TEEING OFF PAGE 4B
Sept. 10, 2015
Volume 84, Issue 4
www.FlorAla.net
Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama
keeping silent Results show most victims know attackers • 7 percent of respondents said they have had an unwanted sexual experience since coming to UNA • 60 percent of victims identified their perpetrator as a UNA student • 41 percent of victims knew how to report the incident ANNA BROWN
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Over 80 percent of students who reported having unwanted sexual experiences said their perpetrator was someone they knew, according to results from the Campus Climate Survey. “The unfortunate thing in our society is these matters happen across the country, whether you’re in school, out of school or in the workplaces,” said Title IX Coordinator Tammy Jacques. “So, we have to do what we can do in our community to try to educate students and prevent it from happening the best we can.”
INSIDE
this week’s paper
The survey defined sexual contact as “touching of a sexual nature, oral sex, sexual intercourse, anal sex and sexual penetration with a finger or object.” Sexual assault programs on college campuses often focus on self-defense training. This method assumes the perpetrators are strangers to the victims. “Most students don’t expect to be sexually assaulted by someone they know,” said senior Katherine Steinman. “They could never imagine it until it’s already happening.” Of the 978 students who took the survey, 68 students reported experiencing at least one incident of unwanted
NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A IMAGES . . . . . . . 4A VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7A
sexual contact since becoming a student at UNA. However, 117 incidences of unwanted sexual contact were reported from the 978 students who took the survey. This number indicates these incidences happened more than once to one or more students, Jacques said. About 60 percent of victims identified their perpetrators as students at UNA and 6 percent as a UNA employee, faculty or staff member, according to survey results. Of the students who experienced unwanted sexual contact, 41 percent said they knew about UNA’s formal reporting procedures.
LIFE . . . . . . . . . 1B SPORTS . . . . . . . 4B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 7B
Three students said they reported the incident through UNA’s formal reporting procedures and indicated they found that process helpful. “Those numbers told us that a lot of people didn’t know how to report,” Jacques said. “We have to do a better job of letting students know about these policies as a university.” Sexual assault victims can receive free, immediate help through Rape Response. Victims can call the 24-Hour Crisis Line to get immediate help, said Victim Service Coordinator Kaylie Pennington. She said all services provided by Rape Response are completely free. “We always have someone
who will answer the telephone,” Pennington said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s 2 a.m. We will make sure you are in a safe place and give instructions on what you can do to get help and report the incident.” She said someone from Rape Response will stand beside the victim through the whole process of reporting the incident, physical exams and court trials, if legal action is taken. Rape Response offers free counseling services for victims and their friends and family, regardless of gender.
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MAJOR DECISIONS ........1B
Please recycle your paper.
2A NEWS
Sept. 10, 2015• The Flor-Ala
FACILITIES
Detailed maps help students navigate campus CHRISTOPHER PARKER ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ KXIZSMZ(]VI ML]
The University of North Alabama received a new addition on campus this fall: Maps. One of SGA President Nick Lang’s biggest goals while running for president last year was to install one oblong map on campus. “We pushed really hard to get the maps on campus because we knew that it was absolutely necessary for students to be able to find their way to their classes,” Lang said. Lang said he later realized there were enough funds to install two maps. SGA paid $4,000 toward the project from the Campus Line Item budget, he said. The university covered the remaining cost for the maps, housing and installation, said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter. Carter said each map was relatively inexpensive with each costing about $100. The maps are easy to remove and interchange if needed, he said. Lang said one of the maps is located next to the Harrison Plaza fountain and the other on the Shelby Way walkway
near the Stone Lodge. The maps display details of the parking lots, academic buildings, common areas, residence halls and athletic facilities on campus. Lang mentioned the importance for SGA to provide all students with the proper resources to be able to have an amazing college experience. “Throughout the rest of the year, we plan to discuss the possibility of implementing campus maps at every major entrance to the campus,” Lang said. He said SGA has yet to discuss the possibility of adding more maps with Assistant Vice President for Facilities Administration and Planning Michael Gautney and Carter. Carter said he thinks the university would be happy to add more maps in strategic areas around campus if students are happy with them. “I think they are a great addition to campus and will really help students, especially freshmen and transfers, find their way around,” said sophomore and member of the Senate Olivia Privett. Freshman Lori Gessini said she thinks students need to navigate their own way around campus instead of being too dependent on the maps. “They are a good source, but they did
not show the different ways to get around campus for disabled students,” Gessini said. Freshman Carson Dickey said he used the maps to find Collier Library, then turned around to see it right in front of him. Lang said he, along with SGA, are thankful for the Department of Grounds Maintenance and the Department of
Facilities Administration and Planning collaborating with them in order to carry out this initiative. “The Student Government Association couldn’t have made this possible for the students without the help from Grounds Maintenance and Facilities Administration and Planning,” Lang said.
photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer
Savannah Herbst and Lynn Hartman use the campus map next to Keller Hall. There is another map located next to the Stone Lodge.
ACADEMICS
Department relocation creates new degree, opportunities SPENCER BROOKS
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A Bachelor of Arts in Theatre is now available at UNA as the Theatre program moves under the Entertainment Industry department. “It was an opportunity for us to have a new beginning,” said Associate Professor Charlton James. “It allows students to
have a B.A. in Theatre where you can get an emphasis in acting or design.” The Theatre degree was originally under the Communications field, while the faculty resided in the Music Building. “It was an odd situation where our degree was in one department and our faculty was in another,” James said. “Really, that is why the decision was made. “After a year of discussing the idea
photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer
Sophomore Jamericus Clark-King performs “Nobody Knows” by August Alsina in front of his theatre class. Theatre moved from under the Department of Communications to the Department of Entertainment Industry this fall.
and a meeting over Christmas break last year, the two departments decided Theatre transitioning to Entertainment Industry was “where it needed to head. “Now, we have a Theatre degree. We can have a core set of Theatre classes which allows students to take other classes to have an emphasis in a specific area in theatre.” He said he thinks the new degree change will be a great benefit to students. “Personally, I really love the change because now I am actually able to get a focus in acting,” said sophomore and theater student Vicki Montgomery. “I believe that would take me further, because I will not be seen as just an ordinary Theatre major.” The original core classes for Theatre majors were Communications courses, which resulted in students receiving a General Theatre degree in Communications. James said he thinks the Communications courses taught are great classes, just not the right classes for theater students. Junior and theatre major Jauwanna Johnson said, “I feel that it opens your mind up to not just acting, but we get to do more things like backstagelighting and not have to worry about the communication field.” James said he looks forward to his Theatre students working alongside the Entertainment Industry students.
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IT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO HAVE A NEW BEGINNING. NOW, WE HAVE A THEATRE DEGREE. WE CAN HAVE A CORE SET OF THEATRE
CLASSES WHICH ALLOWS STUDENTS TO TAKE OTHER CLASSES TO HAVE AN EMPHASIS IN A SPECIFIC AREA IN THEATRE.
CHARLTON JAMES ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR “We hope to collaborate with them on some projects for us,” he said. “I would love to use some of their students for sound designers for our plays. I think we’ve already discussed some of our actors being in music videos and other projects for them.” Sophomore theatre student Ben Harris said he thinks moving the major to the Department of Entertainment Industry will give students more opportunities to gain experience. “It will help me, too, in the long run to experience other things that I wouldn’t have been able to try out,” Harris said.
NEWS 3A
Sept. 10, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
POLICY
Electronic cigarettes receive same regulations as smoking TOBACCO AND SMOKING POLICY
SPENCER BROOKS
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Regulations now exist for smoking electronic cigarettes, also called vaping, on campus. Vaping will not be allowed within 30 feet of entrances, exits, open windows and interconnected breezeways. The board of trustees revised the UNA Tobacco and Smoking Policy June 29 to put more emphasis on the terms “tobacco product” and “smoking.” “Regardless if it’s a traditional cig or a vape, it involves the emission of odor, and it can be a distraction in a public area and certainly in a classroom,” said Board of Trustees President Pro Tempore Marty Abroms. “We don’t want to step on the rights of any individual, but we don’t know the long-term health effects.” According to the policy, a “tobacco product” refers to any form of tobacco consumed by smoking or non-smoking means. The policy states smoking refers to “inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette or pipe and to the use of any such electronic or other device that is used as an alternative to traditional tobacco products and that produces a smoke or vapor when in use.”
photo by JACKSON TOWNSEND I Student Photographer
Josh Patterson takes a break under the shade outside the GUC to catch up on assignments and vape. Regulations on e-cigarettes are now the same as those on cigarettes and other tobacco products on campus.
Abroms said the administration recommended and implemented the inclusion of vaping. “We made the decisions best for the majority here on campus,” he said. The use of vapor products is prohibited within all UNA facilities, as expressed in the policy. “I think that it’s a bad idea,” said
senior Matisse O’Neal. “Smoking inside with a vape is OK as long as you’re not doing it in someone else’s face. It’s technically not real smoke.” O’Neal said she thinks vaping is a positive alternative to smoking. If that alternative is treated like a cigarette, she said she thinks people will just smoke cigarettes instead of vaping.
The term “tobacco product” refers to any form of tobacco consumed by smoking or nonsmoking means. The term “smoking” refers to inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, or pipe and to the use of any such other electronic or other device that is used as an alternative to traditional tobacco products and that produces a smoke or vapor when in use. “Some of our students will not like it, although I think it is the right decision given what info we have,” Abroms said.
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FACILITIES
Department relocation required before demolition of Floyd SPENCER BROOKS
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University officials pushed Floyd Hall’s original demolition appointment in December back to summer 2016. The demolition of Floyd Hall was announced July 2 through a letter sent to faculty and staff from President Kenneth Kitts. The Department of Human Environmental Sciences, under the College of Education, currently utilizes the first floor of the west wing of Floyd Hall. “Until a determination of where this department will be relocated is approved by the board of trustees, no action will be taken to demolish Floyd Hall,” said Assistant Vice President of Facilities Administration and Planning Michael Gautney. “It is possible that a location can be determined within the next couple of months.” Gautney said current estimates for demolition are between $150,000 and $200,000. “I wish it would be repurposed,” said junior Matt Hartman. “But, I think the demolition could be good depending on what they build.” Kitts and Gautney both expressed the possibility of filling the absence of Floyd with a new nursing building. “The president and executive council of the board are considering all possibilities for the location of a proposed
photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer
Students walk past Floyd Hall on their way to classes. Officials said until the Department of Human Environmental Sciences is relocated, no action will be taken to demolish the building.
nursing building, which includes the option to demolish Floyd Hall for this purpose,” Gautney said. Senior communications major Tracee White said she thinks the building needs major repairs. “The elevators are terrifyingly slow, and the lighting is just awful,” White
said. Film and Digital Media junior Colton McCormick said he thinks the building is outdated. “There is no reason it should still be there,” McCormick said. Obviously, demolishing it is the right thing to do. ” If the demolition is approved, Floyd
Hall could be completely vacated and ready for demolition as early as July 2016, Gautney said. Built in the 1960s for Florence State College, Floyd Hall was the original Science Building before the opening of the Science and Technology building April 30.
4A IMAGES
Sept. 10, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
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JOB HUNTING photos by KATLYN SHANNON I Staff Photographer
Student Employees
Junior Breaunna Burt (left) and freshman Jonathan Wells work at American Eagle Outfitters in the mall during the school year to support themselves financially. Malls are a great place to search for part-time work.
KATLYN SHANNON
Working Hard
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Junior Tabitha Ramsey works at Spencer’s as a second job during the semester. She recently obtained her job to help fund her education.
Food Service
Senior Monica Hannon works at Sam’s Sports Grill across from Gander Mountain to support herself financially. Sam’s is accepting applications.
Students are always looking for places to snag a job, especially those that are new to the area. Fall is a great time to search for jobs around town since holiday and seasonal work become more available. Seasonal job hunting makes finding a job easier, at least for some time. Stores like Rue 21, Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters and others are about to begin hiring for the hustle and bustle of Black Friday sales. I often hear students complain there are not any jobs around Florence, and that puzzles me because even from simply going to stores I frequent, I have seen places that are hiring. Most of these locations work well with student schedules, which is a benefit for anyone trying to juggle school, work and time with RSOs. However, one of the most common excuses I hear from people who are “looking” for a job but have not found one is the position does not work well with their schedule. Places around this area seem to be very considerate of the idea of an
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employee having a school schedule, because this is a college town. Currently, places like Big Lots, Sam’s Sports Grill and Dollar Tree are hiring for at least part-time positions. These positions promote the idea of having a flexible schedule. I went to a few restaurants and places around town and inquired about whether or not they were hiring. Rachel Milwee, who works at Sam’s Sports Grill, said they were “pretty much always hiring.” Serving positions are great for this time of year because football brings in many customers who drink a lot of beer. Beer tends to influence attitude, meaning an employee might get a nice tip, depending on who wins the game. If food service does not sound like an ideal job, a slower-paced position somewhere like Rite Aid, or working in retail, might be a better fit. These alternative locations are usually hiring. For students interested in the medical field, pharmacies often need technicians with previous work experience, as well. The best times to job hunt are just before the very beginning and very end of semesters, as many employees are graduating and moving away to start their careers.
Stocking Shelves
Senior Michael Smallwood works at Rite Aid to save money to move after graduation. Rite Aid is one of the businesses around town currently hiring — especially for licensed pharmacy technicians.
NEWS 5A
Sept. 10, 2015• The Flor-Ala
SECURITY
ARE YOU COVERED? Health services available Renterʼs insurance helps for uninsured students students secure belongings ANNA BROWN
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Sickness, injuries and medical emergencies can happen anywhere and any time, even when students are far from home. Some students do not have medical insurance or do not have access to their parents’ insurance cards or family doctor. University Health Services and the Lauderdale County Health Department offer many services to students with or without insurance. “We try to provide services for free
as much as we can,” said University Health Services Nurse Practitioner Laura Garrett. “While there is a fee is medications, we try to keep them lowcost.” University Health Services provides primary care to students at Bennett Infirmary on Circular Drive below the Science and Technology Building. The infirmary accepts walk-ins from 8 until 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Students may schedule an appointment from 1 to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
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ADRIANE WALDREP
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With many students moving to new residences as the fall semester begins, some question the security of their belongings. Renter’s insurance provides students peace of mind about the safety of their belongings. “Renter’s insurance covers fire, lightning and theft. If you’ve got it, I’ll insure it,” said State Farm Agent Bill Alexander. Alexander said renter’s insurance covers jewelry, guns, antiques and any other belongings. He said separate policies can be purchased for different objects. “Insurance agencies provide the renter’s insurance,” said Brink Apartments leasing agent Joyce Askew. “We think our residents should get renter’s insurance. They don’t have to, but we encourage them to.”
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ENTERʼS INSURANCE COVERS FIRE, LIGHTNING AND THEFT. IF YOUʼVE GOT IT,
IʼLL INSURE IT.
BILL ALEXANDER
STATE FARM AGENT There are two types of renter’s insurance: Property and liability. Property renter’s insurance protects belongings. Liability renter’s insurance protects individuals financially against lawsuits, according to State Farm Insurance Agency’s renter’s insurance policy. “I think renter’s insurance is good because it covers accidents,” said senior Austin Parsons. “It’s a good thing to have just in case.” State Farm Insurance Agency customizes each client’s coverage to meet individual needs. Renter’s insurances covers any damages to property caused by fire and electrical damage caused by lightning. It
RENTERʼS INSURANCE AT A GLANCE • COVERS
FIRE AND LIGHTNING
DAMAGE.
• REPLACES
ITEMS DAMAGED OR
STOLEN BY THEFT.
• COSTS $144 PER YEAR $12 PER MONTH • PARENTSʼ HOMEOWNERS
OR
INSURANCE EXTENDS TO STUDENTSʼ APARTMENT
also covers damages to property caused by theft. Most other general damages to property are covered. For example, if a waterbed bursts, renter’s insurance will replace the bed, Alexander said. “If a student’s parents have traditional homeowner’s insurance, their policy extends to college students’ items in dorms or apartments,” he said. “If a parent does not have a traditional homeowner’s policy, renter’s insurance would be a good idea.” The average cost of renter’s insurance per year is $144 and $12 per month, according to Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. Junior Javarius Moody said the cost of his monthly rent includes renter’s insurance. “It’s good to know that there’s money to help me cover any damages,” said junior Javarius Moody. Sophomore Chloe Wallace said she has renter’s insurance. “I think it’s a good idea because if something happens, there’s a backup,” Wallace said. Renters can choose how much coverage they want with a renter’s insurance policy, according to State Farm Insurance Agency. The minimum renter’s insurance coverage is $20,000 to cover the contents of a house.
6A NEWS
Sept. 10, 2015• The Flor-Ala
CONSTRUCTION
Bridgework continues despite weather, traffic setbacks
photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer
O’Neal Bridge, the well-known entrance of Florence from Muscle Shoals, is under construction. Construction began in late spring. Officials say contractors are on schedule to complete repairs by Dec. 30, 2017.
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Phase one of the construction of O’Neal Bridge is 33 percent complete, said Don Allen, the project superintendent. Allen said the four-phase refurbishment project, which started March 19, has an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2017. He said the first phase consists of sandblasting – the process used to clean the steel – and repainting.
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WE ARE ON SCHEDULE. WEATHER AND OTHER THINGS LIKE THAT SET US BACK, BUT WE HAVE SINCE GOTTEN BACK ON TRACK.
DON ALLEN PROJECT SUPERINTENDENT “That will take the remainder of this year to finish that,� he said. He said the construction will continue with concrete and electrical work on the top and bottom of the bridge. Senior Blake Christy said he is glad the bridge is under repair. “Over time, (structures like these) deteriorate and can become a safety issue
if they are not maintained.� Allen said they are planning to finish on time. “We’re on schedule,� he said. “Weather and other things like that set us back, but we have gotten back on track.� Allen said a main problem which has also caused some delays were issues with tractor-trailers. “We have a reduced clearance,� he said. “The way that we get up to the steel to paint is we put up a cage of chainlink fence. When it rains occasionally it pushes it down. When the trucks come through, they catch the chain-link fence and rip out sections of it.� Allen said it is important to know tractor-trailers are not allowed on the bridge. “We have signs as you’re coming in town telling truckers not to use the bridge,� he said. Florence Traffic Division Sergeant Chris Ticer said tractor-trailers also cause traffic problems. “What happens is (tractor-trailers) will try to cross and get stuck,� he said. “We’ll have to back them up in traffic and shut down the whole road for a time period until we can get them off the bridge.� Ticer said besides the problems with the tractor-trailers, there has not been very many traffic issues over the course of the construction. “We haven’t noticed any increase in accidents, probably due to everybody having to slow down because of only having one lane open,� he said. “That’s
>)816/ KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) “I don’t think it’s fair if it could bother another student or person in a public area,� Abroms said. Freshman Lauren Gasque said she thinks smoking electronic cigarettes is unhealthy. “But, it’s not going to hurt people as much as smoking does because it’s vapor,
not cigarette smoke,� Gasque said. Abroms said he and the board of trustees want to take everyone’s feelings into account. “Vaping should be done outside because vaping is kind of like smoking,� said freshman Teresa Keeton.
probably made people pay a little bit more attention. If anything, there has been a decrease in wrecks.� Ticer said traffic gets heavy at times. “In the mornings and afternoons when people are going to work and getting off work is when the traffic gets the heaviest,� he said. “It picks up some around lunchtime as well.� He said the best thing for drivers to
do is to avoid the bridge and take another route. “Drivers should use the Singing River Bridge instead,� he said. “It may not be the quickest way to go, but it will definitely be safer.� To read the rest of this story, visit florala.net.
VIEWPOINTS 7A
Sept. 10, 2015• The Flor-Ala
Students should embrace opportunities
REVIEW EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KALI DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR JASMINE FLEMING NEWS EDITOR ANNA BROWN LIFE EDITOR MELISSA PARKER SPORTS EDITOR MIKE EZEKIEL 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
EMILY KAZUNGU
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Ever since I set foot on American soil, “living for the moment” has been one of my mottoes. Five years ago, I had a plan for my life. I knew what I wanted to do, where I wanted to do it and why I wanted to do it. I knew I would be working for a leading TV/radio station in Kenya and married or just working if not married. Clearly, I am nowhere near that
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Jen O’Connor People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals jeno@peta.org
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.
dream situation. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever come to America. I used to think opportunities to go to America were rare; therefore, I thought I would be realistic and not even dream about it. When the opportunity presented itself, I grabbed it like someone grabbing the last piece of pizza. It was surreal for a long time, even though I still continued with the process of getting my papers for admission to UNA. It became a reality when I got my American visa. I had already started college in Kenya. Unfortunately, I was not able to transfer my credits to UNA. I had to pick between continuing with my studies or coming to America to start all over again.
I heard a lot of stories about studying in America, and the more real my opportunity became the worse the stories got. I was worried about my future. And that was the first time I decided to live in the moment and let the author of time take care of the future. I got my flight ticket, and in a few weeks I was in the land of milk and honey. Saying that it was surreal is an understatement. That was the commencement of my life in America, and as they say, the rest is history. Grabbing opportunities as they come your way is part of living in the moment. Being the online editor for The FlorAla is part of my story and this is one opportunity I am glad I did not let slip. I never thought I would have such a position
and I never thought the staff would give me a chance. I felt like I was not ready. Encouragement from my peers and parents motivated me to give it a shot. Also, the fact that I do not know what will happen in the future or if I will get this opportunity again pushed me even further. Author Lemony Snicket said, “If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” I encourage you to grab every opportunity you come across because you never know where it will take you. Live in the moment, and eventually all the pieces will fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion and know that everything happens for a reason.
Live animal mascots deserve a failing grade. Lions are apex predators who shun contact with humans. They are designed to control vast territories, hunt and interact with their pride. Even the largest cage cannot
come close to providing what these wild animals want and need. Genetic drives do not somehow “disappear” for those born in captivity; instead, they know they are not where they belong, and lions certainly do not belong on a busy college
campus. Surely the highest echelons of education can find ways to foster school spirit without compromising the well-being of animals. This is a tradition that needs to be relegated to history books.
University mascots cared for, know their home STAFF REPORT
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Leo III and Una are in captivity, yes. They are not being raised in Africa. They are not part of a pride. They are not hunting for their food, as is innate to them. But are they suffering? Of course not. Anyone who has taken the time to engage the lions or their caretaker, Anne Howard, knows they are loved, cared for and treated with utmost respect. Every day, Howard walks onto campus at 7 a.m. to care for the animals she has raised
since they were cubs napping in her living room. She feeds them, she cleans their cages and she pets on them as if they were no more than housecats. Our mascots are loved by an entire community. They are fed daily. They are litter-box trained. They have toys. They play. They are not two of the 7.6 million animals entering shelters this year. They are not two of the 1.4 million cats shelters euthanize each year. Furthermore, they are not in the care of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. They are not in the custody of an organization with an 82 percent kill rate for 2013.
They are not in the custody of an organization that equates genocide with animal cruelty. They are not in the custody of an organization that dresses as hate organizations to protest the Westminster Dog Show. Our lions are not in the custody of hypocrites, nor are they owned by people who value animals at the expense of their own kind. Our lions are loved by a community that understands they are a gift and a privilege, not a right. Until PETA learns how to care for their own animals, the majority of which are dead or tossed into trash bins without
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OFFICE
WILLINGHAM HALL 643 N. WOOD AVE.
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proper disposal, they have no right to tell us our animals are miserable as they play with their latest birthday presents or lounge in the shade. Carrie Reed, a senior and vegetarian, said it best: “When you think about their captivity and seemingly pretty happy life in comparison to the suffering that goes on in something like the meat industry, it seems like small potatoes. I’m a proponent of animal welfare. So, I get over those small potatoes and focus on the greater suffering instead.”
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK! Jake Rodgers and Tori Patterson
8A NEWS
Sept. 10, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
INTERNSHIPS
Officials: students need work experience before graduation ANNA BROWN
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One in three college students feel they had an internship or job as undergraduate students that prepared them for work in their field, according to a Purdue-Gallup survey. With experience being one of the top requirements for jobs, an internship is essential to college education, said Employer Development Coordinator Amanda Terry of Career Planning and Development. “Having experience eliminates the road block that college graduates face today,” Terry said. “If you have experience and have started early building experience on your resume, you set yourself aside from other candidates.” Terry said internships and fieldrelated work experience help students build relationships with professionals in the field and apply knowledge from the classroom. “I get depressed when I go out to dinner at a restaurant and the waiter tells me they graduated last semester and have no job,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost John Thornell. “We’ve made money from that student who expected getting a degree would help them find employment. I feel a sense of blame and ownership for that.
We need to do something about it. We owe it to the students.” Not all degree programs at UNA require an internship for a student to graduate, but she said UNA is taking steps to change that. The College of Business offers courses where students can receive three credit hours, gain work experience and make money, she said. These courses are optional for students.
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I GET DEPRESSED WHEN I GO OUT TO
DINNER AT A RESTAURANT AND THE WAITER TELLS ME THEY GRADUATED LAST YEAR AND HAVE NO JOB.
WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT.
JOHN THORNELL VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PROVOST “There is a lot you can learn in the classroom but there’s no substitute for the real-world experience,” said Dean of the College of Business Gregory Carnes. “Once students have experience in their field, the classroom starts making more
;=:>-A KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) More women reported incidences of unwanted sexual experiences than men in the survey with about 86 percent of those reporting identifying as female. “This is a normal thing,” Jacques said. “Men do report, but the women typically report more.” Three-fourths of the participants who reported an unwanted sexual experience were juniors and seniors. Jacques said the numbers are likely higher for juniors and seniors because the survey spanned a longer amount of time for those students. Based on the results, the recommendation section encouraged
education on acquaintance rape and establishing consent with a potential sexual partner, Jacques said. “All we know about is the students who self-reported in the survey,” Jacques said. “Who knows how many more are out there.” Senior Katie Bragwell said she thinks sexual assault awareness classes may help reduce the number of incidences on campus. “I also think establishing boundaries with partners is helpful, too,” she said.
sense to them. “Our goal is for every student to have some sort of work experience on their resume before they graduate,” Thornell said. Degree programs in the College of Nursing and the College of Education and Human Sciences have hands-on experience built into the program, but degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences lack this component, he said. “We would never take a nursing student with 140 hours of coursework and drop them in a hospital,” he said. “We shouldn’t do that to other students either.” Junior Chelsey Flurry said she thinks employers should be willing to hire recent college grads who are willing to work hard and learn, even if they don’t have the “right experience” to fit the job. She said she has had difficulties getting hired even at retail stores because of her lack of experience. “I do think it is difficult to find entry-level jobs,” she said. “At several places where I had previously applied to work before I got my nanny job, the applications would say “experience needed,” when the people they were looking to work there are young adults like me who have probably not worked in that industry--be it retail, food or secretarial positions.”
Although, she said she understand why employers seek skilled workers. Thornell said no faculty he has talked to are opposed to required internships for every degree program. “It’s difficult to determine the appropriate internship for some majors, but we shouldn’t let that deter us from trying to get students into the world of work,” he said. Terry said she thinks each college has to find what works best for them, but it is important they understand the value an internship brings to students. She also said she encourages freshmen and sophomore students to find part-time jobs in their field in order to learn more about that work environment. “Even if it’s just clerical work, you’re putting yourself in an environment to learn,” she said. “Before you know it, you have four years of experience in your field.” Terry said she regularly helps students find good internships that fit their field of study. “If you’re thinking you want to do an internship, we encourage you to come into the Career Planning and Development center and start early,” she said. “I may not know of an opportunity right now, but I may come in contact with one in the coming weeks.”
+):- KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) “We provide the same care to students with or without health insurance,” Garrett said. “We are a walk-in clinic. We only take care of acute illnesses — those that can’t wait until a student can see a primary care provider.” The infirmary treats common acute cases like urinary tract infections, strep, mono, headaches and minor cuts and abscesses, she said. The infirmary also provides free immunizations and free pregnancy and STI testing. Each visit to see the provider at the infirmary is free, Garrett said. She said usually the only fee is for certain pathology testing, like for a pap smear and the cost of medications. “The cost for medications is about the same as someone who had health insurance would pay at the pharmacy,” she said. “We try to give medications we have here because some students don’t have transportation to a pharmacy.” Garrett said the Student Health Fee every full time student must pay covers the cost of the services provided by Bennett Infirmary and University Health Services. In addition to these services, the infirmary also provides free “well woman” visits for female students. Women can get breast exams, pap smears and a written prescription for birth control at the infirmary. “There is a charge for pap smears, but it’s cheaper than if the student went to an OB-GYN for a pap without insurance,” she said. If a student does have health insurance, the infirmary does not bill to
their insurance. “There are lots of rules to (billing insurance companies),” Garrett said. “It opens up a lot of things that would make it difficult to see the uninsured.” Senior Danielle Stokes said she does not have health insurance. She said she goes to the infirmary for care when overthe-counter medications are not strong enough to get rid of her sickness. Stokes “I’m usually pretty healthy so I do not go seeking out a lot of medical help unless I feel very badly,” Stokes said. While the health department does not provide emergency care, it also provides many free services to uninsured students.
”W
E PROVIDE THE SAME CARE TO
STUDENTS WITH OR WITHOUT INSURANCE.
WE
TRY TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR FREE AS MUCH AS WE CAN.
LAURA GARRETT NURSE PRACTITIONER UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES The health department provides free STD and pregnancy testing, said Nurse Supervisor Camonica Graham. Women ages 19 to 55 without insurance can get free birth control, breast exams and pap smears from the health department through the Plan First family planning program, Graham said.
LIFE
SECTION B
Sept. 10, 2015• The Flor-Ala
CAREERS
Students discuss making major decision EMILY KAZUNGU
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“What do you want to be when you grow up?” That is a question every person gets asked while growing up and a question many college students find difficult to answer. UNA offers a class each spring and fall semester for students still trying to make the
decision. IDS 200, Career Exploration and Planning, is offered to freshman and sophomore level students, according to the Career Planning and Development website. The course is designed to help students learn more about their interests, skills, abilities and future career opportunities. Director of Career Planning and Development Melissa Medlin said students have different reasons why they pick the majors they want to pursue in college. “There are some who literally just flip open a book and say, ‘OK, I’ll pick this,’ with no thought
Nursing
whatsoever,” Medlin said. “There are students who choose majors based on family lineage. Maybe they’re going to take over a family business or maybe the family was in medicine and they choose medicine.” Medlin said her father was a doctor, but she went with what she really wanted to do. She studied broadcast journalism in college and became a career counselor. She said she is applying most of what she learned in college in her current position. “People do want to know what ‘popular’ or ‘hot’ majors are, or those where they might have the best income,” she said. “Those things are important to consider, but at the same time a very important
Management & Marketing
consideration is what are your own personal interests, strengths and abilities?” Medlin emphasized asking questions and doing research when picking a major. She said students should look at the commercialized side of their majors and dig deep to find what the majors they are interested in are like. “I firmly believe anyone can do anything with any major if they put the work into it,” she said. Senior social work major Brittany Harris said she started with nursing but realized she did not have a passion for it. “(My family) really discouraged me from doing (social work),” she said. Harris said the negative social work stereotypes, like taking children away from their families, led her family to discourage her from pursuing her major. “With social work, it’s not as much money. Our motto is, ‘We are in it for the outcome, not the income,’” she said. “I just have a heart for ministry and serving others. That’s just where my passion is.” Harris is paying her own way through college. She said it would be hard to go against a parent’s wish for their children to do a certain major. “If your parents are paying for your school, it’s kind of hard to disobey them or go against their wishes,” she said. “But at the same time you are going to be stuck doing (whatever you picked) for the rest of your life. You want to do something that you’re going to enjoy and you’re going to be passionate about.” Choosing a major based on personality and interests may be beneficial in the long run, according to careerkey.org. Junior Eli Aday said he went to college to pursue a degree in education. He changed his mind and he is now studying business marketing. “I went into college as an education major because I wanted to be a teacher,” he said. “I just started looking at my
Secondary Education
Biology
IN THIS SECTION
LIFE
options and at my strengths and weaknesses, and I think (business marketing) is something I would enjoy, and it would better suit me.” Aday said time is money and students should avoid wasting it. “At the end of the day, it’s your life and (whatever major you choose) is what you are going to do for the rest of your life,” he said. “You should never waste time trying to please other people.” Junior Sarah Vaughn, who changed her major to nutrition therapy, said she is happy to study a major she has a passion for.
”
I FIRMLY BELIEVE ANYONE CAN
DO ANYTHING WITH ANY MAJOR IF THEY PUT THE WORK INTO IT.
MELISSA MEDLIN DIRECTOR OF CAREER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT “At first I wanted to do nursing,” she said. “I changed my mind because I am more interested in what goes into the body.” Freshman Katelyn Walton said she wanted to be involved with art since she was little. “My family was supportive of me wanting to do something that I loved,” she said. “But they were not supportive as far as money goes because they know art does not bring money.” Students who still need help choosing a major or making a career plan are encouraged to visit the Career Planning g and Developmentt office.
SPORTS
The teacher becomes the student See page 2B
Events on- and off-campus See page 7B
Who is Stephanie Simpson?
Football inspection process explained
See page 5B
See page 5B
2B LIFE
Sept. 10, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
ACADEMICS
Instructor experiences college from student perspective MONDAY SANDERSON
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Students attend college to learn and pursue the career of their dreams. Occasionally, the teacher becomes the student. English as a Second Language Instructor Zeynep Harkness is one such instructor taking courses this semester. “I am taking (Arabic 101) mainly because I am inherently interested in languages and the process of learning them,” she said.
Arabic Instructor Abdullah Alwafi, new language will help not only her who is pursuing his master’s degree in teaching, but will also help her relate to Teaching English as a Second Language, the challenges her own students face. is the instructor for the Arabic 101 class. He is also one of Harkness’ former students. Alwafi said though having a former instructor as a student is odd, he still sees THIS PROCESS GIVES ME A LOT OF IDEAS Harkness as one of his students. THAT I CAN IMPLEMENT IN MY OWN CLASSES AS I “She used to teach me English,” he said. “Now I teach her Arabic. There is GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE STUDENT no difference when it comes to the class SIDE OF UNA. because in the class all of them are my students.” EYNEP ARKNESS Harkness said she feels learning a
”
Z
photo by KATLYN SHANNON I Staff Photographer
Zeynep Harkness, English as a Second Language instructor, talks to former student and now Arabic instructor Abdullah Alwafi during an Arabic 101 class. Harkness is one of several instructors taking on the role of student this semester.
H
“At UNA, we have a very encouraging environment to take classes to keep academic curiosity alive and great support for professional development,” she said. UNA offers a Tuition Remission program that has enabled her to take this class, she said. Full-time faculty and staff, retirees, current trustees, current adjunct faculty and part-time or temporary staff employees are eligible for full remission of course hour fees, according to the UNA website.
Harkness said having a colleague as a teacher is not strange to her because she sees it as an opportunity to learn about different teaching methods. “This process gives me a lot of ideas that I can implement in my own classes as I get an opportunity to experience the student side of UNA,” she said. Senior Heather Fields said she would not be sure how to treat a professor taking a class with her. “I feel like I would have to still treat them as the teacher even though they were a student,” she said. Alwafi said there is no difference in treatment of Harkness, but her background in education sets her apart. “Since she is a teacher, she is not shy,” Alwafi said. “She speaks immediately and asks questions.” ESL teachers can benefit from taking these classes, he said. “They might have students who speak Arabic,” he said. “It’s better for them to take these classes so they can help these students. If they have even a little bit of knowledge, this will help them.” Sophomore Abdullah Alharbi said he thinks having an instructor in a class as a student is a good thing. “I think it would make me more confident,” he said. “It’s good to have them study as you study.”
RELATIONSHIPS
List of cheaters by state released, Alabama No. 1 MONDAY SANDERSON
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Many relationships suffer from infidelity. Recently, the Ashley Madison website, which people can join to anonymously cheat on their significant others, has been a hot topic. The site, which has the slogan, “Life is short. Have an affair,” was hacked, and on Aug. 18 the names of millions of users were released to the world. A list put out Aug. 20, showing the most cheaters by state, named Alabama at the top. With more than 33 million members in 46 countries and someone new joining every six seconds, Ashley Madison is the world’s largest website for married men and women looking to have a discreet affair, according to their website. The site also states it has become the fastest growing married dating website in the world. Junior Chip Bailey said he thinks the idea behind the hacking was to show that people, including government workers, are not as honest as they used to be. “They’re hiding behind technology to hide their scandals, so the hackers want to expose them,”he said. Junior Quinton Clark said he thinks it is karma. “You were willing to pay to cheat on your spouse,” he said. “You deserved it.” Associate Professor of Sociology and Family Studies Amber Paulk said there
could be other reasons for the higher numbers in Alabama. “I actually think that it’s probably because many people were lying about where they were from,” she said. “Alabama is the first state that comes up on the list (when you register).” Though a mystery surrounds the accuracy of the data, the issue of cheating remains. “Sometimes it’s a case of bad judgment, but more often than not, researchers have found that it is people seeking connection,” Paulk said. “We also need attention and validation, and if we feel as if we’re not getting those things from our current relationship, then we seek them elsewhere.” Clark said people should fix their problems or leave their significant other instead of cheating. Paulk said the anonymity of the website and the realization for most that the encounter would only be sexual might have been a drawing factor.
“If you meet someone in the office, it’s really complicated,” she said. “That person might end up wanting more. They may be confused about the boundaries. If you say from the beginning that you have no intention of leaving your spouse, then that’s a very clear message that this is only going to be sexual and there’s no commitment.” Freshman Trent Frederick said he thinks people used the website because it is easier than going out and looking for someone to cheat with. “It makes it easier,” he said. “It’s a place to go and be upfront about it. Junior Jackie Willis said she was upset with the website and what it represents. “It’s really gross because it’s really unhealthy,” Willis said. “These people have the thought they are going to be with someone else, but they’re still going to stay married to their spouse without telling them, as opposed to having an open relationship or just separating.” Freshman Caroline Thompson said she believes this website shows how messed up society has become.
“People have always been cheating,” Paulk said. “This is just another way for people to do it.” Reporting of such high numbers of cheaters has never happened before, she said, and that is why she thinks the incident attracted so much attention. “It actually raised their publicity, and there are a lot of people who believe that it’s worth the risk,” Paulk said. Thompson said she does not think this will stop people from using the Internet to cheat. “I think that as time goes on people will forget about it and probably go back to the website,” she said. “I’m pretty sure that after this first blew up, people were scared to get back on it, but I’m sure that they’ll continue to use it later.” Freshman Corbin Craig said he questions why people would need a website to cheat. “We’re in a time where openness in a relationship is becoming more common,” he said. The recent problems have not stopped people from joining. Hundreds of thousands of people signed up for the website the last week of August, according to the site’s parent company Avid Life Media. Avid Life Media also owns the sites Cougar Life and Established Men and boasts more than 40 million members worldwide.
Sept. 10, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
LIFE 3B
4B SPORTS
Sept. 10, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
GOLF
SCOREBOARD Lions on course for promising season SEPT. 3-6 Sept. 3 Soccer at McKendree 2-2 Draw
Sept. 4 TONY BANNER INVITATIONAL (CLARION, PENNSYLVANIA) Volleyball vs. Indianapolis 3-2 Loss Volleyball vs. Ashland 3-2 Loss
Sept. 5
Soccer vs. Belmont Abbey 1-0 Win TONY BANNER INVITATIONAL (CLARION, PENNSYLVANIA) Volleyball at Clarion 3-1 Win Volleyball vs. Hillsdale 3-1 Win
Sept. 6
Football vs. Miles College 34-17 Win
UPCOMING
Volleyball
UNA VOLLEYBALL CLASSIC FLORENCE, ALABAMA Sept. 11 vs. Kentucky Wesleyan (1 p.m.) Sept. 11 vs. Montevallo (7 p.m.) Sept. 12 vs. Southern Wesleyan (1:30 p.m.) Sept. 12 vs. Quincy (6 p.m.)
Football
Sept. 12 vs. Mississippi College
Soccer Sept. 11 at Nova Southeastern Sept. 13 at Palm Beach Atlantic Games continued at roarlions.com
photo courtesy of Sports Information
Junior Forrest Knight watches a shot he hit with his driver last season. Knight made the Division II PING All-America secondteam last season, voted on by the Golf Coaches Association of America.
KADIN POUNDERS
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As the 2015-16 college golf season is about to tee off, the UNA Lions expect another good year. Following a 2014-15 campaign that saw UNA reach its 10th straight NCAA Division II Regional, the expectations increase for a team returning six lettermen. One of the six returners is junior Forrest Knight, who received AllAmerican honors last season. “I expect Forrest to have a great year,” said golf coach Jason Vaughn. “He’s a great golfer, he’s got a great head on his shoulders and he is a consistent golfer on the course.” Another strong link returning for the Lions is senior Michael Peter, an AllGSC team selection last year. “Michael Peter is a senior, so we’ve had talks,” Vaughn said. “He really wants to do well this year. He’s always hit the ball and put it where he wants. Course management has been the biggest thing for him. If we can get that down, I expect great things from him this year possibly as an All-American.” Knight, who finished fourth in the NCAA Division II Golf Championships last season, said the overall team goals are bigger than individual awards. “I expect Michael and myself to play well and have a good year, but I don’t really think about awards and that kind of stuff,” he said. “I expect to be good and win a good bit of tournaments. I expect us to win conference and make it to nationals.” Other returners include sophomore James Medley, junior Austin Sparks, senior Jacob Stinson and senior Patrick Twesme, who will redshirt this season.
In addition to the returning golfers, the team will have new faces including transfers Will Bragwell and Paul Bloodsworth, along with freshmen Payton Massey, Parks Hartsfield and Aaron Jackson. “I feel that (Bragwell) could be one of the guys that kind of helps round out the top five,” Vaughn said. Vaughn said he was impressed by the attitude Bloodsworth brings to the team.
”
IS (THE RANKING) FAIR BY OUR SCORES? YES. IS IT FAIR BY WHAT I FEEL ABOUT OUR TEAM? I THINK WEʼRE BETTER THAN 17TH.
JASON VAUGHN HEAD COACH
we’ve got a good core with Forrest and Michael and then just putting some good pieces around them, I think we could end up having a good year.” Agreeing with his coach, Knight said he believes it is not how they start but how they finish. “I would say the ranking is fair based off of last year,” he said. “The preseason ranking doesn’t mean anything in the end. If we go and take care of business we will move up in the rankings.” The UNA golf team will start their season in Georgia at the Columbus State University-hosted Cougar Invitational Sept. 21-22.
2015 UNA GOLF ROSTER HEAD COACH: JASON VAUGHN
“I really like Paul’s on-the-course demeanor and the way he plays,” he said. “He doesn’t get mad, he doesn’t get frustrated in the few times I’ve seen him play and even in practice.” The veteran, Knight, believes his new teammates will be able to make an impact at some point during the season. “I really like the new guys this year,” he said. “I feel like they can come in and contribute this year. They might not (contribute) right away, but I think they will before the season is over.” The Lions ranked No. 17 in the Bushnell Golfweek Preseason Division II Coaches Poll behind GSC rivals West Florida and West Georgia. “Is (the ranking) fair by our scores? Yes. Is it fair by what I feel about our team? I think we’re better than 17th,” Vaughn said. “We’ll have to see how it falls out here as the tournaments go, but
• WILL BRAGWELL (JR.) • PARKS HARTSFIELD (FR.) • AARON JACKSON (R-FR.) • FORREST KNIGHT (JR.) • PAYTON MASSEY (FR.) • JAMES MEDLEY (SO.) • MICHAEL PETER (SR.) • AUSTIN SPARKS (JR.) • JACOB STINSON (SR.) • PATRICK TWESME (SR.)
SPORTS 5B
Sept. 10, 2015• The Flor-Ala
FOOTBALL
NCAA enforces strict inspection policy for ball deflation MIKE EZEKIEL
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The longest ongoing controversy in sports this year is the “deflategate” scandal. The National Football League’s New England Patriots allegedly tampered with footballs in the AFC Championship game Jan. 18. As a result, quarterback Tom Brady received a four-game suspension from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for his alleged role in the scandal. Judge Richard M. Berman lifted Brady’s suspension Sept. 3. With the emergence of this story, questions arise about the processes a football goes through before and during any football game. Gulf South Conference referee Eddie Newell said footballs undergo a thorough inspection before each game.
DEFLATION TESTING PROCESS
1.
“Prior to kickoff, both teams are supposed to supply us with a minimum of six footballs,” Newell said. “We go through and check to make sure they are legal according to the rules of the NCAA.” Newell said the back judge is responsible for ball inspection. Each ball should read 12.5 to 13 on the air pressure re gauge according to NCAA rules. “Once we check them, we put the balls in a separate bag,” Newell said. “They are brought out when we come me out just a few minutes prior to game time. When we give them to the ball boys, we tell them what we expect. We mark each ball and we know what they feel like. If one starts to feel flatter, we can throw it out.” Newell said the NCAA puts a large amount of emphasis on the importance of football inspection. “That is one of our requirements that
we have,” he said. “If we didn’t carry out our routine and if something were to happen, the whole crew is brought in and talked ked to about it.”
”
PRIOR TO KICKOFF, BOTH TEAMS ARE
SUPPOSED TO SUPPLY US WITH A MINIMUM OF SIX FOOTBALLS.
WE GO THROUGH AND CHECK TO
MAKE SURE THEY ARE LEGAL ACOORDING TO THE RULES OF THE
NCAA.
EDDIE NEWELL GSC OFFICIAL UNA football manager Austin Au Yarbrough said he leaves the inspection process to the referees. “We make sure the air is right in the balls,” Yarbrough said. “We take them
2.
to the officials to inspect them. They will make sure the air pressure is right. Once they get them we really don’t do anything else.” Yarbrough said the managers use a ball brush to increase the grip on newer, slick footballs, which is legal according to NCAA rules, but do not tamper with the pound force per square inch (PSI) level. le ““Once we get them back, we might rub them down to help get a good grip on o it,” he said. “That helps wear the ball down a little bit.” d UNA quarterback Jacob Tucker said overinflated footballs make it harder to throw but he has no problem with the regulation standards. “You can tell when a ball is overinflated,” Tucker said. “You never want a ball to be packed tight because it’s hard on the receivers.”
;MM ,-.4)<- XIOM *
4.
3.
12.5-13 PSI
PROFILE
Cross-country runner leads team by example KADIN POUNDERS
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photo by JACKSON TOWNSEND I Student Photographer
Senior cross-country runner Stephanie Simpson goes for a run beside Flowers Hall. Simpson finished 17th in the Sewanee Invitational.
College is comparable to a marathon. They are both long, tough and there are a lot of people hoping to eventually cross the finish line. Stephanie Simpson is running the figurative race to earn a degree, while literally running it as a member of the cross-country team. Simpson, a senior from Homewood, has competed in over 35 cross-country and track events as a member of the UNA cross-country team and has had a top-20 finish 14 times, including a second place finish in a 500-meter run last season. “I’ve always loved running,” Simpson said. “In seventh grade, when I moved to (Homewood), is when I started (running) competitively. I’ve been doing it about 10 years now.” Simpson and the rest of the crosscountry team spends more time running in one week than most Americans do in a year. That said, Simpson’s work ethic and attitude have left an impression on her coaches and teammates. “People don’t realize these girls get up every morning and run 60 or 70 miles a week,” said head coach Scott Trimble. “In the four years (Stephanie) has been here, I’ve never heard her complain
about a workout or complain about a run. She comes to work every day.” Fellow senior runner MarLah Stancil says Simpson’s all-around determination and encouragement makes her a leader. “(Stephanie) is extremely hardworking, whether that’s academically, athletically or in everyday tasks,” she said. “She’s a strong leader by example and not to mention our team’s greatest cheerleader.” Simpson also possesses another quality Trimble finds just as valuable, or even more valuable, than hard work and a positive viewpoint. “I think the best thing I can say about Stephanie is if something happened and I had to leave my little daughter with her, I’d have no second thought about it,” Trimble said. “That’s how much I trust her. These days, people like that are hard to find, but that’s the kind of girl Stephanie is.” Over the course of her career, Simpson has racked up a lot of mileage on the ground, but even that distance pales when compared to the miles she has flown traveling the world. Simpson says she has been to 26 countries and this summer traveled to Honduras on a mission trip before heading to Europe, visiting Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria.
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6B SPORTS
Sept. 10, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
WRESTLING
Two football players desire sports entertainment career
photo by SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer
Junior defensive linemen Brian Puckett (left) and Sheldon Lewis stare each other down with their respective titles in the air. Puckett and Lewis have dreams of becoming pro wrestlers after they finish their football career.
MIKE EZEKIEL
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For many football players, their dream is to go to “the next level,” possibly meaning the National Football League. For two UNA football players, their dream is wrestling. Junior defensive linemen Brian Puckett and Sheldon Lewis spend countless hours on the field and in the classroom, but their free time is devoted to the art of professional wrestling. “Wrestling is something I grew up watching and it’s been a childhood dream of mine to be a wrestler,” Puckett said. “I have a personality that’s out there, so wrestling is one way to let that
,-.4)<- KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * Tucker said he would prefer his ball to be at the minimum regulation pressure because it helps him find a better grip on the football. “Every quarterback is different,” Tucker said. “I have smaller hands, so a ball that’s 12 (PSI) is more ideal for a guy like me. But I really couldn’t tell you the difference in a 12 and 14.” Tucker said the thought of deflating a football to gain an advantage has never crossed his mind. “I couldn’t tell you the difference between a regulation ball and one that’s not,” he said. “It’s something I’ve never thought about, I just throw the ball that’s in my hands.” If a player, coach or member of the equipment staff were to tamper with a football intentionally, the result could be a fine or the loss of a job, according to NCAA regulations.
shine. Plus, as a big guy, I can show how athletic I can be.” Before starting their professional wrestling career, many superstars played Division II football. Joshua Bredl, this year’s WWE Tough Enough reality show winner, played for last year’s national champion, Colorado State-Pueblo. Other former D-II players with professional wrestling backgrounds include Jonathan and Joshua Fatu (The Usos), who played at West Alabama, John Layfield (JBL), who was an AllAmerican at Abilene Christian and Thomas Pestock (Baron Corbin), an NXT superstar who played for Northwest Missouri State. “I feel like it is a gateway for us,” Puckett said. “I think some of us are
”
I USED TO GET IN TROUBLE WHEN I WAS LITTLE BECAUSE I WOULD WATCH WRESTLING, AND, DURING COMMERCIALS, (I WOULD) TAKE PILLOWS OFF THE COUCH AND DO SWANTON BOMBS OFF THE PORCH.
SHELDON LEWIS DEFENSIVE LINEMAN overlooked in Division II, so I think this is a way for us to stand out and show our athleticism. But you truly have to want to do it and be passionate about it.” Puckett said he would take the
;158;76 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * “I grew up a missionary kid,” Simpson said. “As far as that goes we traveled a good bit. Now, I kind of have a passion for traveling. A lot of those are still mission trips.”
”
(STEPHANIE) IS EXTREMELY HARDWORKING, WHETHER ITʼS ACADEMICALLY, ATHLETICALLY OR IN EVERYDAY TASKS. SHEʼS A STRONG LEADER BY EXAMPLE AND NOT TO
MENTION OUR TEAMʼS GREATEST CHEERLEADER.
MARLAH STANCIL SENIOR
Simpson, an Academic All-American last year, is on track to graduate in the spring. She plans to further her education after UNA but is leaving the doors open
for different opportunities in the future. “As far as the next step, I’m looking at grad school, probably at UAB,” Simpson said. “I’m going back and forth between getting my masters in counseling or kind of switching directions a little bit and getting into a physician assistant program, which is more in the medical field.” With her cross-country career at UNA approaching the finish line, Simpson is ready for her senior season and expects a great year with her teammates. “I am really excited about this last season,” she said. “The girls we’ve got are great. It’s just really cool to see the team start working together for the first time (this season). As far as crosscountry goes, that’s been cool to see. We’ll see how the season goes.” Simpson and the Lions will begin their next run Sept. 12 in the Earl Jacoby/ UAH Charger Invitational.
opportunity to be a wrestler over the chance to play football at the next level, which did not surprise his teammates at UNA. “I would love to get in the ring and try it,” he said. “I’m anxious to see what it would be like. I’m the guy my teammates expect to bring the energy. Charisma is a big part of it.” Lewis said on road trips with the team he rooms with Puckett and watches wrestling DVDs the day before a game. “We’ve been watching wrestling for years and on away games, we wrestle,” Lewis said. “When you watch something repetitively, you get to know it and memorize the moves and the catchphrases. Honestly, I watch it indepth so I can see how they fall and how to fall the right way.” Lewis said his dream is to perform moves from the “high-rent district” in the wrestling ring. “I used to get in trouble when I was little because I would watch wrestling, and, during commercials, (I would) take pillows off the couch and do Swanton Bombs off the porch,” he said. “I want to be a high-flyer and I could see myself doing it for real after football.” UNA defensive line coach Gabe Poe said he loves the energy Puckett and Lewis bring to the field. “We all pretty much watched wrestling as a kid so it can bring back memories,” Poe said. “I wouldn’t say I encourage it, but I love the energy it bring and it gets us going. I want my players to play relaxed and not uptight, so if it gets them loose, by all means.” Poe said he thinks both men can become wrestlers one day if they decide to attempt it. “I could see them both doing it if they focus on it and pursue it,” Poe said. “Puckett is always in character and he flies with it like he’s really there. Football certainly helps build character and being in front of a crowd all the time certainly helps.”
STEPHANIE SIMPSON • HOMETOWN: HOMEWOOD
• LETTERS: 3 • TOP-20 FINISHES: 14 • BEST FINISH: 2ND (500-METER RUN) • FASTEST 500-METER 5:18.76
TIME:
• FASTEST MILE RUN TIME: 5:51.44 • FASTEST 1500 METER RUN: 5:24.25
EXTRA 7B
Sept. 10, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
SEPTEMBER 2015 6
13
20 The Geek Gathering Sheffield Recreation Center 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. UNA Soccer vs. Lee 7 p.m. The Flor-Ala writers’ meeting 4 p.m.
27
UNA Soccer vs. Cumberland 1 p.m. The Flor-Ala writers meeting 4 p.m.
4
7
UNA Football @ Miles College (Birmingham) 6 p.m.
The Flor-Ala writers’ meeting 4 p.m.
UNA Soccer vs. West Georgia 1 p.m. The Flor-Ala writer’s meeting 4 p.m.
TUESDAY
MONDAY
SUNDAY
University closed for Labor Day holiday
14 21 28
8
15
Singin’ River Brewery Running Club 5:30 p.m. Spanish Roundtable 3rd floor of Wesleyan 2 p.m. UNA Volleyball @ West Alabama (Livingston) 6 p.m.
22
Singin’ River Brewery Running Club 5:30 p.m. Spanish Roundtable Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
29
UNA Volleyball vs. West Georgia 1 p.m.
6
9
Singin’ River Brewery Running Club 5:30 p.m.
Singin’ River BrewA.L.I.C.E. (Alert, ery Running Club 5:30 Lockdown, Inform, p.m. Counter, Evacuate) Training Spanish Roundtable 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
5
WEDNESDAY
Spanish Roundtable
16 23
THURSDAY
10
Science and Technology Building Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting 1 p.m. ‘Rethinking Our Democracy, Reviving Our Republic’ 4:30 p.m. GUC Performance Center
17
11
FRIDAY The Midnighters at Champy’s 8 p.m.
18
UNA Volleyball Double-header: vs. Kentucky Wesleyan 1 p.m. vs. Montevallo 7 p.m.
UNA Soccer vs. UAH 7 p.m.
The Shakedown Kings at Champy’s 8 p.m.
Foreign Languages Cookout Walkway between Wesleyan and Annex 4 p.m.
UNA Volleyball vs. Shorter 7 p.m.
24
25
Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training 6 - 10 p.m.
SATURDAY
12
-UNA Football vs. Mississippi College 6 p.m. -UNA Volleyball Double-header: Southern Wesleyan 1 p.m. Quincy 6 p.m. -XC (Huntsville)
19
-The Geek Gathering Sheffield Recreation Center 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. -Doctor Who Series 9 Premiere Party FlorenceLauderdale Public Library 6 p.m.
26
The Wildwood Ruminators at Champy’s 8 p.m.
Oktoberfest at Singin’ River Brewery 2 p.m. UNA Football vs. Florida Tech 6 p.m.
30
1
2
3
9
10
UNA Volleyball @ UAH 7 p.m.
7
8
UNA Soccer vs. Spring Hill 7 p.m.
Dragon Boat Festival McFarland Park
UNA Volleyball UNA Volleyball vs. Valdosta State vs. West Florida 2 p.m. 7 p.m.
8B EXTRA SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK
Sept. 10, 2015 • The Flor-Ala