Jan. 8 Issue

Resolutions Page 1B Jan. 8, 2015

Volume 83, Issue 16

www.FlorAla.net

spaper of the University Universit of North Alabama Student newspaper

TRANSPORTATION

Bridgework expected to congest downtown traffic ASHLEY REMKUS

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Commuters whose paths cross O’Neal Bridge could soon be looking for an alternate route to campus.

A two-year project to refurbish the 75-year-old structure is expected to begin when temperatures start to rise this spring.

“Tentatively it will start in March,” said Mark Evers of the Alabama Department of Transportation. “There’s no definite date set.”

Evers said the uncertainty

about the start date results from unpredictable weather, and the work could be postponed if conditions do not improve.

The project, which includes mostly cosmetic work, entails repainting the structure, replacing old lighting, repairing or replacing damaged concrete and adding a new drainage system, he said.

The bridge, which has not been repainted in more than 25 years, will be better protected from weather and rust damage when the project is completed.

Evers said one lane of traffic in each direction will likely be closed for the duration of the

project.

“It will be in everybody’s best interest to find another route,” said Florence Police Chief Ron Tyler. “Traffic is going to be backed up. It’s going to be gridlock.”

Police are asking the public to utilize the Singing River Bridge as an alternate route.

Tyler said he expects traffic will increase on Veterans Drive, but that for most people driving the extra distance will still be faster.

“Pretty much unless somebody is coming from Sheffield, it’ll still be quicker to make the trip around to Singing

River,” he said. “Any time one lane of the bridge is closed for a wreck or something like that, traffic typically backs up to either the first red light on Court Street or the one at Jackson Highway.”

He said the work crews will block different lanes on the bridge at different times, and drivers are likely to face confusion.

Officials said another Florence roadway project could begin while the O’Neal Bridge refurbishment takes places.

Reconstruction of part of Wood Avenue was originally expected to begin this spring

and last one year, but City Engineer Bill Batson said the start date is currently unknown.

Because of the historic nature of the area, state officials have not yet given approval for the project, Batson said.

The work includes replacing the current road and replacing the utility lines that lay below.

Batson said the street was not constructed at today’s standards.

“That’s why it’s falling apart,” he said. “But, in a historic area like that, you’ve really got to cross all your T’s and dot all your I’s before you can do any kind of work.”

SAFETY

Pastula resigns, Parker fills interim police chief position ASHLEY REMKUS

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An interim chief of the University Police Department has been appointed until a search begins to permanently fill the position.

Mark Parker temporarily fills the position left vacant when former Chief Bob Pastula officially resigned Dec. 31.

“I am standing in the role to maintain the integrity and quality that’s already here in the police department,” Parker said. “I’ll do that until a person is selected to take over the (position).”

INSIDE

this week’s paper

Parker brings 30 years of experience as a police officer to UNA. He served as the Killen Police Chief for 11 years and has worked two years for UNA. “What I know of his background and experience, I think he will do fine in the interim position,” said Director of Student Conduct Kim Greenway, who works closely with the police department.

“He’s been not only experienced as a former chief of a town, but he’s been working at UNA.” Parker said he does not anticipate any major departmental changes during his term as chief.

Greenway and Vice

NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A PHOTO ESSAY . . . 4A VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7A

President for Student Affairs David Shields praised the current state of the department, saying Pastula’s implementation of various programs makes campus a safer place.

During his tenure, Pastula implemented the Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol, established the university dispatch center, offered active shooter training for students, faculty and staff, and developed an auxiliary force of 12 to 14 volunteer officers, among other safety measures.

Shields said Pastula’s letter of resignation was accepted “regrettably.”

“We’re sad to lose him,”

LIFE . . . . . . . . . 1B SPORTS . . . . . . . 5B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 8B

Shields said. “We are thankful for the tremendous work he has done to make our campus safe.”

Shields said he and Pastula discussed the resignation shortly after the fall 2014 semester ended.

“I have been a police officer for over 35 years,” Pastula said.

“I am going to retire and enjoy my grandchildren.”

Shields said he and Pastula have been working closely with Parker to help him prepare for the position.

“We hope to have a new chief appointed by the end of the spring semester at the latest,” he said.

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photo by KALI DANIEL I Managing Editor

Interim Police Chief Mark Parker works at his desk in the UNA Police Department Jan. 6. Parker temporarily fills the position left vacant when Bob Pastula resigned Dec. 31.

SPORTS SUPERSTITIONS...5B

Please recycle your paper.

2A NEWS

Jan. 20, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

SPORTS

COACHES’ SALARIES Bobby Wallace

Stephanie Radecki

Bobby Champagne

Missy Tiber

Football $108,869.04

Men’s basketball $84,679.08

Mike Keehn Baseball $65,535.60

Brice Bishop

Volleyball $50,298.36

Women’s basketball $70,775.04

Ashley Cozart Softball $47,031.96

Scott Trimble

Tennis $42,921.48

Cross-country $20,085

Jason Vaughn

Chris Walker

Golf $31,200

Soccer $45,900

NEWS 3A

Jan. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

photo courtesy of Sports Information

Football head coach Bobby Wallace stands among football players at the Oct. 4, 2014 game against Western Oregon University at Braly Stadium. Wallace is the highest paid head coach at UNA, making $108,869.04 per year.

ATHLETICS

Menʼs coaches average nearly $12,000 higher than womenʼs teams salaries JASMINE FLEMING 7VTQVM -LQ\WZ WVTQVM(NTWZITI VM\

The debate about pay inequality based on gender is evident in UNA athletics.

There is an $11,933 difference in the average salaries for men’s and women’s teams head coaches at UNA, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s Equity in Athletics data sheet.

UNA men’s teams head coaches average $53,889 per year, while women’s teams head coaches average only $41,956.

Athletic Director Mark Linder said UNA wants to have its coaches’ salaries in the top three per position when compared to the other schools in the Gulf South Conference.

“We look at the averages of the conference to see if there’s a big disparity and if we’re underpaying,” Linder said.

“We need, for the good of the university — regardless of who’s coaching — to get that salary so (the position) remains competitive.”

Years and level of coaching experience, as well as budget restraints at the university, are also considered when hiring a coach and setting the salary, Linder said.

The average salary for a men’s team head coach in the Gulf South Conference is $56, 314, and the average for a women’s team head coach is $41,586, according to the Department of Education. UNA’s numbers fall slightly behind these.

Bobby Champagne, men’s basketball head coach, said salaries for some sports are generally higher than others, which could account for some of the difference.

“Football coaches, in general, make more than everybody else,” he said.

“That kind of skews the numbers a little bit, because you wouldn’t have a women’s equivalence.”

Three of the seven women’s teams have female head coaches, and each of the men’s teams have male head coaches, according to roarlions.com, the UNA Athletics site.

Although most of the coaches are the same gender as their teams, Linder said the numbers are not representative of a gender wage gap.

“I think it’s more to do with the salary for that sport,” Linder said. “That’s what we try to look at. Whether we’re hiring a male or a female is indifferent.”

Champagne said disparities in men’s and women’s salaries for equal work are visible all throughout the country and are not unique to UNA athletics.

“On average, men make a little bit more than women do,” Champagne said.

“The gap’s closed (some), but it hasn’t actually gotten to the point where it’s equal.”

Sophomore athlete Alexis Pester said she thinks the difference in salaries results from the lower revenue women’s teams generate.

“The men’s (basketball) team gets more attendance for each game, which means they sell more tickets and make more money,” she said. “And each time a team wins the conference or makes the NCAA tournament, the school gets money, which is probably given to that respective team.”

Pester said although she believes men’s teams coaches make more because their teams bring in more revenue, she

also believes male coaches make more simply because of their gender.

Although there is almost a $12,000 difference between the average salaries of men’s and women’s teams head coaches, the average salary difference for assistant coaches is $547, with men’s teams assistant coaches averaging $19,928 and women’s teams assistant coaches averaging $20,475, according to the data.

Linder said most assistant coaches for the women’s teams are full-time, while some of the men’s team assistant coaches are only part time.

”

ON AVERAGE, MEN MAKE A LITTLE MORE THAN WOMEN DO. THE GAPʼS CLOSED SOME, BUT NOT TO THE POINT ITʼS EQUAL.

BOBBY CHAMPAGNE MENʼS BASKETBALL HEAD COACH This accounts for the higher average female salary, he said.

“If we put every male team’s assistant coach on a full-time salary, I’m assuming those numbers would go up,” he said.

“Some of the (male) assistant coaches are making (around) $6,000, so that lowers the average.”

Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.

DIVISION-I

Transition will increase coach salaries, scholarships ASHLEY REMKUS

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Since the discussion about a transition to Division-I began, UNA Athletics has made several strides toward the shift.

Fundraising has taken off, initial discussions with conferences have begun, and a new weight room facility and two women’s sports have been added.

Next on the to-do list is finding a conference home, and Athletic Director Mark Linder identified the Atlantic Sun Conference and the Big South Conference as possibilities.

“We have to be sensible to the geographical fit, so the conferences in our communication strategy would be in the southern tier of the U.S.,” Linder said. “There’s nothing concrete now.”

If an invitation comes from the Atlantic Sun, which does not include football teams, another conference, such as the Big South, will be sought to house the UNA program.

The football team will join the Football Championship Subdivision, or D-I AA, while the other sports will be considered D-I. Several steps in the transition to D-I will come after an invitation is received and the move begins, Linder said.

While UNA spends about $957,000 on coach pay annually, D-I Jacksonville State University pays about $2 million.

Linder said he expects UNA will increase spending on coaching salaries by about $800,000 to $1 million as part of the transition.

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4A IMAGES

Jan. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

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RESOLUTE 2

STAFF REPORT

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Millions of people made New Year’s Resolutions Jan. 1, however, statistics show most will not keep them. Here at The Flor-Ala, we hope to keep each other accountable by sharing our resolutions with the community. Check out our staff’s resolutions and feel free to offer us suggestions or check in to see how we are doing throughout the year.

1. Graphic Designer Shilo Cupples hopes to be more organized.

2. Life Editor Mari Williams is going to make the most of every Monday.

3. News Editor Ashley Remkus plans to “double-check her swag” before she leaves the restroom.

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4. Managing Editor Kali Daniel is shooting to read 5,200 pages.

5. Editor-in-Chief Anna Grace Usery wants to keep a journal of her dreams, then rework them into a collection of short stories.

6. Sports Editor Dustin Pollard hopes to participate in New Year’s resolutions next year.

7.

Online Editor Jasmine Fleming wants to spend more time with friends and family.

8. Graphic Designer Jordan determined to be more stylish.

Ferrell

is

Tell us about your resolutions via Twitter, Facebook or email and we can further keep each other accountable this year.

To learn about keeping a resolution, check out page 1B. To see what other students picked as their resolutions, see page 4B.

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NEWS 5A

Jan. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

ADMINISTRATION

Trustees approve KittsĘź employment contract, salary ASHLEY REMKUS

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UNA’s 20th president is officially set to start work March 30.

The board of trustees approved Kenneth Kitts’ three-year employment contract at its quarterly meeting Dec. 15. “We are very excited to have Kenneth Kitts as the next president of UNA,� said President Pro-Tempore of the board Marty Abroms.

The contract stipulates a $265,000 salary, an increase of just over $6,000 from the current salary of approximately $258,000.

Prior to the three percent pay increase for faculty and staff approved at the board’s September meeting, the salary was just over $250,000.

Abroms said the increase was necessary to keep the salary competitive with other universities, while keeping it within UNA’s budget. “We wanted to know we can handle this in our budget,� Abroms said.

Kenneth Kitts was 100 percent on board with this.�

The contract also provides Kitts a vehicle for personal and professional use, and says the Kitts family will reside in the president’s home on campus. The university will pay up to $20,000 during the next two years for the family’s moving expenses.

If Kitts becomes a faculty member during his presidency, he will not receive any additional compensation; however, if he is only a faculty member in the future, he will receive compensation equal to that of the highest current paid College of Arts and Sciences faculty member, according to the contract. “We have not talked at all about what my teaching schedule might look like,�

Kitts said. I’m hired to be president. “But, as I have said before, I think

, 1 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) “We don’t have to spend a certain amount,� Linder said. We don’t have to hire more coaches or increase pay.�

However, he said, to have success, UNA’s coaches will have to be paid salaries similar to those of others in the conference to attract the best ones.

Freshmen Sierra Johnson and Anastasia Holland said the extra expense to ensure UNA has the best coaches is worth the cost. “I just want our school to be D-I,�

Johnson said. “I want us to have a good football team, and spending the money for better sports teams makes the whole college look better.�

Holland said the increase in salary spending is higher than she expected, but feels UNA will benefit from successful sports teams.

Linder said UNA already meets the D-I minimum in coaching salaries and athletic scholarships, and research has been conducted about potential conferences to determine how much to

it’s important to teach when you can and be with students.�

Kitts said he plans to make a few trips to campus prior to the March 30 start date. “We have one visit scheduled for late January to meet with legislative and campus leaders,� he said. “I’m working closely with Mr. Abroms and President (John) Thornell to learn about key events to attend so it’s not completely new on March 30.�

He said there are currently no plans for immediate administrative or executive changes. “I’m going to begin thinking more concretely about what my initial months on the job are going to look like,� he said. “I know my way around college administration, but I’m not completely familiar with UNA yet.�

Abroms praised Kitts’ work at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke to increase enrollment, saying he thinks Kitts can help bring UNA’s numbers back up after a five-year decline. “Enrollment is obviously a key area of concern that I want to pay attention to sooner rather than later,� Kitts said. “There are already some good things that have been set in motion. I need to get a feel for the situation so I can be a leader and decide the next step to take.�

He said he plans to take a “listening tour� across the region before he begins his tenure. “I want to just make a few key stops to sit and listen, take in people’s views of UNA.�

He said the tour would include hearing where students, faculty, staff, parents and community members think UNA can improve.

Kitts’ wife, Dena, and his sons, Colin and Corbin, will move to campus after the children finish the current school year. increase in the future.

Schools that transition to D-I do not become conference active until a four-year transition period has passed, meaning they are ineligible to compete for championships during that time.

�

AS FAR AS A D-II SCHOOL, UNA IS ON VERY SOLID FOOTING TO MAKE THE TRANSITION,

SO THAT WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR US WHEN WE MOVE TO

D-I.

MARK LINDER ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Linder said during that time, a fiveyear contract would be extended to coaches, and the pay increases would come later.

He also said the increases would be adjusted to consider cost of living in Florence as compared to cities where

photo by PEYTON BYRD I Senior Staff Photographer

President-elect Kenneth Kitts speaks to students, faculty, staff and locals during his campus presentation Oct. 16. Kitts was selected as the 20th president by the board of trustees at its Nov. 5 meeting.

coaches from other schools live.

Linder said athletic scholarships are also part of the formula for a successful athletic program, and while UNA is at the top of scholarship funding at the Division-II level, he expects spending will increase by about $1 million to bring scholarships to a higher level at D-I. Tuition increases were considered in the estimates, he said. “For example, in women’s basketball D-I has 15 full scholarships and in D-II, we only have 10,� he said “So, we’re at the minimum, but we don’t want to be at the minimum because we won’t be competitive. We want to be good in our sports. “As far as a D-II school, UNA is on very solid footing to make the transition, so that will make it easier for us as we move to D-I.�

Linder said fundraising for the transition began when the university set a benchmark of $3 million.

He said the goal was reached through pledges from community members. “Of course we are still collecting those pledges, so we don’t have all of

that in the bank yet,� he said. “But, that goes to show the community supports the move.�

The university will also foot a portion of the cost, as the board of trustees capped the spending on athletics at 4 percent of the university’s general fund budget, although scholarships for athletes are not included in that limit.

Linder said the athletic department is not expected to bring the university a profit. “Very few schools actually make money from athletics,� he said. “The cap on funding protects the institution from taking money away from academics.

Holland said the cap was a smart move by the trustees. “My high school spent lots of money on sports, and there’s way more important stuff to consider,� she said.

Sophomore Jose Figueroa-Cifuentes said he expects the transition to D-I will benefit UNA by increasing enrollment and helping build the university’s name recognition.

Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.

6A NEWS

Jan. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

ENTERTAINMENT

Spring concert awaits T.I.ʼs approval ASHLEY REMKUS

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The announcement that T.I. will perform at the 2015 Spring Concert might have been made prematurely.

A post on T.I.’s Facebook page Dec. 17 said the artist would perform at UNA later this year.

“It’s not official until the contract is signed by both the university and T.I.,” said Director of Student Engagement Tyler Thompson. “It’s basically just not official yet.”

Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter confirmed the university signed off on the contract Dec. 18.

But because the document had to be sent to the university’s agent, Concert Ideas, it did not reach T.I.’s agency until after the company closed for the

holidays, Thompson said.

Once T.I. receives the contract, he will have the opportunity to request revisions, Thompson said.

“I don’t foresee any problems going ahead,” he said. “Usually at this point, they’ll just get back with us within a few weeks, and it will be official.”

Senior Kaitlyn McCoy said she thinks UPC should bring an artist of a different genre.

“I think if you’re going to have a rapper one year, get a different genre for the next,” McCoy said. “Like last year all Ludacris talked about was girls and drugs. Is that what we’re trying to say to people as a university? I don’t necessarily think so.”

Bryan Massey, a senior, said he agrees.

“I know some big name bands and rock groups demand a lot of money, but

I bet (the university) could have gotten someone better,” he said.

Thompson said the contract stipulates a $90,000 payout for the event.

Massey said that is a lot to spend on the spring concert artist, and he wishes the university could have hosted a more “mainstream” performer.

“Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5 or The Foo Fighters would have been a better choice in my opinion,” he said. “I’m sure those guys are really pricey but those would have been my preference.”

The UPC Live Acts Committee developed a list of artists that fell within the organization’s budget and distributed the names to the council, said committee chairwoman Rebecca Logsdon.

Members then chose their top picks, and the committee made the final decision to invite T.I. based on cost and availability, Logsdon said.

UPC Vice President Daniel Thompson said the council did not want the artist’s name released before the contract was made official in case any issues arose.

“We just didn’t want students to think T.I. would be here then something crazy happen,” he said. “Everything will probably go as planned, but there’s always that chance.”

The concert will be held in Flower’s Hall April 24 at 7 p.m.

Students, who can attend the concert for free, will have first dibs on the 4,000 available tickets.

Any remaining seats will be sold to the general public for $30.

“Hopefully we won’t have any left to sell,” Tyler Thompson said. “So it’s possible we wont open any to the public.”

He said the opening act has yet to be determined, but that is the next task on the Live Acts Committee’s to-do list.

photo courtesy of AP Photos

Rapper T.I. performs at the BET Awards at the Nokia Theatre on Sunday, June 29, 2014, in Los Angeles. Pending approval of the contract, he will perform in Flowers Hall April 24 at 7 p.m. Up to 4,000 students can attend the concert free, and any remaining tickets will be sold to the general public for $30 each.

+01-. KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) A search committee composed of members from multiple campus constituencies will be appointed, and a national search will begin to fill the position.

Shields said the search will resemble the recent process of hiring President Elect Kenneth Kitts.

The selected pool of candidates will spend time on campus making presentations and meeting with students, faculty, staff and the community, Shields said.

“The process is not to find a chief, but to find the right chief,” he said. “We want

the campus to be involved and have the chance to get to know the candidates.”

Parker said he looks forward to working with the students, faculty and staff, as one of his priorities is keeping the community aware of what is happening on campus.

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THE PROCESS IS NOT TO FIND A CHIEF, BUT TO FIND THE RIGHT CHIEF.

DAVID SHIELDS VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

Lauderd $2 Stud $2 Shoe Ren ntal

$2 Games

Monday throug gh Thursday 12pm-4pm.

Monday through h Thursday 7pm to close.

Must show current t college ID. ID Limited lane availability, first come, first served.

Not valid with any other coupons or offers.

Prices do nott include tax.

VIEWPOINTS 7A

Jan. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

Students should volunteer, honor late Dr. King EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANNA GRACE USERY MANAGING EDITOR KALI DANIEL NEWS EDITOR ASHLEY REMKUS LIFE EDITOR MARI WILLIAMS SPORTS EDITOR DUSTIN POLLARD ONLINE EDITOR JASMINE FLEMING BUSINESS MANAGER UNDREA RANDOLPH II GRAPHIC DESIGNERS JOHN BAVIS SHILO CUPPLES JORDAN FERRELL CIRCULATION MANAGER LORI BLANKENSOPP STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS DEANNA KAMPMEYER KATLYN SHANNON

JASMINE FLEMING 7VTQVM -LQ\WZ WVTQVM(NTWZITI VM\

Since 1986, the third Monday of January has been Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For most students, it is known as the first small break from the semester. Usually, I sleep in and treat it as a three-day weekend, while possibly catching the “I Have a Dream” speech on TV or the radio.

This year, I began to question my lackluster participation in such an important holiday. I know Martin Luther King Jr. is to be celebrated, but how?

After doing some research, I found “The Meaning of the King Holiday,” an essay by Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife Coretta Scott King.

“The King Holiday honors the life and contributions of America’s greatest champion of racial justice and equality, the leader who not only dreamed of a color blind society, but who also lead a movement that achieved historic reforms to help make it a reality,” she said.

Throughout the letter, Coretta Scott King discusses the services Martin Luther King Jr. provided his country.

He was an example of the impact of nonviolent protest.

He showed love to those who showed him hatred. She explained how he showed tolerance and forgiveness to those who treated him and other Americans fighting for civil rights harshly and threateningly.

In the letter, Coretta Scott King also mentions service.

The best way to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, she said, is to serve your fellow man and to share the loving spirit he had.

“It is a day of volunteering to feed the hungry, rehabilitate housing, tutoring those who can’t read, mentoring at-risk youngsters, consoling the broken-hearted and a thousand other projects for building the beloved community of his dream,” she said.

This call to volunteerism has led to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. This nationally recognized service opportunity allows individuals to help others in any way they see fit. Some communities have yearly service initiatives that can be participated in.

There is also an option to create a service event.

Allforgood.org, a search engine for service

opportunities, can be used to search for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service events near any city. The Honors Program page on una.edu also lists plenty of organizations that need volunteers. Wherever you are during the holiday, there is bound to be a service opportunity nearby.

Instead of using the holiday as an extended weekend, I challenge everyone, including myself, to participate in some sort of service. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy can best be remembered when we emulate his kindness. Whether you dedicate the entire day to an event or simply pay it forward at a coffee shop, performing some selfless act is a small way to thank him for his incredible leadership.

After all, it was Martin Luther King Jr. who said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Remkus, Richey is quoted as saying that BFP (body fat percentage) testing cannot determine how much of a girl’s mass is fat. While BMI (body mass index) testing cannot differentiate between fat and muscle, BFP testing can. Our BFP testing machine requires information such as height, weight, age, sex, and body type (athlete vs. normal). This qualifies our testing system as more than a “weigh-in,” as referenced in the article. That being said, BFP testing does not use default measurements for every member as Richey was quoted saying, but rather, is specific to the person using the tester.

The lowest BFP requirement in place for the auxiliary is 21.9 percent. The average BFP for an athlete is

14-20 percent. For men, 25 percent BFP is considered obese; Women are considered obese at 32 percent. The POD is not requiring members to exhibit unhealthy habits. On the contrary, the POD shows members how to maintain a healthy lifestyle with the help of Rebecca Tedder, an AFAA certified trainer.

Tedder teaches how to properly use gym equipment and is qualified to detect harmful eating habits. BFP testing makes it easy to detect these issues through recognition of simultaneous weight loss and increased BFP. A member choosing to remain anonymous stated, “girls who were above the required BFP also had to stay for an extra 30 minutes after practice every day.” This has never been

a requirement for those not meeting fitness standards.

Jacques states, “body fat percentage does not determine a person’s ability to perform.”

Because we have physically demanding routines, if we do not have a fitness standard, we risk possible injury. Fitness is directly related to optimal performance, which is the only way the POD wants to represent the university.

Participating members were not given the opportunity to inform the publishers of how our procedures work before the publication was released. After setting a precedent of support and recruitment for the university, we were disappointed that our organization was misrepresented by these inaccuracies.

ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

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

Letters must not exceed 400 words.

Letters must be accompanied by the writerʼs name, mailing address, phone number and email.

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

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

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

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

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

Email: florala@una.edu.

Phone: 256-765-4364

Elizabeth Topping UNA Box 8266 etopping@una.edu Savannah Trammell UNA Box 8277 strammell@una.edu It has come to our attention that inaccurate statements were made in Issue 15 of The FlorAla referring to the UNA Pride of Dixie (POD) Auxiliary.

We would like to inform the recipients of the publication how our procedures and standards are implemented.

The POD auxiliary standards, originally suggested

by President Guillot, have been modified over the last 30 years as technology has progressed.

In the article by Ashley

INTERESTED IN APPLYING? Visit orgsync.com/32291/chapter

Positions Available News Editor

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Apply before Feb. 28.

8A NEWS

Jan. 8, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

LIFE

SECTION B

Jan. 8, 2015• The Flor-Ala

GOALS

Ringing New Year

in the

Planning yields resolution results JASMINE FLEMING 7VTQVM -LQ\WZ WVTQVM(NTWZITI VM\

Over the break, you might have made a New Year’s resolution. Unfortunately, there is only an 8 percent chance it will be a success.

About 45 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, 17 percent sometimes make them, and 38 percent never make them, according to statisticbrain.com, an analytic website.

Fortunately for those who brave the 8 percent success rate, people who set resolutions are 10 times more likely to reach their goals than those who do not explicitly do so, statisticbrain.com said.

Sophomore Sierra Elston said she has never set a New Year’s resolution, but she would be more likely to after hearing this statistic. “Waiting to complete your goal in a year is taking out important time,� she said. “If I feel like if I need to make changes in my life, I do them right then instead of waiting for a set time.�

Specifically for individuals in their 20’s, the success rate for resolutions rises to 39 percent, the data reported.

Statisticbrain.com also showed 75 percent of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first week, while only 46 percent remain on track after six months.

According to the data, the top three resolutions

for 2014 were losing weight, getting organized, and spending less or saving more. These were followed by enjoying life and staying fit.

Two of sophomore Jacob Phillips’ resolutions are to write down his thoughts and to spend more time reflecting on life. “I thought of (these resolutions) after reading a book, having many interesting thoughts about it and not being able to remember those thoughts afterward,� he said. “I realized I didn’t spend enough time reflecting on the things I did or the things I read.�

He said willpower is all It takes to achieve a goal.

Finding a plan that works for the individual is important for any New Year’s resolution, especially if it is to lose weight, said Glenda Richey, UNA fitness coordinator. “I can work out six times a week, but that might be crazy for others,� she said. “Some people want to work out and not watch what they e a t .

Some just want to count carbs and calories. Any effort is better than none.�

Be active

;MM :-;74=<176; XIOM *

Run a 5k Laugh more Make Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Give often

Relax more

Get organized

Read frequently Be healthier IN THIS SECTION

LIFE

SPORTS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gothamâ&#x20AC;? Review

Winter Car Care

See page 2B

See page 3B

Lions fans keep football team alive See page 5B

Highest overall GPA in eight years See page 7B

2B LIFE

Jan. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

ENTERTAINMENT

Not-so-popular 2014 flicks worth a second glance The year 2014 brought an abundance of entertaining movies like “The Fault in Our Stars”, “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “22 Jump Street”. Frequent movie-goers would agree there were many hit films that did not necessarily capture the attention of the masses but should be recognized nonetheless. Below is a list of 2014 movies to check out that were not at the top of the box office list but are worthy of an honorable mention.

MARI WILLIAMS 4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\

Imitation Game

Grand Budapest Hotel

Fans of Benedict Cumberbatch may have already hopped on this film’s bandwagon, but some may not have seen this Golden Globe-nominated picture.

The film, set in World War II, follows mathematician Alan Turing as he works to break the Nazi ‘Enigma’ code.

Those who have a preference for quick wit, fast-paced adventure and Wes Anderson will thoroughly enjoy “Grand Budapest Hotel”. This comedy tells the story of a concierge and bell boy working together to clear the name of the innocent concierge after he is framed for murder.

Boyhood

The Book of Life

“Boyhood” documents the constant tribulations of adolescence. It was filmed for 12 years using the same cast, making it the first feature film of its kind.

Production began when child star Ellar Coltrane was five years old and spanned until he was 18.

“The Book of Life” is a refreshing and colorful animated film that takes the audience on a fast-paced ride from start to finish. The film, showered with Latin influence, tells the tale of a young bullfighter on an adventure of grandeur for, of course, true love.

Wild

Snowpiercer

“Wild” is a moving film adaptation of the biography of Cheryl Strayed.

Following her mother’s death, Strayed finds herself in all the wrong places.

After sleeping with a slew of strangers, shooting heroin and having an abortion, she sees her solace in a guidebook titled “The Pacific Crest Trail”. Strayed decides the only way to save herself from her downward spiral is to hike hundreds of miles across the Pacific Crest Trail.

After a global warming experiment goes awry, the Earth is sent into another ice age. Most of the population dies off, aside from a few hundred who were fortunate enough to make it onto the “Snowpiercer”, a train with tracks spanning the globe. Eventually a class system arises and in hopes of evening the wealth among the classes, the lower class must fight its way through each section of the train.

REVIEW

“Gotham” throws new spin on classic DC comic

MONDAY SANDERSON

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“Gotham” is a superhero-based show that defies odds by not following the superhero, but rather one of the side characters, detective Jim Gordon. Gordon searches for justice in the deaths of Bruce Wayne’s (Batman) parents in the fictional city of Gotham.

The show is a prequel story and presents the creation of some of our favorite DC Comics characters: Catwoman, Poison Ivy, The Penguin,

The Riddler and Batman. Not only does the show follow these icons, it gives information that cannot be found in the mainstream Batman movies or cartoons, but in the comics.

The character development of the show is memorable. Instead of focusing on one character, the writers take the time to develop multiple characters in the show. The writers portray the closeness of all the main characters in the show.

This connection is because one of the main focuses is how Gotham operates.

The show’s writers cannot explore this without showing different viewpoints.

A city is more than just one person, and there is more than one side to every story.

These characters are what make Gotham, Gotham.

There is one character in the show not seen in any of the comics or movies: Fish Mooney. Played by Jada Pinkett Smith, she quickly becomes a major part of the show, when she emerges as one of the

series major villains. Although she is The Penguin’s mentor, she is not seen anywhere else in the Batman universe.

She was created purely for this show. If this caused me to be slightly upset, true fans of Batman must have been furious.

Despite this fact, she is intriguing. Fish Mooney is extremely vindictive and manipulative and wants everything to go her way.

Fish Mooney is not the only character, making the show interesting. There is a constant power struggle not only between those who are considered bad and good, but also those who are supposedly on the same side. Although in a city such as Gotham, it is hard to define what is good and what is bad.

Not only are the characters intriguing, but so is the plot. In every episode there is more information uncovered about the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents or some secret dealings. With each episode, Gordon defies the status quo. He ignores

what his partner, Harvey Bullock, tells him and he plays by his own rules.

My favorite part about the entire show is something minor. In certain cases, Edward Nygma, the coroner and forensics operative, is needed. Whenever he describes a piece of evidence or information to Gordon and Harvey, he goes into great detail. He talks in a way the audience can see how passionate he is about the subject. What I find funny is when Nygma starts talking, Gordon and Bullock tend to rush him along to get the information that they need. The look on his face when they do is hilarious but does not happen in every episode.

Gotham is a show for the masses.

People who are not active in the Batman universe can easily watch this and follow along. Batman fans will fall in love with the show, too.

Gotham airs Mondays on Fox at 7 p.m.

LIFE 3B

Jan. 8, 2014 • The Flor-Ala

MAINTENANCE

Winter Weather Car Care

Auto technician offers advice on maintaining vehicle in winter MARI WILLIAMS 4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\

With the recent frigid temperatures passing through, it is clear we are in for a harsh winter. While it is important for people to take care of themselves, it is also a good time to start giving attention to the special cars in their lives. There are many steps that should be taken to combat the winter. Joseph Fleming, owner of Special Detail and Repair, in Cherokee, Alabama offered a few tips on how to care for vehicles in the winter.

1. Coolant System 2. Oil

3. Tires

Check the vehicle’s coolant system levels. It is important the vehicle is capable of withstanding negative degree temperatures. Antifreeze cools and protects a vehicle’s engine from harsh winter temperatures. Antifreeze coolant testers can be bought at AutoZone for $9.73.

Check the tread, alignment and pressure of the vehicle’s tires. Tread on tires can be easily checked with a penny.

Place the penny head first into the tread grooves of the vehicle’s tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible new tires are recommended. It is also important to check the alignment and air pressure in the tires throughout winter.

Keeping a Resolution

:-;74=<176; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM *

Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.

Maintaining

Tips to reach goals 1. Make a plan that works for you.

75%

2. Set realistic goals.

71%

3. Split resolution into small parts overtime.

64% Percent maintaining their resolution

Setting a plan made achieving the New Year’s resolution of reading 100 books in a year possible, said freshman Maddie Palmer.

“I sat down and mapped out what I wanted to get done each month, and then if I got behind, I pushed even harder to catch up,” she said. “Pacing myself was definitely important. When you have a plan, it definitely helps.”

Setting realistic goals is also important, Richey said.

“If someone wants to lose weight, I would suggest starting with a goal of 10 pounds or less per month,” she said.

“The same can go for any New Year’s resolution. Setting small goals can help you reach the bigger goal.”

Richey also said to beware of the “honeymoon period.”

“This is the time when you first begin your resolution and it is a success,” she said. “After that, you might start feeling like the resolution is no longer working.

You have to stay positive even after that initial success.”

Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual to be sure the correct motor oil is being used in the vehicle. During winter it is sometimes better to use thinner oil than in warmer temperatures. The colder temperatures can cause oil to increase in viscosity, and thick oil is not good for the vehicle.

46%

one week

six weeks

one month

Time elapsed Information gathered from statisticbrain.com

six months

4. Connect with someone who will hold you accountable.

5. Don’t quit something cold turkey.

4B LIFE

Jan. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

MOTS

Do you make a New Yearʻs resolution? ”

I FEEL LIKE RESOLUTIONS ARE POINTLESS.

PEOPLE SAY THEY ARE GOING TO DO THEM BUT NEVER DO.

ZACH BRASFIELD SOPHOMORE

”

I DIDNʼT MAKE ONE BECAUSE I NEVER STICK TO IT.

KAYLA HOLT FRESHMAN

Visit any of our Lauderdale County locations: • 1155 North Wood Avenue, Florence • 101 Highway 72 East, Rogersville • 306 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence • 1001 Highway 72 East, Killen • 3138 Cloverdale Road, Florence • 1505 Florence Boulevard, Florence

”

YES. I MADE LAST YEARʼS COME TRUE. I

ONLY NEED TO IMPROVE ON EXERCISING AND BETTER GRADES.

CODY MCGOWAN FREE Egg McMuffin Breakfast Sandwich ®

With purchase of same at regular menu price.

FREE Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich With purchase of same at regular menu price.

Expires 11/30/2014. Valid for product of equal or lesser value. Valid only at participating McDonald’s locations in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Prices may vary. Not valid with any other offer, discount, coupon or combo meal. Cash value 1/20 of 1 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Tax may apply. Price of required purchase posted on menu board. Coupon may not be transferred, auctioned, sold or duplicated in any way or transmitted via electronic media. Valid when product served. May not be valid for custom orders. Void where prohibited. ©2014 McDonald’s

Expires 11/30/2014. Valid for product of equal or lesser value. Valid only at participating McDonald’s locations in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Prices may vary. Not valid with any other offer, discount, coupon or combo meal. Cash value 1/20 of 1 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Tax may apply. Price of required purchase posted on menu board. Coupon may not be transferred, auctioned, sold or duplicated in any way or transmitted via electronic media. Valid when product served. May not be valid for custom orders. Void where prohibited. ©2014 McDonald’s

FREE

FREE

Filet-O-Fish Sandwich

®

With purchase of same at regular menu price.

Expires 11/30/2014. Valid for product of equal or lesser value. Valid only at participating McDonald’s locations in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Prices may vary. Not valid with any other offer, discount, coupon or combo meal. Cash value 1/20 of 1 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Tax may apply. Price of required purchase posted on menu board. Coupon may not be transferred, auctioned, sold or duplicated in any way or transmitted via electronic media. Valid when product served. May not be valid for custom orders. Void where prohibited. ©2014 McDonald’s

Expires 11/30/2014. Valid for product of equal or lesser value. Valid only at participating McDonald’s locations in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Prices may vary. Not valid with any other offer, discount, coupon or combo meal. Cash value 1/20 of 1 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Tax may apply. Price of required purchase posted on menu board. Coupon may not be transferred, auctioned, sold or duplicated in any way or transmitted via electronic media. Valid when product served. May not be valid for custom orders. Void where prohibited. ©2014 McDonald’s

ITʼS KIND OF CLICHE. THEREʼS NOT MUCH I WANT TO CHANGE.

NATASHA THOMAS SOPHOMORE

”

MY ONLY RESOLUTION IS TO GET MONEY. IʼM JUST MONEY HUNGRY.

SOLOMON SPANIEL FRESHMAN

FREE

Beginning October 27 ®

Medium McRib Extra Value Meal ®

No coupon necessary.

”

®

Big Mac Sandwich

With purchase of same at regular menu price.

$5

JUNIOR

Southern Style Chicken Sandwich With purchase of same at regular menu price.

Includes Medium Fries and Medium Soft Drink or Tea Expires 11/30/2014. Valid for product of equal or lesser value. Valid only at participating McDonald’s locations in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Prices may vary. Not valid with any other offer, discount, coupon or combo meal. Cash value 1/20 of 1 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Tax may apply. Price of required purchase posted on menu board. Coupon may not be transferred, auctioned, sold or duplicated in any way or transmitted via electronic media. Valid when product served. May not be valid for custom orders. Void where prohibited. ©2014 McDonald’s

”

NEW YEARS IS JUST ANOTHER DAY ON A DIFFERENT YEAR. I SEE THE POINT, BUT I LIKE TO LIVE LIFE TODAY.

MICHAELA MOORE

FRESHMAN

SPORTS 5B

Jan. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

FOOTBALL

Gone UAB Gone

photo courtesy of Sports Information

Football head coach Bobby Wallace watches the field at the first round of the playoffs against Valdosta State. Despite his grim demeanor, both Wallace and Athletic Director Mark Linder said football is an asset to the school. “Football can do a lot for the morale and institutional pride of the university,” Linder said.

Lions support thrives as UAB takes nosedive DUSTIN POLLARD

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UAB is the first major college football program since Pacific University to shut down since 1995.

UAB President Ray Watts cited the football program was no longer sustainable and it was no longer worth the investment. Watts said they will reinvest in athletic programs that are most likely to bring growth.

UNA Athletic Director Mark Linder said the investment into the football program is important to the university.

“Football can do a lot for the morale and institutional pride of the university,” he said. “It also brings people to school here who wouldn’t come if we didn’t have one. Studies show that between one and a half and two people follow a student-athlete to a campus from their old high school. And without football there is no marching band.

“A football program can bring in an extra 500 to 700 students and that’s significant when you talk about the economy of the campus.”

Football has great support from the UNA board of trustees, Linder said.

“UNA is a good culture for athletics as a whole,” he said. “We’re apart of the university but we certainly don’t drive the university. We are used as a marketing tool and a sense of pride so we make sure we fit in the plan of the institution.”

Linder also says the community

benefits from the UNA football program.

“The economic impact for one of our games is about $1.5 million on this community,” he said. “It gears us to the community and helps out local business.”

Linder said the football program is used as a marketing tool for the university.

“We get a lot of coverage in our local media, regional media and even national media about our football program,” he said.

”

FOOTBALL CAN DO A LOT FOR THE MORALE AND INSTITUTIONAL PRIDE OF THE UNIVERSITY.

IT ALSO BRINGS PEOPLE TO SCHOOL HERE WHO WOULDNʼT COME IF WE DIDNʼT HAVE ONE.

MARK LINDER

ATHLETICS DIRECTOR Football coach Bobby Wallace echoes Linder’s comments and says football brings advertisement and exposure to the university.

“I think the political side of UAB and (The University of) Alabama being the same board has a lot more to do with it than whether football is a good investment or not,” Wallace said. “I disagree with the decision but at the same time I understand they are unique in situation because they are looked at as a medical research university.”

Wallace said its obvious by how many

schools play football that a majority of people believe it is a good investment.

“It’s not just about the football players and how much their scholarships cost,” he said. “I think it benefits the university as a whole.”

Wallace said the community cares about the program and its success.

“We have 10,000 people at our games for a reason. People care,” he said. “We have a great following and that’s what makes us a D-II power.”

The winning tradition of the football team helps with the support, Wallace said.

“The community pride goes back to the ’80s when coach Wayne Grubb was here,” he said. “We’re the winningest program in the state of Alabama since 1990. We’ve won more Gulf South Conference championships than anybody in the conference and as many national championships than anybody in the conference. Fans simply want to see success.”

The support of the program is evident through the university and fans, Linder said.

“Our attendance numbers are really strong,” he said. “If you look around you can see our facilities have improved and that comes from the leadership of Dr. Cale and Dr. Thornell, our board of trustees and our coaches.”

Junior receiver Lee Mayhall said it is encouraging as a player to see the support for the football team.

“Our crowd is always the biggest compared to other teams,” he said. “The

student body really loves the football team and we appreciate it.”

Mayhall points to football as a learning tool for players.

“It can teach you so many lessons in life,” he said. “Such as discipline and being responsible. You don’t have time to be lazy so you have to learn how to manage your time well.”

UAB honored the scholarships of the football players but many decided to transfer to other schools to keep playing football.

Wallace said the team did not receive any transfers from UAB and recruiting will be done as usual.

“I couldn’t bring in any in the spring and most of them wanted to go through spring practice,” he said. “We did bring in three junior college kids and that was the most I could bring in.”

Linder said the transition to D-I situation has not changed because of the UAB announcement.

“We’re looking at Football Championship Subdivision not Football Bowl Subdivision like UAB was,” he said.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte begins playing football in Confernce-USA, the same conference as UAB, in 2015.

Linder said the future of Lion football is in good shape and UNA fans do not have to worry about the future of the program.

“The overall support of the football program has been great,” Linder said.

6B SPORTS SCOREBOARD Jan. 1 - 7 Saturday, Jan. 3 MENʼS BASKETBALL

UNA @ AUBURN

82-61 LOSS

WOMENʼS BASKETBALL UNA vs. DELTA STATE

64-61 LOSS

Monday, Jan. 5 WOMENʼS BASKETBALL UNA

VS.

MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE

78-69 WIN

MENʼS BASKETBALL

UNA

VS.

MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE

81-68 Loss

MENʼS BASKETBALL UNA vs. DELTA STATE

results @ florala.net

Upcoming Saturday, Jan. 10 WOMENʼS BASKETBALL UNA

VS.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS

1 P.M.

MENʼS BASKETBALL

UNA

VS.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS

3 P.M.

Jan. 8, 2015• The Flor-Ala

BASKETBALL

Lions teams earn split against GSC foe DUSTIN POLLARD

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Consistency has been the issue concerning the men’s team all season and Jan. 5 proved no different.

After a promising showing against Auburn University the Lions fell to Mississippi College 81-68.

“We’re just not sustaining effort for the entire 40 minutes,” junior guard Brandon Herman. “It’s just like practice has been for us.”

The Lions were unable to find the basket as they finished shooting below 40 percent for the entire game.

“Mississippi College outplayed us offensively, defensively and any way you want to put it they outplayed us,” head men’s basketball coach Bobby Champagne said. “I’d like to think we’ve consistently played hard but we haven’t.”

Champagne said more players need to step up for the team to get better.

“Nathan Spehr tried to step up but he needs more help,” he said. “Our opponent is not the problem, our worst enemy is ourselves.”

Herman said despite the loss the team remains confident heading forward.

“Confidence is not our problem, sustaining effort is the problem,” he said.

Meanwhile, after losing a heartbreaker to Delta State University the women’s team bounced back to collect a win against Mississippi College 78-69.

“We did what we needed to do to win

photo by PEYTON BYRD I Senior Staff Photographer

Senior forward Marcus Landry and junior forward Andy Pounders battle it out in the post Nov. 6, 2014. The Lions have not been able to find any consistency this season.

the game,” said head women’s basketball coach Missy Tiber. “We got crucial stops toward the end of the game.”

The Lions defense stepped up and forced 27 turnovers, which led to 31 points.

“It was ugly but it counts,” said junior guard Jennifer Towne. “Forcing turnovers was the key for us so we tried to

BASKETBALL

Team benefits from playing Auburn in exhibition DUSTIN POLLARD

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The men’s basketball team was able to take a break from conference play to attempt their best shot at imitating David and slaying the giant, as UNA took on Auburn University Jan. 3.

The Lions battled hard and led for most of the first half before falling to the

Tigers 82-61. The halftime score was 32-30 in Auburn’s favor as UNA held the Tigers to just 35 percent shooting from the floor in the first 20 minutes.

“We showed that a D-II school can compete with a D-I school,” said senior forward Marcus Landry. “Even though we only had nine players and they had at least 15, it showed how much heart and drive we have. We are not afraid of the big stage either.”

Monday, Jan. 12 WOMENʼS BASKETBALL UNA vs. UNION

6 p.m.

MENʼS BASKETBALL

UNA vs. Union

8 p.m.

apply a lot of ball pressure. The injuries have been bothering us but we found a way to pull through.”

UNA was without guards Lauren Faris and Janae Lyde due to injuries.

“We had to play a lot freshmen and sometimes freshmen play like freshmen,” Tiber said. “But overall they played well.”

In the second half, Auburn was able to utilize its depth to its advantage as they scored 50 points after intermission.

Landry finished the game with 12 points before fouling out. Senior guard Nathan Spehr scored 17 points and added four assists for the Lions.

“We were down 10 with four minute media timeout and I would take that pretty much anywhere,” said head coach Bobby Champagne. “We weren’t shooting great but we were right there. If we finish out the game playing like we did the first 36 minutes we probably don’t win but we do give ourselves a chance.”

Landry said the team did look better against Auburn but there were still things the team needed to work on.

“I think our motion offense is coming along but we still need to work on our defense,” he said.

The game was an exhibition for UNA but was a regular season game for Auburn.

“It helps to have an exhibition game to get our legs back under us after being off for seven or eight days,” Champagne said.

photo courtesy of Auburn University

Senior guard Nathan Spehr looks to make a pass against Auburn University Jan. 3. The Lions lost 82-61. Spehr led UNA with 17 points and four assists.

Editor’s note: to read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net

SPORTS 7B

Jan. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

PREGAME

Athletes, coaches discuss game time superstitions KADIN POUNDERS

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Superstitions and rituals have always held a place in the world of sports and occur at every level of competition.

photo by SARAH VICE I Senior Staff Photographer

Junior pitcher Austin Carpenter throws a pitch against Valdosta State University March 10, 2014.

Superstitions arise when an individual or even a group of individuals believe that not performing a certain action could lead to bad luck and vice versa.

These superstitions lead to rituals and these rituals become habitual actions many athletes choose to mark off their mental checklist before entering the playing field.

Some may think these rituals are pointless while others believe these superstitions are vital to their success on the field or court.

Many professional athletes have their own superstitions or rituals they are famous for.

Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, won all six of his NBA titles while wearing his University of North Carolina Tar Heel game shorts underneath his Chicago Bulls shorts.

Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry has many superstitions, including wearing the shorts of the next opposing team to bed the night before the game.

Former tennis superstar Bjorn Borg prepared for every Wimbledon tournament by growing out his beard and wearing the same Fila shirt for every match.

Professional athletes are not the only ones to have personal superstitions or rituals.

Some athletes at UNA also have unique protocols they must take before stepping on the field or court.

Freshman softball player Brianna Caldwell sings Disney’s “Phineas and Ferb” theme song before every at-bat.

Caldwell’s teammate, sophomore outfielder Amy Carden, has a unique ritual as well.

“I keep a bag of dog hair in my bag and put a single strand of (the dog’s) hair in my uniform pocket,” Carden said. “No lie, she has magical lucky powers.”

Athletes are not the only ones with interesting practices.

“I don’t have any certain pregame rituals but I do walk to and from every home game,” said men’s head basketball coach Bobby Champagne. “Whether it is raining or snowing, I’ll walk.”

Champagne said the first game he coached at UNA he was unable to park because he did not have his parking pass at the time.

“From then on I’ve always walked,” he said. “I only live a couple of blocks away so it’s not too bad.”

Baseball, a game full of unwritten

rules, may be the most superstitious of all sports.

The superstitions of baseball players and fans has led to the belief in “curses”, such as the “Curse of the Bambino” which haunted the Boston Red Sox for 86 years, when the Red Sox traded away future home run king Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees.

Also the “Curse of the Billy Goat” still sticks with the Chicago Cubs today.

It is hard to find any baseball players who do not have at least one superstition.

Hall-of-Famer Wade Boggs had many pregame rituals like eating chicken, taking batting practice at a specific time and drawing the Chinese word “Chai” in the dirt before every at-bat.

“For me, my pregame superstition is I always put my left sock on first then my right [sock] and my left cleat on first then my right [cleat],” said senior pitcher Austin Carpenter.

Some baseball superstitions are universal.

“Just about every baseball player’s ingame ritual is hopping over the foul line and not stepping on the chalk,” Carpenter said.

ACADEMICS

Student-athletes post highest GPA in eight years DUSTIN POLLARD

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The Lions do not only try to compete at the highest level on the field or court but in the classroom as well.

The UNA student-athletes posted a 2.93 GPA for the fall of 2014 semester, the highest since 2.94 in the fall of 2006.

“I’m extremely happy about studentathletes and what they accomplished,” said Athletics Director Mark Linder. “I think (Compliance Coordinator Todd) Vardaman and his staff, along with our coaching staff are committed to getting our student-athletes a quality education and life outside of sports. The next step is to get to a 3.0.”

Of the 285 student-athletes a total of 29 student-athletes had a perfect 4.0 GPA and 151 posted a 3.0 or higher.

Linder said it is imperative to let student-athletes know how important their college education is.

“I know they all aspire to play professionally or after college, and that’s great but there will be a day when they have to hang the cleats up or put the ball away and go get a job and be a productive member of society,” he said.

Linder said he takes the phrase, “graduating champions with integrity,” a phrase posted above the doors in the athletic department, seriously.

“I think if a kid can walk across stage after four or five years with a championship ring on their finger and as they pick up their diploma I think we

have fulfilled our responsibility,” he said.

Vardaman said the success on the field and court goes to show how studentathletes do not have to sacrifice school for sport and vice versa.

The volleyball and soccer team competed in the Gulf South Conference championship games and the football team won a share of the GSC. “If you are going to be committed to being successful in you sport then be committed to being successful in academics too,” he said. “You have to be successful in the classroom to continue to play, there’s a mutual relationship.”

Vardaman said the athletics department has stressed the importance of class attendance, building a relationship with the professors and using resources on campus.

“We have stressed to tell them to not miss class unless you have to because of traveling to games,” he said. “The success center is a good asset to our campus and are students have taken advantage of it.”

Football head coach Bobby Wallace said one of the things that bothered him the most when he returned to UNA was the GPA of the football team.

“I always thought the grade point average as a team reflected on the character of the players,” he said.

Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.

photo by DEANNA KAMPMEYER I Staff Photographer

Junior wide receiver Lee Mayhall runs a route during practice Sept. 3, 2014.

Mayhall was named to the 2014 Capital One Academic All-America first team Dec. 3.

8B EXTRA

Jan. 8, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

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