March 10 issue

FLOR - ALA The

March 10, 2016

Volume 84, Issue 24

www.FlorAla.net

LIONS FINISH SEASON PAGE 12

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

Breaking the Silence SGA plans ʻItʼs On Usʼ event for spring break

Student-written bill passes in committee NOEL GEIGER

ANNA BEAHM

Police Beat Writer nmiguel@una.edu

News Editor news@florala.net

As spring break approaches, Student Government Association officials are planning an “It’s On Us: Spring Break Edition” event for March 23.

The event will be part of University Program Council’s “Wind Down Wednesdays,” said University Program Council Delegate Nick Smith.

“We plan to hopefully have a bigger and better turnout at this event,” said SGA President Nick Lang. “We also plan to incorporate a lot more educational components to this event to truly get the message across to students that they need to be active bystanders on a daily basis and specifically the week of spring break.”

SGA held an “It’s On Us” campaign launch party Nov. 5 where students took the pledge against sexual assault and learned more about prevention and how to get help.

At the launch party, 257 students signed SGA’s banner and took the pledge against sexual assault, Lang said in a previous story.

“There’s no more room to fill it out,” Smith said. “We’re eventually going to have to get another banner.”

Smith said he thinks the launch party was successful, but he hopes to improve on the “It’s On Us” effort with this event.

“Me and (Lang) thought it (this event) would be really cool to do since spring break is a big deal,” he said.

He said he’s trying to get speakers from Title IX, the Center for Women’s Studies and the One Love Foundation for the event.

Students need to know about the dangers of partying over spring break, said Title IX Coordinator Tammy Jacques.

INSIDE

this week’s paper

1 AND

IN

1

6 IN

WOMEN

33

MEN

HAVE EXPERIENCED AN ATTEMPTED OR COMPLETED RAPE IN

What started as a class project for four students might change the penalty for domestic violence in Alabama.

The student’s domestic violence bill was introduced at the Alabama House of Representatives Feb. 25.

Politics, Justice, and Law students senior Tiffany Frandsen, junior Paris Johnston and junior Katherine Hanbery,

THEIR LIFETIME.

“That Panama City Beat case is a prime example,” Jacques said.

“That’s exactly what we worry about in spring break.”

In early March 2015, a 19-year-old woman was gang raped in the middle of the day on Panama City Beach during a Spring Break trip. Official reports indicate no one tried to stop the rape, but instead filmed it. “(Students need) a buddy system, drink responsibly, look out for one another and (not) go home with strangers,” Jacques said.

“If you see something wrong, step up and do something. Looking out for their friends is so critical.”

See CAMPAIGN, page 8

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

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

along with Sociology and Family Studies major senior Brooke Leonard, drafted a new domestic violence law House Bill 338.

“Basically, it takes the current domestic violence laws and it increases the incarceration period and penalties that are already in place, if there is a child involved to witness the domestic violence that took place,” said junior Paris Johnston.

Adjunct Instructor Angie Hamilton said she set the bill as a class goal for the Studies in Family Justice course.

The class regularly met at One Place of the Shoals since it was used as a case study for the course, Hamilton said.

Meeting the children and victims that come to One Place of the Shoals made the students

even more passionate about the bill, Hamilton said.

Johnston said the origin of the idea for the law emerged from a former case about Hollie Newberry Hamilton worked on. Hamilton later founded the Shoals non-profit organization, One Place of the Shoals.

One Place provides needed services to victims of domestic violence, adult rape and sexual assault, child sexual and physical abuse, and elder abuse, according to One Place’s website.

“I’m very proud of the group (of students),” she said. “They did a great job developing the bill.”

After the students finished writing the bill, Hamilton gave it to her sponsor, who would normally read through the bill and make any necessary edits. However, Hamilton said her sponsor did not have to edit or reword the bill because it was so wellwritten.

The process of turning HB 338 into a law could take several months through the state legislative process.

“The Constitution provides that no law shall be passed except by a bill, which is a proposed law written out in the proper form,” according to the Alabama Legislative Process policy.

“When approved by the legislative body and the Governor, the bill becomes an act.”

Johnston said she thinks if anyone really looks into it, the bill would be passed.

The bill’s progress can be viewed at legiscan.com/AL/bill/HB338/2016.

See BILL, page 8

DATING VIOLENCE............. 9

FLOR - ALA The

Please recycle your paper.

2 NEWS

March 10, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Towers Cafe, Pie Factory 1

KAITLYN DAVIS

ROSIEʼS CANTINA SCORE: 99

2

CITY HARDWARE SCORE: 96

12

RICATONIʼS SCORE: 80

13 PIE FACTORY SCORE: 78

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Associate News Editor news@florala.net

How clean is the restaurant you are eating at?

It is an important question, and one I set out to answer for UNA students. I discovered the three cleanest and three least clean places to eat on campus and downtown, according to the standard of The Alabama Department of Public Health.

The ADPH requires restaurants to be scored a minimum of three times each year, according to their website.

Restaurants in the Commons building, Guillot University Center and Towers Café all had between an 85 and a 100.

If restaurants score between an 85 and a 100, then they “are considered to be in satisfactory compliance and are inspected on routine schedule,” according to the ADPH website.

Chick-fil-A and Frostbite tied with a 99 for cleanliness, while Starbucks is next in line with a 96.

The bottom three are Mein Bowl, 91, WOW Café and Wingery, 92 and Towers Café, 85.

The cafeteria lost points for improper temperature of cold holding areas, drainage of sinks and improperly washing their hands, according to Towers’ inspection report.

While campus health scores were high, I discovered a variation downtown.

First, I checked out the ADPH website to see which scores were the highest and lowest. Then, I went to the unlisted restaurants to find their scores.

Rosie’s Mexican Cantina received the best score, 99. City Hardware is next with a 96. Both received their scores in December. Jimmy John’s, Odette, On The Rocks and Wildwood Tavern tied with a 95, according to the ADPH website.

Jimmy John’s and Odette received their scores in February. Wildwood Tavern received its score in December and On The Rocks received its score in November, according to the website.

The lowest downtown restaurant scores were Pie Factory, 78, Ricatoni’s, 80, and Dish Café, 82. The ADPH did not list these scores on their website.

Two of the Pie Factory owners, Nick Franks and Mike Alonso, sat down to discuss their score with me.

“We don’t feel (the health score) truly reflects the cleanliness of this establishment,” Franks said.

A new health inspector scored the restaurant, Alonso said.

“We went from a 99, which is what we’re used to, to a 78,” he said.

The restaurant lost points for two mice droppings found in a cabinet behind the hostess stand, the owners said.

NEWS 3

March 10, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

receive lowest health ratings The inspector did not find the droppings in a food prep, dining or kitchen area, Franks said. “(The droppings were found) where you would put your purse, you know, if you were waiting tables,” Franks said.

Other deducted points included a problem with a drain and a cooler.

“All of the other items, literally everything on the list, was fixed that day,” Franks said.

The owners said the health department will rescore them in about two weeks.

They said they are prepared to earn a better score.

“To be fair, we take full responsibility for (the health score),” Franks said. “It’s not like (the health inspector) came up with standards that were completely new.”

The second lowest score belonged to Ricatoni’s with an 80.

When I walked into the restaurant to look at their health score, I discovered it partially covered in a locked glass box on the wall. I asked the hostess if someone could take it out for me to look at. She returned and said, “Yeah, they said they’ve already told (The Flor-Ala) no, so I guess that’s from the owner.”

However, the official notice of violation from the ADPH posted indicated the restaurant lost points for employees improperly washing their hands and improperly chilling food in cold holding areas.

The inspection report also indicated the restaurant lost points for improperly storing dispensing material, however The ADPH requires foods in cold holding areas maintain a temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Inspection Reports and permits are required to be posted in conspicuous view within the establishment,” according to the ADPH website.

With an 82, Dish Café had the third lowest score of the downtown restaurants.

When I walked in, I could not find their health score. When I asked the woman behind the counter if I could see it, she took it down from the wall behind the counter.

The restaurant lost points for improper hand washing and not storing food in the correct areas of the restaurant.

CHICK-FIL-A SCORE: 99

STARBUCKS SCORE: 99

MEIN BOWL SCORE: 91

News Editor Anna Beahm contributed to this report.

On-campus Off-campus

1

2

6

7 TOWERS CAFE SCORE: 85

4 Images

March 10, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Florence Coffee Finds JACKSON TOWNSEND Staff Photographer etownsend@una.edu

▶

Let me be the first to say I think Starbucks is overrated. Did I say not to drink Starbucks? No. I have $135 that I primarily spend on Starbucks because I’m not going to let that go to waste. However, there is better coffee out there. I’m here to let you know where you can find it without leaving downtown Florence.

The first option is Rivertown Coffee.

Rivertown has an atmosphere that is perfect for studying or hanging out with a small group of people. The lattes are most people’s favorite.

They also serve lunch every day until 2 p.m. and pizza from 6 - 9 p.m.

This is the place you want to visit if you’re going to stay for a while.

Next is Woodpecker Café. The café is located inside Court Street Market, which is an incredible local venue in itself. Lyons Coffee Roasters, also in the market, roasts the coffee every week. They serve a wide array of coffee

drinks, and their menu makes it easy to understand what you are getting.

The food is also amazing, and they serve brunch from 7 a.m. until noon daily. Even if you don’t go for food, I encourage anyone to swing by Court Street Market and check them out.

Last, but certainly not least, is Turbo Coffee. If you’re looking for the real deal, here it is. Turbo Coffee has only been open for about eight months, but business has been booming. The owner, Reese Shirey, not only trained at a “barista school,” but also goes to New York periodically to stay updated in the world of coffee. Turbo Coffee doesn’t currently have meals, but it usually has cookies, ice cream or doughnuts depending on what day you show up.

We’re becoming a generation that is willing to pay more for better quality.

If we’re going to do that, then I want to help inform people about the best coffee in Florence. These three locations all have their perks. Check them out.

Hopefully, you’ll be surprised by the quality coffee we have just a hop and a skip down the road.

New brew (top)

Warm welcome

A cup of coffee awaits a guest’s enjoyment at Woodpecker Café.

Woodpecker offers a variety of beverages, including mochas, pour overs and cortados.

▶

▶

Turbo Coffee Owner Reese Shirey pours a fresh cup for a customer. The coffee shops offers an espresso shake made with homemade ice cream on Fridays.

Coffee to go

Barista Chelsea Holeman prepares a beverage at Rivertown Coffee. The French press is a possible option for those who like strong coffee.

NEWS 5

March 10, 2016• The Flor-Ala

Delano makes time for music, cooking passions KAITLYN DAVIS

Associate News Editor news@florala.net

The Student Government Association’s new Vice President of Senate Tyler Delano might have the secret to parking on campus. “(The secret) is get here really, really early,” Delano said.

SGA President-elect Sarah Green said she thinks Delano must camp out to get the best spot every day.

“I always get so mad at him because he always gets the best parking spot in the (Guillot University Center), and I always ask him if I can get that spot,” Green said. “He never gives it to me.”

But Delano has a reason for his luck.

“I live 30 minutes off campus so I get up every morning at 6 o’clock, get ready and get here at 7:30,” Delano said.

Although Delano has a busy schedule, he still makes time for listening to music. When asked about Panic! at the Disco, his inner fan slipped out.

“I absolutely love (Panic! at the Disco),” Delano said. “I’ve seen them two or three times and also Fall Out Boy four times. I saw them once together in Memphis, and it was 2013 at the Mud Island Amphitheater. It was the best concert ever.”

While Panic! At The Disco has not signed their contract yet, Delano said he would be excited to see them perform at UNA. Pop punk bands are not the only thing that gets Delano jazzed. He also has a love of cooking.

“He will frequently cook for fellow SGA members,” said SGA President Nick Lang in an email.

Delano said he and fellow SGA members will cook at each other’s apartments or houses sometimes.

“I like being adventurous and cooking different things,” Delano said. “The last thing I cooked was Coq au Vin Blanc, which is a French white wine chicken.”

Lang said Delano is easy to be around and is a great friend.

“Tyler Delano is a pretty laid back guy,” Lang said. “He is a very bright guy who also knows how to hold a good conversation with people. I don’t think you could find a more caring guy than Tyler. He is a selfless guy who truly cares about his friends.”

Green also complimented Delano on his personality.

See DELANO, page 8

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

SGA Vice President-elect of Senate Tyler Delano talks to other SGA members in the office March 7. “He is a very bright guy who knows how to hold a good conversation with people,” said SGA President Nick Lang. “I don’t think you could find a guy more caring than Tyler.”

6 News

March 10, 2016• The Flor-Ala

City plans for new hospital in Florence ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

The now 6-year process of planning for and building a new hospital in Florence has reached the light at the end of the tunnel.

Florence officials said they plan to break ground on a new hospital by the end of 2016 or early 2017. “(A decision) has got to be made by later in the year,” said Director of Marketing and Communications for Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital Tom Whetstone. “It depends on when the final plans and finalization can be taken care of.”

Whetstone said there are still several blocks the city must vacate and install additional electrical and sewer lines before construction can begin.

The process started with RegionalCare purchasing Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in 2010, Whetstone said. The new hospital will be where Veterans and Helton drives meet.

ECM was built in 1943, when health care technology was very different from how it is now. At the time, inpatient services were more common than outpatient, Whetstone said. The hospital was originally licensed for 357 beds, but only operates 235-bed capacity.

Hospital officials converted some of the semiprivate rooms to private rooms to

accommodate more outpatient services.

“For example, when I had back surgery, I had a 3-day stay,” he said.

“Many people now have back surgery done, are discharged and at home the same day. We have less need for inpatient and more for outpatient.”

With this in mind, he said the new hospital will have more outpatient than inpatient rooms. The new building’s layout will also make the inpatient stay easier for the patients and doctors.

“The new building is designed for outpatient services to be on first floor for easy access for entrance and exit for the patient,” Whetstone said. “(In ECM), the inpatient rooms are on the ground level, but surgery is on the second floor.”

He said all the same services currently available at ECM will also be available at the new facility along with a few upgrades to the spaces and services.

There will be a larger emergency department with more rooms, larger surgical suites and more up-to-date technology, he said.

“Our rooms will be twice the size of the ones we have now to better accommodate the changing needs of patients,” he said.

Students from UNA’s College of Nursing and Northwest Shoals Community College nursing students perform clinicals at ECM, and Whetstone said those students can still continue their experiential studies in the new space.

Working in an environment with upto-date technology will greatly benefit the nursing students at UNA, said junior nursing student Taylor Guyton.

“In class, tests and learning (are) important, but I think clinicals are one of the most necessary aspects of nursing school,” she said. “The profession is so hands-on, unpredictable and fast-paced that clinicals better prepare you for the real world career rather than just knowing basic test information.”

Architects are currently in the process of meeting with each department within the hospital and hearing their concerns and suggestions for the new facility, Whetstone said.

“After that, the architects will come back with the drawings,” he said. “They will go through them with leadership teams and see if further adjustments need to be made. We’ll then finalize plans and go through with the big construction.”

KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer

Remnants of once-personal possessions are scattered sparingly across the cleared lots off Veterans Drive. City officials said they hope to break ground by the end of 2016 or in the early months of 2017.

Bill raises concerns of professors, students ANNA BEAHM

News Editor news@florala.net

Alabama legislature is wrestling with a bill that will require Alabama high school students to pass a 50-question civics test before graduating high school.

The Senate Education Policy Committee approved the bill Feb. 10 and the Senate will soon discuss and vote on it.

Some senators opposed the bill saying it would put new mandates on Alabama’s public schools and lower public school graduation rates, but History Department Chair Jeffrey Bibbee said he has bigger concerns regarding the bill.

“I’m an educator, so naturally I think people should be informed to a level of understanding, but we want to make sure the way we’re assessing it is really appropriate,” Bibbee said. “We know that’s one of the things that make for a successful country is an informed and engaged citizenry ensuring a productive society.”

The main concern lies in the purpose and construction of the exam, he said.

“I think for me, the first issue that comes to mind is, ‘What is the purpose of an exam like this?’” Bibbee said. “There really are two things: One is to determine

whether we are effectively teaching civics in our public school systems.

“The second is a little more philosophical, which is, ‘What is the purpose of public education?’ We could argue that the purpose of public education is, in part, to create an informed citizenship.

“To live and function in our world, you have to have an engagement with society, an understanding of it to be a productive and contributing member of it.”

The bill is a step in the right direction, but is not needed right now, said junior Zebulun Worlund.

“I’m learning more about government because of the presidential race than I ever learned in my government class,” he said. “I think it’s very important to learn our history so that we can move forward.

We owe it to ourselves to learn how our ancestors created and improved our nation so we can continue to improve it.”

Some legislators might not consider the practicality of the test before passing a bill, said Deshler High School history teacher Michael Statom.

“If we’re going to require people becoming citizens to know these things, people born here ought to have that knowledge,” Statom said. “How you flesh that out is where the itch is coming.

Foundationally speaking, our students raised in our classrooms ought to be able to pass a test that has general knowledge about our history, the constitution and our government.”

Bibbee said the information taught in public schools, the format of the exam, the exam stipulations outlined in the bill and the method of exam delivery will all affect whether the exam presents an accurate representation of what students know about civics.

”

As a rule, sadly, we are a rather uninformed population of our history, world history, critical events and important people.

Jeffrey Bibbee

History Department Chair

“There is a lot of research that goes into how exams are structured,” he said.

“We want to make sure that the exam is appropriate and it’s appropriate to the material, that is does not possess any biases or that it doesn’t favor certain

populations.”

He also said the exam could potentially punish students with disabilities and students whose first language is not English if educators can only give the test through one method. Therefore, if the exam is poorly constructed or punishes one group of students, it could impact Alabama’s high school graduation rates.

Statom said he hopes the Alabama Board of Education will give their input on this test before it passes.

While it is difficult for teachers to teach every child all he or she needs to know about the world, Bibbee said he often sees many students do not know much about civics and history.

“As a rule, sadly, we are a rather uninformed population of our history, world history, critical events and important people,” he said. “In that case, we must do better. Often, we have marginalized civics and history at the expense of language and mathematics.

Reading, writing and arithmetic are the three subjects you learn. Where does history, civics and social engagement fall into that?”

Statom said he thinks the bill should not affect how Alabama teachers teach if the exam writers structure it correctly.

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

Viewpoints 7

March 10, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Encouraging words have powerful impact FLOR - ALA The

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kali Daniel

MANAGING EDITOR Jasmine Fleming NEWS EDITOR Anna Beahm ASSOCIATE news EDITOR Kaitlyn Davis LIFE EDITOR Melissa Parker ASSOCIATE LIFE EDITOR Monday Sanderson SPORTS EDITOR Mike Ezekiel ONLINE EDITOR Emily Kazungu ASSOCIATE ONLINE EDITOR Madi Winkler BUSINESS MANAGER Jordan Byrd GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Peyton Lawler Michael Meigs Kelsey Weathers JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jacqueline Willis CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Kaitlin Douglass STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Amandalyn Dorner Shay Redd Jackson Townsend

EMILY KAZUNGU

Online Editor online@florala.net

When I was in high school, we had speakers from different career fields speak to us. One thing that really stood out for me was how they used real life situations to encourage us.

They reassured us “no’s” are part and parcel of the journey.

I must admit I used to love the days we had speakers — not because it was an opportunity to learn something new and gain free motivation, but because we would have to skip some classes. Sometimes we had prominent speakers, and the school would arrange for drinks and refreshments, which would mean free food for us.

At UNA, Radio/Television/ Film Professor Patricia Sanders also brings speakers to her classes. In all the classes I had with her, she invited people from local radio and television stations to speak to us. This always helps us to learn how it is in the real world when we have people who are in the particular field come and speak to us.

In my COM 470 Media Management class, we had Bliss Bowman-Wade and Darrell Miles from WAFF-48 come speak to us. One thing Miles said to us that stood out to me was, when it comes to sales, we should treat our clients like we would when dating. We should pursue our clients (in a professional manner).

We learn best and grasp more around ages two or three, according to an article on Rand Corporation.

“There is increasing recognition that the first few years of a child’s life are a particularly sensitive period in the process of development, laying a foundation in

childhood and beyond for cognitive function; behavioral, social, and self-regulatory capacities, and physical health,” according to an article on Rand Corporation.

One lesson that caught my attention was learning to take advantage of all opportunities that came my way. Some people wait for opportunities to come their way. Wouldn’t it be better and faster to create your own?

Some speakers really stressed this. Job opportunities in Kenya are scarce. If a person waits on the government or someone else to employ them, they might start growing gray hair before they get a chance. This is the reason the speakers encouraged us to be creative, create our own opportunities and be entrepreneurs.

In life today, people use a lot of quotes by various philosophers and motivational speakers to encourage them.

This shows having someone instill positive information in your life has a lasting impact.

“Inspirational speakers

come from diverse backgrounds and have different levels of education, experience and expertise,” according to nobullying. com. While some speakers may focus on business topics, others may gear their talks to personal development, social issues or the challenges of the youth.

“Speakers who are extremely talented in business may speak at business seminars or workshops. Those who have a gift for talking to children or teens may give speeches in community centers or schools,” according to nobullying.com.

Anyone can be a motivational speaker. Our delivery methods are quite different, but that should not be a hindrance when it comes to encouraging someone.

A little word of encouragement can go a long way. The same way I was encouraged is the same way I encourage you to speak positivity into someone else’s life.

ADVISER Scott Morris

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

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

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

Interested in writing?

Join our weekly writers’ meetings Sundays at 4 p.m. in the Student Publications Office behind Willingham Hall 643 N. Wood Ave.

Congratulations to our Photographer of the Week!

Amandalyn Dorner

8 News

March 10, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

DELANO, continued from page 5 “He’s just a really well-rounded guy, (and he is) fun to be around,” Green said.

“He’s a guy you want to hang out with,

and he’s hard working.”

Delano and Green’s relationship has not always been what it is today.

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Tyler Delano is preparing for his role as vice president of Senate in his office.

Delano loves Panic! At The Disco and experimenting with cooking.

BILL, continued from page 1 Future projects with the bill may be part of the class in the near future.

“We did a lot of research that shows that there is a continuing cycle of abuse,” Johnston said. “We are finding a lot of useful information for future assignments.”

Future student collaborations on the project are something Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice Yashica Williams said she looks forward to.

One Place is located off 200 W Tennessee St in downtown Florence and can be reached at (256) 284-7600 or info@oneplaceoftheshoals.org.

Just

the

”

Basically, it takes the current

domestic violence laws and it increases the incarceration period and penalties that are

already in place, if there is a child involved to witness the domestic violence that took place.

Paris Johnston

Politics, Justice, and Law Student

Facts

• Politics, Justice, and Law students, joined by a Sociology and Family Studies student, drafted HB 338 • Students met with victims of domestic violence to gain perspective for the proposed bill

• The bill reached Alabama House of Representatives’ floor Feb. 25 • To keep up with HB 338’s progress in legislature, go to legiscan.com/AL/bill/HB338/2016.

• To contact One Place, call (256)284-7600 or email info@oneplaceoftheshoals.org.

“We were on the same committee in Freshman Forum, and we did not like each other at all,” Green said. “We were polar opposites, and then sophomore year we started getting better. This year we are best friends.”

Green said now, the two joke about their unfriendly past.

“Looking back now, it was great to have someone there like that, that had that other perspective,” Delano said.

“I don’t know why we really didn’t get along.”

Both said they think they make a great team.

“I think we complement each other because we think differently, and we aren’t afraid to challenge each other,” Green said.

Delano’s interests extend outside of SGA and include playing the saxophone, he said.

“I’ve been craving to go hiking or kayaking here lately with the weather like it is,” Delano said. “I also like coding (and) writing computer programs, so kind of a mixture of everything.”

Delano plans to graduate next spring with a degree in computer science and a minor in mathematics, he said.

“Hopefully whenever I graduate I can go on to work with missile defense in Huntsville,” he said.

CAMPAIGN, continued from page 1 “You never know what things can happen,” Jacques said.

She said she thinks active bystander training is very important for students to know before packing for the beach for spring break.

SGA will give away 100 tank tops and stickers with the “It’s On Us” logo.

There will also be 17 dozen cupcakes from Yummies Bakery, Domino’s Pizza and drinks free for students.

The event will have a beach theme, so Smith said he encourages students to wear Hawaiian shirts to the event.

“We plan to have a fun social environment where students can hang out and relieve some stress from extremely busy schedules full of classes and homework,” Lang said. “All of the details aren’t finalized, but really there will just be fun activities throughout the event.”

Feedback from the launch party in November showed students need to learn more about sexual assault, he said.

“A question on the feedback form was, ‘Did you have any knowledge of “It’s On Us” before this event?’ and a lot of students said no because we hadn’t talked about it before,” Smith said. “That was one of our big drawbacks from it — that we actually need to center on teaching students on what ‘It’s On Us’ is, how ‘It’s On Us’ can impact students lives and how students can be safe on campus.”

In addition to the spring break event, Smith said SGA plans to do an educational event for April, which is sexual assault awareness month.

SGA

in

Review

• Spring Preview Day - March 19, 11 a.m. to

1 p.m. @ Braly Stadium

• UPC Movie Mondays - March 21, 8 p.m. @ GUC • Freshman Forum - Elderly Prom March 12 • Easter Egg hunt - March 21 • Spring Break Bash - 8 to 11 p.m.

March 23 @ Memorial Amphitheater • UPC approved a resolution to add “Reality Check” event to raise disability awareness April

15

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

Campus Crime Log • Feb. 28 Public intoxication

arrest

Cypress Street • Feb. 24

Damage to property Olive Hall • Feb. 24

Harassment Olive Hall • Feb. 23 Possession of drug Paraphernalia Olive Hall Feb. 22

Attempted theft by

deception

Campus

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

LIFE 9

March 10, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Incidence of

Intimate Partner Violence from UNA’s 2015 Campus Climate Survey

157

A series on sex and millenials

reported physical violence

Fall 2014 6 cases of relationship violence 4% of victims contacted a hotline

2 cases of stalking 36.6% identified as male

Of 157

63.4% identified as female

Statistics based off the 978 students participating in the Campus Climate Survey in 2015.

Almost 90% of victims identified as heterosexuals

design by Jackie Willis and Michael Meigs I Graphic Designers

Reports indicate increase in dating violence MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

Nearly half of college women who date report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors.

At least 57 percent report dating violence is difficult to identify and 58 percent report they do not know how to help someone who is experiencing it, according to loveisrespect.org.

The Love is Respect website offers resources, anonymous chat and quizzes.

“We’re seeing a lot more students from UNA,” said Executive Director of Safeplace, Inc. Rachel Hackworth.

“There’s an increase in the number of people in the college age group that are experiencing domestic violence.”

People are not equipped to deal with it and do not know how to identify it, she said.

“You have to know what to look for in a healthy relationship and also in an unhealthy relationship,” she said.

A healthy relationship

involves respect, trust and communication, she said. An unhealthy relationship is about power and control.

Keeping a person isolated from friends and family, controlling what he or she wears, asking for digital account passwords and wanting that person to check in often are signs of an unhealthy relationship, Hackworth said.

“Physical abuse is usually a very small part of domestic violence and unhealthy relationships,” Hackworth said. “Just the threat of that can hold that power and control together.”

Hackworth, along with Executive Director of Shoals Crisis Center Samantha Belville and Executive Director of One Place of the Shoals Angie Hamilton will take part in a panel discussion at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library March 20. Director of the Center for Women’s Studies Lynne Rieff will moderate the discussion.

They will discuss how these agencies work together

to provide services for victims here in the Shoals, said Florence-Lauderdale Library Programming and Publicity Coordinator Jennifer Butler Keeton.

This event is the last in a series titled, “Confronting Violence: Improving Women’s Lives” that began March 1.

Senior Eboney Curtis is trying to start an additional resource for UNA students.

Curtis said she was in an emotionally abusive relationship. Now, she wants to start a One Love team at UNA. The UNA One Love team will be a Registered Student Organization, and members will learn what to say and do for victims of relationship violence, she said.

In 2010, the boyfriend of University of Virginia student Yeardley Love beat her to death, Curtis said. Though the signs were there, no one noticed them or knew what to do.

Sharon Love, Yeardley’s mother, began the One Love Foundation to bring awareness of the signs of abuse to college

students.

The national organization currently has nearly 6,000 members, including members at the University of Alabama, Jacksonville State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

It was hard coming out of an abusive relationship, Curtis said. The resources One Love provided helped.

Curtis has been working closely with Title IX Coordinator Tammy Jacques.

The Title IX office is funding everything, while Curtis focuses on educating fellow students.

“It’s so important, and you think it can’t happen to you and you think it can’t happen to your friends, and it can and it is,” she said. “One in three women and one in four men are going to experience some type of abusive relationship in their lifetime.”

Freshman Lacee Johnson realized she was in an unhealthy relationship when her partner separated her from family and friends.

“My partner would get really angry whenever I would want to go see other people, even if it was just friends and family,” she said. “I wasn’t allowed to be anywhere alone.”

It took working two jobs and paying this person to leave her house for her to finally be free, Johnson said.

It is not fair for people in relationships to tell others who they can or cannot be friends with, said sophomore Chris Daniels.

“It’s mainly a trust issue,” he said.

Curtis set up One Love information tables in the Guillot University Center March 4 and 9 and is hosting an interest meeting March 14 in the GUC Loft from 5-6 p.m.

“I don’t want it to just be students,” she said. “I don’t want it to just be girls. I want faculty to be involved in this.

I want men to be involved in this. I want the community to be involved in this. It’s so important that people know and understand what they can do.”

10 LIFE

March 10, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

App offers access to entire Netflix database MONDAY SANDERSON Associate Life Editor life@florala.net

Students behind the podium A series on critical language partners

SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer

Sophomore Yutaro Funaki teaches his Elementary Japanese class. “Because he grew up (in Japan), he knows the nuances of the language better than a textbook can sometimes convey,” said junior Trevor Kurzhal.

Funaki teaches importance of outside experience MONDAY SANDERSON Associate Life Editor life@florala.net

“The most important experiences are from outside of the classroom.”

Sophomore Yutaro Funaki is an international student who arrived at UNA during the summer of 2014. He said his learning comes from his cultural experiences in Florence.

He is also the Elementary Japanese Critical Language Partner.

“There was an opportunity for me to learn English better and to also help others,” he said. “I want to help (the students) learn Japanese because I know how important it is to learn a second or third language.”

Funaki said a friend of his recommended he apply for the job.

“Yui Tahara was a previous Japanese partner, and she’s heading back to Japan,” he said. “I asked her about it, and she told me I could do it.”

Funaki said he was nervous when he first started teaching, but now he feels confident.

Funaki’s teaching style is not strict, said junior Trevor Kurzhal.

“He’s very patient with us as we try to grasp a language that is simply not made from the Latin roots from which we derive our language,” he said. “So, because of this easy going style, it helps us continue on learning with eagerness as we pursue something that is quite outside of the realm of normal learning.”

Funaki said he had to reteach the class basic grammar rules.

“When I first started teaching the second level, they didn’t know a lot,” he said. “They just knew some of the alphabet and had memorized some of the phrases.”

He said he makes sure the class reviews the previous lesson before starting a new one.

Kurzhal said having a native speaker who is also a college student has helped him in learning the language.

”

I WANT TO HELP (THE) STUDENTS LEARN JAPANESE BECAUSE I KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO LEARN A SECOND OR THIRD LANGUAGE.

YUTARO FUNAKI SOPHOMORE

“I love having a fellow college student as my teacher,” he said. “It makes the environment more communicative than that of an adult just lecturing me in a language. Because he grew up (in Japan), he knows the nuances of the language better than a textbook can sometimes convey.”

Funaki said other than being a teacher he is also a Navigator, a UNA ambassador. He said he became one

because of the first person he met at UNA. “When I first arrived, a Navigator came and picked me up,” he said. “He was American, but he listened to me carefully and tried to understand (me).”

He worked hard to become a Navigator, said Coordinator for International Success Cala Flippo.

“Yutaro began his studies as an English as a Second Language student,” she said. “He was a hard worker and finished well. He is willing to translate for our office when needed, and I think has had a fun time being an ambassador for us.”

Funaki said when he does not have work he swims or plays soccer.

“I’m part of the men’s soccer club,” he said. “The first friend I made (here) played soccer, so I joined them one day.”

Flippo said he is a leader on the soccer team and encourages other students to join.

Funaki said he is not good at playing soccer, but he still enjoys the game.

These activities are good ways to make friends, he said.

Funaki said he is glad he chose UNA as his school.

“When I found UNA, I noticed it wasn’t that big, but the nature was beautiful,” he said. “Since it’s not that big of a school, I thought it would be easier to make new friends and study English. I have the chance to (become more involved in American culture) than if I went to a big school.”

Netflix allows viewers to watch multiple movies and TV shows but only from their country.

The Smartflix app, which is only for computers, allows Netflix members to access every country’s catalog.

Based on my experience with the app, it is a great concept, but it needs more work.

Despite these exciting features and movies available, it disappointed me.

When I tried to watch a movie, which was from another country, it would not play.

Instead, it gave me an error message.

This message implied that I could not access the movies from other countries.

I can still watch movies or TV shows members can find in America’s catalog, but in a lower quality.

I found Smartflix while scrolling through Tumblr. When I first read the description, it shocked me. I thought, “This is too good to be true.” Nevertheless, I clicked on the website link.

In order to use Smartflix, users must have a Netflix account. If they do not, Smartflix allows users the opportunity to make a Netflix account.

The price for the product is a good deal. It is currently free since the app is in beta mode. After the developers fix the problems, it will cost $2.99. When I combine the Netflix subscription and the Smartflix subscription, I will pay $10.98 a month.

As of right now, the app is for Windows users only. There was no download button for Macs. However, the developers might change this.

The downloading process was quick and simple.

The expansive catalog offers choices members in America might not see for a while. “Inside Out” is available on Smartflix, but it is only available on Netflix in Canada. This means I do not have to buy my favorite movies on DVD. While the catalog has movies from multiple countries, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan have the most.

I was able to find some of my favorite movies like “Sucker Punch,” “Charlie Bartlett” and “Donnie Darko.”

An interesting feature Smartflix has, which Netflix does not, is the ability to see the “Rotten Tomatoes” score. When I hovered over the movies, it showed this score, its IMDB score and a description.

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

LIFE 11

March 10, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Lectures honor late professor MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net

The campus and community remember a man who dedicated his life to the love of history, family and the pursuit of intellect.

The first in an annual series of lectures titled “The Lawrence J. Nelson Memorial Lecture” honors Lawrence “Larry” Nelson, late history professor at UNA. The Office of University Advancement established a fund through the UNA Foundation to provide future lectures.

The inaugural lecture is March 10 at 7 p.m. in the Department of Communications building room 131 and is free and open to the public.

Nelson died Jan. 14, 2014, from a brain tumor.

In the 30 years he taught at UNA, he touched many lives, including that of History Professor Matthew Schoenbachler.

“I had him as a professor back in the late ‘80s, and he’s really the reason I became a history major and went on to get my doctorate,” Schoenbachler said. “I started as a freshman and didn’t have an idea what I wanted to do. Then, I wandered into his course. It was just this amazing experience of learning about the past in a way I’d never understood it before.”

The featured speaker at the event is

University of Richmond’s Professor of Humanities Edward Ayers, a renowned historian of the Civil War era and the 19th century American South and current co-host of NPR’s “Backstory with the American History Guys,” Schoenbachler said. His talk will be on “The Mystery of the Civil War.” Two former students of Nelson’s, Troy Paino, president of Truman State University, and Lorri Glover, professor of history at St. Louis University, will share how Nelson impacted their lives.

Glover, a UNA alumna, said Nelson encouraged, guided and believed in her.

“I think he’s the reason I even graduated from UNA,” she said. “I was sort of lost and moving around from major to major and class to class. I somehow wound up in his course, and it was life changing. I knew within a week that’s what I wanted to do with my life.”

Schoenbachler said he got to know Nelson on a professional level when they were colleagues at the university beginning in 2002.

The effect Nelson had on the community continuously impressed him.

“He had a great impact on me just as a student, as a mentor and as a new professor at UNA as well,” said Associate Professor of Elementary Education Lisa Clayton. “He just always made you feel like you could do anything you set your mind to.”

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

Photo courtesy of Shannon Wells

Late History Professor Lawrence “Larry” Nelson teaches a history class. Nelson died Jan. 14, 2014, from a brain tumor. The first in an annual series of lectures honoring him will be March 10 in the Department of Communications building room 131 at 7 p.m.

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12 Sports

March 10, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Scoreboard March 1-6 March 1

Men’s BB vs. Delta State 90-59 Loss

March 5 Softball vs. West Florida (DH) 3-0 Win, 7-3 Win Baseball vs. West Florida (DH) 9-2 Loss, 4-3 Loss

March 6

Softball vs. West Florida 14-5 Win Baseball vs. West Florida 7-2 Win

Upcoming Softball

March 12-13 at Lee University March 16 at Young Harris March 19-20 at West Alabama March 25-26 vs. Delta State

Baseball

March 12-13 at Lee University March 16 vs. Montevallo March 19-20 at West Alabama March 23 at Alabama A&M (DH) March 25-26 vs. Delta State

Tennis

March 8 vs. UAH (W) March 10 at UAH (M) March 12 vs. West Alabama (M/W) March 13 at Alabama State (M/W) March 16 at Tuskegee (M/W)

Golf

March 13-15 First Federal Southeastern Collegiate Tournament Valdosta, Georgia

Track

March 12 Gamecock Quad Meet Jacksonville, Alabama

Games continued at roarlions.com

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Senior guard John Fletcher dribbles ahead of traffic against Mississippi College Feb. 11 in Flowers Hall. Fletcher is one of two seniors UNA coach Bobby Champagne will look to replace next season.

Men’s team closes winning season MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

Many fans placed a low expectation on the UNA men’s basketball team this season, but it did not stop the team from having a winning record.

The Lions, who the Gulf South Conference coaches voted seventh in the preseason poll, shattered the marginal expectations by hosting a

conference tournament game in Flowers Hall as the fourth seed.

The season ended after a 9059 loss in the first round to Delta State March 1. UNA had a 13-9 conference record and finished 16-13 overall.

Many argue the winning season was overachieving, but the returners from last season disagree, said coach Bobby Champagne.

“I think we were a victim of low expectations this year,”

Champagne said. “I know John Fletcher, Jeff Hodge and Jetani Hunter all took that a little personal after how we ended last season. I think they personally had goals of having a much better season.

“Being tied for third, beating every team in the league except for one, beating Kentucky Wesleyan who has been ranked all season — I think we did some good things. Obviously, we could have won a few more,

but it didn’t work out.”

The team’s two seniors, Fletcher and Bilal Richardson, depart the roster next season, leaving eight possible returning lettermen.

Junior forward Da’Shaun Griffin’s status is in question due to a “violation of team rules,” Champagne said. Champagne did not release any further details regarding the violation.

See HOOPS, page 14

Carpenter sets school’s career wins record SAVANNAH VICKERY Student Writer svickery@una.edu

Adding to her storied softball career, junior left-handed pitcher Hillary Carpenter broke a school record after earning win No. 49 as a Lion.

Carpenter (11-2, one save) hit this milestone following UNA’s complete three-game sweep at Shorter University.

Although she has been racking up numbers for the Lions (214, 7-2 Gulf South Conference) since her first year at UNA,

Carpenter is only focused on winning a championship, she said.

Carpenter hit the No. 50 milestone after a 3-0 shutout win against West Florida March 5, as she threw a complete game, allowing three hits.

“I really couldn’t have done it without my teammates and coaches,” Carpenter said.

“I’m so glad I get to share this accomplishment with them.”

Carpenter said she has more faith in this team than ever and is confident in them for the rest of the season.

The Lions are sixth in the NFSA Top 25 Coaches Poll, climbing two spots from their previous No. 8 rank.

“We are awesome in the field, and our bats have really come together when we’ve needed them,” Carpenter said.

Although her playing ability brings a lot to the table, there is more to Carpenter than talented softball, said head coach Ashley Cozart.

“She has great grades and has received several academic awards,” Cozart said. “She is a team favorite and also gives

lessons to younger players in the community.”

Cozart said she is proud of Carpenter and her accomplishments.

“She plays the game like a warrior,” Cozart said. “Nothing ever seems to rattle her or intimidate her and with her on the mound, we have a chance to win any game we play.”

Carpenter is a graduate of Hatton High School, located about 30 minutes from UNA’s campus.

See RECORD, page 13

SPORTS 13

March 10, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Sanderson maintains leagueʼs lowest ERA SAVANNAH VICKERY Student Writer svickery@una.edu

Senior right-handed pitcher Riley Sanderson is bringing the heat for the Lions in his final collegiate season.

Sanderson entered the game against West Florida March 6 with a 0.99 earned run average, the lowest in the Gulf South Conference. After giving up two runs in 7 2/3 innings against the Argonauts, Sanderson maintained his first place status with a 1.29 ERA. The long-time Lion said there’s really no legitimate secret to his success.

“I just go out there and give it my all,” Sanderson said. “It’s hitting my spots and having a defense behind me that I can trust to handle the balls put in play.”

Leading the team with his career-low ERA and 42 strikeouts, Sanderson is off to the best statistical start of his four-year career. In 2013, his freshman year, he made nine appearances on the field with seven starts for the Lions. Since then, he has brought nothing but success to the clubhouse, said head coach Mike Keehn.

“He has always had a strong arm and great secondary pitches,” Keehn said.

“Riley has really committed to working hard every day, and so far it has paid off.”

The Lions are off to an 11-5 overall start and are 6-3 in the GSC. Sanderson said he is confident in this year’s team because of everyone’s mentality, as he expects more success than last season.

Keehn said he has always seen competitiveness in Sanderson, but the senior from Owens Cross Roads continues progression on much more than his ambition this season.

“He is more focused for his senior season,” Keehn said. “Riley has become a team leader.”

On the field, he is a great competitor and gives everything he has for this team, said senior right-handed pitcher Blake

Talley.

“Aside from baseball, Riley is an awesome guy and someone you can joke around with and have a good time with,” Talley said.

Sanderson has a talented throwing ability, but he brings more to the table than just his pitching, Talley said.

“Riley has taught me how to have fun at the field every day,” he said. “Between the long practices and games he does a great job of keeping things fun.”

Talley said Sanderson is one of the few players who have stayed in the program since day one, making him an impact player.

“Riley is a true leader on the mound,” he said. “He has been here at UNA longer than most everyone else. Having a guy with his experience and toughness throwing for us every weekend gives us a great chance to win.”

Sanderson said pitching on the college level teaches him many lessons.

“I’ve learned a lot of things, but the most important would be learning the true meaning of teamwork and work ethic,” he said. “I’ve also learned that you always get what you put into it.”

Sanderson said he credits assistant coach Matt Hancock for teaching him the fundamentals.

“Coming in as a freshman, I knew nothing about pitching,” he said. “He has also taught me the mental game of baseball.”

Sanderson said his association with Hancock goes beyond the diamond.

“Whether it be about baseball or just about life in general, his door is always open, and that is something you don’t find everywhere,” he said.

Sanderson and the Lions travel to Cleveland, Tennessee, for a three-game series with Lee University beginning March 12 at noon and game two at 3 p.m.

The March 13 game also starts at noon.

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Senior pitcher Riley Sanderson winds up for a pitch against West Georgia Feb. 20.

Sanderson is off to the best start of his four-year career with a 1.29 ERA through five starts.

RECORD, continued from page 12 As high school and college teammates, Carpenter has developed a strong friendship with junior third baseman Danya Snead on and off the field, Snead said.

“If you didn’t know Hillary, you wouldn’t know she played softball because she is so humble in the things that she does,” Snead said. “She’s been an amazing pitcher since I’ve known her.”

Snead and Carpenter were rivals in grade school before becoming teammates at Hatton, but Snead said she is happy they reunited.

“I’ve been at the plate against Hillary before I moved to Hatton, and all I can say is that I’m glad she’s on my team and not the opposing,” Snead said. “She is a very strong, dominating pitcher.”

Assistant coach Whitney Hawkins

works primarily with the team’s pitching staff. Carpenter said she relies on Hawkins more than anyone because she has put so much time into improving her pitching.

“If I ever get the opportunity to coach, I hope I am half as helpful and special to my players as she is to me,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter is in her third season at UNA, but many believe her success began as early as her first season.

“Her freshman year, she received Pitcher of the Year and led us to our third regional in school history,” Cozart said.

“Hillary is every college coaches’ dream.

She works hard. She is a heck of a softball pitcher and an even better person.”

Carpenter and the Lions go on the road March 12 for a three-game series against Lee University.

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14 SPORTS

March 10, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Rugby team scrums to playoffs JONATHAN SLATTON Student Writer jslatton@una.edu

Coming off a successful year, the UNA rugby team is heading to the playoffs.

The Lions, who finished the regular season 11-2, play their first playoff game against Louisiana State University at Alexandria March 12. A win over the Generals would put the team in position to play its next game in Atlanta, Georgia, March 19.

The playoff format is single elimination, meaning a loss at any juncture would end the season. If the Lions advance past the round in Atlanta, which consists of two games, they will advance to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the quarterfinals.

If the team wins in Charlotte, it advances to Glendale, Colorado, for the National Small College Rugby Organization Final Four April 30. Many claim the city of Glendale is “Rugbytown USA,” for its top-notch facilities.

The team believes this year could potentially bring a championship, said junior Darnell Dothard.

“I feel like when we play our best game, we can win every single time,” Dothard said. “From what I heard, our first game will be a great matchup. It should be neck and neck. I think it will be an intense game.”

The biggest part of UNA’s success this season is its stifling defense, which

JACKSON TOWNSEND I Staff Photographer

Junior rugby player Donald Causey breaks a tackle during a nonconference match against Division I Western Kentucky University Sept. 26. The UNA rugby team made the playoffs and faces LSU-Alexandria in a first round matchup March 12 in Alexandria, Louisiana.

has given opponents trouble all season long, said assistant coach Grant Cavin.

“We have played tough and physical

HOOPS, continued from page 12 “When I get back off the road from recruiting before spring break, we’ll sit down and visit to discuss a plan for (Griffin),” Champagne said. “Right now, he’s suspended.”

Returners include upcoming seniors Austin Timms, Dimario Jackson and Hodge who each consistently started games for the Lions this season. DeAndre McKinnie joins them in next year’s senior class off the bench.

After having one season under their belt, freshmen Tavaras Tolliver and Dakota Holtzclaw return next year as sophomores. Hunter comes back for a third season after taking a redshirt season in 2014.

“I like the guys we have coming back,” Champagne said. “I think we are going to sign some good guys to go along with them. Our job as a coaching staff is to get them to play together, so that’s what we’re going to work on.”

McKinnie said the premature ending in the GSC tournament would motivate the team in the offseason.

“We didn’t want to see the season end that way,” McKinnie said. “We have a majority of juniors, sophomores and freshmen, so I’m looking forward to next year because I’m not trying to be in this position next year.”

Champagne said he plans to add four players to the roster next season, whether

they come from high school or the junior college level.

“My philosophy is to bring in the best available,” he said. “If that guy is a high school guy, a junior college guy, a Division I or Division II transfer or somebody in Timbuktu playing in a (recreation) league somewhere, we’ll take a look at them. It doesn’t really matter to me.”

The Lions intend to focus on building a post presence through recruiting this season, Champagne said.

“We may need to bring in a couple of power forwards or a center,” he said.

“We need somebody that can rebound, somebody that can be physical inside.”

McKinnie said there is no doubt in his mind next year will exceed this season’s result.

“I think for this year, even though we didn’t know each other, we ended up being third or fourth in the conference,” McKinnie said. “I think our chemistry will be way better next year.”

Timms said with the amount of players returning, along with the addition of new talent for next season, the future should be bright.

“Hopefully we will come back next season and be even better,” Timms said.

“Almost all of us are coming back, so hopefully we can get this year behind us and work to get better from here on out.”

defense all season, not allowing more than 20 points a game,” Cavin said.

The Lions closed the season with a

dominant victory over UT-Chattanooga, winning the game 52-19 at Veterans Park Feb. 27.

The Lions finished undefeated at their home field, Veterans Park, an off-campus venue. UNA’s two losses this season both happened away from home.

Tennessee Tech and Lee University each defeated UNA on the road, but the Lions evened each series with a win against each team at home.

Cavin said playing on the road in the playoffs should not be an issue for the team.

“We are getting down there a day early, so not being in a car for four hours before the game should help us out there.” Cavin said.

Aside from defensive play, the team’s strong suit this season is its trucking ability, which should be a factor against LSU-Alexandria, said senior Eli Phillips.

“If we come in and play our game, which is fast and physical rugby, we can run over them,” Phillips said. “They might have more experience than us, but they haven’t played a team that is as big as we are.”

Dothard said he believes the team’s growth in retaining most of its players and adding new members makes it a team to remember for years to come.

“I think this is the best teams assembled at UNA,” he said. “With us, we have great team chemistry and have known each other for two or three years.

We are just as close on the field as we are off the field.”

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www.unacampus.com

EXTRA 15

March 10, 2016 • The Flor-Ala

Thurs., March 10 10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Circle K March of Dimes GUC Atrium 11 a.m. — 12:15 p.m.

UNA Writer’s Series GUC Performance Center 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Taste of Asia GUC Atrium 3:30 p.m.

SGA Senate Meeting GUC 200 6:30 — 9 p.m.

Nelson Lecture Series Communications Building 131

The Flor-Ala file photo

Outdoor Adventure Center member Patrick Shremshock rides a bike across campus March 16, 2015. The OAC will host its “Share the Road” campaign March 14-18 to promote roadway safety.

Sun., March 13

Fri., March 11 10:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

Freshman Forum GUC Atrium

6 — 8:30 p.m.

“State of Being Human” Screening GUC Loft 7:30 p.m.

“Good People” Play George S. Lindsey Theatre

Sat., March 12 7:30 p.m.

“Good People” Play George S. Lindsey Theatre

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME 2 p.m.

“Good People” Play George S. Lindsey Theatre 6 — 8 p.m.

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

ENCOUNTER Stone Lodge (Upper)

Mon., March 14 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Campus Outreach GUC Atrium

11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Share the Road Campaign GUC Atrium 3:30 — 5:15 p.m.

SGA University Program Council Meeting GUC 200

Wed., March 16 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Share the Road Campaign GUC Atrium 4:30 — 5:30 p.m.

Freshman Forum GUC 200

5 — 6 p.m.

One Love Interest Meeting GUC 208

4:30 — 6 p.m.

SAFE Stone Lodge (Upper)

8 — 10 p.m.

Fellowship of

5 — 6:30 p.m.

JUMP! Stone Lodge (Lower)

Tues., March 15 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Share the Road Campaign GUC Atrium

6 — 7 p.m.

National Society of Leadership and Success @ Stevens Hall Auditorium

3:30 — 4:30 p.m.

Student Allocations GUC Events Conference Room

8 — 9:30 p.m.

ENCOUNTER Stone Lodge (Upper)

16 EXTRA

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

March 10, 2016 • The Flor-Ala