September 22, 2011
Volume 80 No. 5
www.FlorAla.net
Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama
Students seek lower prices for textbooks 2W[P ;SIOO[
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@UNAFlorAla @FlorAlaSports
A LOOK INSIDE
See page 2 Sodexo adds Einstein Bros. Bagels to their food options available to students.
According to recent research by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, seven out of 10 of 1,905 undergraduates have gone without textbooks to save money while in school. The study also stated that textbook prices have risen 22 percent in the last four years. Recently, a UNA student was arrested on assault charges at the Off-Campus Bookstore on Court Street after he allegedly struck the bookstore manager. Textbook prices have been on
the rise as of late, and vary in price from vendor to vendor. Students like UNA senior Lauren Davis don’t buy many of their textbooks in order to save money. “One, they are too expensive,” she said. “Two, if it doesn’t pertain to my future career, why should I keep it? Three, what’s the point of buying it, when in a few years there will be a new edition?” Buying books early in the semester is sometimes not an option, she said. “I wait on my refund check, because I can’t afford it until the refund check comes.” Davis said.
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photo by Darrick Dawkins
Bianca Hernandez buys a book with the help of Alyssa Parker.
Getting back to normal
Cale: Economy could play role in lower enrollment 2WZLIV *ZILTMa
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See page 3 UNA routes nighttime shuttle buses to downtown businesses.
See page 5 Free breakfast from Einstein Bros. Bagels caused a student sleepover Tuesday.
photo by Darrick Dawkins
Bobby Schiavi (above) walks through the tornado-damaged parts of Harvest five months after the storms.
Students reflect on recovery since April tornadoes 4]Ka *MZZa
See page 8 A look at UNA student Kaylie Watts. Check out the profile.
See page 9 Lions prepare to avenge last season’s loss to Harding, but this time it’s during homecoming.
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“I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I kept thinking it’s not really happening. You always think some-
Five months after a devastating tornado ripped through Hackleburg, UNA student Sarah Paige Holmes still considers the storm-ravaged town her home. The tornado outbreak, which tore through several parts of north Alabama, was the most destructive storm Holmes had ever encountered. She and her family had not been in their storm shelter for 12 minutes when the tornado struck and wiped away her apartment complex. Holmes and her family felt a sense of shock and grief when they stepped out of the storm cellar to see the home they once loved and shared lie in rubble on the ground, she said.
President Bill Cale, Sarah Paige Holmes and John Thornell.
photo by Shannon Wells
thing like that would never happen to you.” Holmes and her family gathered personal items, such as clothes, electronics and photos, from what was left of their home the night of the storm and temporarily relocated to Brilliant, about 30 miles from
Hackleburg. Adjusting to life at UNA since the storm has been positive for Holmes, who transferred from Bevill State Community College to the university this fall. Holmes said it had always been her plan to attend UNA this year, and the fact that she is able to live in Florence now provides extra relief from the devastation she experienced months ago. “I love it up here,” she said. “It’s a great atmosphere, and it’s actually kind of helped me because I don’t have to sit in (Hackleburg) every day.” In August, UNA secured a $15,000 grant through the Disaster Relief Fund for Postsecondary Education Students, which is an integral part of the Caring for the Pride fund.
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After three years of single digit fluctuations, UNA’s fall semester enrollment has dropped by nearly 100 students, according to the Registrar’s Office. Both undergraduate and graduate enrollment dropped from the 2010 fall semester to the current semester, but despite the drop, UNA President William Cale believes the university is still doing well. “UNA managed well,” he said. “We didn’t have to lay off anyone. Though, one of reasons we managed so well was because of a raise in tuition.” Over the summer term, the board of trustees voted to increase overall student tuition by 10.3 percent, or $19 per credit hour, to help in part pay for faculty and staff. UNA overall enrollment, which was at 7,279 students in fall 2010, dropped to 7,182 students this semester, with undergraduate enrollment dropping from 6,231 students to 6,185 students and graduate enrollmen dropping from 1,048 students to 997 students, according to the Registrar’s Office. The number of new freshmen attending UNA also dropped from 980 students last fall semester to 891 students. There are several ways to explain why student enrollment dropped, Cale said, but his main focus was on the economy and the effect it has on students seeking a degree. “Just by looking at the aggregate numbers, economy plays the major part in it,” Cale said. Despite the state of the economy, other colleges in the state have been able to not only increase their enrollment numbers, but readily thrive in
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News
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Christian Student Center to host debate )VLa <PQOXMV
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The Christian Student Center at UNA is hosting a controversial debate on the existence of God. The free event is scheduled to take place Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium and is open to the public. Blair Scott is the communications director for American Athiests, Inc., and will be debating against the existence of God. He is also a staff writer for American Athiest magazine and manages the NoGodBlog— the official blog of American Athiests. Kyle Butt, providing the rebuttal, graduated from Freed-Hardeman University with a master’s in New Testament Studies. He has worked at Apologetics Press for more than a decade in the Bible department. “It’s really general,” said Danny Pettus, director of the Christian Student Center. “It’s more about God as a supernatural being. It’s asking if ‘A’ God exists, not a particular God. “Something about this kind of debate draws people. This is something people will want to come to,” he added. The event is a collaborative effort of student Colton Scott and the CSC. “I think it should promote intellectual freedom at UNA,” Scott said. “It shows that we can ask intellectual and philosophical questions, and that any question is OK.” According to Scott and Pettus, the CSC has received interest in the event from Mobile, Montgomery and Michigan. They are planning to fill up Norton Auditorium and will have a live feed streaming at Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ. “(These debates) really are fun,” Scott said. “It’s not just going to be screaming.” Pettus agrees. “It’s not a brawl,” he said. “There will be times to laugh and get involved. Whether you’re atheist, agnostic, whatever, you will have fun if you come.” The event will be streaming live from the Apologetics Press website. The CSC will also be hosting a streaming event at Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ, located at 1207 Sherrod Ave. in Florence.
Thursday, September 22, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
Einstein Bros opens, gives free breakfast 2W[P ;SIOO[
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Einstein Bros Bagels, UNA’s newest eatery, officially opened for business Tuesday morning to students who camped out for a chance to win free breakfast for a year. In attendance for the grand opening were Florence Mayor Bobby Irons, UNA President William Cale, Vice President for Student Affairs David Shields and other members of UNA’s administration. Sodexo, UNA’s food service provider, is in charge of managing the new restaurant, and is thrilled about the new addition, said Marketing Manager Beth King. “I’m excited,” King said. “Actually seeing (the store) is very exciting.” Sodexo offered free breakfast for a year to the first 50 students who attended Tuesday morning’s grand opening. They also offered free iTunes and Visa gift cards to students who were in attendance. “We had tons of students camp out,” King said. “They love it. All the people that got the free breakfast were really excited.” King was pleased with the turnout of UNA students and community members. “I’m really proud of UNA students,” King said. “They showed up, they’re here and they are responding.” King said Sodexo is working on creating a good environment for students and improving the experience at their on-campus dining options. “Bare with us; we are working out the kinks (in the long lines), and we have had a great response with Einstein’s,” King said. “We are hiring more employees, and we are still training.” The popular items are the Tasty Turkey and the Club Mex Wrap, King said. She
photo by Malisa McClure
UNA President Bill Cale, Florence Mayor Bobby Irons and Sodexo General Manager Alan Kinkead cut the ribbon at the opening of Einstein Bros Bagels to the UNA community. The new restaurant is now open in the Guillot University Center on campus.
also said students are responding well to the strawberries and crème frozen drinks. “Einstein’s is an absolutely wonderful addition to our campus,” Shields said. “It provides a variety of meal items, from breakfast to dinner.” Shields said Einstein Bros. offers more than just coffee, unlike Jazzman’s. He said with more options to choose from, the restauraunt will draw a larger customer base. “I also think this is a food service opera-
tion that will bring people from all over the campus into this building,” Shields said. Students like SGA President Ralph Akalonu are very excited to see the new addition in the GUC. “It’s going to sell itself, and you always see a huge line,” Akalonu said. Akalonu said the new addition is a new concept, and he looks forward to what Einstein Bros will offer.
UNA announces Distinguished Events University to host Civil War tribute, musicals, Dance Theatre of Harlem )[PTMa >QKSMZ[
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UNA’s Distinguished Events Series brings speakers, artists and entertainers to campus to expose the university and community to events of arts and culture that they might not otherwise get to experience. Events are free of charge, with the exception of a small fee for the Storytelling Festival. The first program in the Distinguished Events Series for the 2011-12 season will be the Barter Theatre National Tour production of “Civil War Voices: Songs and Memoirs of Five Extraordinary People.” The musical will be presented Thursday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium. Admission is free. “It’s appropriate that we’re kicking off our season with ‘Civil War Voices: Songs and Memoirs of Five Extraordinary People,’ because there’s a local connection— the playwright’s brother lives in Killen,” said Debbie Chaffin, director of Educational Technology Services and chair of the Distinguished Events Series committee. “Then there’s the global connection of this year being the 150th anniversary of the conflict,” Chaffin said. “The musical tells the stories of real people who lived during that time—the playwright used diaries, letters, and other writings to learn their stories.” Chaffin said The Barter Theatre has
trained such stars as Patricia Neal, Gregory Peck and Ernest Borgnine. The play was written by James R. Harris, and the music was arranged by Mark Hayes. The music features patriotic songs, marching hymns and spirituals that are very much of that time. “We’re hoping that everyone on campus will be able to attend this musical, which promises to be a great evening,” Chaffin said. “We’re also hoping that local schools—especially high school history students—will attend. It will be an invaluable resource for American History classes—and it is absolutely free.” Chaffin added that other events in the series promise to be just as exciting. Chaffin said this year’s Distinguished Events calendar has been announced. It includes: Civil War Voices: Songs and Memoirs of 5 Extraordinary People --Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium A musical telling the true stories of five real people who lived during the conflict. Playwright Jim Harris will be present for a post-show discussion and question-andanswer session. Hey Boo: Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird --Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium A showing of the documentary on the beloved bestseller “To Kill a Mockingbird”
and its enigmatic author Harper Lee will begin the program, and director Mary Murphy will be present for a post-show discussion. Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble --Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, at 2 p.m. in Norton Auditorium The world-renowned ballet company will be in Florence as part of UNA’s celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. University of North Alabama Front Porch Storytelling Festival --Friday, May 18, and Saturday, May 19, 2012, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the UNA Memorial Amphitheatre Nationally recognized tellers will return for the second UNA storytelling festival, including Donald Davis, Syd Lieberman, Carmen Deedy, Dolores Hydock, Bil Lepp, Andy Irwin and UNA’s own Dr. Bill Foster. “We’re so proud to be able to offer bring these events of this quality to our area,” Chaffin said. The Distinguished Events Series was started in 2005. It is sponsored by the university and by interested people on campus and in the community. The Distinguished Events Series relies on donations from patrons to continue to bring programs to UNA. Donations may be sent to Distinguished Events Series, UNA Box 5041. Call 256-765-4208 for more information.
Thursday, September 22, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
News
UNA offers nighttime bus routes to students )VLa <PQOXMV
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UNA recently added extended routes to its shuttle bus service that is provided to students, allowing them to ride buses to downtown businesses and be shuttled back to UNA’s campus. UNA’s Downtown Express was empty at midnight on Saturday, Sept. 17. The only person occupying the bus was its driver, Tommy Newman. “It doesn’t pick up till late,” Newman said. “It gets busy about 2 a.m., and it’s usually busy until about 3 a.m. before I stop.” The Downtown Express is part of the new shuttle bus program being implemented this year called Lion’s Way Express. The Downtown Express runs a route that consists of areas as far north as Ricebox, past Seven Points, and as far south as Walgreens. In between, the bus stops in front of Harrison Plaza, Rice and Rivers Halls, Fraternity Row, the sorority dorms, On the Rocks, Flobama and several other smaller locations. The bus begins at 8 p.m. at Harrison Plaza and runs to around 3 a.m. It’s then that the bus begins to get busy. “Right between 1:30 to 2:30, it’s all I can do to shuffle them all home,” Newman said. “It’s increased every week. The first night I started, I might’ve had five people.” Newman keeps a head count of all the riders that get on the bus. As of 12:19 a.m. on Sept. 17, he had picked up 28 students and was expecting a total between 60 and 70 within the next two hours. Despite the obvious spike in riders of the bus at the time the downtown bars close, Newman believes the bus serves more than just one purpose. “It’s not just a drunk bus,” said Newman. This confusion has been one of Vice President for Student Affairs David Shields’ concerns with the Downtown Express. “I don’t want it to be perceived that way,” Shields said. “We had many students approach us who want to utilize downtown but don’t want to drive and park. We’re providing a way to get places safely and cost
photo by Kayla Sloan
The Downtown Express offers students a chance to experience downtown businesses and not have to worry about driving or parking their car.
efficiently. We wouldn’t have done it if not for those student discussions.” The bus is for students who want to go downtown and partake in what the downtown businesses have to offer, Shields said. “If someone gets on who shouldn’t be driving, good,” he said. “But in no way should it be used as a way to go get tanked and simply hop on the bus to get home.” No matter what the intention in implementing the Downtown Express is, students are paying attention. Around 1:15 a.m., junior Taylor Elrod sat down in a seat on her way home. “I wish people would use the bus more often,” said Elrod. “This is a really good idea.” UNA senior Anna Terry is a fan of the bus. “I felt safe,” she said. “I’ve gotten in taxis where I don’t feel comfortable, but I felt safe there. If more people keep talking, it will get bigger. I think it makes us more of a college town.”
Multicultural group plans year, promotes diversity *Ta\PM ;\MMTUIV
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The Student Multicultural Advisory Committee is back for this school year. This organization, open to all students and faculty members on campus, strives to make known the multicultural issues that students feel are prevalent at UNA and in the surrounding community. SMAC was created in the spring of 2010 by student adviser Allison Ray and staff adviser Tammy Jacques. Jacques said that the main design and purpose of the committee is to try to meet the needs of the students and to provide a forum to discuss what those needs might be. “The goal (of SMAC) is to become more culturally aware, and to have a better understanding of diversity and appreciation of diversity,” Jacques said. “(SMAC’s goal is to) respond to those issues to serve their needs better.” SMAC has planned and hosted several events, including the Martin Luther King
March, the Civil Rights Tour to Birmingham and Global Culture Night. SMAC recently held its first meeting of the semester and discussed potential programs and activities for the school year. The committee has not set any concrete goals for the year but plans on doing so at its next meeting. Jacques and Ray both encourage students to attend the meeting with ideas about needs in the student community and ways to respond to those needs through educational programming. Ray is encouraging members of the committee to pursue “interactive, innovative, engaging programming” this year. She is also advocating for companion programming with other multicultural student organizations on campus to provide a larger opportunity for student voices to be heard. SMAC will hold its next meeting Monday, Sept. 26. The committee meets biweekly each Monday at 5 p.m. in GUC 207. Anyone with questions about the organization can e-mail Allison Ray at awray@ una.edu.
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Thursday, September 22, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
Viewpoints
Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama LUCY BERRY EXECUTIVE EDITOR JOSH SKAGGS NEWS/MANAGING EDITOR ANDY THIGPEN LIFE EDITOR TOMMY BOLTON SPORTS EDITOR ALEX LINDLEY COPY/OPINION EDITOR JORDAN BRADLEY ONLINE EDITOR DEVIN KENNAMER AD MANAGER SAVANNAH COMER GRAPHIC ARTIST EVAN KING CIRCULATION MGR MALISA McCLURE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KAYLA SLOAN BARRY MINOR DARRICK DAWKINS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS REBECCA WALKER ADVISER EDITORIAL BOARD: LUCY BERRY ALEX LINDLEY
Letters Policy The Flor-Ala welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor. • 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 writer’s name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail. • 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 Editor’s Note may accompany a letter. • Address correspondence to The Flor-Ala. UNA Box 5300, Florence, AL 35632. E-mail: florala@una.edu. Letters may also be submitted through our website at florala.net.
Copyright © 2011 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved. First copy free. Additional copies $1 each.
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PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN Calling it like we see it at UNA, in the Shoals, across the state and around the world The American Football C o a c h e s Association poll recently ranked the UNA Lions No. 2 nationally after the football team beat the previous No. 3 team, Abilene Christian, last week at Cowboys Stadium.
Cartoon submitted by UNA student Chase Smith, a public relations major interested in politics.
We need empathy gland exams It’s always easy to be busi- fying the problem to the point of ness-minded at first. Someone outrageous irresponsibility. doesn’t have enough money It’s easy to just assume for health insurance? Easy. that churches, family and He or she doesn’t get health friends will just shoulinsurance. der the burden of their And several politicians loved ones’ medical bills. have been brandishing this But what about Atheists mentality lately—namely or those of minority relipotential presidential candi- )TM` 4QVLTMa gions? Those date Rep. Ron Paul. I sup- +WXa 7XQVQWV[ -LQ\WZ w i t h o u t pose it seems like a simple ITQVLTMa(]VI ML] friends and question of logic to him and family who his supporters. can afford medical bills? But why won’t anyone answer If your answer is, “Who cares this question: should those who about those people?” you need to can’t afford health insurance be get your empathy gland checked left to die? out. Wolf Blitzer asked Paul that If empathy doesn’t do it for very question during the recent you, simple logic should. Paul CNN tea party debate. His should know from first-hand answer? Let churches, family and experience that his lack-of-empafriends take care of those who thy-disguised-as-faith-in-humanican’t afford or intentionally fore- ty ideas don’t work. go health insurance. Paul’s former campaign chairPoliticians rarely play fair, so man, Kent Snyder, died of pneulet’s do it here. Paul is not foam- monia without health insurance ing at the mouth and suggesting in June 2008. Snyder was denied that the less fortunate should be health insurance because of a preleft to die. He is, though, simpli- existing condition, and his fam-
ily was left with the $400,000 medical bill. Even the family of a high profile campaign chairman couldn’t pay an uninsured medical bill. If they can’t, who can? Family and friends sure couldn’t. Even Paul tried to help. The combined efforts raised about $50,000. That’s $350,000 left for Snyder’s family to pay, after the support of friends. It’s pretty safe to assume that most families don’t have that kind of cash on hand. Let’s not forget that this is a special case. Snyder had friends in high places, and his family still got left with an impossible bill. What about everyone else? It’s like one of those commercials we all know so well. Medical bill: $400,000. Family and friends: $50,000. Leaving a $350,000 bill to your family in the wake of your death and knowing the only people who can afford medical bills don’t want those less fortunate to have healthcare: priceless.
Apathy, cynicism accomplish nothing
Is it cynicism or apathy that causes such low turnouts at events like SGA’s State of the Association address and Higher Ed Day? We’re all guilty of it. A bunch of my peers discussing the future of my university? I’d rather watch “Jersey Shore.” But this is an important time for UNA, and we have a responsibility to be involved with the pivotal events and meetings that will potentially have a longstanding effect on our university—and our degrees. Very few UNA students attended SGA’s State of the Association address last week. The event was designed to educate students about what’s going on within student government. SGA has been making an effort this year to be more open with UNA students, but the student response seems somewhat minimal. The fact that so many students are so apathetic or jaded
in such an important and transitional time is a little alarming. Higher Ed Day last April had an even worse turnout than the State of the Association address. Out of an impressive 200 UNA students who signed up to attend, only 20 showed up. Who knows how effective these events really are? It’s possible that they have hardly any effect at all, but trying would still be better than nothing. If nothing else, attending these events holds a symbolic value. The least we can do is voice our opinions and hope they are heard. The Flor-Ala editorial board knows how easy it can be to be cynical as a college student in these times. We’re all faced with bad job prospects, a struggling economy, student loan debt and countless other issues. But apathy will accomplish nothing. At least trying has some potential for change. So, is it cynicism or apathy?
Do UNA students feel that they won’t be heard no matter how much they are involved on campus? Or do they just not care? Either way, we all need to try our best in this transitional time for UNA. Big changes are happening to our university, and students need to be a part of those changes. Otherwise, the university will cease to be ours. We all need to step up our involvement in these important times in UNA’s history. There are so many proactive, politically informed and selfless young people at UNA who are working to make our university—and its students—thrive. Hopefully those students will continue to set a good example for the rest of us—and inspire all UNA students to get more involved. The opinions expressed are the collective ideas of The FlorAla editorial board.
Parking is a big enough problem in itself on UNA’s campus, but students who can’t park correctly in an already limited parking situation are more than frustrating. Einstein Bagels, after recently arriving on campus, awarded the first 50 students present a free breakfast sandwhich once a week for a year this week as a part of its grand opening. President Barack Obama recently promised the Libyan people that they will have the world’s support as they rebuild their nation post-Moammar Gadhafi. Obama said it was clear that the nation is now controlled by the people. Students were caught standing in the rain at Harrison Plaza on Monday while waiting for their bus. UNA needs to invest in some covered bus stops for campus, as well as some kind of transit visualization system for students to track where buses are on their computer or mobile device.
The photo on page 11 of last week’s issue should have been credited to Staff Photographer Barry Minor. Our mistake.
Congratulations to Brandon Anderson for writing last week’s story of the week!
Life
Thursday, September 22, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
Free bagels spark campout in GUC
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ʻShhhneak Attack!ʼ on Florence
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Tents, sleeping bags and hammocks all accomodated students in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
photos by Andy Thigpen
Students tried to catch some shut eye in the GUC before Einstein Bros. Bagels gave out free breakfast for a year to the first 50 students Tuesday morning.
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Braving the pounding rain at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday morning were 35 UNA students in a vast array of sleeping bags and pillows. Some were scattered in tents in front of the GUC, most were spread across the floor of the atrium, while two others were snug in hammocks by the Amphitheater. These students were the first 35 of 50 guaranteed to get a year’s worth of free breakfast from Einstein Bros. Bagels, which officially opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Early into the morning, Mumford and Sons was heard through chatter about various professors and just what exactly “a year’s worth of free breakfast” meant. Einstein Bros. Bagel Co. offered the first 50 students coupons good for one free
breakfast sandwich per week for 52 weeks. The sandwich can be a choice of their egg sandwiches, paninis or wraps. While Jason Mraz and Train’s “Soul Sister” floated from a ukulele in a tent, Meggin Major, the first person at the GUC doors, talked about her arrival. “I got here at 10 p.m,” Major said. “People started to line up around 10:30.” Since her arrival, a list was kept of who checked in so the first 50 students could be recognized. Olivia Tennant, confirmed to be the ukulele player and a recent Montevallo transfer, relayed her excitement about the event. “A lot of my friends at Montevallo do crazy stuff like this all the time, and I wasn’t sure people would do that here,” said Tennant. “When I heard about this, I had to come.”
The students who managed to sleep quickly awoke when opening time drew near. Bright eyes and bushy tails awkwardly lined up for the defining moment, and a slow clap ensued when the Einstein employee took Meggin Major’s order—the first order for the store. The first response from the students was positive, and the camping time was not deemed wasted. “Of course it was worth it,” said sophomore Sarah Schiavone. “The bagels are delicious. I just like the word bagels. I can’t wait to eat all 52 of them.” Students think the rainy night is worth the free food. “They’re phenomenal,” said Rebekah People spend so much Pass, one of the students who stayed in a money going to places like hammock. “But it was kind of cold and Nashville to see bands. Why wet.” Jonathan Oliphant reflected on the not bring it here? event as a whole. “It was fun,” he said. “Everyone camped out and had a good time. I love bagels, and I love free stuff. And the bagels are spectacularly fantastical.” UNA students are excited about the upcoming event. “Dubstep would be a refreshing change of pace,” said Brent Barnes, UNA commercial music major and member of the orchestra band. “Anyone who is curious about the enigma that is dubstep should be there.” lished by the end of the semester. Although Dubstep can be a stand-alone type he will be graduating soon, he is proud of of dance music, or it can be incorporated what he has started for others to finish. throughout other types of music to give it a Another student involved with the in- different sound. troduction of TKE on campus is Zach “Dubstep is a marriage between techno Reynolds. Reynolds is a sophomore crimi- and hip-hop,” Barnes said. “You can tell it’s nal justice major. He said he was thrilled dubstep when it has that characteristic bass for TKE to get started and be a part of the called ‘wobble bass’. (The artists) run a flat UNA Greek system. bass tone through a low frequency oscilla“I’m so glad I ran into these guys,” he tor (LFO), which makes it have an unique said. “They are all so awesome, and they sound and rhythm. The beauty of dubstep is have opened up so many opportunities for anyone who knows the sound can make it.” me.” Grant Willis, the lone artist that is The guys who have gotten together to White Noise, started getting shows about make TKE known mentioned all of the three years ago. He started off playing hard work that has gone into becoming es- drums when he got into electronic music. tablished and getting their chapter’s name He then started playing house parties and out there. They hope to be accepted by the hosting shows in Tuscumbia to get the word other organizations, as well as the rest of out about dubstep. the UNA student body. To make his music, Willis uses a com“I really want to make this work, and puter program called Ableton Live, which I believe I can do anything I set my mind allows him to build songs from scratch. It to,” Anderson said. also allows him to mix up music as it plays live. “Where some DJs would use a turntable, I would use a computer and controller to make music,” Willis said. White Noise doesn’t want to borrow from other dubstep DJs and groups. “A lot of different bands influenced me, but I like to stand out by myself,” Willis said.
Fraternity makes waves on campus to get 25 recruits and fill out a ton of paperwork in order to become just a colony.” The process in which one becomes a colony begins with the group starting out as an interest group. It then becomes a colony, and later a fraternity. Anderson said many national representatives have helped TKE. He has also had a great deal of contact with Deante Smith, assistant photo by Malisa McClure director for Greek Affairs, Students attend a fundraiser at Frostbite hosted by the and Tammy Jacques, direcmembers of Tau Kappa Epsilon. tor of Student Engagement. TKE is still waiting on the paperwork to 3IQ\TQV +PIXXMTT ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ process for them to become a colony. SKPIXXMTT(]VI ML] TKE was founded in 1899 at Illinois Wesleyan University in Blooming, Ill. Fraternity and sorority rush weeks are TKE supports two philanthropies: St. Jude officially over, and each group has several and the Alzheimer’s Association. new members. While the current Greek orCurrently, TKE has 26 members. Anderganizations at UNA were recruiting, Tau son hopes to team up with other Greek orKappa Epsilon was trying to become a recganizations in order to raise awareness and ognized group on campus. money for different philanthropies. Marc Anderson, a UNA senior music “I have really big plans for our chapter,” major, grew up in Florence, but he attended Anderson said. “We want to be established the University of South Alabama, where he joined TKE. He transferred back to UNA and recognized by other groups. I want us and felt uninvolved with his chapter; there- to immediately become involved and get noticed.” fore, he decided to make a change. Anderson hopes for TKE to be estab“It’s a long process,” he said. “Having
“Shhhneak Attack!” is coming Sept. 24 to the Smokehouse, after UNA’s homecoming game. This party will bring to Florence, for the first time, White Noise, a dubstep DJ. The party starts at 9 p.m., and partygoers can expect to pay $10 at the door. Nate Slaughter, a UNA alum with a degree in Entertainment Industry Management, is the event organizer. As part of his band, The Grownfolks, he has opened for White Noise. He hopes to diversify Florence’s musical taste. “I’ve been promoting my band, and hoped to bring in dubstep (to Florence),” he said. “People spend so much money going to places like Nashville to see bands. Why not bring it here?” Slaughter has promoted other events for Florence, including the after party for Big Boi when he performed at UNA. Other acts include VIO, an electro DJ, and Alan “Monstah” AG, a hip-hop act. According to Slaughter, partygoers can expect fire dancers and live painting.
”
” -Nate Slaughter
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Images
Cowboys’ territory By Malisa McClure - Chief Photographer - msmcclure@una.edu This past weekend, I had the extraordinary pleasure of travelling to Cowboys Stadium in Dallas with the UNA football team. Tommy Bolton, The Flor-Ala sports editor, and I left Thursday afternoon with the team and several fans on a chartered flight headed to Texas. We arrived in Dallas late Thursday night, where we stayed in a hotel with the fans for the weekend. Friday night, we went to the biggest honky-tonk in Texas: Billy Bob’s. I doubt we could have done anything more “Texas” that that. There was a dance floor where a saddle covered in glitter acted as a sort of disco ball, and there was a live bullriding range (sadly, there was no bull riding going on when we
were there). The biggest treat of all came Saturday afternoon when we arrived at Cowboys Stadium. I was awestruck as we walked towards it. The crystal clear blue glass seemed to stretch all the way up to the clouds. The glass reflected everything around it. In it, I saw all of the cars parked in the huge parking lot surrounding the stadium. We made our way to the media check-in and picked up our credentials, the magic pass to almost anywhere. We then made our way to the press box, which was incredible. From there the field looked tiny, but we had a head-on view of the jumbotron. As the game started, I grabbed my camera gear and headed
down onto the field. As I stepped onto the field, I began to feel the energy of the fans in the stadium. Although Abilene Christian had more than double the number of fans in attendance, I could hear UNA’s roar load and clear. The game was exciting to shoot—UNA fans were hooting and hollering the whole time. Although the football team had some faults, they came together in the end to make this win happen. I feel lucky not just because I have now stood on the field at Cowboys Stadium, but also because I saw the UNA football team kick butt in the most amazing stadium I’ve ever set foot in.
Thursday, September 22, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
Thursday, September 22, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
Feature
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Expanding the legacy: looking back at UNA
photos courtesy of Shannon Wells/University Communications photos by Malisa McClure
A large tree fell on the GUC April 27.
Stray limbs were found on UNA’s campus April 27.
Workers repair storm damage near UNA April 27.
ʻItʼs going to be a while before things are back to normal.ʼ <7:6),7 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM Holmes was the first UNA student to receive a $1,000 portion of that grant, which she said helped her because the extra funds her family saved for her to attend UNA were spent on emergency necessities immediately following the disaster. Bobby Schiavi, a freshman from
Sparkman High School, was asleep at home in Harvest the day of the April 27 tornadoes. He realized the severity of the storm after being awoken by the sound of several trees snapping and crashing in his backyard. One of the heavy branches from the trees struck his family’s house, causing damage to the roof. Schiavi said he was fortunate his home was mostly spared from the tornado in Harvest, but his friends and neighbors weren’t so lucky.
“It’s going to be a while before things are back to normal,” he said. “There are still horrible piles of debris and people still working every day, trying to rebuild and clean up.” Like many residents across the north Alabama region, Schiavi’s family was without power for more than two weeks and had little cell phone reception to contact others. Schiavi said the community came together to help each other during the storm.
*773; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM Davis said she knows more and more students are moving toward alternatives instead of print textbooks in order to save money. “I rent a few (textbooks),” Davis said. “You need to buy them. The higher you get in your major, the more you are going to need those books on your bookshelf.” Davis said there are pros and cons to renting books. “Financially it’s good,” Davis said. “Does it hurt me in the long run? Yes. It probably hurts me academically, but, financially, it’s the best option.” UNA junior Pam Scheske says she goes without many of her required textbooks. “Most professors don’t go buy the textbook, and I can never sell them back or get money back from them,” Scheske said.
UNA Bookstore employee Lisa Reed said high prices shouldn’t be blamed on book stores. “We try to explain to (students), we don’t make the price,” she said. “It’s the publisher.” Reed said the UNA Bookstore offers rentals to help ease the cost of textbooks. “We want students to rent and buy used books,” she said. “Rent has been the best, because if (teachers) change their mind (about the book) the next semester, you don’t have to lose (money).” Reed said for a book to be available for rent, teachers have to use the book for four consecutive semesters. Teachers have the cheaper choices, and if teachers would choose them over more expensive books, students could save a lot of money, she said.
“I feel lucky,” he said. “Anything anybody can do to help out would be appreciated. There are a lot of people who were not as lucky as me or others.” Since August, Student Financial Services has awarded 15 varying amounts of the disaster relief grant to UNA students impacted by the April 27 tornadoes. Officials said the grant money is running out quickly, but students can still apply by calling 256-765-4278 to apply for disaster relief funds.
-6:744 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM today’s environment. According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s website, the university has 11,128 undergraduates enrolled, 100 more than the year before, and a total of 17,575 undergraduate and graduate students. Meanwhile, the University of Alabama has also improved its enrollment numbers from last fall, according to their website, with 26,234 undergraduates enrolled this fall semester compared to 24,883 students enrolled last fall. A stricter focusing process on the reliability of international students enrolled at UNA is another reason UNA’s student enrollment has dropped, according to Cale. “Many of them would use UNA as an entry point to the U.S.,” Cale said. “We
needed to recruit students who wanted to stay and create a degree—and we did that.” According to Cale, international student enrollment was close to 1,000 at one point, but has now dropped down to around 450 students. “I think, with the way the economy is, I’m happy we have 7,182 students here this fall,” said Tina Sharp, current registrar for UNA and one of the people responsible for collection of student enrollment data. The registrar is responsible for day-today collection of data like student enrollment, and, according to Sharp, is setting up a way to bring more meaningful numbers to students in the upcoming semester.
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Life
Thursday, September 22, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala
Student Profile: Kaylie Watts Recycled Percussion concert rocks Norton -TQbIJM\P *ZWKS
her freshman year to being involved so heavily on campus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I came as a freshman, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t UNA junior Kaylie Watts of Anniston know anybody,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one from my spent her summer in Flagstaff, Ariz. volun- graduating class attended UNA.â&#x20AC;? Her freshman year, Watts was placed teering for Breakaway, the umbrella organion the leadership floor of LaGrange Hall. zation for UNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alternative Break Board. Watts is actively involved in leader- She began attending floor meetings and seeing all the ways to serve people and get ship on campus. She is the involved on campus. This president of the Alternative began her stepladder jourBreak Board and works hard ney through leadership poto create opportunities for her sitions, until she arrived as fellow classmates to serve president of the Alternative others. She spends a lot of her Break Board. time planning and organizing Watts believes her intrips for fall and spring breaks. volvement on campus has Watts said she has a simple helped her in many ways. reason for choosing to volunâ&#x20AC;&#x153;It has helped trementeer so much of her time. dously,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being â&#x20AC;&#x153;I see the best in people,â&#x20AC;? involved has opened so she said. many doors and has been Watts said she has a strong a great form of social netdesire to create a better world working.â&#x20AC;? and instill active citizenship in In terms of her major, her classmates. photo by Malisa McClure This summer, Watts was Kaylie Watts is the president being involved with service outreach programs has chosen to be a site leader for of Alternative Break Board Breakaway. This was a great on campus and worked as greatly affected her future. honor for Watts, because out a site leader for Breakaway After graduation, Watts this summer. plans to go to graduate of the hundreds of participatschool for Community and ing schools in the U.S., only eight students International Development. were chosen. The weekend she arrived in â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am a problem solver,â&#x20AC;? said Watts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I see Flagstaff, she began her training sessions. a place or an organization for what it is and The next week she was introduced to her then for what it could be.â&#x20AC;? group and began to train them on service Fall break will feature a trip to East Limeand leadership. Watts said sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s come a long way from stone County for tornado relief. ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ MJZWKS(]VI ML]
photos Darrick Dawkins
Three members of Recycled Percussion perform on their vast assortment of trashcans, paint buckets, ladders and cymbals.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was interesting â&#x20AC;Ś there was a lot of sexual innuendo,â&#x20AC;? said UNA senior Chance ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ[ Graf. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was erotic and tantric.â&#x20AC;? NTWZITI(]VI ML] The energy of the group peaked at the On Monday evening, sounds of percus- end of the performance when they called all sion filled and rattled the walls of Norton audience members to the front of the stage Auditorium. Recycled Percussion, a four and performed to a medley man group that was formed of music from past decades in 1995 in Goffstown, N.H., which included hits like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bilhas been featured on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amerlie Jean,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smells Like Teen icaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talent,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 2010 Spiritâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Kissed A Girl.â&#x20AC;? Latin Grammys,â&#x20AC;? and NBA Though attendance was and NFL halftime shows. low, students appeared to enThe group uses various joy the performance. Ashley non-traditional items as inMoore, a UNA sophomore, struments. Trash cans, ladsaid that she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect the ders, buckets, power tools, performance to be so loud. and the human body were â&#x20AC;&#x153;I enjoyed the throwing of just a few of the instruments the sticks and when they used that were played during the the ladders,â&#x20AC;? Moore said. show on Monday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(The performance) was The performance did not really creative â&#x20AC;Ś it was a lot only feature booming mu- Recycables werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the of talent,â&#x20AC;? said UNA senior sic, but also implemented only instruments used to Savannah Smith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wish more acrobatics, stunts and other bring the house down. people would have come.â&#x20AC;? tricks. Audience members The performance, funded were pulled from the crowd by the student activity fee, was provided for to participate in stunts that included tossing free and sponsored by UPC. drumsticks and wearing animal masks.
,M^QV 3MVVIUMZ 3IaTI +WTMa
Your ad could be here! Gain exposure to thousands of college students. (256) 333-0386 floralaads@una.edu
F-A
Sports
Thursday, September 22, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
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Lions football team prepares for homecoming 4I]ZMV -[\M[
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The Lions triumphed at the Dallas Cowboys stadium last Saturday, beating the No. 3 ranked Abilene Christian team (23-17) and grabbing the No. 2 spot in Division II. UNA football plays Harding Saturday at 6 p.m. in Braly Stadium for the homecoming game. Homecoming week is always filled with events to get the community involved, but it is also a week to impress the crowd as many alumni return to view the progress the UNA football team has made throughout the season. “We have a house to protect (Braly Stadium) but also a large homecoming crowd of proud alumni who will definitely want to leave campus with a win,” said JD Byars, assistant to the Athletic Director for Media Relations. “While homecoming is a fun week, it’s still the team’s job to remember that ending the festivities on a high note is only possible if they focus on the match-up, play hard and win.” With last year’s loss, our guys have all the motivation they’ll need to get a victory and improve to 4-0.” UNA expects a big crowd this year for homecoming. There will be the usual tailgating and the opportunity to watch UNA fight for another win on its home turf.
“We expect more than 10,000 fans,” said Tyler Unsicker, of the Athletic Department. “Our opener attracted better than 11,000, and homecoming attracts alumni from across the region, which always helps the numbers at the gate.” Byars offered advice to fans. “The best thing anyone could do to support the program: buy a ticket, come early, tailgate, yell at Lion Walk at 4 p.m. and enjoy everything a game day has to offer,” Byars said. “Then, tell someone else about how fun a UNA game day is. “Finally, consider season tickets to other sports and next year’s football season. The value is tremendous. A family could enjoy two entire Saturdays at Braly Stadium for what it costs to go to the movies for two hours,” he added. After the Lions’ defense suffered with several injuries against the wildcats last Saturday, including linebacker Demetrius Brayant with a concussion, many will be expected to step up and act as big time players, making big time plays on Saturday. “We have to play disciplined football against Harding,” Brayant said. “There were a lot of mental errors and people not heading their keys like they were supposed to. So, this year we plan to be a lot more disciplined and hopefully can put this game to bed early.” UNA lost to Harding University last year 29-28. Harding led UNA in rushing
yards, with 328 to the Lions’ 144, and possession time, with Harding having nearly 32 minutes to UNA’s 27 minutes. This year, UNA will be using their running backs, Wes Holland, Antwan Ivey and Chris Coffey, to make up for the difference in last season’s running game. “I think Coach photo by Malisa McClure (Terry) Bowden is Senior cornerback Janoris Jenkins celebrates in the endzone afgoing to let the runter his 50-yard fumble return for a touchdown during last week’s ning backs make game against Abilene Christian. their plays as much as they can,” Braycially in the first half. If we can stay together ant said. “The ball will be handed off and let as a team and maintain focus through the them run the ball north and south.” entire game, I do not believe anyone will Penalties and simple mental errors were beat us.” also a strong issue in the 2010 Harding/ The Lions are scheduled to play SaturUNA game. The Lions fumbled the ball day, with kick-off set for 6 p.m for homethree times last year and lost two of them, coming against Harding at Braly Stadium. ending the game with 11 penalties for 79 yards. You can also follow the “As a team right now, we need to be able game on Twitter @FlorAlto stay focused throughout an entire foot- aSports for live updates and ball game,” Brayant said. “I think against stats throughout the game. Abilene Christian we were focused, espe-
Transfer players fill division II rosters, including at UNA +PZQ[ 8MVVQM
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photo by Malisa McClure
This year, UNA has approximately 280 student athletes in total. Forty-three of
UNA junior outside hitter Priscilla Massengale.
those arrived from other two and four-year colleges. Many athletes leave one institution for personal reasons and interests. “UNA finds it extremely difficult to recruit in-state high school student athletes, unless they have a true love for UNA since childhood,” said Athletic Director Mark Linder. Just like any other UNA athlete, transfers are subject to background checks and zero tolerance behavior contracts. Linder appreciates the transferring athletes for their maturity and experience. A majority of UNA’s football team transferred from different schools. A handful arrived from Florida State University. After two years of Florida State, offensive lineman Will Furlong came along. Furlong considers UNA more relaxing. He doesn’t think that UNA and FSU are radically different. “Football is football; you come and do your work,” Furlong said. “When you get older, things become different and priori-
Player of the week
When: Friday - 7 p.m. Saturday - 2 p.m. Where: Flowers Hall
Hometown: Pahokee, Fla. Major: Social and Behavioral Sci. Position: Cornerback Stats: 50-yard fumble recovery for touchdown and a total of 65 yards all-purpose
”UNA finds it extremely dif-
ficult to recruit in-state high school student athletes, unless they have a true love for UNA since childhood.”
-Mark Linder negative experience from a previous college. Some see it just as an alternative from what they were doing before. Offensive lineman Brandon Davis saw his transfer as a great opportunity to play football for another year. Davis graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Sports Recreation. Knowing his former Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden personally, Bowden
recommended that Davis play for his son Terry Bowden at UNA. Both Davis and Furlong transferred from Division I to Division II. Davis sees a big difference between UNA and FSU. “UNA is more hands-on, and you have to do everything yourself,” Davis said. “But in Florida State, mostly everything, from registering classes to financial aid, was done for me.” Davis still enjoys UNA and hopes to win a National Championship while he is here. “UNA has fewer distractions, whereas in FSU, there were lots of parties,” Davis said. Furlong thinks that UNA should continue to recruit transfer athletes, especially in football. “If they stop recruiting transfers, there will be down spots,” Furlong said. “You cannot just play with incoming freshmen.”
Week at a glance Volleyball
Janoris Jenkins
ties change.” Not all athletes transfer because of a
Who: New Orleans (Fri.) .) West Florida (Sat.))
Soccer
Football
When: Sunday - 10 a.m.
When: Saturday - 6 p.m.
Where: Montgomery
Where: Braly Stadium um
Who: Alabama State
Who: Harding
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Sports
Thursday, September 22, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
Marsh is key to success for UNA volleyball this season 5ITQ[I 5K+T]ZM
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Natalie Marsh, a senior middle hitter from Cincinnati, will be playing her last season of volleyball at UNA this year. Marsh, 23, has been playing volleyball for nine years. She has been playing for UNA’s team since 2010. Marsh receives an athletic scholarship at UNA, where she is a middle hitter for the volleyball team. On Sept. 13, she was named GSC Offensive Player of the Week for the second week in a row after hitting .294 average in 11 games against Queens, Nova Southeastern and Saint Leo. Marsh was a first team All-Gulf South Conference selection last season, and she received an honorable mention All-South Region from the American Volleyball Coaches Association. She was ranked second on UNA’s team with 311 kills and 350 digs last year. She recorded 12 assists and 24 service aces with 50 total blocks, and 11 double-doubles on the year. Marsh’s inspiration to play volleyball comes from her family. Her sister, Emily, and two cousins, played at the collegiate level, and one of them played professionally.
“I always looked up to them,” Marsh said. “I was always in the gym when my sister was practicing.” She played soccer up until 8th grade before deciding to play volleyball. Marsh played for two other colleges before coming to UNA. She played for the University of Kentucky, where she helped the Wildcats advance to the NCAA Tournament in 2006. She also played for Kishwaukee Community College in 2007, where she was named All-American and first team alltournament of the conference championships. After taking a couple of years off to work, Marsh came to UNA to complete her education in 2010. “I decided that it’d be better (than working without a degree) to go back and get an education,” Marsh said. “And I missed volleyball too much.” Marsh said she chose UNA because head coach Stephanie Radecki had been trying to get her on the team for three years, and she would be able to get scholarship here. Marsh does not plan to play volleyball professionally. In fact, the current season at UNA is the last season she plans to play. “My knees are done,” she said. “This is
photo by Malisa McClure
Senior middle hitter Natalie Marsh prepares to return a ball during a game earlier this season. Marsh has been key to the Lions’ early success and a top 25 ranking.
definitely my last year.” Marsh is majoring in Early Childhood Education. After college, she plans to work on her career. She plans to graduate this May.
Marsh and the rest of the No. 21 ranked Lions are scheduled to play at home against New Orleans Friday at 7 p.m. and West Florida Saturday at 2 p.m. in Flowers Hall.
UNA students, officials give their ideas for new sports *ZIVLWV )VLMZ[WV
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As UNA prepares to move toward Division I, the athletic department brainstorms ideas for new potential sport teams by 2012. To financially support the move, changes must be made for the entire university. Mark Linder, UNA’s athletic director, explained that part of the UNA support system is for the athletic department to create two new sport teams. “There is increased expenses every year,
so we stair-step the expenses,” Linder said. “In that model of stair-step expenses is the addition of two sports.” According to Linder, the new sports could range from a wide variety of possibilities, such as rifle shooting, bowling, gymnastics, fencing and sand volleyball. “There’s a laundry list of them, and so we are investigating which ones will be the best fit for the university,” Linder said. UNA students have varying opinions on what the new sport additions should be. “I want to see a boy’s soccer team,” said UNA student Sky Stewart. “I knew someone who would not come because (UNA) didn’t have a boy’s soccer team. (UNA) would have more students if they had it.” SGA President Ralph Akalonu also shared his opinion. “I really thought of something like rowing because we have the Tennessee River here, so if
we did a women’s rowing team, then there are a lot of students that could potentially tap into,” he said. Linder also shared his thoughts. “I think we need to take a look into women’s golf because of the interest in golf in this community and the number of great courses that we have in this area and the ability to be competitive,” he said. Some have wondered if a swim team would be posphoto by Kayla Sloan sible, due to the fact that a The Flowers Hall swimming pool is now open for recreswimming pool is available ational use to UNA students. The debate over what sport in Flowers Hall, but Linder will be added is still under consideration. explained reasons why it would not be probable. tion of a new building is not likely. “From my understanding, I think (the “I don’t think there will be any added swimming pool) is not quite long enough,” expenses as far as capital projects,” Linder he said. “You could practice in there, but said. it’s not a competition facility, and I believe What Linder wants students to know there are some safety issues with the diving is that UNA will not start developing new component.” sports immediately. Based on what sports are chosen for “We’re not looking at adding two sports next year, facilities will be provided from this year,” Linder said. “It would be 2012areas in the Shoals or UNA, but construc- 2013 when they come on the cycle.”
Thursday, September 22, 2011 • The Flor-Ala
News
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Students speak out on campus smoking issues 3IQ\TQV +PIXXMTT
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Smoking is a common habit across the U.S. and college campuses everywhere. From Marlboros to Nicotine patches, smoking is an epidemic that is worth discussing. College students vary in their opinions on the matter, especially students at UNA. While many college students smoke, others refuse to do so and are annoyed by the smell. “We all have God-given rights, and while everyone has a right to smoke, everyone also has a right to breathe clean air on the way to class,” said UNA student Randy Thomason. But some students, like April Majas,
”Smoking is simply not good for
your health because it is detrimental in so many ways.”
-Peggy Bergeron, MSN believe the opposite. “I think I should be able to smoke wherever I want,” she said. “I try not to smoke around others, but I feel that I have the right to.” Most professionals believe that students should not smoke. “Smoking is simply not good for your
Join us on Spirit Hill outside Braly Stadium on Saturday before the game!
health because it is detrimental in so many ways,” said Peggy Bergeron, a nurse at Bennett Infirmary. Bergeron also pointed out that smoking is proven to cause cancer as well as heart disease. Statistics show that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., while heart disease is the leading cause of death, according to Bergeron. UNA Police Chief Bob Pastula explained that his police department complies with the university’s smoking policy. They keep an ear out for complaints and deal with smoking-related situations. “Smoking is usually not a problem on campus,” Pastula said. Pastula said he would prefer a smokefree campus because it is cleaner. “Smokers have their rights as long as they smoke in designated areas,” Pastula said. “However, non-smokers have their rights to avoid medical problems caused by second-hand smoke. Most complaints we get are about students smoking too close to the door, but overall it is not ever a huge problem.” Some students feel as though smoking is hazardous to their health, and the health of others around them. “I respect their rights to slowly kill themselves,” said UNA honors student Drew Mills. “My right to breathe fresh air supersedes their rights to be a slave to big business.” Bonita HuiHui agrees with Mills. “Smoking is disgusting,” she said. “I am tired of walking through clouds of smoke on my way to class.”
photo by Kayla Sloan
UNA students enjoy a cigarette in front of the GUC. Students, faculty and staff at UNA must smoke 30 feet away from the doors and openings of most buildings.
In order to solve this problem, Area Coordinator for Residence Life, Elissa Rupley, believes that UNA should have a nonsmoking campus with smoking huts that are closed off for smoking students to use. Residence Life rules state that one must be at least 30 feet away from a building to smoke. Otherwise, smoke goes through vents and into rooms in the buildings. Bergeron explained the effects that secondhand smoke can have on other students. “Someone who breathes secondhand smoke is exposed to all the same cancer
causing chemicals as the smoker,” she said. “If you are around it on a daily basis, it doubles your risk of a heart attack. It causes lung cancer in non-smokers. Children who breathe secondhand smoke have more problems with asthma, colds and ear infections.” Ashley Truelove takes others into consideration when she lights a cigarette. “I try not to smoke on campus in order to respect nonsmokers,” she said. For more information on smoking contact Bergeron at 256-765-4328.
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September 22, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala