FLOR - ALA The
Oct. 22, 2015
Volume 84, Issue 10
www.FlorAla.net
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT PREVIEW PAGE 1B
Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama
CRIME
Action Beats Reaction photo courtesy of Shannon Wells
A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Training prepares campus community members for defense in case of an active shooter incident. The next training session is Oct. 28 at the lower level of the Stone Lodge.
National shooting crises encourage stronger campus security WENDIE ROBINSON Student Writer wrobinson1@una.edu
The UNA Police Department is searching for more effective campus security methods following the increased number of national active shooter incidences over the past few years. In order to create a safer environment on campus, Gillilan said UNA police are researching effective lockdown procedures and more protection methods. These may include first-aid kits for every room on campus, signage for windows and jam blocks, an entry-sealing device made to keep assailants out, he said. UNA, like most Alabama
INSIDE
this week’s paper
campuses, is gun-free, said Chief of Police Kevin Gillilan. The university decided to be a gun-free zone in 2013, according to the police department. “(Being gun-free) helps campuses, in that, theoretically, you’re not allowing firearms on campus unless it’s in the hands of a trained law enforcement officer,” Gillilan said. As shootings occur, Americans become more concerned about personal gun laws, but government laws give college campuses their own choice to be gun-free. The FBI performed a study in 2014 on active shooter incidents from 2000 and reported 160 active shooter incidents resulting in 486 deaths, not including the assailants.
NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A IMAGES . . . . . . . 4A VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7A
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(BEING GUN-FREE) HELPS CAMPUSES, IN THAT, THEORETICALLY, YOUʼRE NOT ALLOWING FIREARMS ON CAMPUS UNLESS ITʼS IN THE HANDS OF A TRAINED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.
KEVIN GILLILAN CHIEF OF POLICE
During those studied years, 12 incidents involved postsecondary educational facilities resulting in 60 total deaths. With the most recent campus shootings, college students question their safety from gun violence. “I think the recent campus shootings are terrible,” said
LIFE . . . . . . . . . 1B SPORTS . . . . . . . 4B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 7B
freshman Alli Gower. “It is scary how it is happening more and more often. You can never be sure of your safety these days.” The study also found a dramatic increase in the number of incidences over those 14 years. The number of incidences per year increased from 6.4 to 16.4 when comparing the first and last seven years of the study. Others argue gun-free campuses are targeted more due to a lack of gun protection, Gillilan said. “I don’t believe that taking people’s guns away from them will stop the shootings from happening,” Gower said. “They will still get a gun regardless.” The police department also offers A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter,
Evacuate) training for UNA community members and local residents in preparation for an active shooter situation. During a three-hour session, A.L.I.C.E. teaches people the steps for optimal safety during an active shooter incident. “Action beats reaction,” said Terry Parker, A.L.I.C.E. trainer. “If you have trained for an event like (the Oregon campus shooting) then you are more able to respond in a positive way and not freeze wondering what to do.” The police department offers the training once a month and is free for anyone at UNA or in the community who wishes to attend. The next training session is Oct. 28 at the lower level of the Stone Lodge.
See SAFETY, page 8A
MUST-SEE BRALY .......... 4B
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2A NEWS
POLITICS
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
2016 Presidential Candidates Education
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JEB BUSH • • •
BEN CARSON • • •
Health Care
“I think (Common Core) is the right thing to do for our country.” “We test too much. You could have fewer tests and achieve the desired results of accountability.” “I don’t think we need to restrict (creationism) discussion, but it doesn’t need to be required, either.”
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Promotes laissez-faire education “Evolution and creationism both require faith.” “We used to have the best public education system in the world. Now we have the best propaganda system in the world.
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Reform tenure policies School choice should be based on family preference, not zoning laws Extend school until 6 p.m. daily, 12 months per year.
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Local control of education instead of Common Core. Allow states to opt out of Common Core without affecting federal grants. Right to public, private, charter and/or homeschool regardless of wealth or zip code.
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Supports No Child Left Behind Less federal, more local control
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CHRIS CHRISTIE • • •
TED CRUZ • •
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Civil Rights
Encourages funding for women’s health unrelated to Planned Parenthood. Opposes ObamaCare Proposed health care plan: Promote innovation, lower costs and return power to states.
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Vaccination is important Obamacare “is the worst thing that has happened in this nation since slavery.” “When a person is born, give him a health-savings account to which money can be contributed pretax from the time you’re born till the time you die.”
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“Parents have some measure of choice” in terms of vaccination. Expand Medicaid “I think ObamaCare was a mistake...the president didn’t tell folks the truth about what was going to happen with their own private insurance policies.”
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Opposes ObamaCare “Save Medicare by gradually increasing the eligibility age and by moving to a premium support system that expands choices.” Supports market-based health insurance.
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Opposes ObamaCare Supports market-based health insurance Health care reform begins with medical malpractice reform
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Vaccination important Subsidize medical expenses Can only be reformed by cultural shift, not law in and of itself. “We have to change the concept of (insurance and health-care models) to a preventive focus rather than an intervention focus.”
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Expand Medicaid Opposes government-run healthcare Opposes physician-assisted suicide
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Businesses have right to express religious freedom against gays Recognize civil unions and same-sex lifetime commitments Insisted on more racial/gender diversity in trial judges
“Give (homosexuals) property rights, visitation rights, etc.” without legalizing marriage. “I can understand the idea of reparations for Japanese families interned during WWII...in the case of slavery, however, there are neither slaves nor slave owners currently living.” Respects gay marriage as “the law of the land.” Believes people are predisposed to homosexuality.
Believes states should decide legal benefits for gay couples. Voted NO on expanding the Violence Against Women Act to include “lesbians, gays, immigrants and Native Americans.” Disallow KKK from participating in Adopt-AHighway. Sees need for equal opportunity between men and women Supports civil unions for homosexuals, not marriage. Voted to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
CARLY FIORINA • • •
MIKE HUCKABEE • • •
JOHN KASICH
“There is no constitutional authority to dictate education from the federal government.” Establish merit pay instead of tenure. “Develop both sides of (students’) brains” through academic and creative courses.
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$120 million student debt relief fund Bible is historical fact “Our public school system...is beyond fixing.”
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“Criminalization of Christianity” is the result of same-sex marriage, as pastors are breaking law for not performing ceremonies. Women can “control their libido” rather than rely on “Uncle Sugar” (the government providing birth control). Accepts Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage End racial profiling locally and federally
NEWS 3A
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala The Flor-Ala listed the presidential candidates who spoke in the Sept. 16 and Oct. 13 live CNN debates. Students, faculty, staff and alumni chose the three categories of policy most important to them based on an online public vote Oct. 16-17.
Education • • •
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Health Care
Opposes Common Core and No Child Left Behind Federal education tax doesn’t help local schools Wants to make tuition and student loan debt fully tax deductible.
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Focus on vocational career instead of 4-year college Opposes Common Core Supports private sector investors who pay for student loans, then receive percentage of student’s income upon entering the workforce.
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Opposes Common Core Cut down Department Education
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of
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Wants to make higher education affordable Supports federally-funded standardized testing Fund special education before giving tax cuts to the wealthy
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“Schools may not provide religious instruction, but they may teach about the Bible or other scripture in the teaching of history or literature.” “There are states that actually plan how may prison beds they will need by looking at third grade reading scores. I would rather pay for pre-K than for more prison beds.”
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Refinance college loans and income-based repayments Tax credits for contributions to private schools
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Vaccinations up to parents Reform necessary; overregulated since before ObamaCare Supports free-market principles
Vaccinations should be required ObamaCare stifles entrepreneurship Expand mental health centers
Civil Rights • • •
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“I’m for vaccines, but in smaller quantities to avoid autism.” ObamaCare should be repealed and replaced “Infuse more competition into the market (by letting) citizens purchase health-care plans across state lines.”
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Pursuing universal coverage. “Canada and Europe have large economies and engage in parallel trading. They engage in reducing the price of prescription drugs. We have to now.”
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Vaccination important “Universal health care is such a core Democratic principle that I am willing to go to the mat for it.”
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Marriage for heterosexuals, contracts for same-sex couples Voter ID laws discriminate against minorities. “If there was a war on women, I think they won. I don’t see so much that women are downtrodden. I see women rising up and doing great things.” Opposes gay marriage personally, recognizes it as law Opposes Paycheck Fairness Act “I don’t believe (homosexuals) should be denied (public) services. I also don’t believe a caterer or photographer should be punished for refusing to provide services.”
RAND PAUL
MARCO RUBIO
“I don’t have time for political correctness.” Same-sex marriage is a state issue. “I would say no and no” to gay marriage and civil benefits.
DONALD TRUMP
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State should cap medical cost and hospital fees ObamaCare “will continue to improve.” Supports government-run healthcare as right, not privilege.
information gathered by KALI DANIEL I Editor-in-Chief
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Supports LGBT rights Gay marriage a state issue, not federal
“Race and racism are defining challenges...around the world. We have made progress. But there is so much left to be done.” “I support gay marriage personally and as a matter of policy and law.” Re-introduce Equal Rights Amendment (1972)
LINCOLN CHAFEE
HILLARY CLINTON
Supports same-sex marriage Supports economic empowerment of all
MARTIN O’MALLEY •
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No Child Left Behind “ignores factors in academic performance, specifically poverty, health care, mental health and nutrition.” Common Core should have narrower standards. College loan repayment should refinance and forgive.
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“Education is the only way to level the playing field and provide all Americans with the opportunity to succeed.”
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Medicare for all as a human right Vaccinations required Prefers single-payer system instead of ObamaCare
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Black Lives Matter: deal with institutional racism Right to love each other, regardless of sexual orientation Equal pay for equal work by women
BERNIE SANDERS
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Focus on health access, not corporate profits (similar to military health care system). Narrow focus of ObamaCare
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Affirmative Action should apply to African Americans only Supports civil unions “Evolution on gay marriage has been good for the country.”
JIM WEBB
4A Images
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
▶
Fighting the Flu
photos by KATLYN SHANNON I Staff Photographer
Vaccinations
▶
Influenza season is upon us, and as usual, it is picking up speed as we get closer to the winter months. Scientists estimate this virus kills approximately 36,000 people in the United States each year. Although most of the deaths are from flu related complications, people can prevent them. Receiving a flu shot is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself from getting the flu. UNA has offered two clinics so far this semester where the students, faculty and staff received free flu shots. The clinics are in the GUC by the atrium and next to the old bookstore near the mailroom. The nursing students administer shots that protect from four of the six known strains of the flu. This injection takes two weeks from the date of the vaccination to fully defend from the virus, and it does not contain a live virus. That being said, contrary to popular belief, the flu vaccine
Preparation
cannot and does not give the flu. As of Oct. 10, there has not been any pediatric flu-related deaths in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update these statistics weekly. There are plenty of places to receive the vaccine during this time of year, including the infirmary on campus at UNA. Students, faculty and staff can receive the shots for free at UNA, and dependents and spouses can receive them for $20. If that is not convenient enough, there are several pharmacies such as CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens which also offer shots for those without insurance. The vaccine protects many people every year from facing several days in bed because of this virus, and it is very much worth receiving. The next UNA flu clinic will be Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the GUC. If anyone is considering taking this opportunity, I suggest using this preventative measure instead of being sick later. More importantly, for anyone who does not enjoy injections, the flu shot does not hurt.
Nursing student Mollie Hanna (right) prepares to give students flu shots in the GUC. Students, staff and faculty can receive flue vaccinations for free.
Hold still
Junior Katie Rinks gives junior Collen Straub her shot as Straub looks away. She said it did not hurt.
▶
KATLYN SHANNON
Staff Photographer kshannon@una.edu
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UNA junior Megan Butler gives junior Tyler Blevins his flu vaccination at the clinic in the Guillot University Center Oct. 16. Last year’s clinics gave 900 vaccinations to visitors.
Student health
Sophomore Coltin King awaits his flue shot. He wants to protect himself from the virus this winter, he said.
NEWS 5A
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
POLITICS
Absentee ballot helps out-of-district students vote ANNA BROWN
News Editor news@florala.net
As the preliminary elections approach, now is the time to register to vote. However, some students question whether or not they can vote while they are living on campus. Just over 19 percent of 18 to 29-yearolds voted in the 2014 elections, according to a U.S. Census November 2014 voting survey. This is the lowest number of youth voter turnout recorded in the past 40 years. While most UNA students are from the state of Alabama, about 20 percent are not, according to a report from the Department of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment. Thanks to absentee voting, out-of-district or out-ofstate students can vote during elections. “We’ve had some (students) register already from UNA,” said Chairman of the Voter Registrar’s Office Emily Springer. “It happens all the time. It’s a common thing that people do.” Absentee voting is where people who are unable to come to the polls on Election Day due to being out of town or away at college can vote early. This also applies to people who work shifts longer than 12 hours, according to registertovote.org.
Students can register to absentee vote by filling out the form for the state they wish to vote in. These forms are available at longdistancevoter.org. If a student wishes to vote in the state of Alabama, he or she can register for early voting or absentee voting at the Lauderdale County Municipal Building on Court Street.
”
WEʼVE HAD SOME (STUDENTS) REGISTER ALREADY FROM UNA. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. (ABSENTEE VOTING) IS A COMMON THING TO DO.
EMILY SPRINGER
CHAIRMAN, LAUDERDALE COUNTY VOTER REGISTRARʼS OFFICE “Once the ballot is filled out, a notary must notarize it when they sign the ballot, or they can get two registered voters from their state sign for them,” Springer said. The state government sends a ballot to the person’s residence. He or she fills it out and mails it back to government. “The laws on absentee voting vary
by state, so students should look up the policies on their own state online,” she said. Senior Will Rayburn said he thinks students should participate in politics. “If you don’t vote, you can’t bitch,” he said.
See VOTING, page 6A
ABSENTEE VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES • FEB. 25 — MID-TERM
ELECTION ABSENTEE VOTER REGISTRATION
APPLICATION DEADLINE
• APRIL 7 — MID-TERM
RUNOFF ABSENTEE VOTER REGISTRATION
DEADLINE
• NOV. 7 — GENERAL
ELECTION ABSENTEE VOTER REGISTRATION
APPLICATION DEADLINE
119 North Court Street | Downtown Florence | (256) 764-1809
6A NEWS
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
POLICE
Church says students violate parking policies on lot ANNA BROWN
News Editor news@florala.net
The UNA Police Department has heard many complaints from the church about students not following their parking policies. Officials said students park on the lot during restricted times. “They do this as a courtesy for us,” said Chief of Police Kevin Gillilan. “They’re a church, not a parking lot. If push came to shove, I’m sure they’d retract to do the best for the church.” Some parking violations on the lot included parking during restricted times, parking in areas designated for church staff and delivery drivers, and parking cars in the lot overnight and during weekends. “At the beginning of the year, the main issue was students parking in spaces marked for church staff,” he said. “They were ignoring those marked spaces. The students have been good to adjust and are now parking in the allowed areas.” The church’s minister, Kenney Moorer, said the church wants to keep the spaces around and behind the building free for church staff members and delivery drop-offs. “I know the church has always been agreeable to helping,” he said. “We
understand parking is at a premium and we want to help. Our lots are free most of the time and we want to be a good neighbor to the university.” The church sits on Pine Street next to the baseball and practice fields across the street from Mattielou Hall. The church’s lot provides 50 to 60 parking spaces for commuter student use.
”
THEY DO THIS AS A COURTESY FOR US. THEYʼRE A CHURCH, NOT A PARKING LOT. IF PUSH CAME TO SHOVE, IʼM SURE THEYʼD RETRACT TO DO THE BEST FOR THE CHURCH.
CHIEF OF POLICE
The church’s proximity to the university is ideal for commuter students, Gillilan said. Moorer said students are welcome to park in the church’s upper lot except during service times and overnight. “During the day when we’re not meeting, we’re glad for them to park on our lot,” Moorer said. “We want the students to feel free to do that.”
to vote across the Shoals. Public libraries, including the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library and the Muscle Shoals Public Library, have voter registration forms. Students can also register to vote at the Municipal Building on Court Street. Freshman Lauren Bobo said she has not registered to vote, but she plans to before the presidential elections begin. “This seems like a game-changing presidential election,” Bobo said. “I will definitely vote because I do not want Donald Trump to be my president. It was funny at first, but now it seems like he might have a chance.”
Lauderdale Lanes $2 Student Deal! $2 Shoe Rental
He said the church asked the police department to help students better understand the church’s parking policies. Moorer said the church has no desire to tow any vehicles off the church premises. Educating students about the parking issue is the correct action. Freshman Dre Jones said he knows people who have parked in the lot, but he has never parked there before. “I’ve rode with some band members who parked there for practice, but we only parked there during the daytime,” he said.
KEVIN GILLILAN
VOTING, continued from page 5A “We (college students) get to direct our own future by who we elect,” Rayburn said. Students can find information on absentee voting laws by state at brennancenter.org/student-voting. If students living on campus are from the state of Alabama and have never registered to vote, they can do so in Florence. “All they need is a valid government ID or driver’s liscense (in the state of Alabama),” Springer said. “They can use their university address, too.” There are many locations to register
The police department sends emails with parking updates to all students and faculty. The police sent at least seven emails this semester containing correct parking information related to parking at College View Church of Christ. The only corrective action the police department currently has is writing parking citations and placing boots on cars parked in the lot after hours, Gillilan said. “But, (placing a boot on the car) means the car is still on the church property,” he said. “It doesn’t fix the problem.”
$2 Games
Monday through Thursday 12pm-4pm. Monday through Thursday 7pm to close. Must show current college ID. Limited lane availability, first come, first served. Not valid with any other coupons or offers. Prices do not include tax.
photo by SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer
Cars fill the College View Church of Christ parking lot daily. The church allows students to park in the lot between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Viewpoints 7A
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
Election offers opportunity for civic discussion
Review EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kali Daniel MANAGING EDITOR Jasmine Fleming NEWS EDITOR Anna Brown LIFE EDITOR Melissa Parker SPORTS EDITOR Mike Ezekiel ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR Kadin Pounders ONLINE EDITOR Emily Kazungu BUSINESS MANAGER Jordan Byrd GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Peyton Lawler Michael Meigs Kelsey Weathers CIRCULATION MANAGER Alan Kimbrel CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Kaitlin Douglass STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Amandalyn Dorner Katlyn Shannon Shay Redd ADVISER Scott Morris
JASMINE FLEMING
Manging Editor managing@florala.net
This has been an exciting election season from my perspective. Although I have a political party affiliation, I watch the Democratic and Republican presidential debates to see how the candidates answer important questions. With 21 candidates currently in the race, I am almost guaranteed to come away with feelings of inspiration from some, frustration from others and entertainment from those whom I firmly believe should never run for office. I personally believe as U.S. citizens, we should take the opportunity to pick our
Content is determined by the student editorial staff of The Flor-Ala and has not been approved by the university.
ANNA BROWN
News Editor The staff strives to maintain the integrity news@florala.net of The Flor-Ala through accurate and honest reporting. To report an error, call Each presidential debate 256-765-4364 or email editor@florala. brings an interesting panel of net. ideas, stances and, of course, controversy. Our current political society is immersed in many hotbutton social issues including Letters to the editor should be emailed to civil rights, economics and editor@florala.net or mailed to: national security. The Democratic debate The Flor-Ala UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632
Letters Policy
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.
the university have created a Change.org petition to reserve more seats, which has 775 signatures. The university’s Student Government Association has also passed a resolution asking for more seating. Students are making more of an effort to be informed about candidates, whether they feel welcomed to or not. When College Republicans brought presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee to UNA earlier this month, he filled the seats of the Guillot University Center with many wanting to hear what he had to say. College Democrats has also been involved in informing students of the candidates by hosting a watch party for the first democratic debate. Even with these opportunities to get involved in the presidential discussion, students may not realize how important their votes are. Political analysts expect as much as 40 percent of the votes in next year’s election to come from youth, according to
an analysis in The Washington Times. The article also encouraged the GOP to reach out to the voters to avoid the same results from 2012. If politicians do not realize how important the youth vote is, they are missing out. However, students should not make the same judgment. We have the opportunity to discuss with others who we think should run this country, as well as ask them to consider our ideas. Even better, we can vote and hopefully elect the president of our choice, and we can have a say in our country’s future. The next time someone asks your opinion on a political topic, you should engage in that discussion to either become more informed or to inform someone else. Also, when the time comes next year to participate in the presidential election, remember that every vote counts, especially the millennial generation’s vote.
Citizens have right to government accountability
Editorial Policy Corrections
country’s leaders seriously, and as college students learn more each day, we have a responsibility to share our opinions and ideas with other generations. Unfortunately, only 55 percent of the eligible U.S. population voted for president in 2012, according to the American Presidency Project. However, voters age 18-29 comprised 19 percent of those votes, according to a Politico study. Although candidates do not always cater messages to college-aged students, maybe they should. In the same study, Politico showed 67 percent of the youth vote went to President Obama in 2012. Often, candidates can forget how important the millennial vote is. For example, the Oct. 28 Republican debate will be at University of Colorado Boulder in an 11,000-seat arena, but the GOP is only reserving 50 student seats, according to an earlier USA Today College article. To combat this, students at
Oct. 13 brought all these issues to the table and more, but one issue stood out to me. “The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your (Hillary Clinton’s) damn emails,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt. Clinton enthusiastically responded with, “Thank you. Me too!” The Clinton email scandal broke earlier this year, sending the District of Columbia and the American people into a panic. I remember hearing friends and family frantically discussing the issue with great enthusiasm. “We can’t have someone who does those things in office in D.C.,” they said. Sen. Sanders, I am sick of
hearing about them, too. It seems nearly every week there is an article online or on the nightly news with an update about the Clinton email situation. Clinton did a fair job of being forward, yet almost aloof and passive, about the emails. She even went so far as to smile and laugh as Sanders made his comment. However, we should not be passive about this issue. There is lots of confusion about the legality of Clinton using a personal email address for her government correspondence. The court must make the final decision. However, citizens of America need to acknowledge and follow the investigation
Interested in writing? Join our weekly writers’ meetings Sundays at 4 p.m. in the Student Publications Office
of one of our leaders. If a situation is so alarming that the Federal Bureau of Investigation would investigate, we should pay attention. This topic needs coverage, and Americans need to pay attention. The Freedom to Information Act lets us read government documents and correspondences. My charge to you is to analyze the actions of your government officials. This is a country established “of the people, by the people and for the people.” Holding the government accountable is a tedious task, but it is our right according to the First Amendment.
Congratulations to our Writer
of the Week!
Monday Sanderson
8A News
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
Health
Greek event promotes positive lifestyle for men
SGA
in
Review
• Freshman Forum - Canceled Halloween party because of UPC Movie Night. The forum will hand out free ice cream to students
wearing costumes. They will give prizes for the best costume. Car smash fundraiser planned for
Preview Day Nov. 14.
• UPC - Prepared for Ant Man screening.
photo by JACKSON TOWNSEND I Student Photographer
David Hagan gives a presentation on how to lead a successful life as college aged men. He addressed health issues such as anxiety, stress, nutrition, exercise and sleep habits.
JOHN ED DEARMAN Staff Writer jdearman@una.edu
Interfraternity Council hosted an event Oct. 20 promoting good health habits for college men. David Hagan spoke about sustainable health at the event. Hagan said he travels to colleges across the country encouraging men to live healthy lifestyles. “I guarantee you the lifestyle you are living right now is not sustainable,” he said. “You may be pulling it off because you are young, but let me tell you something, it won’t work when you’re older.” Students need to exercise for 30 to 45 minutes four to five days a week, sleep for at least eight hours per night and eat a balanced diet, he said. He also discussed the challenges students often have working these things into their schedules. IFC President Cullen Akin said he thinks it is important for college students to learn and sustain health, especially while in college. “I feel like we have a lot of health challenges going at this age, whether it is mental or physical, and I want our men
to get something out of what David said,” he said. “A lot of us were tested tonight, but it won’t stop here. My hope is that our brothers will continue to talk about this, and that we keep each other accountable.” Freshman Chandler Simmons said he enjoyed Hagan’s honesty about health issues. “It was a huge wakeup call to a lot of people,” Simmons said. “Many of the things he said people don’t focus on. It was great to have somebody like him to come talk to us and make those points.” Hagan said the choices college students make in their lives right now determine the outcome of their futures. These choices affect mental, physical and spiritual health. “If you just give your personal best and do these simple concepts, then you are promising yourself a better future,” he said. “If you’re making good choices, then it will make your life go in the right direction, if you make wrong choices, it will be just the opposite.” Despite the stress and challenge of college, he said students should strive for these goals. “Stress, sleep difficulties and anxiety
are the three top reasons why college students struggle academically,” he said. Hagan said that healthy habits can also contribute to positive decisions. He said to make these habits a top priority in everyday life. “It takes 30 days to create a habit, but six months to have a lifestyle change,” he said. Students can find help managing time stress or health through the University Success Center. The center provides free counseling, tutoring and time management services for students, according to UNA’s website. Sophomore Graham Powell enjoyed what Hagan had to say. “This has to be the best presentation I’ve ever heard,” Powell said. “For IFC to find a guy like this is awesome. It is such a great thing IFC has done, and it was put together very well.” Freshman Anna Elliot did not go to the event, but hopes there are more. “It is important to have events encouraging good lifestyles,” she said. “College students like us need to learn about how to be healthy. I would definitely go to one if there are more in the future.”
SAFETY, continued from page 1A There are other means of protection available to the campus community. Gillilan said pepper spray is an easy option. The UNA Police Department can arrange training and certification for pepper spray devices at a reduced price for campus members. Junior Sam Wallace said he thinks these shootings continue happening as a chain-reaction effect. “Some people realize they can do this and get attention,” Wallace said. If a student sees someone who seems distressed, he or she may contact UNA’s CARE (Campus Assistance Referral and Evaluation) Team. The CARE Team’s
job is to ensure the person receives the attention he or she needs as well as maintain the safety of university students.
”
It scares me some, but I would hope that something like (campus shootings) wouldn’t happen at UNA.
Meredith Williams Junior
The CARE referral process is simple, and the university suggests it in order to keep the individual and the community safe. “It scares me some, but I would hope that something like (campus shootings) wouldn’t happen at UNA,” said junior Meredith Williams. Parker said he thinks it’s important for students to be alert, informed and prepared for an active shooter incident. If a person knows or suspects a violent situation could take place, he or she should alert campus police or call 911 immediately.
• Senate - Discussed adding a stoplight at the Pine Street crosswalk. Submitted smoke-free resolution for review. Set date for “It’s On Us” launch party set for Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Memorial Amphitheater. For Meeting Briefs and Updates on the Student Government Association, Please visit florala.net
Campus Crime Log • Oct. 8 Damage to vehicles Larimore Street • Oct. 8 Theft by deception Smart Market • Oct. 8 Possession of marijuana Rice Hall • Oct. 6 Robbery and Assault Rivers Hall • Oct. 2 Minor in possession of alcohol Rivers Hall • Oct. 2 Possession of marijuana Rivers Hall Full crime log available at una.edu/police/crimelog
Life
Section B
Safety
Oct. 22, 2015• The Flor-Ala
photo illustration by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer
A girl walks across campus alone. “The Hunting Ground” tackles the topic of campus assaults and their toll on victims. “The film exposes sexual violence as a prevalent problem on campuses of higher education across the country. It looks at college campuses as territory for predators,” said Coordinator for Women’s Studies Emily Kelley.
Film addresses national campus sexual assaults MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net
Students and faculty have the opportunity to learn about a side of campus sexual assaults no one talks about Oct. 27. “The Hunting Ground” is a startling exposé of sexual assault on U.S. campuses, institutional cover-ups and the brutal social toll on victims and their families, according to the website. Title IX and the Center for Women’s Studies are bringing the film to campus,
with a discussion panel to follow, as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, said Coordinator for Women’s Studies Emily Kelley. “The film exposes sexual violence as a prevalent problem on campuses of higher education across the country,” she said. “It looks at college campuses as territory for predators.” The film and panel are part of the Citing Cinema Film Series, Kelley said. Senior Brooke Leonard is one of the students who created the series. Leonard said she received an
email from Kelley asking if she was interested in showing “The Hunting Ground.” “Once I watched it, I was sold because it’s such a prevalent issue,” she said. “I hope it’ll just bring awareness to the fact that this is an epidemic on our college campuses.” Freshman BJ Oakley said he encourages his friends and football teammates to see the film. “That’s just something that’s always been a big problem in colleges, and we just really need to stop that,” he said. Kelley, who is a member
of the Title IX Education and Advisory Board, said the film puts faces on something they have been studying and working on. “I’ve known the numbers, but watching the film, for me, brought forth a visceral reaction,” she said. “I think it will do the same for other people watching the film.” Junior Leslie Fuller said she thinks the film is important because people do not talk about sexual assault enough. “I think it’s really good because it shows the harsh reality of assault on campus,
especially sexual assault,” she said. “(It’s important) just to show to everyone that it does happen and happens frequently on many different college campuses.” The film is an hour long, and Kelley said she hopes seeing the faces of the survivors makes it real for everyone, especially those who do not believe it happens. “These are filmmakers with a mission, and they have really accomplished something amazing in this video,” she said. To read the rest of this story, visit florala.net.
Awareness
Event focuses on eliminating violence, providing information MELISSA PARKER Life Editor life@florala.net
Take Back the Night is an international event sponsored by the Center for Women’s Studies and University Residences Oct. 22. The goal of the event is to aid in the fight against rape, domestic and sexual violence. It begins at 6 p.m. at the Memorial Amphitheater. “We remember the victims and honor the survivors,” said Coordinator for Women’s Studies Emily Kelley. There will also be an information fair where participants can find out about local community sources, she said. Counseling Services, Title IX, Shoals Crisis Center, Office of Diversity and Institutional
IN THIS SECTION
Equity, SafePlace, One Place, SAFE, Shoals Community Clinic, Northwest Alabama AIDS Coalition and the Center for Women’s Studies will have tables set up, Kelley said. Earlier this week, the Clothesline Project, held in the GUC, provided students and faculty the opportunity to decorate T-shirts with antidomestic violence messages, or any anti-message they felt comfortable sharing. Those shirts will hang around the Amphitheater in preparation for Take Back the Night. Sophomore Desiree Garner said she has had personal experience with domestic violence and thinks the Clothesline Project is important. “I just feel like a lot more people should be aware of it
Life
so that people who are in those situations can be helped when they need to escape from that,” she said. Junior Coby Hicks decorated a shirt during the Clothesline Project Oct. 19. He said he believes Take Back the Night is an important event to bring awareness to domestic violence. “Violence toward each other isn’t necessary,” he said. People will have the chance to decorate shirts again the night of the event, Kelley said. Kate O’Keefe, area coordinator for University Residences, said the department encouraged the Resident Advisors to use Take Back the Night as their program for October. “A lot of them are getting their residents together and walking over to the event with
them,” she said. Resident Advisors will also be doing anything the Center for Women’s Studies needs them to
See page 2B
Braly Stadium: Florence landmark See page 4B
To read the rest of this story, visit florala.net.
The Flor-Ala file photo
Student-decorated shirts from the Clothesline Project surround Memorial Amphitheater during Take Back the Night. The event addresses sexual violence and offers students information on local services.
Sports Downtown Fall Fun Fest
do, she said.
Extra Soccer team’s unsung hero See page 5B
Events on- and off-campus See page 7B
2B LIFE
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
EVENTS
Downtown offers Halloween activities for all ages MONDAY SANDERSON
Staff Writer msanderson2@una.edu
Colder weather has arrived in the Shoals, and with it comes the Fall Fun Fest in downtown Florence. The Event will be Oct. 24 from 4 until 8 p.m. and includes costume contests for all ages, trick-or-treating with participating downtown businesses and local charities providing children’s activities to the general public, said Christina Hernandez, event coordinator for Florence Main Street. “It’s a Halloween-inspired event,” said,” she said. “It’s meant to bring people to downtown Florence and to spotlight our community businesses and local charities.” Last year was the event’s first year and approximately 1,200 people attended, she said. This year there will be 33 participating charities and 36 businesses, she said. Local charities will provide children’s activities including games like a witch hat ring toss, pumpkin bowling and face painting, Hernandez said. Sophomore Jennifer Van Tassel said the event sounds interesting and could be a good way to support the community.
“It’s great how they have all of these activities for the children,” she said. Junior Hillary Taylor said the event seems similar to Lion Night. “It’s good advertisement for these businesses,” she said. “It also gives people the chance to actually enter
”
ITʼS A HALLOWEEN-INSPIRED EVENT. ITʼS MEANT TO BRING PEOPLE TO DOWNTOWN FLORENCE AND TO SPOTLIGHT OUR COMMUNITY BUSINESSES AND LOCAL CHARITIES.
CHRISTINA HERNANDEZ
EVENT COORDINATOR FLORENCE MAIN STREET
the store and see what this business is selling.” Director of the Sidney’s Safe Foundation Sarah Thompson said the event is important to the community, and this will be the foundation’s second time participating. “We have a program where we give food away every Friday to children,” she said. “A lot of those kids will be there.”
The foundation’s booth this year will be a beauty booth called BOOty School Dropout BOOtique, she said. “We’re going to go over the top with the hair and makeup for both us and the kids,” she said. Ashley Lyle, UNA alumna and office manager at Creative Jewelers, said the costume contests are open to all ages, and businesses are giving out prizes for the best costumes. “We’re giving gift cards to first, second and third places in the Group category,” she said. The Geek Gathering will judge the different categories in the costume contest, Hernandez said. “We will be sponsoring one of the costume categories,” said Adam St. John, manager of Frios Gourmet Pops. “It will be the cosplay category. The winners of that will receive prizes donated by Frios.” Taylor said she is excited about the costume contest. “I’ve always enjoyed dressing up in costumes,” she said. “This gives me another opportunity to dress up without people thinking I’m a weirdo.” Hernandez said she would love for students to get involved with the event.
“We have so many downtown businesses that support the university,” she said. “This event is for awareness because we’re trying to get students into these stores. We want to create a relationship between the students and the community.” Taylor said she thinks it is a fun event for the entire family. “It’s family-oriented, so people will feel comfortable bringing their kids or younger siblings,” she said. “Also, if you like Halloween, then this will be something fun for you to do.”
REVIEW
Stonerʼs Pizza Joint offers prompt service WENDIE ROBINSON
Student Writer wrobinson1@una.edu
It was dinner time and my tummy was rumbling. I did not have time to fight the downtown crowd, and my refrigerator was bare, so the journey began. Stoner’s Pizza Joint on Florence Boulevard was casually on the way to my next stop. It was the perfect opportunity to try out the new pizzeria with a clever name. The open sign was not on. I hesitantly grabbed the handle, not wanting to look like an idiot for trying to open a locked door. They must have forgotten to flip the sign on because the door opened regardless of my hesitation. Walking in, I noticed some employees gathered around a table handling toppings and others making pizzas behind the counter. While I enjoy watching others prepare my food, I was on a mission. Underneath the restaurant’s name on
the front page of the menu it said, “Best Pizza & Wings in Town.” That sounded good to me, and I planned to find out if it was true. The menu offered salads, wings, bread sticks, pizzas, calzones, lasagna, pizzandwiches and desserts. I was overwhelmed at the options laid out before me. All the delicious opportunities called out to me. The cashier began looking a little impatient, so I finally decided to try a small handtossed buffalo chicken pizza. The cashier told me it would be $9.75, took my debit card and said it would be a 10-minute wait. The service was prompt, and the cashier even brought the pizza outside to me. I opened the box to find beautifully melted mozzarella over chicken and Buffalo sauce and grease — lots of grease. I am guilty of being a pizza blotter and had to ask for more napkins. The buffalo chicken pizza was gooey, cheesy and delicious. I am usually a wimp when it comes to spicy food, but I love the taste of Buffalo sauce. This pizza truly impressed me. I was able to tackle three pieces without a drink. It was tasty, and it helped clear my sinuses. The small was a good size for one person to eat all at once, to share with a roommate with a small appetite, or save
photo by WENDIE ROBINSON I Student Writer
The buffalo chicken pizza from Stoner’s Pizza Joint offers a delectable abundance of melted cheese, chicken and Buffalo sauce. Stoner’s Pizza Joint is located on Florence Boulevard.
for later. I saved mine and ate it as the night went on. I like cold, refrigerated pizza as well as fresh pizza. Only certain pizzas are good cold, and this was one of them. Whether it is gameday pizza, a date with friends or a significant other, or a snack for late night studying, pizza is a
college student staple. Stoner’s Pizza Joint is on my list of possibilities for any of those occasions. Stoner’s Pizza Joint is on Florence Boulevard across from Neighborhood Wal-Mart and is open daily 4 p.m. until midnight.
LIFE 3B
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
QUEEN PILLOW-TOP mattress set $195, Full $175, King $295. Delivery available. (256) 710-7325
Join us on October 23, 24, and 25, 2015 on the campus of UNA to play a one of a kind putt-putt course! The course is open to everyone, and there is a $5 suggested donation to play. The event is a fundraiser for The Healing Place. The course begins at the fountain of UNA and will be open o 3:30-8pm Friday, October 23
o 10am-8pm Saturday, October 24 o 1pm-5pm Sunday, October 25.
If you have your own putter, bring it along; if not, you can borrow one at the course. Event t-shirts and golf balls will be for sale at the event.
We can’t wait to see you at the second annual Mini Healing Place Charity Championship,
Putt Putt for a Purpose.
Reserved parking space adjacent to UNA. $275 per semester. Call (256)-757-2795 or (256)-648-1365.
4B Sports
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
Facilities
Scoreboard Braly Stadium voted must-see venue Oct. 13-17 Oct. 13
Volleyball vs. West Alabama 3-0 Win
Oct. 16
Soccer vs. Christian Brothers 4-1 Win
Volleyball vs. Nova Southeastern 3-1 Win Volleyball vs. Tampa 3-1 Loss
Oct. 17
Football vs. UNC-Pembroke 62-28 Win Volleyball vs. Saint Leo 3-0 Loss
Upcoming Volleyball Oct. 23 at Lee University Oct. 24 at Shorter Oct. 30 vs. Christian Brothers
photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer
Braly Municipal Stadium is full of UNA supporters for the Lions’ homecoming game against North Carolina-Pembroke Oct. 17. The stadium, which seats 14,215, is one of eight must-see stadiums, according to Hero Sports.
MIKE EZEKIEL
Sports Editor sports@florala.net
Hero Sports voted Braly Municipal Stadium one of eight must-see Division II stadiums Oct. 1. Braly, home to the UNA Lions and Florence High School Oct. 24 at West Georgia Falcons, hosted the Division II Oct. 31 vs. Delta State national championship game for Nov. 7 at Shorter 28 years until 2013. “Our fans are what make (the stadium) special,” said UNA Athletic Director Mark Linder. “The people that come out to Oct. 24 Gulf South Conference CC support us are passionate. Our Championships (Danville, Alabama) fans have been exposed to 28 years of championship games Nov. 7 NCAA Division II CC South and a lot of playoff games.” Regional (Tampa, Florida) Creighton Rabs, the author of the article from Hero Sports, mentioned Braly’s national championship hostings, including UNA’s three Oct. 25 at West Alabama consecutive championships in Oct. 30 at Mississippi College 1993-95. He also mentioned the Nov. 1 vs. Delta State Pride of Dixie marching band and the team’s exciting style of football. Florence received the reputation from many Division Oct. 26-27 USI Puerto Rico Invitational II football followers as a (Rio Grande, Puerto Rico) hospitable place to host a football game. Linder said Games continued at roarlions.com community involvement made
Football
Cross Country
Soccer
Golf
the championship special. “There was a community set up called the Shoals National Championship Committee well before I came,” he said. “It had representatives from every area of the community. Our community made that a national championship experience. “From the police escorts, to the hospitality of the hotels and restaurants, and even the community coming out for the welcome on Thursday and Harlon Hill trophy presentation on Friday, it was the buy-in from the community. It’s all about the people.” Linder said he sees the stadium as a city landmark. “When you’re on Tennessee Street before it merges into Florence Boulevard, you see the sign that says, ‘The Stadium’ instead of Braly Stadium,” he said. “I think that sends a message like, ‘What other stadium would you be looking for?’ It really is ‘The Stadium.’” While some teams and fans may only get to experience a Braly game day once in their lifetime, people in the Shoals have the opportunity multiple times a year. “The atmosphere is awesome,” said senior tight end
Grant Lake. “We go to other places around the country, and that really gives us perspective of how good Braly really is. Last week (against Western Oregon), we played in front of 2,000 fans, but in Braly, we might play in front of 12,000.”
”
Our fans are what make (the stadium) special. The people that come out to support us are
passionate.
Mark Linder
Athletic Director
Lake said the stadium’s tradition and prestige helped in his decision to play for UNA. “Running out and touching pride rock is really special,” he said. “We realize how big the tradition is here. Everyone here seems to take part in that.” Florence High School’s Erroll Thompson, a senior linebacker committed to Mississippi State University, plays his fair share of games within the walls of the stadium. “It’s a really special place,” Thompson said. “All of the
tradition it brings and the players that have stepped foot in that stadium makes it very special in every way.” Senior Jordan Alcorn, who attends most of the home games, said he believes Braly is an enjoyable venue for anyone, even if they do not enjoy football. “I think the stadium has a lot of prestige,” Alcorn said. “It’s definitely a must see for the history, for the big players that have played here, the championship games and, of course, as a student or someone from Florence.” Senior Jennifer Sewell said she enjoys a Braly gameday, but had one minor suggestion. “I think it would be cool if students could sit on the home side and cheer with the other UNA fans,” she said. “I love the venue and that would make it more enjoyable.” UNA is consistently in the top five Division II schools in attendance, as it nearly fills its 14,215 capacity during home games. The Lions are 252-1128 all time in the stadium for a 68 percent home win percentage. The Lions will return to Braly Oct. 31 to play Delta State University at 1:30 p.m.
SPORTS 5B
Oct. 22, 2015• The Flor-Ala
FOOTBALL
Specialty players provide security blanket for Lions MIKE EZEKIEL
Sports Editor sports@florala.net
The UNA football team is off to a solid 5-1 start. While the offense and defense receive most of the praise, the special teams unit plays a vital part. Junior kicker Kevin Henke received the Gulf South Conference special teams player of the week for the first time in his career for his performance against Western Oregon Oct. 10.
”
WEʼVE BEEN REALLY PLEASED WITH KEVIN.
HEʼS COME IN WITH A GREAT MINDSET AND HAS BEEN EXTREMELY CONSISTENT.
MIKE KING
SPECIAL TEAMS COACH
Henke, who replaced graduating senior Taylor Pontius, is 28 of 29 on extra points this season. Henke is 11 for 14 on field goal attempts, with nine of 10 nailed from under 40 yards. His longest field goal this year is from 43 yards out. “We’ve been really pleased with Kevin,” said special teams coach Mike King. “He’s come in with a great mindset and has been extremely consistent.” Henke played junior college baseball for two years before learning how to kick field goals. He has a soccer background,
which has helped him as a kicker. “Kevin never kicked in high school,” King said. “One day, he decided he wanted to be a kicker and went to Arizona for a kicking camp. Kenny Spencer, one of our former kickers at UNA, discovered him and called me saying, ‘we have our next kicker.’” Henke said since he was ineligible for Division I football due to playing baseball in community college, Division II was his best route for football. “When I was playing baseball my freshman year, I went to the football field and kicked a few times,” he said. “I realized I could probably take this seriously. The rest is history. ” Henke said a large contributer to his development as a kicker is what he learned as a backup to Pontius last season. “It was great sitting behind him because he is a great kicker,” he said. “Having him as a friend was even better. I watched his footsteps and watched exactly what he did. Now I’m here.” Junior punter Jeb Millender, a transfer from Itawamba Community College, is second in the GSC in average yards per punt. King said although he has not had many punts so far, Millender’s punts get the job done. “Jeb has the ability to be a real consistent punter,” King said. “When you can get somebody to average 38-42 yards consistently, with a lot of hang time, you can win a lot of football games. That is what Jeb has done so far.” Millender said his discovery came
photo by JACKSON TOWNSEND I Student Photographer
Senior Lee Mayhall holds for junior kicker Kevin Henke, as he attempts an extra point against the University of North Carolina-Pembroke Oct. 17. The Lions beat the Braves 62-28 for homecoming.
from UNA’s defensive coordinator Chris Willis. “My head coach in high school was Coach Willis’ roommate at Delta State,” Millender said. “I didn’t learn that until later, but he contacted me and was interested in me.” Many fans scrutinize the punter when he shanks a punt, much like the kicker for a missed field goal. “Whenever you’re pinned back deep and have to punt, you have to take a deep breath and let it go,” Millender said. “You can’t let the pressure get to you, or you will mess up.” Likewise, coaches and teammates
encourage their punter when a punt lands inside the 20-yard line. “(Quarterback) Jacob Tucker is one of the best about finding me after punts to tell me good punt,” Millender said. “When I make a good punt or nail one inside the 10, it depends on who I walk by, but most of the guys are good about telling me good job.” In a game where special teams may become a factor, the Lions face GSC favorite West Georgia on the road Oct. 24. With both teams undefeated in conference play, the winner controls its own destiny for the GSC championship.
PROFILE
Coaches, teammates label junior defender ʻunsung heroʼ KADIN POUNDERS
Associate Sports Editor sports@florala.net
Junior defender Susan Lang is the only player on the UNA soccer team who has played every minute of every match this season. No, she is not the reigning Division II player of the year. She is not the goalkeeper with one of the best save percentages in the conference. Lang is
quietly one of the best players on the team, said assistant coach Chris McBride. “It’s hard for a defender to get any praise,” McBride said. “The role that Susan has played this year is one we can’t compare to. She does her job very well, and her role has been crucial to the results we’ve had in games this year.” Lang, who hails from Cleghorn, Scotland, has played on the back line since she started playing soccer at seven years old. She said she knows her role
photo courtesy of Sports Information
Junior defender Susan Lang clears the ball away before it could get to the goalkeeper against Belmont Abbey Sept. 5. Lang, who does not receive a lot of attention, leads the team in minutes.
is important and does not worry about being in the spotlight. “I’m never going to get the attention of (the players) who score and get the goals,” Lang said. “My position isn’t one where you get an award for this or that. My job is just to make sure nothing happens. As long as nothing goes in, I’m fine with that.” The 2014 All-Gulf South Conference second team player said there is a lot more that goes into being a good defender than people understand. “The keeper is only stopping a few shots,” Lang said. “I’m stopping most of them before they even get to her.” Lang made the journey to America after playing on multiple club teams throughout her youth. Making the move to America was a huge change for Lang, she said. Lang moved from a small farm in Scotland, close to a town with about 300 people, to Florence, which has a population of over 40,000. “Everything is huge and so much bigger here than it is back home,” Lang said. “I lived on a farm back home, and I miss it.” Off the field, Lang is a soft-spoken individual and does not try to draw much
attention to herself. However, in the locker room with teammates and friends, Lang takes on another personality. “Susan is thought to be a more mature and sensible member of the squad,” said junior midfielder Ele Costello, who is Lang’s roommate. “However, she is also a huge joker when she wants to be. Behind closed doors, she is very different from the first impression she gives.” Lang, one of the team’s three captains, may not win many awards, but has earned one thing that is not on any scorecard: Respect. “It’s nice to be liked, but when (Lang) says that something needs to be done, the team respects her,” McBride said. “To be respected by your teammates is something that you want in a team captain.” Lang is still adjusting to her role as a captain, but she said she appreciates her job this season. “I like that Chris (Walker) gave me more responsibility this year,” she said. “Now that I’m one of the older (players), Chris wants me to be the one doing more talking, showing everyone what to do.” Lang and the Lions face top conference rival West Alabama Oct. 25 in Livingston.
6B SPORTS
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
CLUB SPORTS
Futbol club wraps up season significantly improved KADIN POUNDERS
Associate Sports Editor sports@florala.net
The club soccer team’s season is winding down with one match left to play before the year is over. The club, known as the UNA futbol club, is a member of the NIRSA (National Intramural-Recreational Sports
Association) Gulf Coast Conference. The team is 3-4 coming off a 2-1 road loss to Mississippi State Oct. 18. The Lions started the season 1-1 with two road games, defeating Southern Mississippi 5-1 and losing to Emory 3-0. The next two matches for UNA were at home, dominating Singing River FC 7-0 Sept. 19. The team followed with a 3-0 win against Memphis the next
photo by JACKSON TOWNSEND I Volunteer Photographer
UNA’s Chris Pate rears back for a kick against the University of Alabama Oct. 11 in Florence. The Lions are 3-4 and will face Troy Oct. 24 to finish the season.
weekend to improve to 3-1. “Our biggest game was against Memphis at home,” said UNA FC President Brandon Brown. “We lost the last two (matches) to them but won this time. We kept possession very well.” Brown said the team has improved, especially after going 1-5 last season. “This season has been a success,” he said. “Year after year, our defense has improved tremendously. We could not hang with the big schools like Auburn, Alabama and Mississippi State, but now we can.” The Lions received losses from instate clubs Auburn and Alabama. The Lions fell 4-0 to Auburn Oct. 4 and loss to Alabama 3-0. Brown said team unity and playing opponents outside the conference strengthens the team as a whole. “Half of the team (this year) were returners, so that improved our team chemistry,” he said. “We are one of the only Division II teams in the league and definitely the smallest school in the Southeast.” Despite the success of the team, The Lions overcame numerous obstacles throughout the season, according to UNA FC Vice President Jose Betancourt. “I think the biggest challenge we faced is working around everyone’s
schedules in order to get practices in,” Betancourt said. “People had night classes, and it was a challenge to get everyone to practice.” Just like other student organizations on campus, money is a concern for the club. It travels like the scholarship athletic teams and needs money for equipment and uniforms. “I think since we are a small organization and just getting started, it was hard to get funding for our team,” Betancourt said. Center back Chris Pate said the team is improving, despite the youth of its program. “I would definitely describe this season as a successful one,” he said. “We came up short in a few of our region games, but this is only our second year. The gap between our club and some of the bigger teams has clearly been shortened.” Brown said he thinks the success of the club team increased the popularity of soccer around campus. “There are around 35 players in the club at this time,” he said. “This has been one of our greatest achievements because it is allowing us to grow the soccer community at UNA.” UNA FC will plays its final match of the season Oct. 24 against Troy.
ENVIRONMENT
Sporting events create recycling opportunities for fans MIKE EZEKIEL
Sports Editor sports@florala.net
Cleaning Braly Municipal Stadium after about 10,000 fans have left their mark is a big task, especially when many items are recyclable. About half of the waste left behind after games is recyclable, said stadium manager Trace Hendrix, who is in charge of cleaning before, during and after events in Braly.
”
ANYTHING MADE FROM PAPER OR ANY OF THE BOTTLES (SOLD IN THE CONCESSION STAND) CAN BE RECYCLED. THE BOTTLES ARE EASILY ONETHIRD OF WHATʼS OUT THERE, SOMETIMES HALF.
TRACE HENDRIX
BRALY STADIUM MANAGER “Anything made from paper or any of the bottles (sold in the concession stand) can be recycled,” Hendrix said. “The bottles are easily one-third of what’s out there, sometimes half.” The bottles, plastic containers, cans and napkins are examples of recyclables fans leave behind. After football games, the cleaning process usually takes plenty of helpers and a lot of time, Hendrix said.
“Since it’s so late on Saturdays, we usually pick up Sunday morning,” Hendrix said. “We spend about half a day cleaning up in the stadium and cleaning Spirit Hill.” Hendrix said many people leave their waste behind without a second thought of disposing it in a recycling bin. “There are plenty of trash cans throughout the stadium,” Hendrix said. “If nothing else, there are all kinds of different cans in the concourse. I put them in the breezeway where people can throw their trash away on their way out.” Americans throw away about 2.5 million plastic bottles per hour, according to Recycle Across America. If the amount of items recycled in the U.S. ever reached 75 percent, it would be the environmental equivalent of removing about 50 million cars from the road. Half of the waste abandoned after basketball and volleyball games in Flowers Hall are recyclable, said UNA custodian Jordan Peck, who cleans the gym after games. “There are only two recycling bins that I know of in the building,” Peck said. “If we were to recycle all of the bottles, even just from Coach (Bobby) Champagne’s kids camp alone, we’d have to have another bin.” Peck said it would be good for Flowers Hall to encourage fans to recycle their bottles and plastic containers as they leave the gymnasium. “I’ve seen many people throw an empty bottle in the trash,” he said. “It
photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer
Bottles and cardboard boxes are abandoned by their consumers after UNA’s football game against the Florida Institute of Technology Sept. 26 in Braly Stadium. Many times, fans leave behind recyclable items.
would be so much better if we had more than two recycling bins for the games. I think if fans were to see them, they would use them.” Peck said he appreciates many faculty members on campus who are advocates for the environment. “A lot of the professors here are big on recycling,” Peck said. “One professor came to the wellness center to work out, and she didn’t like the fact that the recycling bin was being blocked by a trashcan. “She went out of her way to move it to the side so people could see the recycling bin. She even started going through and pulling stuff out of the recycling bin that did not need to be recycled.” Senior Destiny Cole practices
recycling on a daily basis and said she believes every bit counts in helping the environment. “We take out our recyclables twice a month where I live,” Cole said. “We recycle plastic and cardboard. In order for us to keep the world in any kind of good shape, our generation needs to recycle.” Freshman Austin Yarbrough said he is more likely to practice recycling at sporting events if bins were visible. “It would be more convenient for fans to recycle if there were more recycling bins around the stadium,” he said. “I think it would catch the eyes of fans better. It’s a great way to help out the earth.”
EXTRA 7B
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
EVENTS
Thurs., Oct. 22 11 a.m. Fall Fest Meal Towers Cafe 3:30 p.m. SGA Senate meeting GUC 200 4 p.m. Circle-K Meeting Stone Lodge (Upper) 6 p.m. Take Back the Night Amphitheater photo courtesy of Shannon Wells
7 p.m. HEX, Stuck Lucky, Garganta, Safety $5 at the end. 7:30 p.m. Medea George Lindsey Theater
Fri., Oct. 23 9:30 a.m. Medea Norton Auditorium 3 p.m. Saudi Culture Day Stone Lodge (Upper)
Each October, medieval adventurers of all sorts descend upon Fountain on the Green, known to others as Wilson Park, for the Alabama Renaissance Faire. This year’s Faire is Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Oct. 25 from noon until 5 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 24 10 a.m. Alabama Renaissance Faire at Wilson Park 4 p.m. Fall Fun Fest Downtown Florence 7:30 p.m. Medea George Lindsey Theater
Sun., Oct. 25 Noon Alabama Renaissance Faire at Wilson Park
9 p.m. SkilledYoungstas, Munook, and Dendera Bloodbath 2 p.m. $5 at the end. Medea George Lindsey Theater
Mon., Oct. 26 2:30 p.m. Mindful Mile Mondays walk. Meet at the fountain. 3 p.m. FLASH Stone Lodge (Upper) 3:30 p.m. SGA University Program Council GUC 200 6:30 p.m. Swim Club Interest GUC 200 8 p.m. Fellowship of Christian Athletes Commons Rm 302
Tues., Oct. 27
2 p.m. Spanish Roundtable @ 3rd floor of Wesleyan 6 p.m. “The Hunting Ground” Film GUC Performance Center
Wed., Oct. 28 4:30 p.m. SGA Freshman Forum GUC 200
Have an event? Send the title, location, date and time to editor@florala.net
8B EXTRA
SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK
Oct. 22, 2015 • The Flor-Ala