Oct 8 issue

FLOR - ALA The Oct. 8, 2015

Volume 84, Issue 8

www.FlorAla.net

DEPRESSION AWARENESS MONTH PAGE 1B

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

FOOTBALL

Wallace breaks school win record MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

If UNA head coach Bobby Wallace was not already considered a legend in Florence, he is now.

The magic number was 110 for Wallace Oct. 3 as his Lions defeated conference rival Valdosta State 34-12 to make him the winningest coach in program history.

Wallace, who is in his 14th season and second stint as UNA’s head coach, surpassed Hal Self’s record of 109 with the win.

”

THERE ARE A LOT OF GREAT

COACHES AND A LOT OF GREAT PLAYERS

I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH. THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF GREAT MEMORIES AT UNA.

BOBBY WALLACE HEAD COACH “I wasn’t even thinking about it (after the game),” Wallace said. “It’s the first time it has crossed my mind. Of course now that it has dawned on me, it is a great honor.

“There are a lot of great coaches and a lot of great players I have had the opportunity to work with. There have been a lot of great memories at UNA.” Wallace said while he would have preferred to break the record in front of the home crowd, breaking it at BazemoreHyder Stadium in Valdosta, Georgia, had sentimental value .

“I actually won my first GSC (Gulf South Conference) championship on this same field,” he said. “It’s kind of ironic. It’s a good place for it to happen, even though I’d rather it be Braly.”

UNA athletic director Mark Linder, who was responsible for hiring Wallace the second time

INSIDE

this week’s paper

in 2012, said the fan support for Wallace is tremendous.

“When we brought him back, he was embraced by the community,” Linder said. “I didn’t know him, but obviously the community knew him. He’s a good man. Nobody deserves this more than Coach Wallace.”

Linder said since rehiring Wallace, the program made

remarkable strides on and off the field through what Wallace calls “the intangibles” (winning qualities).

“He not only talks about (intangibles) a lot, but he lives them, too,” Linder said. “You can tell by the way the kids play for him, he’s a man of character.

Our kids play the right way.

That’s a reflection of him and his staff.”

UNA offensive coordinator Cody Gross, who played quarterback on all three of UNA’s national championship teams under Wallace in 199395, said it is an honor to play and coach under him.

“I’ve been with him for a bunch of those (wins),” Gross said. “It has been very rewarding. He’s such a good man and a great coach. He hasn’t mentioned (breaking the record) because he’s such a humble guy and gives others credit.”

Gross said he recalls chatting with Wallace about how honorable it is to be mentioned with Self.

“Coach Self got the program started and helped us get the program in the right direction,” Gross said. “That man is a legend, but the guy I’m working for is, too.”

See WALLACE, page 8A

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

LEGEND photo courtesy of Mason Matthews

UNA head coach Bobby Wallace calls for his team to go for a two point conversion in a playoff game against Lenior-Rhyne Dec. 7, 2013. Wallace broke the school record for most career wins, defeating Valdosta State 34-12 Oct. 3.

LIFE . . . . . . . . . 1B SPORTS . . . . . . . 4B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 8B

LETHAL COMBINATION ...4B

FLOR - ALA The

Please recycle your paper.

2A News

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

Facilities

photo by ANNA BROWN I News Editor

Construction workers complete final details on Olive Hall behind the Student Recreation Center. Director of University Residences Kevin Jacques said freshman students currently living in Rivers Hall will move into Olive Hall before the spring semester begins in January.

Workers make final touches for residence hall project ANNA BROWN

News Editor news@florala.net

Officials said UNA’s state-of-the-art residence hall construction project will be completed this fall.

Olive should be completed before the end of the fall semester, said Director of University Residences Kevin Jacques. Olive Hall is nearly identical to Mattielou.

“The noticeable difference is that Mattielou has a common area on one wing, whereas Olive will have a common area on two wings,” Jacques said.

He said students seem to enjoy the common areas of the building.

“I think we’ve done a really good thing for the students,” Jacques said. “I think we’ve created modern, up-to-date, safe facilities that are attractive to our students and are conducive to community building. Hopefully (the new residence halls) will help students feel that UNA is their home away from home.”

Freshman students Jonathan Wells and Kristen Bennett both said they enjoy hanging out and studying with friends in the common areas of Mattielou Hall.

Wells said he likes the modern look of Mattielou.

“I like it all because it’s biggerspaced than the other dorms,” he said.

“I also like that it has a common area on each floor versus one for two floors like Rice and Rivers.” he said.

Wells said he often spends his late nights studying with friends in the common room on his floor.

Bennett said she also likes the layout of the rooms.

“I also really like that we have our own bathrooms,” she said.

As of Aug. 15, the collective residence hall project was 85 percent complete, said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter.

As of that date, the cost expenditures of the project were about $900,000 below budget, Carter said.

Carter said in an email that the cost underage is due to good weather, a lack of change orders or unexpected problems like underground rock and improper design that can sometimes happen during construction projects.

The excess funds from the residence hall project will be used to begin construction on a new parking lot on Circular Road and expanding the pedestrian walkway there, he said.

While the building will be complete before the fall semester ends, students will not move in until a few days before

classes resume for the spring, he said.

“Instead of pushing it and trying to ask students to stay later from break, we’re going to wait until afterward and have them come back a few days early if they’re not already here to move their stuff over,” Jacques said.

”

I think we’ve done a really good thing for the students. I think we’ve created modern, up-to-date, safe facilities that are attractive to our students and conducive to community building.

Kevin Jacques

Director of University Residences The move-in event will not be as large as the fall 2015 move-in day, but he said he hopes to have several volunteers on campus to help students move their belongings from Rivers to Olive.

Both Mattielou and Olive will serve as co-ed, freshman-only residence halls,

Jacques said. The rooms are designed to accommodate a co-ed living space.

After freshmen move out of Rivers, it will close for the spring semester, he said.

LaGrange Hall will also go offline for the spring. He said there are no current plans to renovate or demolish LaGrange.

Upperclassmen will continue living in Rice during the spring, he said.

Next fall, Rivers will become the main upperclassman building with Rice as additional space.

“We wanted to do this with Rivers because it’s a little bigger and a little more recently updated,” he said.

Junior Khazil Guyman said he thinks the rooms and bathrooms in Rice need repair. He said he knows another student resident who found mold in his room.

“I’ve lived in Rivers,” he said. “This (room in Rice) is like a jail cell. My room in Rivers was more like a room at home.”

Freshman Tycoria Johnson said she thinks upperclassmen should live in the new residence halls.

“I think it would make more sense for upperclassmen to have the new dorms,” she said. “They’ve been here longer. It makes more sense because there are so many more upperclassmen.”

NEWS 3A

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

POLITICS

Huckabee addresses campus at political rally KALI DANIEL

Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net

For the first time in UNA history, a presidential candidate addressed the campus community.

College Republicans hosted a rally for Republican candidate Mike Huckabee Oct. 1 and invited students, faculty, staff and Shoals residents to attend.

“Folks, we’re in trouble,” Huckabee said. “I wouldn’t be running for president if I didn’t think this country could come out of the tailspin it’s in. This country can get back on its feet again. We don’t have to say that the best days are behind us.”

Huckabee is the first presidential candidate to visit the quad-cities area since Jimmy Carter announced reelection in 1980.

The former governor of Arkansas addressed issues regarding poverty, open borders, the IRS, voting trends and student debt.

“For every single college student here today, we owe you more than a $19 trillion debt and a collapsed economy in a world in which your student debt cannot (be paid) back based on the meager job prospects that await,” he said.

He said he believes the current state of the country is not one he would wish on his family.

“I am not willing to march my five grandchildren through the charred remains of a once great country called

America and say, ‘Here you go, good luck with it,’” he said. “We owe you more than that.”

College Republicans President Nathaniel White said Huckabee voiced interest in coming to UNA, and the RSO encouraged the learning opportunity.

“Having a candidate on campus is an incredible opportunity,” he said. “It’s a learning experience for College Republicans and for the police department (for security purposes).”

White said while students may not agree with Huckabee, his visit has piqued the interest of other candidates.

“He wanted to go somewhere others hadn’t considered,” he said. “Now other campaigns are interested in coming.”

Sophomore Viktoria Piepke attended the rally as extra credit for her Media Writing class. However, she said she did not agree with Huckabee’s views.

“He talked about climate change and he’s more concerned about beheading than a sunburn,” she said. “I didn’t like him. It reaffirmed my not liking him.”

Huckabee referred to President Obama’s recent interests in climate change and claimed there were bigger issues, specifically the Islamic State group.

“I’m a whole lot more worried about a beheading than I am a sunburn,” he said.

Freshman Tyler Redman agreed with Piepke and said Huckabee’s stance was not factually based.

“I feel like that shows he has a fundamental misunderstanding about climate change,” he said. “I feel like a sunburn is not really related to climate change. I guess it could be, but there’s a bigger issue than that.”

Despite the quote, Redman said he enjoyed the opportunity and would like to see more presidential candidates on campus in the future.

“I’ve never seen a presidential candidate in the flesh before,” he said.

“Even if I don’t necessarily agree with

their beliefs and standpoints, I’d at least like to give them a chance.”

White said College Republicans tries to host events for everyone, not specifically for those affiliated with the party.

“We had a great time organizing this event,” he said. “We learned a lot, and we were elated to bring a candidate, but we’re not stopping there.”

photo by SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer

Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-Arkansas) speaks to UNA students, faculty and staff Oct. 1. College Republicans hosted the event.

FACILITIES

SGA seeks to repair broken lights across campus JOHN ED DEARMAN Staff Writer jdearman@una.edu

As the days get shorter, the need for good lighting on campus becomes apparent. SGA plans to repair many broken lights on campus following an SGA-led student survey.

Dayton Tenney, chairman of the rules and regulations committee, said his members surveyed 436 students and asked them which of the three areas on campus needed lighting the most: the library and amphitheater, Appleby East and West, and Rice and Rivers halls.

“We were trying to discuss issues that are still coming up around campus,” Tenney said. “One of the things that was brought up was concerns about the poor lighting.”

The results of the survey showed students think the library-amphitheater area needs better lighting with 246 respondents choosing that location.

The Appleby parking lot and one-way street behind it came in second place with 123 votes. Rice and Rivers halls came in last with 67 students selecting that area.

He said they conducted research on the lights and found approximately 32

broken lights around campus.

Senator and member of the rules and regulations committee Matt McGinnis said he and the committee wanted to do more than just fix broken lights.

”

WE WERE TRYING TO DISCUSS ISSUES THAT ARE STILL COMING UP AROUND CAMPUS. ONE

OF THOSE THINGS THAT WAS BROUGHT UP WAS

CONCERNS ABOUT THE POOR LIGHTING ON CAMPUS.

DAYTON TENNEY

CHAIRMAN, RULES AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE “When we were discussing surveying the lights across campus, we really wanted to not just gather a list of lights that needed to be changed, but instead be proactive and see where lights are needed on campus,” McGinnis said.

He said they wanted to focus on high-

traffic areas on campus.

Freshman Maggie Hiser said she has a problem with the lights around the amphitheater.

“It’s like a whole section of it that is completely dark, and it gets really creepy,” she said. “It’s actually faster for me to walk through the amphitheater to get to where I’m going than it is to walk down through the sidewalk where there is much better lighting.”

SGA discussed the lighting problem at the retreat in August, he said.

Better lighting would be beneficial to everyone, he said. For example, if students drop something like their Mane Card, they will not be able to find it in the dark.

“Better lighting will also help out the SNAP program, making sure they don’t run over anything when they drive,” he said.

Tenney said the lighting is more of a small concern than a legitimate safety issue.

“I really think that UNA is one of the safest campuses I’ve ever been to, so we’re really not too concerned in that aspect,” he said.

Tenney said he will meet with Police Chief Kevin Gillilan to discuss

lighting problems and figure out what his intentions are going forward.

“We’re already having discussions with administration about getting more lights in these areas,” McGinnis said.

“We’ve been on top of it and we’re getting a lot done. We’re really excited about it. Hopefully, we can get something done (about the lighting) really quickly.”

Tenney, his committee and SGA President Nick Lang are in the process of setting up meetings with university officials to get prices and other information about replacing the broken lights.

Senior Mack Prestera said he thinks the lights are out-of-date. “(I think the university should) update the lighting and make it a lot brighter,” Prestera said.

He said the lights around the Science and Technology Building are great, and those are the kind of lights that need to be all around campus.

Sophomore Rosie McClendon said she thinks the lights are too dim.

“There are lots of lights on campus, which is really good, but none of them seem to be very bright, so it kind of makes them useless,” she said, “What we need to have is football stadium lights.”

4A Images

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

UNA History

photos by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

▶

War-time sanctuary

Staff Photographer adorner@una.edu

▶

The University of North Alabama, built in 1830, has seen more history than any four-year college in the state of Alabama.

UNA is home to historical buildings and memorials such as Wesleyan Hall, Keller Hall, Bibb Graves Hall, the Laura Harrison Plaza and the Memorial Amphitheater.

These buildings stand as classrooms, areas for students to hold events and performances and even as great photo-op locations. Each of them possesses a long history that brings pride to the Florence area.

The college began in 1830 as Florence Wesleyan University with a single “motherbuilding,” which is Wesleyan Hall.

The building, now used for psychology, foreign languages and geography lectures, is said to have once housed Ulysses S. Grant’s troops during the Civil War. Since then, the building has supplied 10 university presidents with an administration building.

Keller Hall was constructed in 1947. The building later grew in 2002 to offer Raburn Wing,

Marking history

which holds new classrooms for UNA’s College of Business.

Bibb Graves Hall stands righteously, welcoming students, faculty and visitors to a beautiful campus. It offers the perfect place for many photo-ops including weddings and proms.

The building was constructed in 1930 while Henry Willingham was administrating.

McAnally Harrison dedicated the Laura Harrison Plaza, also known as “the fountain,” to the campus in 1955. Laura Harrison Plaza is made of Italian limestone.

The Memorial Amphitheater is currently a place for student events. It was dedicated to UNA as recognition to the patriotism of the men who served in World War II. During construction of the first stage, which began in 1919, the plans were for Memorial Amphitheater to be held up by six columns to represent a student who died in the Great War in Europe. However, that design proved too costly.

The buildings and memorials on campus stand tall and proud, full of history and stories. They are as much a part of this university as the students who interact with them each day, and they are just waiting for the campus community to explore them.

Senior Nick Lollar walks by UNA’s Memorial Amphitheater. The Amphitheater stands as a memorial to the men who attended UNA and served in World War II.

Strike a pose

Keller Hall and Lauren Harrison Plaza make up one of UNA’s most photogenic areas. Groups, such as wedding parties, often take photos here.

▶

AMANDALYN DORNER

▶

Wesleyan Hall stands today 159 years after it was built in 1856. There is a legend that Ulysses S. Grant used the building to house his troops during the Civil War.

First impression

Bibb Graves Hall welcomes students and visitors to the campus. Bibb Graves was built in 1930 and currently houses most English and history lectures.

NEWS 5A

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

PARKING

University generates thousands in ticket revenue QADIRAH MONROE

Student Writer qmonroe@una.edu

Senior Austin Park makes his way back to his vehicle at the end of a long day. As he approaches it, he sees a small slip of paper waving in the wind from underneath his windshield wiper. Park received a parking citation.

With the limited amount of parking spaces on campus, many students find themselves responsible for receiving a parking ticket at some point during their time at the university.

Those responsible for paying off the ticket often wonder where their money is going. The police department disperses the money and uses it for different causes. “(The money collected from parking tickets) is divided among several things,” said Chief of Police Kevin Gillilan.“We have to cover a baseline of what it costs us to enforce parking. Some of that funding goes toward the software that we use to manage the fines and payments.”

The UNA police department collected thousands of dollars from parking tickets in the previous year, Carter said.

The police department collected more than $32,000 from parking tickets in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, Carter said.

Though the police department is

responsible for dispensing parking tickets, it does not determine ticket costs.

Carter said the Shared Governance process determines ticket costs. Shared Governance includes the Office of Student Affairs, the police department, and the Student Government Association and select members of the faculty and staff.

“The most common parking ticket would probably be parking on campus without a hanging parking decal or parking in the wrong area of campus,” Gillilan said.

While students are more known for violating parking policy, they are not the only members of campus who violate parking policy, he said.

“We find that a lot of times students will park in faculty parking,” Gillilan said. “That puts us in a situation where faculty will park in student parking because their spots are full. It’s a violation on both ends.”

Communications professor Jason Pangilinan said he sees many issues with parking on campus.

“I have witnessed my share of students parking in faculty spots, which has forced me to take a student spot,” he said.

See PARKING, page 8A

photo by KALI DANIEL I Editor-in-Chief

Cars line Circular Road in front of Bennett Infirmary. Chief of Police Kevin Gillilan said one of the most common parking citations is for parking facing the wrong direction, a common occurrence on Circular Road.

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6A News

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

Community

THE WRITER’S CORNER

Florence provides festive fall activities for local residents

KALI DANIEL

Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net

Fall is my favorite time of year.

Between the pumpkin-flavored everything, the movie marathons and the brisk air, there is plenty to be thrilled about.

For those who need a little extra “something special” to get them in the fall mood, there are plenty of events in the Shoals throughout October.

Here, I highlight some of my personal calendar-marked events to thrill me, chill me and fulfill me.

1. Arx Mortis An obvious choice for those who like a good adrenaline-pumping scare, Arx Mortis is one of the best haunted attractions in the country — and that’s not just my opinion. USA Today ranked Arx Mortis one of the top 10 in 2014, and after visiting them Sept. 24, I completely understand why.

With at least 30 minutes of pure anticipation and a multitude of scenes for spooks, Arx Mortis kept me on my toes and scared me more than a night in with scary movies would. Plus, there is a bit of consolation knowing the actors cannot touch me.

2. Alabama Renaissance Faire While not related to fall specifically, the local Renaissance Faire is a must-go.

You can enjoy classical attire, events like chess and sonnet reading, and plenty of locally-made crafts Oct. 24 and 25. The event is free and open to the public.

This will be my first year going.

However, more than one person has told me it is worth going to again and again.

With two different days to go and several ways to get involved, this is a family-fun event giving everyone a break from the scares of the season.

3. Shoals Ghost Walk More family-fun awaits at the Shoals Ghost Walk, where Debra Glass shares stories from historic downtown Florence mixed with folklore. Her stories guarantee to leave you questioning what is behind every corner. This tour lasts an hour and a half while covering about a mile’s worth of area in downtown Florence.

At $10 a ticket, this history-lessongone-twisted is certainly a feasible form of entertainment to replace the horror flicks at the theater this season.

LOCAL MUSICIANS: Audition for “Sound of the Town,” a music showcase presented by MEISA. Auditions are Oct. 28-29 from 5-8 p.m.

Location: The Mane Room Acoustic auditions only.

For more information, contact Addy Kimbrell. akimbrell@una.edu

Viewpoints 7A

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

Campus should participate in cultural exchange

Review EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kali Daniel MANAGING EDITOR Jasmine Fleming NEWS EDITOR Anna Brown LIFE EDITOR Melissa Parker

EMILY KAZUNGU

SPORTS EDITOR Mike Ezekiel

Online Editor online@florala.net

ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR Kadin Pounders

I love traveling.

Traveling to as many countries around the world as possible is on my bucket list.

I have been to the U.S. and Mexico, and if I am allowed to count the countries I passed through on my way to Kenya and back, then I have also been to the Netherlands, Belgium and Rwanda as well.

I would love to do more than pass through these countries. I would love to learn about the different cultures and people, too.

Unfortunately, I do not have the funds to travel the

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

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.

Letter to the Editor Sarah Terry srbterry@yahoo.com

Coaching icon Bobby Bowden once said, “It’s very frustrating to hear the way they hammer Christians. I think we need more Christians standing up for what they believe in.”

Recently, Kim Davis (a Christian) stood up for what she believed in, and now she is being persecuted right here in our own newspaper, The Flor-Ala. I would like to thank you

world yet. Plus, I have certain short-term goals I need to meet sooner rather than later, such as earning my degree.

On the contrary, I have still had the opportunity to learn about many countries since coming to UNA, even without stepping foot on their soil.

Since I have been a UNA student, I have met students from Bangladesh, China, Colombia, Guatemala, India, Japan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Moldova, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, The Gambia and Togo.

Because I get to spend so much time with other international students, I get the opportunity to learn about their home countries is such detail that I am almost transported there during conversations.

Meeting people from other countries has given me a different view and perception of other cultures. Some of these students are now my closest friends, and knowing

that I did not know them before makes me wonder why it took so long to meet them and build a lifelong relationship.

Because UNA is so diverse, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with students from other cultures.

Last year, UNA hosted 609 students from 52 countries around the world, according to an earlier article on campus diversity. This gives students on campus and people in the UNA community the opportunity to visit all these countries by meeting students from other parts of the world.

I knew most of the countries I have “visited” by name and from what I learned about them on TV. But actually meeting students from other countries gives a new perspective of their homelands that students cannot get from online articles or TV shows.

Also, when students go home to visit their families, thanks to social media sites

like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, I get the opportunity to see close-up photos of what their countries look like.

For anyone wanting to meet students from other cultures, the Office of International Affairs gives you the opportunity to do so in Powers Hall, beside Lafayette Residence Hall. They have forums where you can get to meet international students such as International Tea on the first Friday of each month, conversation partners and various events throughout the course of the semester.

This is not for Americans only, but for all students.

And as I hope to visit the home countries of all of my friends, I also encourage you to take any opportunities you can to visit other parts of the world.

As Christian theologian and philosopher St. Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

for the opportunity to speak my mind, from my heart and my soul, and for allowing me to comment on the article, “Kentucky Clerk Exemplifies Religious Discrimination.” The article appeared in the Sept. 24 edition of The Flor-Ala. When each week’s edition of the Flor-Ala is printed, I cannot wait to read it from cover to cover. It is written by very talented students. I do not always agree with some of the writers’ viewpoints, and that is one reason I enjoy reading it. The paper is not written

by me. It will not always say exactly what I feel. It does not cater to me and how I think it should be written. Now, I hope that you will take the time to consider my viewpoint on this particular article I mentioned above.

I do not like using the word religious when I speak of Kim Davis. I consider her to be a Christian, and Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ.

I believe she is letting her light shine for Jesus as she should.

Being a Christian involves

more than just feeding the poor people and looking after widows. In my humble opinion, we need many more people in this world like her.

True Christians do not make Jesus just a part of their lives.

They commit their entire lives to Him. Maybe Kim Davis took the stand she did because of the fact that Jesus Christ died in her place long ago, and maybe she felt taking a stand for Him was the least she could do to show her gratitude to Him. What do you think?

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

Writer and Photographer of the Week!

Xavier Wherry and Tori Patterson

8A NEWS

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

FACILITIES

Film helps students understand fire safety CHRISTOPHER PARKER Student Writer cparker4@una.edu

Fire drills are a common routine for students living on campus. It’s often easy to forget the importance of these drills.

University Residences showed the film “After the Fire” to teach students about the importance of fire safety this year.

“Students should take every alarm seriously,” said Director of University Residences Kevin Jacques. “They’ll never know when it’s real or when it’s a drill. If they take them seriously, it’ll create a safe environment for students to live in.”

Freshman Austin Shelton said he thinks “After the Fire” helped students understand the importance of fire drills.

Students watched “After the Fire” Aug. 24. The film documents the story of roommates Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llano who were severely injured in a residence hall fire at Seton Hall University Jan. 19, 2000, which killed three students and injured 58.

After the film, Simons and Llano gave a short presentation about the importance of fire safety and allowed students to ask questions.

Jacques said he thinks the students

were receptive to the presentation and better understand the importance of fire safety.

STUDENTS SHOULD TAKE EVERY ALARM “Due to the fire at Seton Hall, resident advisors are not allowed to go door to SERIOUSLY. THEYʼLL NEVER KNOW WHEN ITʼS REAL door to every room to warn students in OR WHEN ITʼS A DRILL. case of a real fire,” he said. “We advise them to at least yell or make noise while EVIN ACQUES trying to get out themselves.”

Shelton, who lives in Mattielou Hall, IRECTOR OF NIVERSITY ESIDENCES said he thinks the drills are a safe way to prepare students in case of a real fire.

The state requires the university to have a fire drill within 10 days of the residence hall if there was a fire. opening a residence hall, Jacques said.

“Students are subject to punishment The Florence Fire Department times students as they leave the building during if they do not participate in a fire drill on a fire drill and gives them reports on the a case-by-case process,” Jacques said.

Students learn about emergency exit timing, he said.

“When the fire department gets locations and fire drill procedures during upset because students are lollygagging floor meetings on move-in day, he said.

Freshmen Brier Denham and Andrew around, it’s because there are lives at Lawson, both residents of Rivers Hall, stake,” he said. “Fire is no joke.”

Jacques said University Residences said they think fire drills are beneficial in helping students be more aware of what tries to do two fire drills each semester.

Sophomore Ashley Garcia, who lives to do if there actually was a fire.

“They are a pretty good precaution in Rice Hall, said she thinks the random to have, especially if it will help prevent fire drill times are beneficial.

“A fire could happen at any moment injury in the event of a real fire,” Lawson and any time during the day,” Garcia said. said.

He said resident advisors are responsible for helping students evacuate

”

D

U

K

J

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PARKING, continued from page 5A “I don’t like doing it, but I will when I have a class to teach,” Pangilinan said.

However, Pangilinan said he thinks the university should stop reserving spaces behind the Guillot University Center for special events.

“It hurts the students and faculty, which gives rise to the ‘stealing’ of spaces,” he said.

Though the parking conflict between students and faculty is an everyday struggle, it will continue because of the limited parking space.

“A lot of the students are trying to get to class, faculty is trying to get to work and the two often collide,” Gillilan said.

“The bottom line is that there’s just not

enough available parking on campus.”

Students and faculty often have opposing views on who should get away with breaking the rules.

“I hear some people say that they don’t feel like faculty and staff should have to be subject to parking policy,” Gillilan said. “I’ve heard some say that students should take priority on parking policy.”

All parking violators are responsible for their wrongdoings, Gillilan said. “(The Police Department) is going to enforce (policy) in an equitable manner,” he said. “It shouldn’t matter what status you have on campus. It’s supposed to be fair, impartial, and equally enforced

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across the board…”

Park said he believes the university shuttle bus system has many benefits along with avoiding parking tickets.

“The bus got me to my class on time and early,” Park said. “I didn’t have to use my own gas and I didn’t have to worry about parking.”

Gillilan said he also views the shuttle bus system as a means of dodging citations.

“I know that it’s a lot faster to just ride the shuttle than to just ride around looking for a spot,” Gillilan said. “In my opinion, it’s certainly a better option than risking receiving a parking citation.”

WALLACE, continued from page 1A Senior offensive tackle Jalen Beavers said making the decision to play for Wallace out of junior college was one of the best he has ever made.

“I am very appreciative of him for the opportunity he gave me,” Beavers said.

“I think a lot of people on the team feel the same way I do. I enjoy being under him and playing for him. He’s a legend in my book.”

Wallace and the Lions will look to add to that number next week on the road against Western Oregon in a nonconference matchup Oct. 10.

SGA

IN

REVIEW

• FRESHMAN FORUM - BEGAN PLANNING 2015 FRESHMAN HALLOWEEN PARTY

AND TRICK OR TREAT FOR CANNED GOODS.

• HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN ELECTIONS BEGAN OCT. 5.

• SENATE - DISCUSSED ADDING A MAP TO EVERY CAMPUS ENTRANCE. • BEGAN PLANNING THE “ITʼS ON US” LAUNCH PARTY. FOOD, T-SHIRTS, BUTTONS AND STICKERS WILL BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS ATTENDING.

FOR MEETING BRIEFS AND UPDATES ON THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION, PLEASE VISIT FLORALA.NET

CAMPUS CRIME LOG • SEPT. 25 THEFT OF PROPERTY RIVERS HALL • SEPT. 25 THEFT OF PROPERTY BENNETT INFIRMARY • SEPT. 24 THEFT OF PROPERTY COLLIER LIBRARY • SEPT. 22 THEFT OF PROPERTY GRANDVIEW APARTMENTS • SEPT. 18 VANDALISM PARKING DECK • SEPT. 16 CAR BURGLARY UNIVERSITY APARTMENTS FULL CRIME LOG AVAILABLE AT UNA.EDU/POLICE/CRIMELOG

LIFE HowAre MENTAL HEALTH

SECTION B

Counselors discuss depression symptoms MONDAY SANDERSON

Staff Writer msanderson2@una.edu

You?

Everyone suffers from a bad day now and again, but bad days that linger on for weeks are a sign of depression.

October is Depression Awareness Month. One in 10 Americans suffer from depression at one point in their lives, and Alabama is one of seven states

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where depression among adults is highest, according to Healthline.com.

Depression is one of the more common complaints we have at Student Counseling Services, said Director Lynne Martin.

“Depression is an illness,” she said. “The best way to describe it is to think of your brain as an organ no different from your kidney or heart.

The brain gets sick just like these organs.”

There are different causes of depression, said Shoals Counseling Licensed Professional Counselor Mikki Lawrence.

“Some people can’t deal with certain events in their lives well, and they don’t get help with dealing with these emotions,” she said. “Depression can come from our emotions or our physical being.”

It is important to know the symptoms and pay attention to how long they last, Martin said.

“If someone has a sad mood, lost their motivation for going to class, has no energy, and this lasts for at least two weeks, then this is a sign of depression,” she said.

Some people have been depressed once in awhile, but others

HELP ME

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HELP ME

Oct. 8, 2015• The Flor-Ala

ME

HELP ME

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HELP MEHELPME ME HELP ME HELP ME

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LIFE

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suffer from depression, said Junior Kayla Braidfoot.

“It’s when you see yourself in this hole that you can never climb out of,” she said.

“There’s always an end in sight, but you’re so far in that you can’t see your way out.”

There are different types of depression, Lawrence said.

Major depression that interferes with daily life, postpartum depression that often affects new mothers and Seasonal Affective Disorder that occurs during the winter, are just a few.

When a person is having sad, empty feelings which will

SPORTS Annieʼs Story

See page 2B

Childhood dreams become reality See page 5B

not go away, it is time to seek help, she said.

Depression affects those who are close to the person as well, said freshman Lila Walker.

“It’s heartbreaking to be around them,” she said. “It’s not as if they’re always depressed.

They get depressed randomly, and they don’t know how to fix it.”

Martin said being a good listener is the key to helping a friend suffering from depression.

“If you find out they are having suicidal thoughts, then we need to see them right away,” she said. “That’s not a friendto-friend intervention. A friend needs to be familiar with the symptoms, and they can come to us and get some information or help.”

Senior Khari Bolden said he feels empathy toward those who suffer from depression, and he tries to find a way to help.

It’s important for people to be aware of depression, Lawrence said.

“It affects the quality of your life,” she said. We often feel depressed at times, but it’s not a normal part of life.”

Depression hides a person’s true personality, Bolden said.

“I see depression as a state of mind where you feel like you’re trapped, and you’re not really yourself,” he said. “It’s when you can’t find happiness even when you surround yourself with your

friends.”

Have someone suffering from depression make a list of the things they are thankful for, Walker said.

“It really helps them get their thoughts on a different path,” she said.

Braidfoot said she tries to offer hope to those suffering depression.

“There will always be a brighter day,” she said. “Just because you’re in this state now, you might not be there two weeks from now or two months from now. There’s always going to be a way to get out of it.”

EXTRA Who is Adam Benefield?

See page 5B

Events on- and off-campus See page 7B

2B LIFE

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

FEATURE

Traveling campus terrain no problem for Park EMILY KAZUNGU/MELISSA PARKER Online Editor/Life Editor life@florala.net

Annie Park makes her way across campus, her white cane tapping against the sidewalks, floors and walls. She came to UNA this semester from the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.

Approximately 7 million people in America reported having a visual disability in 2013. In Alabama alone, the number was nearly 144,000, according to the National Federation of the Blind.

Park is legally blind, said Regional Director of the Huntsville Branch of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Issac Beavers.

“She is a person first and blind second,” he said.

Beavers, legally blind himself, met Park when she was a 9-year-old attending public school.

She joined the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind when she about 10 years old, he said. She then spent two summers working at the institute when she was a teenager.

“She would always get the work done quickly and come looking for more,” he said.

Park took the summer before entering

UNA to familiarize herself with some of the technical things, such as email, that she would need to know before beginning college classes, Beavers said.

Coming to the UNA campus from the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind brought with it some difficulties, Park said.

“I worked on my routes all summer,” she said. “When I first got here, it was really hard. There are more intersections, and more of the campus is open.”

Orientation and Mobility Innovator of Alabama Department Rehabilitation Services Caitlin Simpson helped Park learn her way around the campus.

“I started working with (Annie) last year when she was doing a summer job,” she said.

Park’s willingness to learn new things and tackle obstacles have helped her a lot, she said.

“Annie is a good traveler,” she said.

“She has a good memory for her routes.”

Park is the first blind student I have worked with at UNA, but I worked with visually impaired students at Middle Tennessee State University, said Assistant Professor of History Carolyn Barske.

“I respect her immensely for navigating around campus,” she said.

“There’s been a number of students in

photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer

Freshman Annie Park navigates around campus using her white cane and landmarks to help her find her way. “I worked on my routes all summer,” Park said. “When I first got here, it was really hard.”

the class that have really become her advocates and support her. That’s nice to see.”

Park said she is learning the campus layout slowly.

“I have my cane that I use. The ball part (the tip) rolls around on the ground as I hold the other (end),” she said. “I’m

able to tell whether there’s a step up or step down.”

Many students go out of their way to help her around campus, she said, but sometimes they help too much and do not give her a chance to try.

See ANNIE, page 3B

CULTURE

Students, professors discuss baby name trends and traditions EMILY KAZUNGU/MELISSA PARKER Online Editor/Life Editor life@florala.net

What’s in a name?

Our names are more than just random letters thrown together. They often influence how others see us, and often, how we perceive ourselves.

“We often think of names as being very individualistic, but there are all kinds of factors that influence names,” said Assistant Professor of Sociology Andrea Hunt.

”

THE NAME IS THE ONE (THING) THAT

REALLY STAYS WITH US THROUGHOUT OUR

LIFETIME. PARENTS WANT THEIR CHILDREN TO HAVE A NAME THAT REALLY FITS THEM OR IS INFLUENCED

BY SOME OF THESE OTHER FACTORS.

ANDREA HUNT

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY Parents may give their son a strong, masculine name and give their daughter a pretty, feminine name, she said.

“Parents are trying to project (onto their child) ‘this is how I think that they’re going to be, so I want to name them a strong name or a name that represents something else,’” she said.

There are other factors that influence naming trends, she said.

Sticking with traditional names, biblical-based names, names that have a family connection to them, names based of pop culture events and people in media are trends we see, she said.

“When Twilight came out, there was a surge in names like Edward and Bella,” she said.

Chelsey Moore said her mom spelled her first name differently from others at the time to make it more unique.

“There’s a story behind my (middle) name, Nicole,” she said. “My mom watched soap operas all the time when she was pregnant with me. Nicollette Sheridan was an actress on one of the soaps, and she named me Nicole from that.”

Parents often look to baby naming books to find the perfect name, Hunt said.

“The name is the one (thing) that really stays with us throughout our lifetime,” she said. “Parents want their children to have a name that really fits them or is influenced by some of these other factors.”

Most firstborn males take their dad’s name, said Sociology and Family Studies Department Chair Yaschica Williams.

“It just depends on the family,” she said. “I do know that sometimes a child might (be given a new name). They may take one of the relative’s for the middle name and then the family name for the last.”

Williams said her mother wanted her to have a unique name.

“Around (the time of my birth) there

was a Yashica camera,” she said. “It was just spelled different from my name.”

Some parents choose to give their child a unique name while others choose to stick with more traditional names, Hunt said.

Senior Nicholas Johnson said his parents chose the trend of naming the son after the father, with a twist.

“My mother told me she named me after my father,” he said. “His real name is Willy Johnson, but his nickname was Nick. That is why my name is Nick.”

International students often change their names once they come to UNA because their given names are hard for us to pronounce, said Coordinator of International Success Cala Flippo.

“They usually try to choose names that they’ve heard and names that are

TOP

• • • • •

MALE BABY NAMES

1996-2015

MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER MATTHEW JAMES DANIEL

• • • • •

MASON JOSHUA ANDREW ROBERT ETHAN

easy,” she said. “Sometimes they’ll come with names, and a lot of times when they get here they will ask us to help with a name.”

Senior Nhu Nguyen recently changed her nickname to Danni.

“My name is actually Dan Nhu Nguyen My Dong, and since not a lot of people here can pronounce it, I was given a different name,” she said.

Some international students choose to keep their given name and hope we will be able to say it, Flippo said.

Sophomore Ahmed Sherbeeny said Arab tradition played a role in his name.

“My grandfather has the same name, so (the naming) is something in the family,” he said.

TOP

• • • • •

FEMALE BABY NAMES

1996-2015

JESSICA ASHLEY EMILY EMMA OLIVIA

• • • • •

SOPHIA MADISON ABIGAIL SAMANTHA ISABELLA

LIFE 3B

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

MOTS

Whatʼs your nickname and how did you get it? ”

A LOT OF PEOPLE CALL ME

BALAKAY BECAUSE OF THE VIRAL VIDEO FROM KEY AND PEELE.

”

AT SOCCER I EITHER GO BY ABBY, ABS OR ONE GIRL ON THE TEAM CALLS ME ABE.

ABIGAYLE CAVITT SOPHOMORE

BLAKE HUMPHRIES FRESHMAN

”

BUZZ. ITʼS LIKE BUZZSAW. I GOT IT IN HIGH SCHOOL.

”

THE CHAMPTON. I GAVE IT TO MYSELF AND PEOPLE CAUGHT ON.

SAWYER HOLLAND SOPHOMORE

”

CHASE HAMPTON FRESHMAN

”

THAT MY FIRST NAME IS THE COLOR

BURR. ITʼS FROM THIS RAPPER GUCCI MANE. IN HIS SONGS HE ALWAYS SAYS “BURR”.

ERIC BELEW SENIOR

AMBEHR MORROW SENIOR

A LOT OF PEOPLE CALL ME

BLUE. A LOT OF MY TEAMMATES THINK BLUE.

”

”

SAYING MY FULL NAME WHEN I WAS A BABY.

COWBOY. THE TUBA SECTION GAVE IT TO ME. I THINK ITʼS BECAUSE OF THE WAY I SPEAK.

ALEXUS BUNLEY SENIOR

COLTEN STRAIT FRESHMAN

LEXX. MY MOM DIDNʼT LIKE

”

AJACK. IT WAS FROM MY FRESHMAN YEAR IN COLLEGE. THEY JUST STUCK MY NAMES TOGETHER.

ASHLEY JACKSON SENIOR

”

BIG CAT. SINCE IʼM A SMALLER MEMBER OF THE TUBA SECTION, THEY DECIDED TO MAKE A PUN OFF OF ME.

JAYSON TUCKER FRESHMAN

ANNIE, continued from page 2B “Give blind people a chance to prove themselves,” Park said. “I can get there just like you can get there. I may do it a different way than you do, and I may look for things that you may think are hazardous, and they can be hazardous if the wrong part of my body hits it.”

Learning landmarks, like telephone poles, help her navigate campus, she said.

“I was just looking for the telephone pole, which is my landmark, and the person walking behind me said, ‘you’re about to run into that pole,’” she said.

“They didn’t know, and I had to explain that’s a landmark.”

Freshman Jordan Pugh said she became friends with Park after meeting her in Mattielou Hall.

“I saw her sitting on the couch,” she

said. “I decided to go over and talk to her because she was sitting alone.”

People need to understand one thing about Park, she said.

“She’s just like one of us,” Pugh said.

“She just has a disability.”

Park said she learned to do things for herself at a young age.

“Pretty much everyone (at Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind) knew

I could (move on my own),” she said.

“Sometimes they pushed me even when I didn’t feel like it.”

Park said though she appreciates the help others offer, independence is important to her.

“Even sighted people fall at times,” she said. “Unless I’m in serious harm, let me do it. If I trip, let me trip. Wait for me ask for help.”

4B SPORTS SCOREBOARD OCT. 1-4

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

SOCCER

Oct. 1 Volleyball at Alabama-Huntsville 3-0 Loss

Oct. 2

Soccer at Valdosta State 2-1 Loss

Oct. 3

Volleyball at Mississippi College 3-0 Win Football at Valdosta State 34-12 Win

Oct. 4

Soccer vs. West Georgia 2-0 Win

UPCOMING

Soccer

Oct. 8 vs. Spring Hill Oct. 11 at West Florida Oct. 16 vs. Christian Brothers

Volleyball

photos by JACKSON TOWNSEND I Student Photographer

Freshman Kylie Huey (left) and senior Chloe Richards attempt shots at different points of the game against Alabama-Huntsville Oct. 17 in a 6-1 UNA victory. Huey’s energy and Richards’ experience make them a tough duo of forwards for opponents to stop.

Richards, Huey become lethal combination KADIN POUNDERS

Associate Sports Editor sports@florala.net

The Batman and Robin comparison is used frequently in sports.

Oct. 9 vs. Valdosta State The 1990s Chicago Bulls Oct. 10 vs. West Florida had Michael Jordan and Oct. 13 vs. West Alabama Scottie Pippen and the 1980s Oct. 16-17 UWG South Region Crossover San Francisco 49ers had Joe (Opponents to be determined) Montana and Jerry Rice. Those are just two of the most famous couplings in sports, but there are still plenty of great combinations today.

Oct. 10 at Western Oregon The UNA soccer team has a Oct. 17 vs. UNC-Pembroke dynamic duo of its own in senior forward Chloe Richards and (Homecoming) freshman forward Kylie Huey.

Oct. 24 at West Georgia Together, the two strikers have totaled 22 goals and 49 points this season. Richards and Huey have led the Lions to an Oct. 12-13 Guy Harvey Invitational 8-1-1 record.

(Palm Beach, Florida) UNA head coach Chris Oct. 19 TVA Community Credit Union Walker said Richards’ notoriety Invitational (Killen, Alabama) as a scorer leads teams to use different tactics against her, including double and triple teams, but the game plan to stop Oct. 24 Gulf South Conference CC Richards usually leaves holes in Championships (Danville, Alabama) the opposition’s defense.

“If you don’t pay attention to Games continued at roarlions.com

Football Golf

Cross Country

(Richards), she has the ability to hurt you,” Walker said. “A lot of teams have man marked Chloe.

That’s opened up space for other forwards like Kylie, who has had success early. Hopefully that combination between the two can keep going.”

Richards, the NCAA Division II Player of the Year last season, has already racked up two Gulf South Conference Player of the Week awards to go along with her NCAA-leading 16 goals on the season and 57 career goals.

While scoring a ton of goals is fun, Richards knows having multiple scoring threats makes UNA a more efficient team.

“The fact that I was scoring nearly all of the team’s goals last year was a problem for us,” she said. “We need multiple people having the ability to put the ball in the back of the net. It’ll help us win more games and be more successful. I think Kylie does well to get forward, run defenders down the wing and play a good ball into the box.”

Meanwhile, Huey, who is the second leading scorer on the team, received GSC Freshman

of the Week honors for two consecutive weeks. Her six goals lead all freshmen in the conference.

”

A LOT OF TEAMS HAVE MAN MARKED CHLOE. THATʼS OPENED UP SPACE FOR OTHER FORWARDS

LIKE KYLIE, WHO HAS HAD SUCCESS

EARLY. HOPEFULLY THAT COMBINATION BETWEEN THE TWO CAN KEEP GOING.

CHRIS WALKER

HEAD COACH

The two-punch attack of Richards and Huey has been successful so far this season, but the two forwards are at two different points in their respective careers at UNA. Richards is in the process of cementing a future hall of fame career built on a legacy of hard work and dedication.

“I hope my (extra training) has an effect on the other players,” Richards said. “They have all seen what amount of

work I put in and know that’s why I’ve been as successful as I have. I want to show them that it’s just about how hard you want to work.”

At the same time, Huey is just beginning her collegiate career.

“Coming in as a freshman, I set goals for myself for the next four years here at UNA,” Huey said. “Knowing that this is just the beginning for me, I know I still have a lot to work on.”

As a freshman, Huey said Richards’ senior leadership has an impact on her away from the playing field.

“Off the field, I look up to (Richards) as a role model,” Huey said. “Chloe’s impact here at UNA is unbelievable. I hope that one day I can play at that level and make an impact as big as she did. But with that will take hard work, dedication and sacrifice.”

Huey and Richards look to continue their success Oct. 8 against Spring Hill College in a pivotal conference game.

SPORTS 5B

Oct. 8, 2015• The Flor-Ala

FOOTBALL

Quarterbacks see childhood dreams become reality MIKE EZEKIEL

Sports Editor sports@florala.net

Many sports fans dreamed of being a college football quarterback as a kid, leading their beloved team to a national championship.

UNA quarterbacks Luke Wingo and Jacob Tucker experience this reality on a daily basis.

“Football was my favorite sport growing up,” Wingo said. “As a young kid, I thought it would be really cool to play quarterback, but as I got older, that dream started to come into play.”

The senior quarterback comes from a pipeline of football players, including his father, Rich Wingo, who played linebacker in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers.

“Football is what I was raised around,”

photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Senior quarterback Luke Wingo reads a defender on an option play against Florida Tech Sept. 26. Wingo, along with teammate Jacob Tucker, leads a hectic lifestyle as a college football quarterback, he said.

Luke said. “My dad and my brother both played, and being in Tuscaloosa around Alabama football sparked it for me.”

Tucker, a junior from Linden, Tennessee, traveled a completely different path to the same destination as his teammate.

“I actually did not get seriously interested in football until my sophomore year of high school,” Tucker said. “When I was younger, I played every sport. I liked football, but it wasn’t my love until high school.”

Tucker said basketball put football on the backburner in high school. When he found out he had a better ability in football, he said he focused harder on it instead of basketball.

“My sophomore year I had 3,600 total yards, and we made the second round of the playoffs,” Tucker said. “After that year, it kind of hit me that I’m alright at this.”

Both Wingo and Tucker signed with UNA in 2012 as part of Coach Bobby Wallace’s first recruiting class in his second stint.

The man who directly recruited both quarterbacks has been in their shoes.

UNA Offensive Coordinator Cody Gross signed with the Lions in 1992 and quarterbacked them to three consecutive national championships in 1993-95.

Gross said as a kid, he pretended to lead the Chicago Bears to a championship.

“I was that guy,” Gross said. “It

wasn’t on video games. It was in the yard. It was pretty special when I got that opportunity. It was a dream come true.”

Gross said his childhood dreams became authentic when he led the Lions to its first championship in 1993 on the last drive.

“I had envisioned something like that happening my whole life, and then I got to live it,” he said. “And to live it in the county I grew up in is special.”

Gross’ understudies said they appreciate having him as a coach because he has experienced similar situations.

“He was one of the main reasons I came to UNA,” Wingo said. “He knows what I’m going through. I know I can trust what he asks me to do because he knows what it takes to be successful.”

Tucker said he believes his persona is similar to what Gross exemplified 20 years ago.

“He’s been there before,” Tucker said. “If somebody tells me I can’t do something, I’m going to work hard to prove that I can, and I feel like Coach Gross has that same mentality. He shows me how to use that, and when to harness my emotion and be a quiet leader.”

Tucker said the life of a college football quarterback brings a lot of attention, both positive and negative.

“After the game, you either get too much credit or too much blame,” Tucker said. “Being in my position, you have a lot more eyes on you, so I try to be the kind of person I’d look up to as a kid.”

Benefield enjoys the bond the team has outside of running. He said the team uses every opportunity possible to get together.

“We’re a pretty tight family,” he said.

“We’re always hanging out together on weekends. We’re like brothers.”

Benefield is a nursing major and is currently waiting to see if he is accepted in the program. Benefield plans to work

in the emergency room after graduation.

“I would really like to stay around here (in Florence),” Benefield said. “My dream job would probably be working in the emergency room at Helen Keller.

That’s what I’m leaning toward right now, but that all can change.”

Benefield and the Lions will travel to Clinton, Mississippi, to run in the Watson Ford Invitational Oct. 9.

1 2 3 4 5 6 Cross country leader praised for overcoming odds PROFILE

XAVIER WHERRY

Student Writer xwherry@una.edu

The undisputed leader for the UNA cross-country team is Adam Benefield, a three-year letterman junior from Haleyville.

Since his junior year of high school, Benefield knew he wanted to run for UNA. However, Benefield said he was not recruited by many schools.

“I had to contact him (Coach Scott Tremble),” Benefield said. “My times weren’t as fast as a lot of other recruits, but he gave me a chance. That is part of why I am so loyal to UNA.” That chance appears to be paying off as Benefield represented the team at UNA’s Media Day Aug. 10. Benefield said he has embraced the leadership role and continues to encourage his teammates.

“I like to text the guys individually after a workout to be encouraging,” he said. “I like to let them know that no matter what level you started out at, you can have a lot of success at the college level.”

UNA coach Scott Trimble said Benefield has put in the work it takes to be a successful runner and has improved tremendously since his freshman year.

“He’s made himself into a great runner,” Trimble said. “From January 1 to the first of August, he put in over 3,000 miles. In seven months, that is unbelievable.”

Trimble said one trait he looks for from his runners is persistence. He said while some have occasional motivation, Benefield is disciplined every day, and the results show on the track.

“He’s the most consistent runner we’ve had over the past two years,” he said. “He’ll do everything you ask him and go above and beyond.”

Sophomore Justin Watson, Benefield’s teammate and roommate, consistently raves about the characteristics Adam possesses.

“Adam is our captain,” Watson said.

“I was one of the guys that really built up my mileage in the spring, and Adam was there to guide me through it. He has been there and done that. Without him, I don’t know if I would have made it.”

Watson said rooming with Benefield and being around him on a daily basis gives him an opportunity to feed off Benefield’s “never say quit” mantra.

“The dude just won’t give up,” Watson said. “You tell him he can’t do something and he’ll do it anyway. There are some odd defying things within Adam Benefield.”

photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Junior runner Adam Benefield goes for a jog during practice at McFarland Park.

Benefield, who arrived at practice 30 minutes early, is the team captain.

6B SPORTS

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

Professional dress is required

Photo Booth

EXTRA 7B

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

EVENTS

Thurs., Oct. 8 All Day Christopher Taylor gallery exhibition @ University Art Gallery 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

AKA Stop Child Hunger table GUC Atrium 4 p.m.

Circle-K Meeting Stone Lodge (Upper) 6 p.m.

Homecoming court preliminary elections close 7 p.m.

UNA Soccer vs.

Spring Hill

Fri., Oct. 9

photo by JACKSON TOWNSEND | Student Photographer

Leaves change from green to red outside of Willingham Hall. Fall break begins Oct. 9 and concludes Oct. 11.

Sun., Oct. 11

Tues., Oct. 13

Wed., Oct. 14

FALL BREAK ENDS

10-12:30 p.m.

Homecoming Election Polls Stone Lodge (Upper)

11-2 p.m.

Jazz it up!

Homecoming Event Amphitheater

Mon., Oct. 12

12-4 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

Career Fair FALL BREAK BEGINS Mindful Mile Mondays GUC Banquet Halls walk. Meet at the 7 p.m. fountain.

2 p.m.

UNA Volleyball vs.

Spanish Roundtable @ Valdosta State 3:30 p.m.

3rd floor of Wesleyan SGA GUC 200 6 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 10 UNA Volleyball vs.

8 p.m.

West Alabama 2 p.m.

Fellowship of UNA Volleyball vs.

Christian Athletes 7-10 p.m.

West Florida Commons Rm 302 Democratic Debate Watch Party Communications Building Rm 131

4:30 p.m.

SGA Freshman Forum GUC 200 6 p.m.

JUMP! @ Stone Lodge (Upper)

Have an event? Send the title, location, date and time to editor@florala.net

8B EXTRA

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

Oct. 8, 2015 • The Flor-Ala