BREAST SELF-EXAMS PAGE 7A
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Oct. 23, 2014
HEALTH
Volume 83, Issue 10
www.FlorAla.net
Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama
Student shares family breast cancer battle ASHLEY SOUTHARD
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Not every breast cancer story is the same. My mother has endured a lot in her life, but cancer affected her more deeply than anything. Many of the stereotypes surrounding the disease are not typical for every case. Mastectomies are not always needed. Not every patient loses his or her hair. Not every scar is noticeable. My mother, Missy, found this out the hard way. When my mother went in
INSIDE
this week’s paper
for a routine mammogram May 1, 2012, the doctors told her they found something, so she would need to stay for an ultrasound. Dr. Joe Cannon told my mother he was sure it was cancer but to wait until results came back. Doctors told her if it was cancer, it might have been caused by the hormone medication prescribed to her after she underwent a full hysterectomy five years earlier. But, they also said the odds for her to have developed cancer were very small. Like Han Solo, she told them not to tell her the odds. I remember the day my mother received the phone call confirming she had breast cancer. It was May 11, 2012. I remember her first questions because they were my own. Was she going to die? Was she going to be OK? Cancer does not only affect the person who has it, but the family as well. My senior year of high school did not start the way I envisioned it. I had plans to go visit colleges that summer and for my family to spend time together doing something fun. Instead, the days I was not
NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A PHOTO ESSAY . . . 4A VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7A
LIFE . . . . . . . . . 1B SPORTS . . . . . . . 5B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 8B
volunteering at the library, I spent with my mother at her cancer treatments. For more than a month, five days a week, I watched my mother suffer through radiation treatments at Clearview Cancer Institute in Huntsville. This was all because of a ductal 0.7-centimeter carcinoma tumor. I remember my first thoughts as I sat in the waiting room. The people reminded me of the pictures I had seen of concentration camps — some were bald, some were frail-looking. But, they all wore the same hospital gown. I remember her telling me she was embarrassed to say she had cancer. Those words hit me hard. Here was a woman who was notorious for speaking her mind on just about anything. She would go toe-to-toe with teachers, parents and even the Limestone County superintendent. My mother had always been outspoken. The fact she was afraid to talk about cancer hurt me more than her having it. For her, talking about it is like reliving a bad memory. She feels if she talks about it, she has to admit it happened and that it could happen again. It is
a fear she lives with every day. Breast cancer is a vicious cancer for women. I am not saying other cancers are not as heinous, or that breast cancer does not affect men. Breast cancer takes away femininity — what it means to be a woman. When my mother’s friends would ask her about a scar or her surgery, she would pull her shirt up and show them. She would simply remark, “I have no dignity left.” She even hated going out in public. ;MM *)<<4- XIOM )
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2A NEWS
Oct. 23, 2014 • The Flor-Ala
ADMINISTRATION
Presidential candidates charm campus, community
used by our faculty and put tools in the hands of students to help them make educational choices.” Hanna praised the university’s First Year Experience Program and Student Success Center initiatives. Editor’s note: Candidate Sandra Jordan’s campus visit was scheduled after time of publication. To review the details of her forum and interviews, visit www.florala.net.
photos by PEYTON BYRD I Staff Photographer
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The next president of the university likely visited campus over the last week as three candidates met the campus and Florence communities. Each candidate explained why he or she could best serve as the next top university leader. The candidates were asked how they would respond to students’ concerns with campus safety, namely the lack of cameras in the parking deck. “If it’s a priority for the students, it’ll be a priority for me,” Kitts said. “I think all the decisions on campus should revolve around what’s best for students. At the end of the day they are why we’re here. I understand that and I try to live by it.” Kitts said campus safety and sexual assault are finally getting the attention they deserve nationwide, and because UNA and Florence have relatively low crime rates, the university has a great start. “But it’s something you have to stay on top of and if there are some things that need to be enhanced, they should be enhanced,” he said. Hanna said his current school system utilizes valuable safety assurances that would transfer well to UNA. “In our system that’s something we’ve taken very seriously,” Hanna said. “We have worked with our colleges to make sure that they have the appropriate safe guards in place, the cameras, the security guards and the police officers.” Hanna said he would work with university law enforcement to make sure they had the appropriate training and ensure they worked with other universities to make sure the best practices are in place. “Parents do not send their children to college to have crimes committed,” he said. “Parents expect their children to be
funding cannot increase without fighting for more and making your case.” He said UNA must do its part to make sure lawmakers understand its value to the state. Hanna said enrollment, retention and graduation are some of the biggest issues facing higher education. To alleviate those concerns he said he would “make sure we’re looking at the use of new technology that can be
Kenneth Kitts (left) Presidential candidate Kenneth Kitts interacts with students, faculty, staff and the community during his presentation Oct. 16.
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safe, so it would be a priority for me.” The candidates were also asked how they would engage students to understand their needs and concerns. Kitts named three things he would do to interact with students: “As my schedule allows, and it would probably be crazy in the first semester or two, I do think it’s important for senior administrators to teach,” he said. “When you’re in the classrooms, you are picking up on student issues and concerns in a way that you wouldn’t if you’re not there.” He said he would maintain regular communication with SGA, as it is the elected voice of the students. He also said he would like to develop a student advisory board of non-SGA members to hear concerns from a variety of student constituencies. Hanna said in addition to working with faculty and staff to understand student concerns, a president must be directly involved with the students. “I think a president needs to be visible,” Hanna said. “I think a president needs to be engaged. The president needs to be seen on campus and needs to have an open door.” He said transparency is key to success as an administrator, and that is why he passed out his personal business cards on campus during his visit. “That’s my personal cell phone number, and that’s my personal email,” he said. “That’s the way I approach things. I’m very transparent, and I’m very open.” The struggles of public regional universities were also discussed by the candidates. Kitts said limited money and resources are constant concerns for public regional universities. “When state budgets hurt, university budgets hurt that are dependent upon the state,” he said. The main way to address lack of funding is, “don’t accept that state
Randall Hanna (right) Presidential candidate Randall Hanna answers questions from the university and Florence communities during his presentation Oct. 20.
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ASHLEY REMKUS
photo courtesy of Sandra Jordan
Sandra Jordan Presidential Candidate Sandra Jordan visited campus Oct. 22-23. Because her visit was scheduled after time of publication, a list of her responses to these questions can be read at www.florala.net.
CRIME
2 football players arrested for shoplifting clothing ASHLEY REMKUS
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BOHANNON
PARKER
Two freshman UNA football players were arrested Oct. 16 for shoplifting at the Florence Mall, authorities said. Wesley Bohannon, 605 N. Cherry St., Florence, is charged with two counts of third-degree theft of property and
Devan Parker, 20, of the same address, is charged with one count of third-degree theft of property, said Florence Police Sgt. Cliff Billingsley. Billingsley said both were arrested by the Belk Loss Prevention unit. Parker stole two beanie hats valued at $50 and a shirt valued at $49.99, according to reports. Billingsley said Bohannon was also inside Dillard’s and stole a pair of pants valued at $40. Bohannon was released on $1,000 bail, and Parker is out on bail of $500. Billingsley said the bond is low because the charges are misdemeanors. Athletic Director Mark Linder said the two athletes are suspended from the football team indefinitely. “Coach (Bobby) Wallace and I will
meet to figure out how to help these individuals learn from this experience,” Linder said. “We haven’t been able to get our schedules together yet.” He said the goal is to ensure both students understand what is expected of them and how they should represent the university as members of the football team. “That’s not what happened in this case,” he said. “They have to conduct themselves as representatives of the university.” Because the Student Code of Conduct says any student whose off-campus behavior has an adverse affect on the university, students who commit crimes also go through the university conduct process, said Kim Greenway, director of Student Conduct.
Linder said the next step is to work toward getting the two students back on the team. “The legal process will continue, but we will deal with it and get them reinstated,” he said. Greenway said the student conduct process is also not affected by legal proceedings. The goal of Student Conduct is to identify if a student is responsible for a violation of the Code and provide sanctions accordingly, she said. Both Bohannon and Parker formerly played for Russellville High School before coming to UNA as walk-ons this year. Editor’s note: Stick with The Flor-Ala for updates at www.florala.net.
NEWS 3A
Oct. 23, 2014 • The Flor-Ala
FACILITIES
SGA unsuccessfully seeks help to improve campus beauty NATALIE BEE
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Students have expressed concerns with the appearance of one of the centerpieces of campus. SGA members said since last year they have attempted to contact Facilities Administration and Planning to request the Memorial Amphitheater be cleaned.
photo by DEANNA KAMPMEYER I Staff Photographer
“SGA has contacted facilities about our concerns,” said SGA senator Mollie Schaefer. “I emailed and called facilities but they were putting up The Commons at this time, so I understand their hands being busy.” Schaefer said when she was on Freshman Forum last year she served as Student Welfare Committee Chairwoman, and one of the goals they established was to improve campus beauty. “Facilities should help because they should back the students who are trying to make campus look better,” said freshman Daeshia Smith. “High school students are coming to visit campus now who might come to UNA next year, so it needs to look better.” Schaefer said the organization discussed washing the
Amphitheater last year using a pressure washer owned by an SGA member. But, because they could not contact the maintenance crew, plans were put on hold, she said. The organization continued its efforts with the beginning of the new school year. Senate Vice President Nick Lang announced during a September meeting he made initial contact with Assistant Vice President for Facilities Administration and Planning Michael Gautney via email. However, Lang later reported he had not been able to reach Gautney since. Along with cleaning the Amphitheater, students expressed concerns about updating other surrounding features. “They should get new benches and clean the area around the Amphitheater,” said sophomore James Carr. “It would make the whole place look better and attract new students.”
Sophomore Jared Collier said he thinks the updating of the benches by the Amphitheater would also benefit current students. “I never sit on the ones there now because you feel unclean sitting on them,” Collier said. “I can’t imagine it would be significantly costly, and I think people would appreciate it.” Schaefer said SGA is also working to develop a plan for replacing the benches. “None have been purchased, although research for the best prices has taken place,” she said. Aside from the benches, the cost of and cleaning the amphitheater will be little to none, she said. Editor’s note: Facilities Beat Writer Natalie Bee attempted to contact Assistant Vice President for Facilities Administration and Planning Michael Gautney via email and phone for two weeks prior to publication; however, he was unavailable for comment.
4A IMAGES
Oct. 23, 2014 • The Flor-Ala
STEPPINʼ IT UP ▶
Winners Phi Mu was voted Overall Winner for the 2014 Step Show Oct. 17. Their theme for the evening was Phi Mu Circus.
Grandpa (left, above) Clayton Hale of Phi Gamma Delta enjoys his role as an old man. Wonder Women Zeta Tau Alpha performs as the DC Comics superheroine for the 2014 Step Show.
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Step Show this year, like always, left the crowd roaring with applause. The themes were extremely imaginative and well thought out. Prisoners to old men, Wonder Woman and fire fighters, all of the performances were top-notch material. The fraternities that competed this year were Phi Gamma Delta and Alpha Tau Omega. The sororities that competed were Phi Mu, Alpha Delta Pi, Zeta Tau Alpha and Alpha Gamma Delta. The co-ed Honors Student Organization also competed for the first time. Alpha Tau Omega and Phi Mu were this year’s winners. Alpha Tau Omega donned firefighter outfits and incorporated many aspects of their costumes and music to match its theme in a way that some of the others just did
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not quite compare. At one point, just before exiting the stage, the performers all did a “stop, drop and roll” where other members ran and jumped over those on the ground. I think that may have been the selling point, or it could have just been the way Sam Satterfield looked in his red suspenders. Phi Mu took the cake this year but had some solid competition. The ladies dolled up and decked out in circus attire and props, but they also executed their steps with such precision and accuracy that when it came time to judge the winners, they had an advantage over the competition. I am certainly glad I did not have to judge the show, because I would have had to draw from a hat. Ultimately, Step Show not only pulled the community together but provided a night of fun and entertainment for all involved.
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KATLYN SHANNON
Alphatraz Alpha Delta Pi members Sam Daily and Rachel Foster step as a spinoff to Alcatraz.
NEWS 5A
Oct. 23, 2014 • The Flor-Ala
APPLY TO BE A SOAR COUNSELOR TODAY! IMPORTANT DATES Interest Meetings: October 15, 2014 6:00pm-7:00pm October 21, 2014 5:00pm-6:00pm GUC Loft
Applications Due: October 30, 2014
Role Plays:
Apply on LionJobs or by using this QR code!
November 13, 2014 6:30pm-8:30pm
Interviews: November 14, 2014 12:00pm-6:00pm
“SOAR was the best thing to happen to me at UNA-this coming from a hyper-involved junior who never wants to graduate.” te. “My time as a SOAR counselor involved making memories, meeting new people, and promoting the university. I never imagined I would be able to do things like that as a college student.”
Kate Partain 2013, 2014
Kahri Bolden 2013, 2014
“There is nothing better than meeting hundreds of new students and working with the greatest group of friends.” Elise Adkins 2013, 2014
Noel Geiger 2013, 2014
““I loved being able to introduce so many new students to the UNA experience. It’s a summer to remember with the best of friends!”
6A NEWS
Oct. 23, 2014 • The Flor-Ala
TRANSPORTATION
Bikes, scooters deemed efficient travel methods NATALIE BEE
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For students with the “parkingprobz” hashtag readily available in their queue, solutions can be found in a purchase much cheaper than a car. Bikes and scooters offer students a reliable, cheap way to get to and from campus. Junior Will Martin, who rides a scooter to school each day, said he sees benefits in not driving a car to campus — saving gas and saving time. “The reason I started riding my scooter instead of driving was the parking situation here,” Martin said. “Another great benefit of a scooter is being able to bring it into classrooms.” A trip that would typically take him 10 minutes to get to campus on foot only takes him five minutes on his scooter, he said. Timothy Wakefield, owner of The Spinning Spoke Cycle Hub in downtown Florence, said there are many benefits students can gain from using alternate transportation, such as bikes, to get to campus. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s very rewarding,” Wakefield said. “You feel a sense of accomplishment if you ride your bike somewhere as opposed to riding in a car somewhere.” Wakefield said the more students choose alternate methods of
transportation, the less problems campus will have with parking. Senior Amy Anderson said she wishes she lived somewhere that made it easier for her to ride a bike to campus. But the route from her apartment would be rough because of the steep terrain, she said. “Some days I wish I had a bike when I’m riding around for 20 minutes or longer looking for a parking spot,” she said. Wakefield said students who ride bikes or scooters also tend to stay in better health. Wakefield’s wife, Katie, who helps with the store, said riding a bicycle is more enjoyable than driving a car. “Everything’s more fun on a bike,” she said. Although using alternate transportation offers several benefits, it also has its downfalls. “If you don’t live close to campus, it’s not as convenient,” Timothy Wakefield said. When the weather is hot or cold students traveling a long distance will likely have a less enjoyable trip, he said. He also said the lack of bicycle access on Florence roads is an issue, especially for safety reasons. “It would be easier to ride long distances if there were more bike lanes,” Katie Wakefield said. Martin said the road conditions also
make it difficult for him to travel on his scooter. “It’s not exactly the safest way of travel. The sidewalks here are not the smoothest,” he said. Timothy Wakefield said he believes the city is working to get more bike racks, and it would increase students’ accessibility to downtown and allow
them to do more exploring around town. He said he also noticed a significant number of students and professors visiting his store, especially at the beginning of the semester. Hopefully they are joining the movement toward alternate transportation, he said.
photo by KATLYN SHANNON I Staff Photographer
Junior Will Martin rides his scooter across campus between classes. Martin said students can save time and gas by using alternate modes of transportation to get to school.
ACADEMICS
Alabama named one of nationʼs worst nursing states ASHLEY GABALDON
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A 2014 study released by The Wallet Hub listed Alabama as one of the nation’s worst states for nurses. Students and faculty in the UNA College of Nursing said they expected the surveys results would not favor the state, although nursing is the most popular major at the university. “In any national poll, if you’ll look,
Alabama is always ranked low on the totem pole,” said Vicki Pierce, associate dean of the College of Nursing. The study ranked the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on opportunities for nurses, competition in the job market and quality of the work environment. Landing in the top three spots are Oregon, Washington and South Dakota, with Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi falling to the bottom at 49, 50 and 51, respectively.
Despite the negative ranking, UNA nursing students, staff and alumni said they are not concerned about thriving in their field in Alabama. Third-level nursing student Cory Michael said while he finds the results surprising, they do not worry him. “I am getting a high-quality education here at UNA, and I am confident that I will be able to find a job wherever I go, whether I choose to move or to stay in Alabama,” Michael said. Alabama ranked lowest in the nation
in the number of job openings for nurses, according to the study. Pierce said the rank might not be as negative as it seems. “To me that says the nurses that are employed in the state of Alabama are very happy and they don’t give up their jobs,” Pierce said. UNA alumna and ECM ambulatory nurse Susan Brown said she agrees with Pierce’s assessment. Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.
P i t Private
“ The Stuudio Whe re Winners Go To Train ain ” Discou Disc unt o offere ed for those students s par articipat pattting in Miss UNA 1118 Brad dshaw Drive Floren nce, e, AL 35630
256-766-32 6-3226 26 Projects101@att.net
VIEWPOINTS 7A
Oct. 23, 2014 • The Flor-Ala
Newspaper staff needs supportive community EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANNA GRACE USERY MANAGING EDITOR KALI DANIEL NEWS EDITOR ASHLEY REMKUS LIFE EDITOR MARI WILLIAMS
KALI DANIEL
SPORTS EDITOR DUSTIN POLLARD
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ONLINE EDITOR JASMINE FLEMING
We are frequently called out on social media as not doing our jobs, doing our jobs poorly or not covering things that need to be covered. We are told we do not cover enough positive things. We are told we cannot be trusted and that no one takes us seriously. The funny thing is, the very people who make those statements are the first ones to
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ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS
The deadline for submitting letters is 10 a.m. Monday, the week of publication. Letters must not exceed 400 words. Letters must be accompanied by the writerʼs name, mailing address, phone number and email. The Flor-Ala prefers to publish your letters exactly as written, but reserves the right to reject slanderous or libelous material. The publication of any letter is left to the discretion of the Editorial Board. Priority is given to letters critical of The Flor-Ala, or written in direct response to an editorial, a column, or a news story. When the editors deem it necessary for ease of understanding or to clarify facts, an Editorʼs Note may accompany a letter. Address correspondence to The Flor-Ala. UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632. Email: florala@una.edu. Phone: 256-765-4364
name “Earnie Vaughn,” and completed his interview with said alias. Noticing he looked very familiar, I contacted his lookalike. As it turns out, the lookalike thought he would amuse himself by tearing down other people’s credibility by giving a false alias and a slew of vague, meaningless quotes. As students who work full-time jobs, take a minimum of 12 credit hours and receive the backlash of the student and faculty opinions more than anyone else on campus, we deserve better. We deserve a campus and community who take us seriously instead of playing juvenile jokes that demean our efforts and ultimately slow down our process. The fact an individual
thinks it is humorous to tear down the products of professionals who probably work more hours and endure more hardships than he does, is alarming. The fact someone has nothing better to do than lie to a news outlet is pathetic. The fact he was so blasé about all of it shows how apathetic he is to the well-being of our campus. Students and faculty should provide feedback, encourage students to pursue their careers and alert us to problems or story ideas within the community. Students and faculty should not impede the learning process. In the end, I have to give us credit that we caught this error. Guess the joke’s on you, Earnie.
Breast self-exams act as preventative actions
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS PEYTON BYRD DEANNA KAMPMEYER KATLYN SHANNON
Letters Policy
abstain from helping us do our jobs. We are attempting to become professionals. Our writers take a minimum of 10 hours per week to write one story, and our editors work tirelessly on their own stories and checking the facts of others’. Work weeks range from 30-50 hours. Then situations occur in which students destroy the process. Last week, Facilities Beat Writer Natalie Bee and Staff Photographer Katlyn Shannon reported and took photos of a student riding a scooter. The story was about safety and diverse methods of transportation (see the updated story on page 6A). The student gave both the writer and photographer the
CHARLOTTE CRAMER
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and there are certainly many other types of cancers of significance. But we ‘think pink’ since breast
cancer affects so many. Is there a way to prevent the development of breast cancer? Maybe not entirely. But, identifying risk factors is certainly a help. Some factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, family history, genetics and personal history are beyond control of the individual, but are important to be identified. A part of the campaign to prevent the devastating effects of breast cancer has been the promotion of breast self-exams, although in recent years, different medical organizations have not agreed on the
effectiveness or benefits of the BSE. However, beginning in her 20s, a woman should be told about the benefits and limitations of performing such, and then make her own decision about doing it. BSE involves a systematic palpation of the breasts every month, usually at the end of the menstrual period. Even if she chooses not to do so, the woman needs to be aware of the normal look of her breasts, the size, shape, and the condition of the skin. Her health care provider can teach such, and there is information
from sources such as the American Cancer Society on how to perform a BSE. The most effective way to detect an abnormality in the breast is combining a clinical breast exam by a trained health care provider and having a mammogram. The latter usually started at age 40. Clinical breast exams should be done every three years before the age of 40 and shortly before yearly mammograms after 40.
students using the crosswalk do not first activate the warning lights. For safety reasons, it is important the lights be activated, even if there are no vehicles in the immediate vicinity of the crossing.
The lights activate immediately upon pushing the button, so there is no delay for the students using the crossing. I would urge every person using the Wood Avenue crosswalk to first activate the
warning lights. Doing so will help to prevent vehicle-pedestrian injuries. Remember, pedestrians almost always lose those encounters.
Editor’s Note: To read the rest of this piece, visit www. florala.net.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dave deWolfe Florence Resident dfdewolfe@aol.com I frequently travel on Wood Avenue and have noticed approximately half of the UNA
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8A NEWS
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For me, it was tough to see her like this. To this day, my mother still has lingering issues from her battle with breast cancer, even as mild as her case was. The radiation treatments affected the nerve endings in her arm, causing her grip to falter. To this day, she still bears the marks nurses used to line up the radiation beams. She calls them her tattoos. However, there are some positives. Sitting in the treatment center with the other cancer patients reminded my mother her world was not going to fall apart. She met people who were experiencing the same issues she was, people who told her it was going to be OK. My mother’s breast cancer fight inspired me to become active in Relay for Life. I did not want other daughters to go through what my sister and I experienced. My family also became closer
Oct. 23, 2014 • The Flor-Ala
through my mother’s battle. We called the Tuesday trips to treatments, Grandma Cindy Days. My grandmother would come from Cullman and take us out to lunch and go shopping after my mother was done with her treatments for the day. I am much closer to my mother than I have been in the past, which I am thankful for. My mother was lucky to only have stage zero breast cancer, but not all patients can say they are that lucky. Today, she has gone back to most of her normal routine. Her arm still bothers her, but there is nothing the doctors can do for her to fix it. She is currently taking online classes in pursuit of a criminal justice degree. When she is not too busy writing papers, she takes care of her three huskies, one of which my sister bought for her when she was declared cancerfree. It still bothers my mother to talk about her experience with cancer in public. But, she is still alive, and that is honestly all I can ask for in the end. Not everyone is that lucky.
photo courtesy of Ashley Southard
Student Ashley Southard and her mother, Missy, pose for a picture before Ashley’s senior prom. Their family found out about the cancer diagnosis a few days after the photo was taken.
SGA in Review
• UPC - Will host a • Senate - Will host comedy show with Drive for the Pride Saturday Night to raise funds Liveʼs Pete Davidson for the endowed Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at scholarship Oct. 25 the Mane Room on 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in North Pine Street. the visitors parking lot. Long Lewis Ford of Muscle Shoals • Freshman Forum sponsors the event. - Will co-host a ʻ90s-themed party • UPC - Allocated at the Baptist $550 to purchase Campus Ministries 100 T-shirts for the Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. Outdoor Adventure UPC also sponsors Centerʼs Nov. 4-6 the event. recycling campaign.
Thinking of Medical School? Now Acceptiing Students If carin ng for others is your desire, th hen the new ost ostteopa pat athic m medical edical school in Auburrn, Alabama, could d be the place for you.
Please visit
www.vcom.edu for call 334-844-1928 for more information on the VCOM-Auburn campus. For a copy of our Outcomes Reports, please see www.vcom.edu/outcomes. ©2014 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. All rights reserved.
LIFE
SECTION B
ENNTERTAINMENT TERTAINMENT TER RTAINM MENTT
Oct. 23, 2014â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala
Boolesque
photo courtesy of Basement Burlesque
Burlesque show offers unique Halloween experience MONDAY SANDERSON
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Boolesque has returned to shock, amaze and bewilder. This Halloween season the Shoals community will experience Burlesque in a slightly unusual way. Basement Burlesqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Halloween show will be held 8 p.m. Oct. 24-25 at Pegasus Records. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is going to be men and women doing a spooky, sexy mixture of singing, dancing, comedy and striptease,â&#x20AC;? said junior Corey Gray, a Basement Burlesque dancer. It being the troupeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Halloween show, Basement Burlesque is expecting a much larger audience to be in
IN THIS SECTION
attendance than previous years, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite show,â&#x20AC;? Gray said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our chance to do the most out there, crazy, fun things that we want to do all year but we could never fit in any other time of the year.â&#x20AC;? The Halloween show is different from any other show the troupe puts on during the year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Besides the fact that everyone goes a little nuts because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so excited, we are all theater people, so Halloween is a great excuse to dress up,â&#x20AC;? said Heidi King, troupe co-founder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It gives us a chance to do something a little darker, a little more twisted. There are things that really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit with another show.
LIFE Arx Mortis See page 2B
Halloween is a great place to put those numbers in there.â&#x20AC;? Basement Burlesque will also produce more involved costumes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our costumes this show are more elaborate than they have ever been,â&#x20AC;? Gray said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a lot more custom costumes.â&#x20AC;? The troupe has been in Florence four years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Basement Burlesque started as a fundraiser for a local theater group that several of us were involved in,â&#x20AC;? King said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We originally started with a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Shake and Bakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;(bake sale) as our first show. It was at the end. theatre off Pine Street.â&#x20AC;? When the troupe first started, members were nervous about how the community would receive them, she said.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tragical History of Dr. Faustusâ&#x20AC;? See page 3B
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the last four years, not only have we gotten a lot more exposure by being involved with different organizations and businesses in the community, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also gotten a lot of exposure from
word-of-mouth,â&#x20AC;? King said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hands down, we have more support over the last year than in the three years combined.â&#x20AC;?
;MM *774-;9=- XIOM *
photo courtesy of Basement Burlesque
CoCo Couture performs at Basement Burlesqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sept. 6 show Birthday Circus.
SPORTS Two former Lions in World Series See page 5B
OAC snowboarding and skiing trip See page 6B
2B LIFE
Oct. 23, 2014 • The Flor-Ala
ATTRACTIONS
Arx Mortis included in top U.S. haunted houses MARI WILLIAMS 4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\
Being chased by a large man drenched in blood and holding a seemingly lethal chainsaw is not everyone’s cup of tea. But those who are intrigued by this scenario, have probably already visited Arx Mortis this year. A favorite local haunted house has returned, this time with a new notch under its belt of accomplishments. Arx Mortis was named one of the 10 spookiest U.S. haunted houses of the 2014 fall season by USA Today. “It makes you excited because this is kind of like a passion,” said special effects make-up artist Jeff Creasy, known around the attraction as Doc. “Suddenly you’re being rewarded or acknowledged for your hard work. And now because they reported us, everybody else is coming out and wondering who we are — it’s kind of snowballing.” Sophomore Ariel Bell said she
thinks Arx Mortis deserved to make the top 10 list. “The actors are awesome, the costumes are incredible, and the special effects really add to the creepy atmosphere — you never know what might happen,” she said. Arx Mortis co-owner, Vinny Grosso, said he credits the attraction’s success to his entire team, especially the actors. “My volunteer actors are what makes us the top 10 in the nation,” he said. “Without the actors we’ve just got a museum. They are what turn us into a haunted house.” Judging by the ticket price, patrons may think Arx Mortis is pocketing a large amount of money, but there are more expenses that come with running a haunted house than one would expect, Grosso said. “What they don’t understand is that we spend $38,000 per year on advertising and the rent for this property is $84,000 per year,” he said. “We may see $250,000 come through this place during a 20-day
period, but 80 or 90 percent of that goes back out. I do it not because of the money but because I love doing this, and it is a hobby for us.” Visitors get their money’s worth in the attraction, said sophomore Josh Meza. “It’s suspenseful, a good time length and incorporates tons of settings,” he said. Lauren Griffin, Arx Mortis actress and special effects artist, said she invites thrill-seekers to see the attraction. “We encourage people that love the adrenaline rush and want to come through and actually be scared,” she said. “We’re not here just to scare people and that’s why USA Today named us top 10. We’re going to give you your $25 worth either way.” The actors of Arx Mortis genuinely enjoy their work, Creasy said. “If you did this anywhere else in the world you’d go to jail,” he said. “We’re wired a little differently here — we enjoy scaring people.”
Griffin said working at Arx Mortis has changed her life. “You can either find somebody you hate or find somebody you want to spend the rest of your life with out here,” she said. “I know that sounds really demented, but I found my fiancé here.” The actors lightheartedly refer to themselves as a sick and twisted family, said Ashlee Davis, Arx Mortis actress. “We have to love each other,” she said. “In order for everyone to work here and make their characters believable, they have to get along and agree on a level like we do. We’re all like family, though.” Although Arx Mortis is a successful business, it is still a hobby to the staff, Grosso said. “This is not a make or break for me,” Grosso said. “I’m over animal control in Florence. That’s my job. This over here (Arx Mortis), I’ve always said if it just breaks even, I’m happy. The first few years it did.”
LIFE 3B
Oct. 23, 2014 • The Flor-Ala
THEATRE
Students set to present classic Renaissance tragedy MELISSA PARKER
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The Department of Music and Theatre will present a classic play fitting for this time of the year, full of supernatural elements and morality. “The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus,” an English Renaissance play by Christopher Marlowe, opens Oct. 24, just in time for Florence’s Renaissance Faire. “It gives people the opportunity to get a taste of Renaissance Faire during the day and then come see our actual Renaissance play,” said David Ruebhausen, associate professor of Music and Theatre and director of Dr. Faustus. The main character sells his soul to the devil for ultimate power and knowledge, living 24 years before he has to give up his body and soul and go to hell, he said. The cast and crew are involved with several aspects of the stage, Ruebhausen said. “It has a lot of opportunity for students to do a lot of different technical aspects besides just the acting which is tough with a play like this,” he said. With a diverse cast of class and experience levels, rehearsals are going well for the show, Ruebhausen said. “I think the cast is doing fantastic,” he said. “Their first night off script was
the best I’d ever had on a first night off script. And considering it’s Elizabethan and verse, they are doing fantastic.” The show is entered into the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, he said. “We’re actually being entered as a participating entry which means that not only will they talk about the show, but the show itself will be considered for regional competition,” he said. Alumnus Adam St. John plays the lead role of Dr. Faustus and is the lighting designer. “I just wanted to be a part of this production and getting the lead was a lot more than I ever expected,” St. John said. Although the play was written years ago, it is still relevant today, he said. “It is a classic play,” he said. “Many things we watch today on television or movies that have a supernatural element to it usually can be linked back to Dr. Faustus.” Senior Shiloh Shelton plays many roles while doubling as costume designer. “I’m looking forward to seeing the costumes all come together and the tech, the puppets — every aspect of it,” Shelton said. The whole experience is a learning process, she said. “It’s a great gateway transition from high school rehearsal processes to this, and it’s a nice lead into the real world
rehearsal process,” she said. Senior Marcus Levy plays the role of Mephostophiles, the demon assigned to Dr. Faustus. “I think people should come to see it because if nothing else, it’s really good
entertainment,” he said. Editor’s note: “The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus” will be performed Oct. 24-25 and 30-31, and Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Afternoon performances are Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 at 2 p.m.
photo by PEYTON BYRD I Staff Photographer
Students rehearse for “The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus.” The play follows a man who sells his soul to receive ultimate power and knowledge.
*774-;9=- KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * Boolesque is a more open and accepting environment compared to what most of Florence is acquainted with, Gray said. “It’s unlike anything you’ll see anywhere without driving several hours,” he said. “I think everyone needs to experience burlesque at least once. It’s different from anything most people
would ever see.” Basement Burlesque encourages the community to attend the event, King said. “Besides the fact that it’s a great night of entertainment, we would like to be a part of the greater Halloween plan for the evening,” she said. “It’s going to be a fun time. You’re going to laugh and maybe be a little creeped out, but you’re going to have a good time and meet new people.”
Conveniently located in the new Student Commons building on campus!
Over 100 rotating flavors Over 50 toppings to choose from Mix and match to create a one of a kind taste that you love! photo courtesy of Basement Burlesque
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Bella Notte dances to “When You’re Evil” by Voltaire at Basement Burlesque’s Sept. 6 show “Birthday Circus.”
4B LIFE
Oct. 23, 2014 • The Flor-Ala
SPORTS 5B
Oct. 23, 2014 • The Flor-Ala
BASEBALL
SCOREBOARD Oct. 17-23
E R V W O E O K RLD SERIES A T S N O LI 201 20 2 014 4
Friday, Oct. 17
VOLLEYBALL UNA @ FLORIDA SOUTHERN 3-0 LOSS
VOLLEYBALL
UNA
VS.
SAINT LEO
3-1 LOSS
SOCCER UNA @ CHRISTIAN BROTHERS
4-0 WIN
Saturday, Oct. 18 VOLLEYBALL UNA VS. TAMPA 3-0 LOSS
FOOTBALL UNA @ FLORIDA TECH
photos courtesy of Sports Information
34-31 WIN
Kansas City Royals player Josh Willingham (left) is headed to his first World Series. Willingham played three seasons at UNA (1998-2000). San Francisco Giant’s player Sergio Romo (right) played at UNA in 2004 and is trying to win his third ring.
Tuesday, Oct. 21 VOLLEYBALL UNA vs. LEE
Results @ www.florala.net UNA
SOCCER
VS.
UNION
Results @ www. florala.net
GOLF TVA CREDIT UNION INVITATIONAL @ KILLEN Finished second out of 17
Upcoming Friday, Oct. 24 UNA
VS.
VOLLEYBALL
WEST GEORGIA
7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25 VOLLEYBALL UNA vs. UAH
2 p.m.
UNA
VS.
FOOTBALL WEST GEORGIA
6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 26 UNA
VS.
SOCCER WEST ALABAMA 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 VOLLEYBALL UNA vs. UNION
7 p.m.
Two former Lions playing on baseball’s biggest stage DUSTIN POLLARD
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This is a special World Series for UNA fans, as a pair of former Lions compete head-to-head in the World Series. Kansas City Royal’s outfielder and designated hitter Josh Willingham played for UNA from 1998-2000, and San Francisco Giant’s relief pitcher Sergio Romo suited up for the Lions 2004 season. This is Willingham’s first trip to the World Series and Romo’s third in the last five seasons. “Having two former players (playing in the World Series) is really pretty remarkable,” said head baseball coach Mike Keehn, who was an assistant coach when Willingham was at UNA. “That’s a rarity for any program and especially at the D-II level.” Willingham is a Florence native and graduated from Mars Hill Bible School. “It’s not only nice to see someone to represent UNA but to also represent the Florence community as well,” said assistant coach Matt Hancock. “He’s just a great baseball player and a better person.” While at UNA, Willingham earned All-American and Academic AllAmerican honors, and helped the Lions reach the NCAA D-II World Series in 1999. During the 1999 season he set the UNA record for most doubles in a season (26), grand slams (3), total bases (164), on base percentage (.585) and slugging percentage (.863). “He was just so dangerous, especially offensively,” Keehn said. “He’s the best mistake hitter we’ve had, so if you made a mistake (on a pitch) he was going to make you pay. He really became such a
complete player.” Keehn said Willingham was not a vocal leader but leads by example on and off the field. “Young guys can learn a lot about hitting by just watching him up at bat,” he said. “ He’s a guy that understands the strike zone and knows how to work the count.” Willingham left UNA after his junior season when the Florida Marlins drafted him in the 2000 MLB draft. Willingham played shortstop with the Lions but was not projected to play the position at the next level. “I thought he projected as a third baseman but they already had Miguel Cabrera,” Keehn said. “But he was such a good hitter, they had to find a way for him to be on the field.” Willingham made the move to catcher and then eventually found himself as the starting left fielder for the Marlins in 2006. In 11 MLB seasons Willingham has played for five different teams, hit 195 home runs and 632 RBIs. His highlight season was in 2012 when he hit .260 with 35 home runs and 110 RBIs with the Minnesota Twins. “If he’s healthy he’s going to put up at least 20 home runs,” Keehn said. Willingham has hit at least 20 home runs in five seasons. One of the biggest contributions Willingham made in his career came in the American wild-card game this year when he got a pinch-hit single in the bottom of the ninth to help the Royals send the game to extra innings. The Royals eventually won in 12 innings against the Oakland Athletics 9-8. “We’ve had a lot of great players come through here, but he’s been the most successful one,” Keehn said. “He just studies the game, and teams love
having him in the clubhouse.” In Romo’s lone season at UNA he was named first-team All-Gulf Coast Conference after putting up a 10-3 record with a 3.69 ERA. “He played well for us and at the beginning of the season, his numbers were off the charts,” Keehn said. “When we got in conference play, he got hit a little.” Hancock pitched with Romo for the Lions. “He was really talented and had great velocity with his fastball,” he said. “He was our No. 1 pitcher that year and dominated really early in the season.” Romo was drafted by the Giants in 2005 and made his MLB debut in 2008. In seven seasons, Romo has won two World Series, posted a 2.51 ERA and 78 saves. In 2013 he recorded 38 saves, which ranked third in the National League. In the 2012 World Series, Romo had three saves with five strikeouts in three perfect innings, and pitched the final inning of game four. The Giants would swept the Detroit Tigers 4-0 for Romo’s second World Series win. Rumors circulated saying Willingham will retire at the end of the season, but he has yet to make any decision. “I’m going to enjoy watching this series, and if Josh does retire I would like to see if he can go out on top,” Hancock said. Lions’ fans can catch the Willingham and Romo play games three and four Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. If necessary games five, six and seven will be Oct. 26, Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, all at 6 p.m. All games will be televised on FOX Network.
6B SPORTS TRAVEL
Oct. 23, 2014• The Flor-Ala
LEARNING ON THE ROAD
Student-athletes keep up with classwork while on trips KADIN POUNDERS
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The disadvantages of playing games or matches away from home are welldocumented. Long bus or plane rides can be draining and exhausting, opposing crowds can be loud and intimidating, and staying in an unfamiliar place can cause of a lack of sleep for some players. Needless to say, it can be difficult for some student-athletes to focus and work on other responsibilities and priorities such as homework and studying while on the road. “While traveling, it is sometimes hard to read and stay focused, especially while on the bus,” said sophomore volleyball player Sarah Ann Tillery. “The limited Wi-Fi sometimes hinders any online assignments.” Student-athletes need to come up with their own methods for staying focused on their classwork on the road,
said freshman soccer player Morgan Brown. “I would say my study habit would be listening to music,” she said. “I will usually listen to some chilling music like Bon Iver. I know some people can’t focus with music, but with me I feel like it helps me concentrate and get my work done faster.” At UNA, all student-athletes are required to participate in study hall hours, either as a team or individually — even on the road. They take advantage of these hours and accomplish homework then. “We have to do six hours of mandatory study hall but depending on how much homework I have for the week, I can do anywhere from six to 10 hours of studying — sometimes even more than that,” Brown said. “Usually, I use study hall to do homework and do studying for tests on my own time.” Along with study hall hours, UNA has other ways to help student-athletes keep their grades up. “Right now we do three grade checks
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or progress reports during the semester,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance Todd Vardaman. “We try to identify kids that would be at risk, whether it be them putting themselves in a bad position academically, not just from an eligibility standpoint but also to remain on track to graduate.” Vardaman said the student-athletes take advantage of the resources available to them such as the Student Success Center. “I have used the writing center several times for various classes,” Tillery said. “I have found it to be very beneficial. I would highly recommend them to everyone.” Many sports teams spend several days on road trips causing studentathletes to miss valuable class time. “The hardest part about balancing volleyball with school work is the makeup work,” Tillery said. “With our tedious schedules, we miss several classes, and it is easy to fall behind. “Also, getting back from late road trips sometimes makes for a long night
OAC
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of studying.” Brown said because school comes first, she sometimes has to sacrifice sleep and not going to social events due to the school work. Student-athletes missing classes can also mean them missing tests or exams, but the faculty has been very cooperative with athletes in terms of making up assignments, said junior football player Lee Mayhall. “Every teacher I have had is easy to work with,” he said. “They all allow me to make up assignments and tests if I have to miss them for games. “It is very helpful when the teachers understand because it allows me to stay with the class instead of getting behind.” The end of the semester is also when most teams are competing for championships and it conflicts with their final exams, Vadarman said. “Thankfully, our academic community has been supportive of working with our students athletes,” he said.
Becoming the next snowboarding phenomenon like Shaun White is never too late, because the Outdoor Adventure Center is allowing students to hone their skills during Christmas break. The OAC is going to French Swiss Rentals in North Carolina Dec. 31 - Jan. 3 on a skiing and snowboarding trip, and all students, staff and faculty can go. Outdoor Adventures and Special Events Coordinator McKenzie Martin said the main appeal to the trip is obviously skiing and snowboarding, but to also meet students from other universities. “It’s a big college-oriented ski mountain and they have midnight skiing everyday so it’s a lot of fun for everybody,” she said. “Here in Alabama we don’t have ski opportunities, and we certainly don’t have skiing opportunities for this price.” Junior Andrew Kerstiens went last year and said he is definitely going again. “It’s fun because we got to snowboard and chill all day,” he said. “And on New Year’s they have a huge fireworks show for all of us.” The cost for the trip depends on how
many people go, and the more people go the cheaper it will be, ranging from $308 to $570. “It’s crazy cheap to go skiing and snowboarding for four days,” Martin said. “It includes your transportation, ski lift tickets, equipment rental and lodging.” Martin said the only additional costs would be if students want to use the trip for a one-hour class credit for the spring semester. “I think it’s really cool that UNA offers it as a class,” Kerstiens said. “With the money you pay and the instructor you get, it’s a good deal.” The courses are snow skiing HPE 150 and snowboarding HPE 151. “They’ve been trying to make this class for 10 years,” Martin said. “Last year was the first time we did the trip, and I knew that once people went and once people saw photos from it then the trip would catch on.” Martin also said students who have never been snowboarding or skiing should not be timid about going because students can rank themselves based on ability. Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.
SPORTS 7B
Oct. 23, 2014 • The Flor-Ala START PUSHING YOURSELF EVEN FURTHER. ST
START YOUR JOURNEY. START DISCOVERING NEW TALENTS.
START MOLDING YOUR STRENGTHS. START BUILDING YOUR CAREER.
START OUT ON TOP.
START AHEAD OF THE CROWD.
START STRONG. SM
There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Many influential government and business leaders started with the help of Army ROTC. When you enroll in Army ROTC at the University of North Alabama, you get hands-on leadership training to give you a strong start after college as an Army Officer. Army ROTC also offers full-tuition scholarships to help pay for your education.
To learn more about scholarship opportunities, contact Rae Atencio at 256-765-4458 or visit us online at goarmy.com/rotc/z271 ©2008. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.
8B EXTRA
Oct. 23, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala
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