITIES MAY DECIDE IF FIREARMS ARE ALLOWED ON THEIR CAMPUSES.

• UNA HAS A ʻNO-TOLERANCEʼ POLICY WHEN IT COMES TO WEAPONS. IF A STUDENT IS CAUGHT WITH A WEAPON ON CAMPUS, HE OR SHE COULD BE EXPELLED FOR HIS OR HER ACTIONS.

• ALL ALABAMA

CITIZENS MUST

HAVE A LICENSE TO CARRY A CONCEALED WEAPON.

News 3

Jan. 28, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Student Engagement offices to be complete April 12 ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

After sitting vacant for nearly two years, the old university bookstore in the Guillot University Center is getting a major makeover.

It will be a joint office for the Office of Student Engagement, the Feeding the Pride Food Pantry and the Student Government Association once the remodel is complete, said Assistant Vice President for Facilities Administration and Planning Michael Gautney in a previous article.

“The contractors finished putting up the walls over the break,” said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter. “They should be finishing the plumbing right now.”

The nearly $600,000 project began in

”

The whole project basically had to be re-engineered. We had to go back and think about some things. Once the re-planning was finished, we had to start over again (with the funding process).

David Shields

Vice President of Student Affairs

December 2015 and should be complete

by April 12, Carter said. All the money used for the remodel came from the 2016 deferred maintenance budget, which is set aside for remodels such as this one, he said.

Officials originally said the project would begin in November 2015 and be complete by the end of January.

Vice President of Student Affairs David Shields said the original bids for the project exceed the budget, so university officials had to make adjustments before the board of trustees approved funding.

“The whole project basically had to be re-engineered,” he said. “We had to go back and think about some things.

Once the re-planning was finished, we had to start over again (with the funding process).”

The bookstore closed in December 2013 before the new bookstore opened in The Commons.

The blueprints for the new office include 10 offices, two conference rooms, three storage rooms, a student workroom, a break room and a receptionist’s office.

The new office will provide more room for Student Engagement, SGA and Registered Student Organizations.

“I definitely think that it will be beneficial for the two departments to be located in the same area because SGA and Student Engagement work together on a lot of projects,” said SGA President Nick Lang. “Also, students will now be able to go to the same place for any questions about student engagement, SGA, student

allocations or campus programming.”

Lang said having the new space means all SGA meetings will take place in that office instead of GUC 200.

He also said he thinks it is important that students will be able to go to one location to get information about Greek Life, Student Engagement and SGA. The new office features a student workroom where RSO members and

leaders can make posters and other signage for their events, Shields said.

“It’ll be basically a one-stop shop for student groups,” he said.

After SGA moves out of their current office across from the Lion’s Den Game Room, the space will return to a faculty and staff lounge area, Gautney said in a previous article.

TORI PATTERSON I Student Photographer

Construction on the future Offices of Student Engagement and the Student Government Association continues in the Guillot University Center. The remodeling project will be complete April 12, said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter.

LionCam offers peek into lions’ habitat ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

Want an inside look into the daily life of UNA’s live mascots, Leo III and Una? Check out the LionCam on UNA’s website.

The university hosted a LionCam

through its own Comcast Cable network about 10 years ago, but had to shut it down due to technological complications, said Associate Vice President for Advancement Services Judith Jackson.

“What happened was, only a limited number of people could log in,” Jackson said. “When a certain number of people logged in, the whole system crashed and

photo courtesy of Shannon Wells

Leo III enters the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat. Anyone with Internet access can now watch the lions during the day through the LionCam link at una.edu/ lioncam.

our IT people would have to reset it. So, we waited until we felt like we could do a streaming service.”

The streaming service is powered by EarthCam, an online streaming service.

LionCam is not a free operation.

Jackson said the first year of streaming costs about $6,000. No tuition or state funds supplement the streaming service, so donors support the service through financial gifts.

LionCam started live streaming again right before Winter Break, she said.

Junior Stormy Morgan said she often watching the LionCam on her computer.

“I wish we had cameras inside their actual facilities so we could see them sleeping and eating and stuff,” she said.

Jackson said many people said they previously enjoyed the LionCam when the university hosted it 10 years ago.

“When we had the LionCam 10 years ago, we found out that the grandchild of somebody that worked at UNA was at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis,” she said. “They got all the children there to log onto a laptop so they could sit in their bed and watch the lions. It’s been used for a lot of different things, and we’re getting a lot of positive response back. I think people are thrilled that it’s back up.”

She also said university President

Kenneth Kitts wanted the streaming service working, too.

“He wanted people to be able to see our lions in real time,” Jackson said. “So, I guess you could say it was a presidential initiative.”

Jackson said she thinks it is important for the university to promote and support Leo III and Una. “Everybody loves the UNA lions,” she said. “The lions continue to be very popular. We continue to print literature for school groups who come through, and they always take our literature.

Especially in the spring when students take their field trips, we’ll have several thousand students from elementary and junior high schools visit.”

She said UNA has had live African lions on campus since 1974 when Leo I came to campus.

In 2015 alone, Jackson said over 78,000 people visited the lions on campus. She said this number includes visitors, student groups on field trips, SOAR student groups, LaGrange Society tours, athlete tours and general campus visitors.

Now with LionCam, even more people can view the lions, she said.

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

4 IMAGES

Jan. 28, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Seeing ▶

from the

Outside

At the game

Teammates Freddie Reed and Tyler Smith celebrate after a successful play. It can be exciting to capture players’ emotions during a game.

▶ Playing Offense

Graduation

Alumnus Tate Hipps celebrates his degree completion from the university Dec. 12, 2015. Capturing ceremonies is one of the many responsibilities of a photographer for The Flor-Ala.

Staff Photographer etownsend@una.edu

Being a photographer is quite an experience. Not only do you have many challenges and rewards that come along with the job, but it also changes your perspective about people, places and the community.

Since I’ve picked up a camera, my focus has been on the environment that surrounds me. At events, I’m now less focused on the event and more focused on the people that are a part of it.

One example of this would be a sports game. As a sports fan, I get caught up in the excitement. My focus is on the team winning. However, when I go into a game to take photos, I allow myself to focus on the emotions of the crowd. I focus on how the players verbally and nonverbally communicate with each other. I see the reactions of

▶

▶

Bilal Richardson, center for UNA Men’s Basketball, focuses intensely on getting the ball in the basket.

Watching students put their all into an activity is a major benefit to student photography.

JACKSON TOWNSEND

Celebrating

the coach and team. It is such an eyeopening experience.

Another example would be when I attend a service or community event.

When people are a part of the team that is packing bags of food for those that may need it or rowing a giant dragon boat down the Tennessee River, their focus is on the task at hand. As a photographer, I get to see the big picture. I get to see a community coming together to help others. It really is rewarding.

When I get to photograph UNA community events, I can step back and realize how interconnected we all are.

It makes me feel at home. It makes me feel like the community at UNA is my family. I would have never realized how much a camera could impact my perspective of what’s going on around me. It’s honestly such a blessing.

Student Sara McWhorter finds the photographer in the crowd as she walks in the UNA Homecoming Parade. When people spot a photographer, they usually act either excited or awkward, which can be humorous.

NEWS 5

Jan. 28, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Officials: Underage drinking in residence halls ʻan epidemicʼ ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

The UNA Police Department reported at least 13 cases of public intoxication, minor in possession of alcohol and driving under the influence of alcohol on campus since August.

“Not only is (underage drinking in the residence halls) common, but it is an epidemic,” said Deputy Chief of Police Mark Parker.

Of the 26 instances of alcohol policy violations reported in the crime log since Jan 17 of those were for a minor in possession of alcohol.

Director of Student Conduct Kim Greenway said UNA’s rate of campus alcohol policy violations is lower than the national average, but these violations still happen on campus.

“Minor in possession of alcohol (based on) my anecdotal observation, is probably our number one conduct issue,” she said.

”

ONE OFFICER WAS DOING A WALK-THROUGH

IN ONE OF THE RESIDENCE HALLS FOR A FIRE

ALARM, AND A STUDENT CAME RUNNING AROUND

THE CORNER, BOTTLE IN HAND.

MARK PARKER

DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE

Parker said he and other campus officers frequently find students violating the campus alcohol policy on campus.

“One officer was doing a walkthrough in one of the residence halls for a fire alarm, and a student came running around the corner, bottle in hand,” he said.

Parker said Resident Adivsors often catch students, but it is impossible for them to catch them all. There are usually 50 to 60 students on each floor, making it difficult for RA’s to I.D. every student on their floor.

“UNA’s Student Code of Conduct prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol and other drugs by students and student organizations,” according to UNA’s alcohol policy. “The regulations also prohibit other alcoholrelated misconduct. Students under the age of 21 are prohibited from possession and/or consumption of alcohol.”

While students under the age of 21 cannot drink on campus, those who are can, Parker said. However, he said he thinks students should consider the consequences of drinking before doing so on campus.

If a drunk student leaves his or her room while intoxicated, he or she could be arrested for public intoxication and face university or judicial consequences.

“The officer has authority to make determination to charge the student through juvenile or district court, or the officer could just refer the student conduct board,” he said. “We do a lot of referrals rather than court system.”

Parker said students of age can

drink, and even be drunk, in their rooms on campus because those rooms are considered private areas. Students cannot drink in the lobby, outside the dorm or by the rock wall, even if they are of-age, he said.

Freshman Haley Hicks said she thinks drinking in the residence halls could be very dangerous.

“It could be really distracting to other residents, too,” she said. “Especially if there are other students trying to study.”

Students caught violating alcohol policy must meet with an official from Student Conduct for a hearing.

“It’s not our goal to make the students feel bad about themselves during this, we just want to know what happened and if there was a violation of policy,” Greenway said.

If there was a violation of policy, Student Conduct determines what services and education the student needs to help prevent the policy violation a second time.

Students complete an alcohol selfassessment through an online test called “e-Chug,” she said.

“It’s pretty interactive and gives you your stats at the end of it, which, honestly, can be a little surprising to students,” Greenway said.

The university also follows a three strikes rule, meaning if a student violates the policy three times, he or she is expelled from school.

Greenway said these instances are rare and she thinks the current education and counseling system helps eliminate these repeat offenders.

“If a student gets caught once, we don’t usually have very many that are sent back a second time,” she said. “If we do, we have very few that get a third time.”

If a student repeatedly violates the alcohol policy, the student then risks being sent to the court system for punishment or being expelled from school, Parker said.

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

CAMPUS ALCOHOL POLICY • STUDENTS

UNDER AGE

21

CANNOT BE WHERE ALCOHOL IS PRESENT ON CAMPUS, DRINK

ALCOHOL OR HAVE ALCOHOL ON THEIR PERSON.

• STUDENTS

AGE

21

AND OLDER

CAN DRINK ALCOHOL IN THEIR RESIDENCE HALL ROOM, BUT

CANNOT DRINK IN ANY PUBLIC AREAS ON CAMPUS.

PUBLIC

AREAS INCLUDE RESIDENCE HALL LOBBIES.

Want to get involved?

Editor-in-Chief Kali Daniel 256.765.4364 Managing Editor Jasmine Fleming 256.765.5182 News Editor Anna Brown 256.765.4296 Life Editor Melissa Parker 256.765.5233 Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel 256.765.5098 Business Manager Jordan Byrd 256.765.4427 Chief Photographer Kaitlin Douglass 256.765.4427 Adviser Scott Morris 256.765.4426

6 NEWS

Jan. 28, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Step Sing draws fun, charity funds What is it?

“It raises money for united way through ticket sales and donations. Each group will have bucket holders in the lobby asking people for donations.”

How much money do they raise?

“Last year, Step Sing raised over $13,000 in donations straight to United Way.”

When is it?

Feb. 5-6 7 p.m.

Norton Auditorium

Who can compete?

What is the most they have donated to United Way? UNA donated $14,170 to United Way in 2014

“Any Registered Student Organization can form a team and compete.”

How many teams compete?

“The competition is limited to the first 16 teams to sign up.”

information gathered by ANNA BEAHM | News Editor information courtesy of Director of Student Engagement Tyler Thompson photo courtesy of Jessica Pajaron

Phi Mu sorority performs at Step Sing 2015 in Norton Auditorium. Each year, the event raises money for United Way.

Viewpoints 7

Jan. 28, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Review

Black history encourages knowledge, not segregation

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

Editorial Policy

JASMINE FLEMING

Managing Editor managing@florala.net

Black History Month: It is a time to celebrate the successes of black people both past and present to honor their roles in the advancement of an entire race in the U.S. At least, that’s what it was for me until the fifth grade.

In the years before that, my elementary school teachers would have my classes participate in Black History Month in many ways. We wrote essays on historical figures, had class lectures on them and occasionally colored pictures of them to hang on the walls.

This went on until my fifth grade year. One day toward the end of January, my teacher addressed us: “OK, class.

Corrections

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

one needed to remember the accomplishments of the black community.

And now, the discussion comes around yearly as to whether or not our country still needs Black History Month.

The most recent naysayer is actress and Fox News Contributor Stacey Dash who commented that recognition of black culture, such as with Black History Month and the Black Entertainment Television Awards, is harmful because it focuses on one race.

“We have to make up our minds,” Dash said in a Jan. 20 interview on Fox and Friends.

“Either we want to have segregation or integration.”

She then went on to say there shouldn’t be Black History Month because black people are “Americans. Period.

That’s it.”

But to people like Dash who believe celebrating black history means segregation, I bring a different opinion: Celebrating black history offers an opportunity to recognize people whose accomplishments aren’t recognized often. I believe if the time comes when

the successes of black people are recognized as often and with the same vigor as those of the majority race group, then the discussion of whether or not we need Black History Month will be valid.

And even though many millennials have not celebrated the month since elementary school, we should not let that keep us from finding a way to give it meaning in our lives today.

No matter what ethnicity people are, they always have room to learn more information about different cultures and ethnicities. A 2014 Slate article lists tips to celebrate the monthlong holiday as adults, with the fourth tip being to “make an effort to learn something new about the black community or experience.”

Even committing to that one act this February can lead to a better understanding of the growth of the black community into what it is today. With that understanding, we as a society don’t develop a sense of segregation. Instead, we learn how to better respect and accept one another.

Effects of racial slurs need consideration before use

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

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

Today we’re going to talk about February and why it’s a special month. Does anyone know what month February is?”

I raised my hand and said, “February is Black History Month.”

It wasn’t a question. It was a statement of fact. So when my teacher paused instead of agreeing, I was confused.

“Black History Month?” she said. “I’ve never heard of that. February is National President’s Month.”

When I went home and told my mom we learned about President’s Month in school that day, she confirmed the belief I had at 11 years old.

She, too, found it strange that a college-educated teacher in her 30s could have lived her entire life without having heard of Black History Month.

Regardless of why we didn’t celebrate it that year, the trend continued. Black History Month never came up in any other classes I had at my elementary or high school. It was as if the month was only for young children and, after a certain age, no

ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me” is the biggest lie I was ever told.

Last Friday, news of a group of female students from a Phoenix high school bombarded social media.

At first, the senior class had all work black shirts with gold letters spelling out, “BEST YOU’VE EVER SEEN CLASS OF 2016” with some students wearing shirts

featuring asterisks to represent spaces between words for a yearbook photo.

Then, the smaller group of students used their shirts to spell out, “N-I-(asterisk)(asterisk)-E-R.” The school, Desert Vista High School, suspended the girls for six days, but some think their punishment should be more intense.

Bri Handy, a change.org user, started a petition calling for the expulsion of the students for their use of the word and firing of the principal for only giving them a five-day suspension for their actions.

While I agree that the girls needed more than just suspension, I think they need more education on racial slurs, not traditional punishment.

The root of the “N-word,” is the word, “negro,” which is the word for the color black in

both Spanish and Portuguese.

The French eventually started using the word, “negress,” as a term for an African woman. By the 1800s, the term became widely known as derogatory and offensive, according to the African American Registry.

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary said the “N-word” means, “A member of a socially disadvantaged class of persons.”

Throughout our modern history, the word was attached to blacks as a form of verbal abuse, racism and segregation.

I hear many people — even on this campus — use the word as a way to joke around.

Every day I hear, “What’s up?” followed by the “N-word” from someone’s mouth.

While I do not know the intent of the six girls from Phoenix, I assume they might

have the same attitude that many people on this campus have toward the word.

“I mean it as a joke,” people say. Or, “Hey, I was just joking with my friend. I’m not a racist!”

These people need to really study the history of this word and how it has literally shaped our culture.

If I were the principal of Desert Vista High School, I would arrange an additional required history course on the use of this word and how it is associated with racism and the major changes caused by the civil rights movement.

I also encourage my fellow classmates and friends to really think about the meaning of that word and the hatred it is associated with.

Words hurt. Most physical injuries heal, but some emotional injuries never mend.

Congratulations to our Writer and Photographer of the Week!

Xavier Wherry & Shay Redd

8 News

Jan. 28,, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

SGA

in

Review

• UPC - “The Big Chill” Snow Daze kickoff Jan. 28 in Guillot University Center banquet halls. Continued working on details for Spring Concert. Step Sing is Feb. 5-6 in Norton Auditorium.

• Senate - The Shared Governance Executive Committee granted a 30-day extension of the review of the Smoking and Tobacco Policy.

• Higher Education Day is Feb. 25.

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

• “Meat the Candidates” is Feb. 18 from 6 - 8 p.m. in the GUC Loft.

Junior Jocelyn Barnes takes her first walk as Miss UNA 2016 Jan. 23. Eighteen women competed for the crown in Norton Auditorium.

BARNES, continued from page 1 Senior Jovonne Baker won Miss Congeniality for the third year.

The title is awarded to the contestant who offers the most support to her fellow competitors and maintains a positive, cheerful attitude throughout the competition.

Baker said she encourages all women who are considering competing in the pageant to put themselves out there and give it a shot.

“Be yourself, be true to who you are and if you didn’t win do it again next year,” Baker said.

Junior Whitney Brown won the University Bookstore Outstanding Service Award.

Brown’s platform was, “Safe at Home.”

The pageant audience determines the People’s Choice Award by placing money in bags labeled with each contestant’s name.

Junior Candice Short won the People’s Choice Award. Her bag contained $65.

Short’s platform was, “Get Proactive ‘Own Your Life.’”

“My favorite part in the pageant was getting to see everyone’s talents because those girls are the most talented group of girls and also seeing Jocelyn win because there’s not a more deserving person,” Wammack said.

Master of Ceremonies M. Fletcher Brown said it was a huge honor to be invited to host the Miss UNA pageant at his alma mater.

Brown serves as the operations manager for Big River Broadcasting. He also is the program director and radio personality for KIX 96.1.

Brown said he enjoyed watching the contestants perform.

“I was very impressed with all of them here tonight,” Brown said. “There

were some really great performances.”

But the contestants weren’t the only ones putting on a show.

Dance groups from All-Starz Dance Academy performed, as well as the UNA Studio Jazz Band.

The young girls of Rising Stars got their chance to curtsy in the spotlight as they met their mentors on stage. The mentors were Miss UNA contestants.

Wammack wowed the crowd with a

melody of “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker and “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston.

Junior Bryant Mcgee said his favorite part of the pageant was the talent competition.

Sophomore Jessica Coffey said she enjoyed the talent part as well, particularly Lauren Blue’s tap dance routine.

For Meeting Briefs and Updates on the Student Government Association, Please visit florala.net

Campus Crime Log • Jan. 19

Domestic violence

harassment Hawthorne Hall • Jan. 17 Public intoxication Music building • Jan. 15

Fraudulent credit card

use • Rivers Hall • Jan. 12 Burglary and theft of

property Mattielou Hall • Jan. 10 Harassing

Communication

Circular Road

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Miss UNA 2015 Rachel Wammack gives freshman Margo King, one of the winners of the talent competition, her award and embraces her. King tied with junior Candice Short in the talent competition.

Full crime log available at una.edu/police/crimelog

Life 9

Jan. 28, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

photos courtesy of Noah Tidmore

Payton Pruitt (left) and sophomore Noah Tidmore take a break from filming. The pair invite artists to perform their music in or around Pruitt’s van, The Bro, then offer a professionally-shot film for the artist to use as promotional material.

Duo wheels, deals promotional music videos KALI DANIEL

Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net

“We decided to have a venue on wheels.”

Sophomore Noah Tidmore leans back in his chair in The Commons, explaining the idea of “The Bro Show,” a series he films alongside the project’s audio guru Payton Pruitt.

The two invite artists to come perform their music in or around Pruitt’s van, The Bro, then offer a professionally-shot film for the artist to use as promotion.

“I wanted to do it to give artists that we believe in and all that stuff some good content because I know Noah’s really good at video and maybe I could at least do decent with audio,” Pruitt said. “A lot of people have some videos, but it’s not great

quality.”

Pruitt purchased the van in May 2014 for $1,000, fixed it up and sold his car to use The Bro as his main vehicle.

“When I got (the van), the dude before me had taken off (most of) the letters,” Pruitt said. “It used to say ‘The Brooks Printing Company’ or something, but he’d just left ‘The Bro.’” The two film any artists who perform at the van free of charge. “(They are doing) something in or around the van,” Pruitt said. “It’s always in the shot.”

Tidmore and Pruitt said they see it as a service to the artists as well as themselves.

“Quickly after it was ‘Oh, we’re just going to do one a month,’ it kind of turned into, ‘Let’s give content to people who deserve good content but don’t often get it,’” Tidmore said. “It’s our main hobbies, and we’re able to put that into practice and consistently get better.”

The pair said the most famous act they have filmed so far is Seryn, an independent band currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee. However, their current goal is to be able to take their work on the road.

“In about a year’s time, (we hope) to get sponsored for a road trip,” Tidmore said.

Pruitt said he would want to film a series over several days, uploading content

”

We’ve kind of restricted ourselves artistically in a good way to confining all the videos to the van. With normal takeaway shows you can go anywhere — that’s the freedom in it. But we decided, well, we can take the van anywhere.

Noah Tidmore Sophomore

more often.

“We’d like to do a road trip, do Bro Shows and maybe go to SXSW or something,” he said. “(We’ll go) anywhere as long as our expenses are covered.”

Alumni Tate Hipps also helps film these takeaway shows — shows where footage is shot in one take, “completely raw.”

“One of the strategies I understand they’re doing is they’re building just a really good base,” Hipps said. “Then, they’re going to try to go for the bigger artists. All the views and subscribers and all that will come, but they’re just trying to build this good foundation.”

“The Bro Show” is only setting limits in terms of how they film, but not who, Tidmore said.

“We’ve kind of restricted ourselves artistically in a good way to confining all the videos to the van,” he said. “With normal takeaway shows you can go anywhere – that’s the freedom in it. But we decided, well, we can take the van anywhere.”

design by PEYTON LAWLER I Graphic Designer

Tidmore said he writes emails to reach out to various artists, and he said he cannot be afraid of rejection.

“A lot of times, I’ll be writing up an email for somebody I really like and they’re pretty big,” he said. “I’ll be like, ‘ah, they probably won’t respond,’ and then sometimes we do get responses. We don’t set our goal too low because if we did we wouldn’t be getting these artists in real life.”

Pruitt said the two have been looking for a rap artist.

However, anybody who writes or plays “good music” is welcome to submit their work.

“If there are any students that are singer/songwriter, contact us,” Tidmore said. “We can’t get everybody, but we want to hear your music if nothing else. With a school this size there’s got to be talent.”

Keep up-to-date with “The Bro Show” on Instagram at broshowmusic. For inquiries and potential filming, email broshowinfo@gmail.com.

10 LIFE

Jan. 28, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Wildwood Tavernʼs hot dogs are ʻthe bombʼ MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

Students behind the podium A series on critical language partners

SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer

International student Adelina Gu teaches an Elementary Chinese class of six students. Gu is learning multiple languages while teaching her native language.

Gu shares her love of language with others MONDAY SANDERSON Associate Life Editor life@florala.net

UNA offers students the chance to learn foreign languages they do not normally offer. Native speakers, who are students, teach these classes.

Senior Adelina Gu arrived at UNA last year, and she began to teach Elementary Chinese last semester.

Gu said Associate Professor of Spanish Scott Infanger told her of the teaching job.

“At first, my purpose was to get a part-time job and to get some working experience in America,” she said. “I had some tutoring experience before in China, and I thought it would be fun.”

Foreign Languages Department Chair Claudia Vance said students enjoy having Gu as a teacher.

“I think she’s very approachable, and she’s very easy going,” she said. “That has made a difference, and the students like being in her class.”

Senior Hyebin Joo said Gu is an encouraging teacher.

“Even if students get wrong answers from the quiz, she claps and then says ‘That’s okay. We can make it again,’” she said.

Gu said teaching also helps her with

her own language.

“It’s really interesting that I get to know more about my language,” she said. “Before, when I was in China, we just speak like people do here. We don’t realize how hard our native language is to learn.”

Gu said she loves to learn different languages and is currently working on three.

Vance said Gu is working toward a dual degree, which allows a student to earn two different degrees.

“She will be getting a degree at Tianjin and UNA in Commercial Spanish,” she said. “This means she will be getting a major in Spanish and a minor in Business.”

Vance said Gu is a dependable and intelligent student.

Freshman James Traywick said Gu is nice and she impresses him.

“I applaud her for taking on the hard task of teaching her native language in English,” he said.

Gu said she considers herself to be patient due to issues with her native language at UNA. “Every time I meet someone, there is this language barrier,” she said. “So, you need to be patient to control your speaking speed and with choosing your words.”

”

ITʼS REALLY INTERESTING THAT I GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MY LANGUAGE. BEFORE, WHEN I WAS IN CHINA, WE JUST SPEAK LIKE PEOPLE DO HERE. WE DONʼT REALIZE HOW HARD OUR NATIVE LANGUAGE IS TO LEARN.

ADELINA GU SENIOR

Gu said another one of her loves is dancing.

“I’m a traditional Chinese dancer,” she said. “The style is called Han, and I like to learn it by myself with videos.

That is the traditional dance which shows the custom and habit of the nation.”

A majority of traditional dances were created during the Han Dynasty and were a ritual, which helped with agriculture, according to the travel guide China Highlights.

Gu said she enjoys it at UNA and is glad she chose to attend school here.

“The campus is beautiful, and everyone I have met has been wonderful,” she said. “I just want to go out to see nature, make new friends and learn about other things.”

For the majority of college students, finding a delicious meal at a fair price is a daily struggle. Another struggle is finding a place that provides quick service and is close to campus. Wildwood Tavern on Mobile Street satisfies both those needs.

With no meals over $8.99, it can definitely be a hit with the campus crowd.

The Tavern was recently featured on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” and all over Facebook after a paper sack containing some of their signature hot dogs was mistaken for a bomb in downtown Florence.

Because of all that attention, I knew I had to check it out.

The business saw this national exposure as an opportunity and ran with it, creating the new “Bomb Squad Dog.” My family and I visited the restaurant recently, and I decided to check out this new addition.

The “Bomb Squad Dog” is a 100 percent beef hot dog covered in the house chili, sliced jalapeños and a house-made wasabi mustard drizzled over the top to resemble a police “do not cross” line.

I’m not usually a jalapeño type of gal, but they added an extra kick to the mix that was delicious. The wasabi mustard was new to me as well, and it definitely heightened the flavor. The dog came with a mound of kettle chips, ranch dipping sauce and a pickle spear. The $5.99 price tag was a nice finish to the meal.

Since this was my family’s first time at Wildwood, we decided to try several things on the menu.

The Meat Amoré pizza was amazing.

The crispy thin crust provided ample support for the basil marinara sauce, pepperoni, Italian sausage, chicken and mozzarella.

The server recommended the Philly cheesesteak, and it did not disappoint.

Roast beef, mozzarella, grilled onions and grilled green peppers piled atop a French roll, served with a pile of chips, dipping sauce and a pickle, all for the price of $7.99 is a bargain lovers’ dream.

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

MELISSA PARKER I Life Editor

Wildwood Tavern’s “Bomb Squad Dog” explodes with flavor. The restaurant on Mobile Street offers plenty of dining options, including pizza and sandwiches, under $8.99.

LIFE 11

Jan. 28, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

TRAFFICKED

Super highway has more than ʻcarʼ traffic MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

The Super Bowl generates billions of dollars in sales and ad revenues each year.

It not only draws millions of viewers, but also individuals looking to profit from the sales of another commodity—humans.

“The Super Bowl is actually the largest human trafficking event, sportswise, in the country,” said Fundraising Chair for END IT Alabama David Pinkleton. END IT Alabama is a project of the Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force.

Traffickers see environments where there are large quantities of people, like the Super Bowl, as perfect places to bring in girls and boys, he said. People are focused on the event rather than what is going on around them.

Junior Dominic Summerhill said he thinks human trafficking is a topic people should pay more attention to.

“It’s something I think people forget about,” he said.

Some estimates show traffickers will make approximately $32 billion annually from the sale of humans, while other estimates are as high as $150 billion, according to the End it Alabama website. Unlike drugs and arms dealing, traffickers can continue to exploit their victims by selling them over and over again.

In a proclamation last month, President Obama declared January National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

“One hundred and fifty years ago, our Nation codified the fundamental truth that slavery is an affront to human dignity,” he said in the proclamation.

“Still, the bitter fact remains that millions of men, women and children around the globe, including here at home, are subject to modern-day slavery: the cruel, inhumane practice of human trafficking.”

Pinkleton said though he is not aware of any specific cases in Lauderdale County, it does not mean there is not something happening “under the radar.”

Senior Jessica Fowler said she thinks it could happen anywhere and people should stay aware of their surroundings.

“Someone could easily pull up behind you and try and kidnap you, and no one would ever know you went missing or know what happened.”

With U.S. Highway 72 cutting through the county on the way to Memphis, it is possible the area could be a pass-through, Pinkleton said.

KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer design by PEYTON LAWLER I Graphic Designer

Human trafficking does not happen just in third world countries. The “super highway of human trafficking” is Alabama’s Interstate 20 that cuts through Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Anniston, said Fundraising Chair for END IT Alabama David Pinkleton.

“Huntsville is in the hub of other human trafficking hotspots in the southeast like Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta and Birmingham,” he said. “Atlanta has been designated as the number one hotspot in the country for human trafficking, and we’re just a couple hours away.”

The “super highway of human trafficking” is Alabama’s Interstate 20 that cuts through Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Anniston, Pinkleton said.

Development Director for The WellHouse Ashley Anderson said the organization in Leeds takes in women, ages 18 and over, from Alabama and throughout the U.S. who have been sexually exploited or trafficked.

In the past three to four years The

WellHouse has rescued over 300 women, she said.

Victims go to the immediate shelter where they stay for an initial 30 to 45 days, she said.

“I wish I could tell you that they all stay with us, but unfortunately there are instances when they do leave,” she said.

“It’s a voluntary program. We give them every resource available for them to begin healing.”

Women will leave for a number of reasons, she said. One is they have a very unhealthy relationship with the trafficker and even look at him as a boyfriend.

“That is often times the only lifestyle she knows and the only person she knows because she’s been so dependent on him,” she said.

After the initial period, the

organization helps women get new IDs and birth certificates, she said.

If the woman makes the decision to stay, she moves next door to the longterm shelter where she learns valuable job skills, she said.

Anderson said The WellHouse wants to educate parents and children on the dangers of what is happening in their own backyard.

“The grooming process begins between 12 to 14 years of age,” she said.

“That’s that prime age when they get their phones and social media, and then they get sucked into this lifestyle.”

Pinkleton encourages people to visit the enditalabama.org website for more information on how to help victims of human trafficking.

12 Sports

Jan. 28, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Put Me In, Coach

Scoreboard Jan. 21-23 Jan. 21

Women’s BB vs. West Florida 86-61 Loss Men’s BB vs. West Florida 91-83 Win

Jan. 23

Women’s BB vs. Valdosta State 70-54 Win

Men’s BB vs. Valdosta State 78-64 Win

Upcoming JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Freshman guard Kierra Groce prepares to play defense against rival Alabama-Huntsville Jan. 16. Groce earned her first career start against Christian Brothers Jan. 9 and has started every game since.

Freshman earns starting role MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

When the harsh reality of a losing season sets in, coaches have opportunities to experiment with different players and rotations.

As freshmen and sophomores occupy the UNA women’s basketball team roster, freshman newcomer Kierra Groce worked her way into the starting rotation midway through the season. Groce made her first start against Christian Brothers Jan. 9.

“Before Christmas break, I was getting no playing time,” Groce said. “Coach (Missy Tiber) determines who plays by how we do in practice. She came in and told us she was changing everything. I went hard every single day because I wanted that opportunity. It was a big surprise (when she told me I would start).”

Since her first start, Groce averages almost 29 minutes per game in five starts. She racked up more minutes in her last five games combined than her total in the previous 13 games.

Before her first start, Groce

averaged eight minutes off the bench.

UNA assistant coach Adrianne Harlow said Groce’s first breakout game came against Arkansas Tech, where Groce scored nine points as a backup and gave the Lions a weapon on defense.

”

Coach (Missy Tiber)

determines who plays by how we do

in practice. She came in and told

us she was changing everything.

I

went hard every single day because

I wanted that opportunity.

Kierra Groce

Freshman guard

“Kierra got in that game because we had some injuries to our main players and were in major foul trouble,” Harlow said. “We just stuck her in there, and I don’t think anyone expected her to do what she did.

That’s kind of what we hoped to see from her, and she’s growing from that.”

Harlow said Groce fit the

Lions’ defensive philosophy.

“We were doing a more uptempo pressure defense, and that’s what we recruited her to do,” Harlow said. “We recruited her when we saw she was a ball hawk and hounded the person with the ball.”

Groce’s athletic ability goes beyond basketball, as she was a three-sport athlete at Munford High School. She lettered in basketball, softball and volleyball for the school.

“I not only had offers in basketball, but also in softball and one in volleyball,” Groce said. “I came to the conclusion I wanted to play basketball for my next four years. UNA reached out to me and said they were interested in me, and I was excited.”

Groce said she had offers from West Alabama and West Georgia to play basketball, but UNA stood out to her the most.

“The community and the people here are so welcoming,” she said. “When I found out about the Lions, I couldn’t believe we had real-live mascots on campus. I knew when I came here I would become comfortable with the surroundings.”

Freshman guard Elise Holden said she enjoys spending a lot of time with Groce, whether it is on the court or outside of basketball.

“We hang out in our dorm rooms together, go shopping and go get dinner together,” Holden said. “I feel like we were friends right away. Even if we didn’t play basketball together, I think we would still be good friends.”

As she attempts to balance academics with athletics, Groce said she switched her major from sports medicine to sports management this semester.

Despite her declared major, she said her true passion is helping special needs students.

“I have a huge heart for special education students,” she said. “During my senior year, I worked with some. That’s something I would want to do. I have a few more years to figure out what I want to do, but my heart is in special education.”

After snapping an eightgame losing streak against Valdosta State, Groce and the Lions go on the road Jan. 28 to take on West Alabama. A win against the Tigers would give UNA its only series sweep in conference play.

Basketball

Jan. 28 at West Alabama Women Tipoff @ 5:30 p.m.

Men Tipoff @ 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 at West Georgia Women Tipoff @ 2 p.m.

Men Tipoff @ 4 p.m.

Softball Jan. 29-31 GSC/Peach Belt Challenge Columbus, Georgia Feb. 5-7 Eckerd College Invitational Clearwater, Florida

Baseball

Feb. 6 vs. Miles College (DH) Feb. 7 vs. Stillman (DH)

Track Feb. 6 Tiger Indoor Invitational Sewanee, Tennessee Feb. 7 South Alabama Jaguar Invitational Birmingham, Alabama

Tennis

Feb. 6 vs. West Georgia (Women) Feb. 8 vs. Martin Methodist (Men) Feb. 9 at Martin Methodist (Women)

Games continued at roarlions.com

Sports 13 Softball squad swings into new season Jan. 28, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

There appears to be nothing but optimism and high expectations surrounding this year’s softball team.

After finishing 38-14 (17-9 Gulf South Conference) and falling short to Florida Tech in the South Region final, the Lions are on a mission.

This year’s lineup features a seniorheavy lineup, as 13 lettermen and six starters return to the team, including the entire infield. Head coach Ashley Cozart said she is confident in the 2016 team.

“I think a lot of our returners are really hungry,” Cozart said. “We got to the championship game in the conference tournament last year, and we got to the championship game in the regional. We know what it takes to get there now, so hopefully we have that hungriness and will to get past that.”

”

We got to the championship game in the conference tournament last year, and we got to the championship game in the regional.

We know what it takes to

get there now, so hopefully we have that hungriness and will to get past that.

Ashley Cozart Head Coach

The GSC coaches picked UNA fourth in the preseason poll, despite the Lions’ favorable odds. Ahead of the Lions are the defending regular season champions, Valdosta State, Alabama-Huntsville and

AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Senior second baseman Madeline Lee rounds second against West Alabama last season. The Lions return six starters and start the season Jan. 29 against defending national champions North Georgia.

conference tournament winner Shorter.

Cozart said she does not put much merit into the preseason rankings.

“It’s nice to know if you’re up there, but it gives us something to shoot for,” Cozart said. “I think some of our girls were a little disappointed, but I think that just motivates us more.”

Junior pitcher Hillary Carpenter is the lone representative for the Lions on the All-GSC preseason team. Along with Carpenter, the Lions return starters Madeline Lee, Brooklyn Clark, Harlie Barkley, Courtney Shields, Bailey Nelson and Reagan Tittle.

While UNA bolsters solid returners,

established their own teams. She said the process was not easy.

“With last year being my first year here, I didn’t exactly know how to go about the process, so it started out as an RSO,” Pacil said. “After a year, we were seeking funding to get a team started.

With the lack of funding, it was hard to find a coach because it was not a paid position.”

Pacil said Smith reached out to her, asking to become the team’s coach. Pacil said Smith’s efforts are commendable.

“I think what makes her a good coach is that she’s very understanding,” she said. “She puts her all into it, even though she may not get that much out of it.”

UNA’s team participates in equitation riding, which focuses on the rider instead of the horse. Equitation riding is technical, Pacil said.

The horses used for competition reside at the Future Performance Horses barn in Cullman, Alabama.

Pacil said horseback riding is a mental and physical challenge, as it requires the

ability to multitask.

“Your legs are actively working all the time,” she said. “The seat helps control the pace of the horse, your hands are adjusting the rein length and your fingers are talking to the horse’s mouth. You’re thinking for yourself and the horse.”

Junior Quintin Clark said he was unaware UNA had an equestrian team, but is interested in following it.

“I rode a horse when I was young, but nothing competitive,” Clark said. “I can definitely see myself supporting the equestrian team now that I’m informed.”

Smith said she has big plans for the team down the road.

“I would love to see the equestrian team become a recruitment avenue for the university,” she said. “My goal is to develop the program into something so successful and admirable that students want to come to UNA to ride with us.”

The equestrian team’s next competition is Feb. 5-6 against Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia.

Lee, the team’s senior second baseman, said she is expecting immediate impact from newcomers.

“I am very excited to see what we can do this year,” Lee said. “We have a lot of talent coming in, both underclassmen and transfers from (junior colleges).

Everybody is here to work hard and wants to win.”

Cozart said the incoming talent can compete for starting roles instantly.

“The girls that have come in have really bought in to what the coaches are saying and what the returners are saying,” she said. “We brought in a pitcher named Raven Cole, who was very successful at her last school and has the ability to take over a game. We have a few freshmen that are working their way into the lineup as well.”

While many teams find holes in their team, Cozart said this year’s squad seems to be more solid all-around than previous teams she has coached.

“We’re very balanced everywhere,” Cozart said. “We’re hitting the ball very well at every practice. Defensively, we’re coming together, communicating and making the right plays. Our pitching staff is going to do well again in the circle.”

The Lions will have a tough matchup to begin 2016, as their first game is against the defending national champions, North Georgia. The game is part of the GSC/ Peach Belt Conference crossover in Columbus, Georgia, Jan. 30-31.

Clark, a senior first baseman, said she thinks the first game will be a welcomed test for the Lions.

“Most teams may be scared to play the defending national champion, but we’re pretty excited about playing them right off the bat,” Clark said. “We have a good all-around team, and it will be a good game. Playing them first will get our momentum going for the rest of the season.”

Equestrian team saddles up for competition XAVIER WHERRY Student Writer xwherry@una.edu

One student’s adoration of horses led to a new sport on campus.

The UNA equestrian team took time to establish, but due to proactive movements, the team is official. The squad started competition last fall.

Junior Whitney Pacil and graduate student Elizabeth Hughes Tyson are the only two riders for the equestrian team.

The team’s coach, Amy Smith, said in an email she had nothing but positive remarks when referring to them.

“Whitney and Elizabeth have proven to be amazing young women,” Smith said.

“They are incredibly talented, absolutely open to instruction, persistent in pursuing their goals and, most importantly, great sports who aren’t afraid to help fellow competitors and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.”

Pacil drew inspiration to start an equestrian club from other colleges that

AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Junior Whitney Pacil, a member of the UNA equestrian team, prepares her horse, Chanel, to ride Jan 24.

14 SPORTS

Jan. 28, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Junior transfer makes immediate impact for Lions MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

Some may think it is hard to pronounce his name, but opponents may struggle more trying to guard him on a basketball court.

Meet Dimario Jackson.

The junior transfer point guard from Northeast Mississippi Community College became a catalyst for the UNA men’s basketball team offense almost instantly. Jackson averages 15.6 points per game and has started every game for the Lions.

Jackson said applying his natural talents and continuously working to improve is the key to his success.

“I first have to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play this game,” Jackson said. “I think for me, I spend a lot of time working on (my game). We get a lot of shots at practice, but before practice, I spend a lot of time at the free throw line.”

With direct connections to NEMCC head coach Cord Wright and others, UNA coach Bobby Champagne said finding Jackson was easy.

“He was at Northeast Mississippi playing for Cord Wright and Kyle Morris, two guys who know our program very well,” Champagne said. “Dimario is from outside of Baton Rouge (Louisiana) and is really good friends with Kenny Johnson, who played here.”

Jackson, who attended Brusly High School in Louisiana, said he idolized Johnson, who played roughly 10 years before Jackson at his school’s rival, Blackman.

“Kenny played in the same organization and neighborhood I did,” he said. “I grew up watching Kenny. Kenny was playing around the time my sister was in high school, and he was the player to watch. He was a solid point guard there just like he was here at North Alabama.”

Jackson leads the Gulf South Conference in free throw percentage, shooting 90 percent from the charity stripe. “(Free throw shooting) is one of the parts of the game, if not the only part of the game, you can perfect,” he said.

“You’re not going to make all of your free throws every night, but some nights, if someone on the team goes 5-5, you might win by one. That’s big.”

Champagne said he gets a sense of assurance when Jackson has the ball in tight-game situations and when he goes to the free throw line.

“He’s a good free throw shooter,” he said. “He does a good job of getting (to the free throw line), and it’s nice to have a guy like that late in the game. You can put it in his hands, and when there’s no five-second count, he can hold it until they foul him.”

With uncertainty coming into the season, Jackson emerged as a full-time starter for the Lions and averages 32.3 minutes per game.

Jackson fits in well with the guards, said junior guard Jeff Hodge, who was

”

I THINK FOR ME, I SPEND A LOT OF TIME WORKING ON (MY GAME). WE GET A LOT OF SHOTS AT PRACTICE, BUT BEFORE PRACTICE, I SPEND A LOT OF TIME AT THE FREE THROW LINE.

DIMARIO JACKSON JUNIOR GUARD

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Junior point guard Dimario Jackson attempts to dribble inside against Shorter Dec. 19. Jackson leads the Gulf South Conference in free throw percentage and averages 15.6 points per game.

one of three returning players for UNA. “I believe we are all playing pretty good together,” Hodge said. “We knew Dimario would be a good leader at the point. When he gets going, he’s like a microwave. He just gets hot.”

Jackson, a business major, said he hopes to apply his leadership skills as a future company executive.

“It doesn’t really matter what

company, but I really want to be a top executive somewhere,” he said. “I think God blessed me with the strength to lead.

I’m more of a lead-by-example guy, but I can be vocal, too.”

Jackson and the Lions face two GSC rivals this week, beginning with West Alabama Jan. 28 in Livingston.

Following Thursday’s game, UNA travels to face West Georgia Jan. 30.

DIMARIO JACKSON • 15.6 PPG • 89.6% FREE THROWS • 1.9 ASSIST/TURNOVER RATIO

EXTRA 15

Jan. 28, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Thurs., Jan. 28 3:30 p.m.

SGA Senate meeting GUC 200 5 p.m.

The Big Chill GUC Banquet Hall 5:30 p.m.

UNA Basketball at West Alabama 6 p.m.

NPHC Convocation GUC Performance Center photo courtesy of Noah Tidmore

6 p.m.

CLeg Meeting GUC 200 8 p.m.

Late Night Karaoke GUC Food Court

Fri., Jan. 29 7 p.m.

Jordy Searcy The Mane Room

Sun., Jan. 31 6 p.m.

Pinky Promise Stone Lodge (Lower) 8 p.m.

ENCOUNTER Stone Lodge (Upper)

Former UNA student Jordy Searcy performs “Rosalyn” on “The Bro Show” in October. Searcy will perform at The Mane Room Jan. 29 at 7 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

SGA University Program Council GUC 200 6 p.m.

College Republicans Host Johnathan McConnell GUC Banquet Hall 8 p.m.

FCA Meeting Commons 330

Tues., Feb. 2

Mon., Feb. 1

3 p.m.

College Republicans Host NRA GUC Banquet Hall

9 a.m.

National Society for Leadership & Success GUC

3:30 p.m.

Student Allocations GUC Conference Rm.

Wed., Feb. 3 4:30 p.m.

SAFE Stone Lodge (Upper)

5 p.m.

Belly Dancing and Body Positivity Workshop GUC Banquet Hall

4:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

SGA Freshman Forum ENCOUNTER GUC 200 Stone Lodge (Upper)

Have an event?

Send the title, location, date and time to: editor@florala.net

16 EXTRA

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

Jan. 28, 2016 • The Flor-Ala