Sept. 3 Issue

TIME MANAGEMENT PAGE 1B

Sept. 3, 2015

Volume 84, Issue 3

ADMINISTRATION

o“UR TIME TO R OAR“ www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

photo by JACKSON TOWNSEND I Student Photographer

President Kenneth Kitts speaks on his plans for the future of UNA at the investiture ceremony Aug. 28. “I can’t do much by myself, but when the talent in this campus is coordinated and motivated, we can move mountains,” he said. Kitts was named the 20th president of the university after William Cale’s retirement effective July 1, 2014.

President’s investiture addresses university goals ANNA BROWN

Mayors from Florence, Sheffield and Tuscumbia also attended the ceremony and welcomed Kitts to the area.

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The solemn playing of the pipe organ welcomed distinguished guests, community members and students to the investiture ceremony of the 20th president, Kenneth Kitts, Aug. 28.

Norton Auditorium slowly filled as the faculty marched in, adorned in their robes and hats in honor of the event.

“This is a day of celebration for the university,” Kitts said in an interview Aug. 27. “It’s something significant that not all students get to experience during their college career.”

Lawmakers and leaders from around the state attended the ceremony, including Rep. Robert Aderholt, Rep. Mo Brooks and Sen. Larry Stutts.

INSIDE

this week’s paper

”

I CANʼT DO MUCH BY MYSELF,

BUT WHEN THE TALENT IN THIS CAMPUS IS COORDINATED AND MOTIVATED, WE

CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS.

KENNETH KITTS

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

When Kitts first stepped on campus in March, he said he wanted to get to know the community before he set goals for the university.

Kitts emphasized the importance of teamwork within the university administration,

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

faculty and staff.

“I can’t do much by myself, but when the talent in this campus is coordinated and motivated, we can move mountains,” Kitts said. “That’s true of most good things in life.

They are a function of collective efforts.”

During his acceptance speech, Kitts outlined goals for UNA under his leadership.

Kitts said he thinks the Shoals is an area worth celebrating.

“We are set in an area known for natural beauty, outdoor opportunities and rich cultural heritage,” he said. “Our locational advantage here is not hard to identify.”

He went on to challenge the faculty and staff to use UNA as a way to promote the Shoals as a community, not just Florence.

He said including the communities of Muscle Shoals,

LIFE . . . . . . . . . 1B SPORTS . . . . . . . 4B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 7B

Sheffield and Tuscumbia is an important part of the health of the area and the university.

“We must send a loud and clear message that we understand what it means to be a regional university,” he said.

Secondly, Kitts said he wants to provide an extraordinary experience for students in every area of the university.

“To be clear, I believe we are, in fact, doing that now,” Kitts said. “But, in the rapidly changing world of the early 21st century, we have to check ourselves constantly to ensure we remain on the cutting edge of delivering a high quality, personalized education that will open the right doors for our graduates.”

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Faculty, staff receive meal plan discount JASMINE FLEMING

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Although UNA offers more student meal plan options this year, the number of student block plans, which charge more per meal than the faculty and staff block plans, decreased.

The faculty and staff meal plans offer the lowered rate to encourage them to communicate more with students, said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter.

“We like to encourage faculty and staff to interact with students as much as possible,” he said. “The more that they’re (in Towers) and interacting with (students) on a daily basis, having conversations and getting to know them, the quicker they can respond to any student concerns that arise.”

Last year, the university offered three student block plans, and this year there is one, according to the UNA Dining Services website.

The student block plan offers an alternative to meal plans in that students can use Towers Café meals any time during the semester, instead of having a certain number of meals each week.

The 2015-16 Towers Café prices for those who pay without a meal plan are $8 for breakfast, $9 for lunch and $10 for dinner, according to the website.

The 25 Block, which offers 25 meals and $275 dining dollars, costs $475 a semester, according to the website. The price per Towers meal averages $8.

Faculty and staff have two block plan options: A block of 25 meals for $100 and 10 meals for $40. The cost per meal with both plans averages $4.

There are currently 89 faculty and staff members using the two plan options, Carter said.

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FOOTBALL OPENER CONNECTIONS ...4B

Please recycle your paper.

2A NEWS

Sept. 3, 2015• The Flor-Ala

ACADEMICS

Department merger offers benefits, real-life experience ANNA BROWN

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The Departments of Criminal Justice and Political Science combined this fall, creating the Department of Politics, Justice and Law. Because political science and criminal justice are so similar, Chair of the Department of Politics, Justice and

Law Tim Collins said combining the departments was a logical step.

“In the legal process, you move from the police officers, investigators and first responders to political officials like district attorneys,” Collins said. “The two shade into each other and I think it promises to be a good collaboration.”

Collins said he thinks combining the two departments will benefit students.

“One of the benefits of the department

photo courtesy of the Department of Politics, Justice and Law

Criminal justice students analyze crime scene evidence during a lab exercise.

The Departments of Criminal Justice and Political Science merged this semester to create the Department of Politics, Justice and Law.

is not only that it helps us prepare students in that overlap between criminal justice and political science, but it helps us to prepare them and develop them for law school,” he said.

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Carmen Burkhalter said the pairing of the criminal justice and political science departments is common in universities across the country.

Exposing students to other areas of study outside of their concentration broadens their knowledge of the justice system and helps them better understand the legal system, Collins said.

“We have a number of areas where we collaborate to make sure we offer as wide an array of courses as we can to make sure students are getting the preparation they need to be competitive in the job market,” he said.

Junior Alec Prince said he is glad the departments combined.

“I know many of my fellow students, as well as myself, are interested in attending law school after graduation,” Prince said. “The new Department of Politics, Justice and Law furthers that end, as well as possessing more resources and better central planning for the department.”

Collins said previously the departments of criminal justice and political science required students under each department to take courses in the other department.

He said taking courses from another

area of study enriches the student’s understanding of their major.

”

ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF THE DEPARTMENT

IS NOT ONLY THAT IT HELPS US PREPARE STUDENTS IN THAT OVERLAP BETWEEN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND POLITICAL SCIENCE, BUT IT HELPS US TO PREPARE

THEM AND DEVELOP THEM FOR LAW SCHOOL.

TIM COLLINS

CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS, JUSTICE AND LAW

“When we looked at the focus between the two areas, we saw some overlap between political science and criminal justice,” Burkhalter said.

Burkhalter said the students’ opinions are important to restructuring the department and its mission. She said the students wanted the name of the department to include “justice.”

“We went to students within the two departments and consulted them on what to name the department,” she said. “The students wanted a title that expressed the complexity of the overlap between the two areas and the concept of how justice bridges the gap between politics and law.”

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FACILITIES

Eubanks: Pool availability dependent upon student use JOHN ED DEARMAN ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ RLMIZUIV(]VI ML]

Starting this semester, the swimming pool in Flowers Hall will be open for recreational use to students.

Students may use the pool on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. starting Sept. 16, said James Eubanks, recreational sports and fitness director.

”

SGA CAME BACK TO USE LAST YEAR AND I TOLD THEM WEʼLL GIVE IT ONE MORE SHOT, BUT IF PEOPLE DONʼT USE IT, WEʼLL HAVE TO CLOSE IT.

JAMES EUBANKS

DIRECTOR, RECREATIONAL SPORTS AND FITNESS Eubanks said the pool was open in the past, but has been closed in the recent years due to lack of student use.

“It was a business decision,” he said.

“We had to pay the lifeguards. We also have to have a third person to check the ID’s. That costs almost 30 bucks an hour for us to have it open, and we just weren’t

getting any use.”

Eubanks said the department was not making enough return on the money invested in the pool to keep it open.

He also said when the pool was open in the past, on average only four or five people were using it per day, and that is when he decided to close the pool.

Eubanks said the pool first closed three years ago.

“When we first made that decision, the SGA came back to us maybe a half year later requesting it be reopened,” he said.

Eubanks said the pool reopened the next year, but continued to have a low number of student use. Because of this, they closed it again the following year.

“SGA came back to us last year and I told them we’ll give it one more shot, but if people don’t use it, we’ll have to close it,” he said.

SGA President Nick Lang said he is glad the Student Recreation Center and SGA could work together to reopen the pool for students.

“I would like to personally encourage all students to fully utilize the pool during the hours that it is open,” Lang said. “It is important for the students to show the SRC staff that we appreciate them for opening the pool to all students.”

Lang also said he thinks students should take advantage of the opportunity

to work as a lifeguard at the pool.

Eubanks said one of the reasons the pool was not being used was its location.

“It’s in a location that’s not very visible,” he said. “It’s in the bottom of Flowers Hall, and there’s no outside entrance.”

Students must enter the front doors of Flowers then go down stairs to reach the pool, he said.

Freshman Nick Butler said he was told there was a pool when he was at SOAR, but does not know where it is located.

Senior Richard Allen Stubbs said he did not know where the pool was inside Flowers until recently.

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photo by SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer

The Student Recreation Center will reopen the pool in Flowers Hall this semester.

The pool has not been open to students for the past three years.

NEWS 3A

Sept. 3, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

ACADEMICS

ASL class teaches important communication skills MONDAY SANDERSON

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Learning a new language is a goal for many people. Luckily, UNA offers 10 language courses. These classes range from the common—like Spanish—to the unique—such as Swahili. This school year the Foreign Language department added its 11th course, American Sign Language.

“American Sign Language is non-verbal communication used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing where thoughts, feelings and ideas are conveyed via body and hand movements,” said Linda Cole, ASL instructor and director of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.

Claudia Vance, department chair of foreign languages, said this is the first year the class has been offered, but students asked for it before.

“It’s been something that people have asked for over the years, for many years,” Vance said. “We haven’t had an instructor who could teach it until last year when we heard about Linda Cole.”

Since Cole is busy with her work at the Institute, the class meets on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Aug. 24 was the first day of class.

“Based on my first day, and first day alone, I have found it a bit boring,” said freshman Anna Grace Kiddy. “But this is a basic ASL class with students who don’t hardly know the first thing about sign language. I think I’ll enjoy it as the semester goes on when people begin to grasp the language.”

Vance said she believes ASL can benefit anyone no matter his or her major. For this reason, she said she has made plans for the continuation of the class.

“In the spring, we plan on offering the second part, 102, so that students can go an entire year with American Sign Language,” Vance said.

She said ASL can count toward the foreign language credit required to receive a Bachelor of Arts.

Kiddy said her main goal is to learn about the culture of ASL. “I want to further my grasp on sign language, but not just that,” she said. “I want to learn about American Sign Language’s rich culture. Without that, you can sign all day to a deaf person, but it would mean so much more to know the background of the language and how it influences different signs.”

Cole said her goal is for her students to have an increased knowledge of sign language and to also appreciate the diverse culture. She sees American Sign Language as a beautiful, expressive language and a way to become a better communicator with those who use ASL. Freshman Jeremy Hogue said he did not know college students could learn ASL. “I think the class is important because it teaches you how to communicate with people who have disabilities,” he said.

photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer

Senior Catherine Price signs the word “roar” in American Sign Language. Students may take the class beginning this semester.

4A IMAGES

Sept. 3, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

▶

ADVENTURES IN NEW ZEALAND photos by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Viewing a Volcano

Rachael Cook, Beth Garfrerick, Stephanie Reece and Kelsey Wright (left to right) enjoy a stunning view of a volcano in Auckland, New Zealand. These landscapes were one of the many outdoor classrooms during the New Zealand study abroad trip.

AMANDALYN DORNER

Posing Professor

▶

Professor of Communications Beth Garfrerick poses in front of a traditional Maori statue in New Zealand. Getting to know professors is a benefit of studying abroad.

A Rainy Day

Everyone wants the chance to travel — to gain new experiences, make new friends, learn about cultures and create memories that will last forever.

During the spring 2014 semester, UNA’s Study Abroad Program advertised for a two-week trip to New Zealand, which I came across by a poster in the Commons. The trip announced a visit to Hobbiton, the Shire film set from the brilliantly acclaimed “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and the same location they used to film “The Hobbit” 10 years later.

As a filmmaker, photojournalist and devoted fan to great works of art, I was hooked. I had to go to New Zealand. Seven months later I was packing my bags to fly across

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the Pacific on a 13-hour flight into a 17-hour time difference — it was a whole new world and I had a goal.

I wanted to film and photograph as much as I could while taking every opportunity to capture the beauty of New Zealand — because what are the chances I will be back?

The landscapes were unreal.

There was marvelous beauty behind every corner and around each turn.

It became difficult not to just hold the shutter button down for the entire two weeks, fire-shooting everything I saw. Still, I never went anywhere without my camera. It was attached to me like a well-advanced prosthetic limb.

Behind my camera, I experienced a journey through New Zealand I never imagined myself having. I filmed and photographed crystal blue oceans, snow-covered mountains, the greenest grassy fields and more than enough sheep to last a lifetime. The nature of this

majestic country, that I only thought existed in stories like Tolkien’s, had a fresh, organic grace that grabbed me through the lens of my camera and left me feeling more connected with the earth. There was something about my exploration that made me feel whole, or maybe more like a hobbit.

Two weeks later (by the luck of the universe), I returned to the U.S. with hours of footage, a ton of pictures, unforgettable experiences and a family of fellow worldtravelers that I will never forget.

As I attempted to recuperate from the exhausting time difference, I realized there is nothing else I would rather do than travel and be one with my camera.

If you have any interest in studying abroad with UNA, visit the study abroad page at una.edu/studyabroad.

Visiting with Gollum

Robert (left) and Beth Garfrerick travel A giant sculpture of Gollum hangs in the Wellington airport over several businessmen reading newspapers. New with students on a tour of Hobbiton. The Zealand uses decorations inspired by the “Lord of the Rings” franchise in tourist areas to help encourage spending rainy weather did not ruin the experience. that boosts the economy.

NEWS 5A

Sept. 3, 2015• The Flor-Ala

HEALTH

Alabama among 25 states with treatment-resistant lice LAUREN HONEYCUTT/ANNA BROWN ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ 6M_[ -LQ\WZ VM_[(NTWZITI VM\

Researchers found treatment-resistant lice in at least 25 states, according to an article from the American Chemical Society. The article said Alabama is one of those 25 states.

These treatment-resistant lice do not respond to any home remedies or overthe-counter treatments, according to the article.

“To our knowledge, there has not been an outbreak of lice on campus,” said University Health Services nurse practitioner Laura Garrett. “We have isolated, individual cases on occasion, but no outbreak at present.”

Garrett said primary schools do mass screenings after seeing multiple students with head lice. She said this screening helps stop lice from spreading by catching all the students with lice and treating them.

However, a college campus contains more students than a primary school, so campus lice screenings are not common practice, she said.

“In an elementary school, teachers have 40 students maximum in each class.

A school nurse can easily screen all the students. When you are dealing with a

university campus consisting of 6,000 students, screening every student is impossible.”

Junior Ian Patlan said he thinks students living in dorms should be screened for lice.

“It would be like every other health screening like the tuberculosis test,” he said. “It should be done especially if it is for the benefit of the entire university.”

or common treatments like soaking the scalp in mayonnaise.

“We encourage them to go ahead and come to the infirmary,” she said.

To read the rest of this story, visit florala.net.

Treatment-resistant lice across the country

”

TO OUR KNOWLEDGE, THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN OUTBREAK OF LICE ON CAMPUS. WE HAVE ISOLATED, INDIVIDUAL CASES ON OCCASION, BUT NO OUTBREAK AT PRESENT.

LAURA GARRETT

UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES NURSE PRACTITIONER She said University Health Services expects students, like adults, to come to the infirmary for a screening if they think they have lice.

“I don’t think students should be screened for lice, especially at our age,” said senior Morgan Milam.

,-8):<5-6< KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) Burkhalter said the new name also reflects how the students believe the legal system works within global issues.

“Revisions and updates will be made to the course catalog to reflect the updated vision of the department,” she said. “We want to create a strong link to internships for students in the department.”

Junior Sarah Green said she is excited about the merge of the two departments.

“I think that it will allow the students and staff to have a better learning environment,” Green said.

Political science major and senior Carrie Reed said she did not know the departments were going to merge until it

Some symptoms of lice are intense itching, tickling feelings from movement of hair and presence of lice eggs (nits) and lice on clothing, scalp, body or body hair, according to Mayo Clinic.

Garrett said she cautions students against using over-the-counter treatments

had already happened.

“I personally liked being connected to the history department, but I understand that political science will probably receive more funding by not being captured under the broad umbrella of history,” Reed said. “At the same time, it seems like there is a gradual leaning of political science toward law.”

She said she thinks herself and many others majoring in political science are not interested in law school. Reed said she personally would be interested in pursuing philosophy while others may pursue a doctorate or masters.

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Highlighted states show cases of treatment-resistant lice. information provided by The American Chemical Society

8774 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) “I found out where the pool was just a few weeks ago when we used it during Resident Advisor training,” Stubbs said.

Eubanks said he has a plan for deciding whether to keep it open for the next semester.

“We’re going to record everyone’s name when they come to the pool, that way we can see how many people are using the pool,” he said.

He said he will look at the number of students who are using the pool this semester and compare it to the number of students who used it previously.

“We’re going to leave it open the whole semester regardless of how many people show up,” Eubanks said. “But, at the end of the semester I’m going to have to make that decision to see if we’re going to leave it open for the spring.”

Eubanks said he will make a decision by early December.

”

WEʼRE GOING TO LEAVE IT OPEN THE

WHOLE SEMESTER REGARDLESS OF HOW MANY PEOPLE SHOW UP. BUT, AT THE END OF THE

SEMESTER IʼM GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE THAT

DECISION TO SEE IF WEʼRE GOING TO LEAVE IT OPEN FOR THE SPRING.

JAMES EUBANKS

DIRECTOR, RECREATIONAL SPORTS AND FITNESS

“We’ll just do what we can,” he said.

“If students come, that’s great. We’ll keep it open. If not, we’ll close it again.”

POOL QUICK FACTS • LOCATION: BASEMENT LEVEL OF FLOWERS HALL • OPENING DAY: SEPT. 16 • HOURS: WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY FROM 6:30 P.M. TO 9:30 P.M. • STUDENT ID REQUIRED FOR USE

6A NEWS

Sept. 3, 2015â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

DOWNTOWN

Off-campus study areas offer views, few distractions 1

2

3

The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library offers free Wi-Fi and database access to all cardholders. The library is located at 350 N. Wood Ave.

Rivertown Coffee Co. provides free Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere for students to study. The shop is located at 117 N. Seminary Street.

McFarland Park has picnic tables for students to spread out study materials.

The park is two miles from campus and on the Tennessee River.

ANNA BROWN

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Students often spend a lot of time on campus and need a place to escape to study. Sometimes familiar places like the residence halls and apartments are distracting for some students.

While UNA offers many great oncampus resources and locations for students to study, sometime students need to escape daily life and focus on homework.

Florence provides many great places for students to concentrate on homework.

All of these places are free unless you choose to indulge in a cup of coffee or homemade muffin.

If you are tired of the library and need a change of scenery, here are the top three off-campus places in Florence to relax and get work done.

1. Florence-Lauderdale Library

Public

The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library is blocks away from campus at 350 N. Wood Ave. Like a library should be, it is a quiet place to read and research.

The library offers free Wi-Fi, access to online databases and desktop computers for library cardholders to use. All Colbert and Lauderdale County residents are eligible for a standard card.

All you need to bring is a valid photo ID. The library sells fresh-brewed coffee, specialty coffee drinks, hot sandwiches and snacks at Bookmarks Coffee Shop located just inside the library.

3. McFarland Park 2. Rivertown Coffee Co. Rivertown Coffee Co. is a local favorite for fresh coffee and food.

Rivertown is located at 117 N. Seminary St. next to Shoals Theatre.

Rivertown is the go-to place to get a snack while you study.

Rivertown offers a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu and sells freshbrewed coffee, tea, specialty coffee drinks and craft beer.

The shop has free Wi-Fi and many large tables perfect for spreading out study materials.

While this location does not provide Wi-Fi, it does have a beautiful view.

McFarland Park is located off Savannah Highway in Florence and the park is about two miles from campus. There are many trees perfect for kicking back in your ENO hammock. The park also has many picnic tables and benches that are great for studying in groups.

If the sunshine is too much for you to handle, there are numerous pavilions complete with picnic tables throughout the park where you can study in the shade.

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VIEWPOINTS 7A

Sept. 3, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

Campus Climate Survey yields startling results

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

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The results from the Campus Climate Survey were thought-provoking and eyeopening to say the least.

One particular group of data really caught my attention: rape myth acceptance.

This is the understanding that an attack on someone is somehow their fault. They should have behaved or dressed differently. It tells those who commit these heinous acts it is OK and discourages victims from reporting the assault and asking for help.

First, let me begin by

Editorial Policy Content is determined by the student editorial staff of The Flor-Ala and has not been approved by the university.

MIKE EZEKIEL

Corrections

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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.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

Forgive me for that cliché lie I just wrote. Words can be more dangerous than people think.

Words can be used to spread news, encourage others and praise someone or something. Likewise, words can be used to attack individuals for their

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.

agreed or strongly agreed that “Guys don‘t usually intend to force sex on a girl, but sometimes they get too sexually carried away.”

Those numbers are staggering. More than a quarter of those who took the survey have no feelings at all about the subject or possibly do not think those things happen to them or their friends. More importantly, the victim has been forced to take the blame. The attacker is left blameless and free to do whatever he or she pleases while the victim relives the trauma over and over again.

This all comes down to consent. It does not matter what a person wears. If they do not say “yes” to sex, they do not want it. If they do not ask for it specifically, they do not want it.

Every 107 seconds one American is sexually assaulted, according to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network.

In the time it takes a person

to brush his or her teeth, wash his or her hands or put on his or her shoes, someone is being sexually assaulted. It could happen to anyone’s friend or loved one.

What would you do if someone close to you told you they had been sexually assaulted? Would you ask them what they were wearing at the time? Would you make them feel like they were blowing the whole thing out of proportion?

Would you discourage them from reporting it?

We have to come together as a community to encourage and remind one another that the blame does not, in fact, lie with the victim. The results of the survey show that we are not there yet, but I hope that will change. Remember, the attacker makes the conscious decision to act. That’s it. The blame lies with that person.

The change in thought and action is ours to make.

Individuals should consider comments carefully

ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS

Letters Policy

stating the majority of those who took the survey disagreed or strongly disagreed with questions that asked if they accepted rape myths. I am thrilled with those results.

However, of the 978 surveys completed, the rape myth acceptance section showed about 27 percent of people who responded were neutral and about 13 percent agreed or strongly agreed “when girls go to parties wearing revealing clothes, they are asking for trouble.”

Another question asked respondents to gauge their feelings on the statement, “A lot of times, girls who say they were raped agreed to have sex and then regret it.” At least 29 percent said they were neutral and about 14 percent agreed or strongly agreed.

Finally, according to the results of the survey many do not feel attackers are to blame for their actions. About 27 percent were neutral and approximately 21 percent

shortcomings.

In commonplace situations someone can suffer verbal abuse from their peers, relationship partners or even their own parents, which can have a negative affect.

According to bullyingstatistics.com, verbal abuse can affect someone psychologically, causing anxiety and depression. In major cases, depression from verbal abuse can reach the point of someone turning to substance abuse or suicide.

As human beings, we have differing opinions. We do not agree with some of our friends at times. It is OK to disagree.

With that being said, people have experiences that influence their opinions and we may not have walked the same path as they have.

Hip-hop artist Mos Def

once said, “I’m not shy about heated debate or passionate discourse, but when people get crazy or rude, that’s a buzz kill. There’s got to be a better code of conduct, some basic etiquette.”

Last semester, some may recall an editorial written by a member of The Flor-Ala staff that received a vast amount of negative feedback.

Some may agree with her opinion, many have clearly disagreed. Does that give anyone the right to target her weight or appearance because of an opinion?

The First Amendment gives us the right to free speech, but there is a fine line between a counterargument and an unnecessary, verbally abusive comment.

While this specific writer may not have been dangerously

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affected by the feedback, others have turned to substance abuse and taken their lives because of verbal abuse.

Am I writing this to take her side? No. Am I writing this to defend a fellow journalist?

No. I am writing this to defend a fellow human.

Forget labels. Forget stereotypes.

We are humans with unique traits, personalities, faults and emotions. Is it too hard for someone to think about what situations a person may go home to or the hardships they face in society?

I have two pieces of advice on the manner: Listen to the song “What It’s Like” by Everlast and listen to Mama when she tells you, “If you have nothing nice to say, keep it to yourself.” Who knows, you might save someone’s life.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK! John Ed Dearman and Amandalyn Dorner

8A NEWS

Sept. 3, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

MAN ON THE STREET

What do you think of the new science building? ”

I WISH IT WAS HERE WHEN I WAS TAKING SCIENCE CLASSES.

”

ITʼS IMPRESSIVE. I WISH UNA WOULD

BRING THE REST OF THE CAMPUS UP TO THAT

SARAH MYRICK

SENIOR

ITʼS A LOT BETTER THAN THE OLD BUILDING. THERE ARENʼT ANY COCKROACHES.

”

ITʼS PRETTY AWESOME. THE CLASSES ARE NICE AND ITʼS A HUGE BUILDING.

I THINK THE CLASSROOMS ARE VERY IMPRESSIVE.

STANDARD.

ROB BELLAMY

”

”

TIM COLLINS

SENIOR

”

I LIKE THE SCOPE OF IT. ITʼS LAID OUT VERY WELL. YOU CANʼT GET LOST IN IT.

FRESHMAN

”

I THINK IT MAKES UNA LOOK MORE LIKE A DIVISION 1 SCHOOL.

MYLES JOHNSON

KERRI COLWELL

JUNIOR

”

IT REALLY STANDS OUT. I THINK IT SHOWS THAT OUR CAMPUS IS GROWING.

CI MURPHY

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

JOESPH MARINELLO

REID HARRISON

SOPHOMORE

student photos by KATLYN SHANNON I Staff Photographer

JUNIOR

photo courtesy of the Department of Communications and Marketing

student quotes gathered by News Editor Anna Brown and Student Writer Adriane Waldrep

31<<; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) As a political science professor and self-proclaimed “history buff,” Kitts said he wants to share UNA’s history with the community.

“I’ve heard people say UNA is the ‘best kept secret in higher education,’” he said. “I appreciate the recognition that what we are doing here is very good, but we cannot keep it a secret. This is our time to roar. Let us roar as we share UNA’s story.”

University of North Carolina at Pembroke Chancellor Emeritus Kyle Carter, Kitts’ previous colleague, was the guest speaker.

Carter discussed the significance of the investiture ceremony in the life of a university. He said it is a time of great hope and excitement.

“Simultaneously, the community is quietly apprehensive,” Carter said.

“It’s new leader is relatively unknown and untested in his new assignment.

University of North Alabama, relax. You have chosen the right man to lead you.”

Vice President of the Student Government Association Nicole Gallups said she enjoyed attending the ceremony.

Junior Jacob Phillips said he enjoyed the event as well.

“It was interesting to learn about the history of UNA and its founding president through Kitts’ speech,” Phillips said.

5-)4; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) “It’s not used as much as we would like for it to be by faculty,” Carter said.

“We would like for everyone to go over there if they can. But, you could essentially view it as an added benefit for the employees.”

English Instructor Latasha Howell said many faculty members do not use the plans because Towers Café is far from the academic offices, she said.

“I’ve only eaten at Towers two times in the last seven years,” she said.

“Options in the Commons and the GUC are closer and more convenient.”

Freshman Lori Gessini said she can understand why faculty and staff receive a discount, but she has her reservations on whether they should. “(Faculty and staff) are working with us all day and have to put up with us,” she said. “But, I do feel like since we’re students and we already pay so much we should receive a discount as well.

The pricing should have more of a fair balance.”

The Business and Financial Affairs office and Sodexo Dining Services collaborated in deciding the meal plan prices and the restructuring of the offered plans, Carter said.

“The university previously entered into a multiyear contract with (the previous meal plan prices) stipulated at the onset of the contract term,” he said in an email. “However, this past year both UNA and Sodexo mutually agreed that a

new pricing structure would be set forth this year prior to the end of the original contract term.”

The additional meal and block plans are meant to make picking a plan simpler, Carter said.

“Many students had mentioned confusion around the number of options available and the differences between various plans,” he said in an email. “So, the university entered into numerous discussions with Sodexo to streamline

the number of options available while increasing flexibility with additional dining dollars.”

The diversity of meal plan options has been a benefit to students, said junior Lebron King.

“Some people eat in the cafeteria more than others,” he said. “Some students would rather eat at other locations on campus with dining dollars.

I think the variety helps students pick a plan they can be happy with.”

Cost per meal at Towers Café

$10 $8 Cost $6 $4 $2

$6.79

$7.84

$9.00 $7.65

$7.34 $4.00

Diamond Platinum Gold

Silver No Plan

Plans Statistics calculated from meal plan costs found at una.sodexomyway.com

Faculty

LIFE

SECTION B

Sept. 3, 2015• The Flor-Ala

O se as Cl

Sl ee p

ing

k or

W

s

RS

ork Homew

Dat

Friends

SCHEDULES

photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Chief Photographer

Students compare strategies for staying organized EMILY KAZUNGU

7VTQVM -LQ\WZ WVTQVM(NTWZITI VM\

Time management is essential in a student’s life, especially when balancing a number of activities. Students are more likely to be successful if they follow a schedule.

Learning Support Coordinator and Academic Advisor Matthew Price encourages students to plan and manage their time wisely.

Whether a student spends extra time working, participating in activities, or just relaxing, time for studying must be included in the schedule, he said.

IN THIS SECTION

Senior Maurice Mull said balancing LaGrange society, his job as a Resident Advisor and being a member of SGA can be hard, but it can all be managed by planning and writing down the schedule.

“I used to put everything in my head but then that got really difficult to manage,” he said.

“I started using this app called Google Calendar which sends me updates of my schedule.”

Sophomore Caleb Lewis works at the FlorenceLauderdale Public Library, is a Navigator and on the SGA Budget Oversight Committee.

He said planning ahead is important.

“I try to figure out what has

to be done and then I get those things done first,” he said.

Senior Quinton Lane said he finds managing time helpful when it comes to balancing school, band and work.

“Usually, during the semester, since I have practice and work, I do my homework in the morning before class and then do what I can to prepare myself for practice,” Lane said.

He said balancing the three becomes a challenge in the course of the semester.

“You really have to make your time count,” he said.

“Doing homework during any downtime you get is really helpful.”

Freshman McCara Woods

LIFE Local iconʼs image featured on shirt See page 2B

said the transition from high school to college has affected the way she manages time.

”

I STARTED USING THIS APP CALLED GOOGLE CALENDAR WHICH SENDS ME UPDATES OF MY SCHEDULE

MAURICE MULL SENIOR

“In high school I really didn’t care about my homework,” she said. “I did everything at the last minute because I’m a procrastinator. I’m trying to manage my time better so I can

get my work turned in.”

Price said it is important to put a schedule in writing rather than try to remember it all and that is where some students go wrong.

Sophomore Abdullah Alharbi said having a planner is very important to him.

“I usually have a plan to manage my time,” Alharbi said.

“I manage my priorities and do my homework.”

Freshman Alex Hartfield said he prefers to have a more laid-back approach.

“I am a procrastinator to the max,” Hartfield said. “I do (homework) the night before.”

SPORTS Events on- and off-campus See page 7B

UNA vs. Miles College Football Preview See page 4B

Who is Ashtyn Kapovich?

See page 5B

2B LIFE

Sept. 3, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

DOWNTOWN

Coffee shop features local icon in T-shirt design CHLOE ALLEN

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ KITTMV (]VI ML]

Though Rivertown Coffee Co. is known for its coffee and quiet atmosphere, the coffee shop also sells food, music, art and merchandise such as T-shirts.

Recently, the shop added a new T-shirt design.

The shirt features a white silhouette of a long-haired man portrayed to be speaking â&#x20AC;&#x153;love.â&#x20AC;? For a Rivertown regular, the muse is no mystery. The model of the shirt is Larry. No last name, just Larry.

Larry is a local homeless man who spends most of his time in the coffee shop. He chats with the regulars and the owners and is an ever-present figure among the tables and chairs.

Chelsea Holeman, Rivertown employee of four years and Savannah College of Art and Design graduate, designed the new â&#x20AC;&#x153;Larry Shirts.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted something that was really recognizable and kind of iconic for Rivertown, and a lot of people who think of Rivertown think of Larry,â&#x20AC;? Holeman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rivertown for Larry is kind of like his home so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of representative of Rivertown being a homey place for anyone in town, but also for Larry.â&#x20AC;?

The shirts were instantly popular and sold-out quickly. Another shipment was made, but many wonder where the proceeds from the sale of the shirts go.

Holeman said while the money from the shirts does not go to Larry directly, any support given to Rivertown is indirect support of him. Larry does odd jobs around the shop in exchange for food and drink, and the Rivertown regulars are willing to spare a few bucks to support his love of Diet Coke.

â&#x20AC;?

ITĘźS COOL THAT EVERYONE KNOWS HIM AS ĘťTHE GUY AT RIVERTOWN.Ęź WHEN YOU GO, YOU EXPECT TO SEE HIM.

COLBY DOW SENIOR

Junior Logan Harwell said she supports the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Larry Shirts.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always welcoming and kind to him,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I think of Rivertown, I think of Larry.â&#x20AC;?

Senior Colby Dow said he thinks the shirt is a good thing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cool that everyone knows him as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the guy at Rivertown,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you go, you expect to see him.â&#x20AC;?

photo by TORI PATTERSON I Student Photographer

Rivertown employee Chelsea Holeman designed the T-shirts with Larryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image on them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted something that was really recognizable and kind of iconic for Rivertown, and a lot of people who think of Rivertown think of Larry,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Holeman said Larry has grown used to his popularity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(Larryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) more or less indifferent to it,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think he was a little bit excited, but now heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just sort of like

whatever about it.â&#x20AC;?

Larry himself comment.

gave no official

TRENDS

Sales show vinyl records spinning back onto music scene MELISSA PARKER 4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\

Digital downloads and music streaming formats such as Pandora and Spotify have not dulled the sparkle of vinyl records which have held their own among young and old listeners alike.

Vinyl sales rose 53 percent this year, according to a report published

by Nielsen, a company that studies the trends in what consumers buy and watch.

John Gifford, studio manager and head engineer for Fame Recording Studios, said current artists see the resurgence in album sales and want their music vinyl pressed.

Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers said the group has 12 albums available on vinyl, and he has three solo albums also available on vinyl.

Gifford said he thinks people are reconnecting with the listening experience vinyl provides. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Back when people listened to vinyl, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all they had to do,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a big thing to go out on a Friday night and take your allowance or your paycheck and go buy records. It was a whole experience just putting the vinyl on, physically playing it and following through the album credits.â&#x20AC;?

Owner of Pegasus Records Eli Flippen said his store has always been a place vinyl collectors come when they are in Florence looking to expand their collection.

Flippen said he has seen an increase in sales, especially in vinyl put out by new artists, and attributes the rise to music being made available in analog format again.

â&#x20AC;?

I LIKE THE SOUND BETTER AS WELL AS THE EXPERIENCE OF PHYSICALLY PLAYING AN ALBUM.

PATTERSON HOOD DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS

Because of the popularity of CDs, there was not a lot of vinyl produced in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s, he said. But the early to middle 2000s saw a repressing of older music, and new artists began putting their music on vinyl as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the past five or six years itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been more difficult to find an artist who did not put their albums out on vinyl than it is to find one who is,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Hood said though he travels with an iPod, he spends much of his time at home listening to vinyl. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a devoted vinylphile with a collection of well over 3,000 records,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like the sound better as well as the experience of physically playing an album. The artwork looks better, too.â&#x20AC;?

Senior Allison Lawrence said she got into vinyl because the bands she listens to began making limited pressings of their current albums on vinyl. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year for my birthday, a friend got me â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Perks of Being a Wallflowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; soundtrack on vinyl,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of my favorite gifts.â&#x20AC;?

Though the typical age of vinyl buyers at Pegasus is 30 and up, Flippen said the younger generation is beginning to see its appeal. Not only are young people buying for themselves, but parents are also buying albums for their collections,

he said.

Senior Jessica Fowler said her parents influenced her interest in records. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like listening to them because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s different,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like how it feels original and like the way listening to music is supposed to be.â&#x20AC;?

Flippen said he thinks the addition of a CD in a slipcover inside the record or a digital download has added to the appeal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vinyl is trendy again,â&#x20AC;? Lawrence said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like the aesthetic of it and songs sound better on vinyl.â&#x20AC;?

photo by KATLYN SHANNON I Staff Photographer

Student Ryan Ferrara looks through the selection of vinyl available at Pegasus Records in downtown Florence. The listening format has seen a rise in sales in the past year, according to Nielsen.

Sept. 3, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

ADVERTISE WITH US Contact Business Manager Jordan Byrd 256.765.4427

LIFE 3B

4B SPORTS LION SPORTS FALL 2015

Sept. 3, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

FOOTBALL

@

Football Sept. 6 at Miles College Sept. 12 vs. Mississippi College Sept. 26 vs. Florida Tech Oct. 3 at Valdosta State Oct. 10 at Western Oregon Oct. 17 vs. North Carolina-Pembroke (Homecoming) Oct. 24 at West Georgia Oct. 31 vs. Delta State Nov. 7 at Shorter Nov. 14 vs. West Alabama

Volleyball TONY BANNER INVITATIONAL CLARION, PENNSYLVANIA Sept. 4 vs. Indianapolis (9 a.m.)

Sept. 4 vs. Ashland (3 p.m.)

Sept. 5 at Clarion (11 a.m.)

Sept. 5 vs. Hillsdale College (3 p.m.)

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.)

Soccer Sept. 3 at McKendree Sept. 5 vs. Belmont Academy Sept. 11 at Nova Southeastern Sept. 13 at Palm Beach Atlantic Sept. 17 vs. Alabama-Huntsville Sept. 20 vs. Lee University Sept. 23 at Shorter University Sept. 27 vs. Cumberland

Cross Country Sept. 5 Sewanee Invitational (Sewanee, Tennessee) Sept. 12 Early Jacoby/UAH Charger Invitational (Huntsville, Alabama) Sept. 26 Rhodes College Invitational (Memphis, Tennessee) Oct. 9 Watson Ford Invitational (Clinton, Mississippi) Games continued at roarlions.com

The Flor-Ala file photo

Junior defensive back Levi Fell (center) blocks for a teammate after an interception last season against West Georgia. Fell will square off with his former high school teammate Sept. 6 at Legion Field against Miles College.

Coaches, players have connections with opponent MIKE EZEKIEL

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The first game of the year for North Alabama may have regional implications, but the season opener against Miles College is more personal.

Some of the players and coaches who will stand on the home sideline Sunday at Legion Field in Birmingham have some form of connection to UNA, including Miles coach Reginald Ruffin and assistant coach Ronald McKinnon.

Ruffin was an All-American defensive end at UNA and helped the Lions win two national championships in 1993-94. Miles linebacker coach Ronald McKinnon is also no stranger to UNA, where he won the Harlon Hill trophy playing for UNA coach Bobby Wallace in 1995.

“Reginald Ruffin is an excellent football coach,” Wallace said. “I love seeing him and Ronald (McKinnon) succeed. They were great players here and were on championship teams. We’ve always stayed in touch through all 20 years.

“I followed Ronald through his playing and coaching career and Reginald through his coaching career and I’m proud of both of them.”

Wallace said he prefers not playing against his former players and coaches because they feel like family to him, including Tuskegee head coach and former offensive coordinator at UNA,

Willie Slater.

“I don’t get any pleasure from beating them,” Wallace said. “I get pleasure for our players winning a football game.

In fact, I’d rather win a football game against someone else and read the paper to see they won, too. But once we play, someone has to win and I’m sure they feel the same way.”

Wallace said the conversations before games against Ruffin, McKinnon and Slater are mostly unrelated to football.

“Before the game we will be cordial and hug and ask if the family is OK,” Wallace said. “We won’t talk football.

In my opinion it’s not ethical to ask him how his team is doing and if someone is hurt. It’s none of my business except to play the game.”

”

IʼD RATHER WIN A FOOTBALL GAME AGAINST

SOMEONE ELSE AND READ THE PAPER TO SEE THEY WON TOO. BUT ONCE WE PLAY, SOMEONE HAS TO WIN AND IʼM SURE THEY FEEL THE SAME WAY.

BOBBY WALLACE HEAD COACH

One of Ruffin and McKinnon’s college teammates happens to be UNA offensive coordinator and championship winning quarterback Cody Gross.

“Reginald and Ronald are both special to me,” Gross said. “I played four years with Ron and two with Reginald. They

were great players, great teammates and great people that have turned into great coaches.”

Unlike Wallace, Gross said he enjoys the opportunity to coach against his former teammates.

“It’s always fun to go against those guys,” Gross said. “The guys that you know and you’re friends with, you really like to beat them. There is just something about it. I always like checking to see if those guys are successful. You just don’t want them to be successful against you.”

While Wallace and Gross have the opportunity to coach against former players and teammates, UNA junior defensive back Levi Fell has the opportunity to play against his high school teammate.

Fell played with Miles junior running back Jamarcus Nance at Muscle Shoals High School, where the team finished 13-1 and lost in the state semi-finals.

“I’ve played with Jamarcus since seventh grade,” Fell said. “I talked to him just the other day and he told me he was going to be ready. We are actually cousins by marriage so we are pretty close. We may talk two times a week.”

Fell said he hopes to get the opportunity to line up against Nance in the secondary.

“I feel like there is going to be a lot of ‘love trash talk,’” Fell said. “No matter how the game turns out it’s going to be a friendly conversation after the game, but between those lines for 60 minutes, it’s strictly business.”

SPORTS 5B

Sept. 3, 2015• The Flor-Ala

RADIO

Athletics selects NewsTalk 97.1 to broadcast games JAKE RODGERS

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Heading into the start of the college football season, UNA will have a new radio station broadcasting their games.

After coming to the end of a fiveyear contract, UNA athletics decided to go with NewsTalk 97.1 FM, WBCF, as the new home for UNA sports radio broadcasts.

“We opened up for a bidding process and we looked at what each one offered,” said UNA athletic director Mark Linder.

“Everyone was a little different so it made it tough for us to make a decision, but we thought 97.1 could give us the coverage we were looking for.”

Three other stations were in the bidding mix for the broadcasting rights of UNA athletics.

The decision to change stations took

two months after careful evaluation and a few more months after the decision to finalize the deal, Linder said.

With the change, some new and familiar voices will be analysts for the pre-games as well as the play-by-play announcing throughout the season. Phil Stevenson and Bryan Neece will be in the booth, and Mike Ezekiel will be the new UNA football sideline reporter, Linder said.

“It is good to have some consistency,” Linder said about the cohesion of the announcers. “It is kind of good to get to know your brand.”

NewsTalk 97.1 makes it easier for fans to listen to games, even when they are out of the frequency range. The station has a free download in the Google Play store for Android and the App Store for iPhone.

WBCF will live stream all UNA football games, as well as men’s and

women’s basketball games.

Last season, UNA football and basketball were on different stations.

This season, both will be on WBCF, and, with the new UNA athletic website, fans have access to 14 portals to watch UNA athletics.

”

EVERYONE WAS A LITTLE DIFFERENT SO IT

MADE IT TOUGH FOR US TO MAKE THE DECISION

97.1 COULD GIVE US THE COVERAGE WE WERE LOOKING FOR.

BUT WE THOUGHT

MARK LINDER ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Eddy Forsythe, UNA’s film and media coordinator for athletics, said he believes the change in radio stations is a

positive move.

“It goes back to having all the sports on one channel, so people won’t have to wonder where everything is at,” he said.

“The app is really easy to use. With a push of a button in five to six seconds you’re listening to it.”

The change to WBCF comes as the university is expanding. Linder said he is optimistic about the growth of fans and the positive vibes surrounding campus.

“I think we have a lot of energy on campus right now with a large freshmen class and it’s a good time to be a Lion,” Linder said. “If we can catch the momentum, do things the right way and get passionate about UNA academically and athletically on campus, it will feed into the community and get the Shoals area excited.”

Editor’s Note: Sports Editor Mike Ezekiel did not contribute to this report.

PROFILE

Sophomore volleyball standout continues improvement ASHTYN KAPOVICH • POSITION: LIBERO

• CLASS: SOPHOMORE • HEIGHT: 5ʼ5ʼʼ • HOMETOWN: LANSING, ILLINOIS

CAREER STATISTICS • MATCHES PLAYED: 32

• SETS PLAYED: 117 • DIGS: 532 • POINTS: 50.0 photo by SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer

Sophomore libero Ashtyn Kapovich dives for a dig during practice. Kapovich, the reigning 2014 GSC Volleyball Freshman of the Year, hopes to lead her team to a conference championship this season.

KADIN POUNDERS

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ SXW]VLMZ[(]VI ML]

Can you dig it?

Ashtyn Kapovich can. UNA’s starting libero, a 5-foot-5 sophomore from Lansing, Illinois, led the Gulf South Conference in digs and digs per set last season on her way to becoming the GSC Volleyball Freshman of the Year.

Kapovich, who saw action in all of UNA’s 32 matches last season, also led the team in service aces and racked up GSC Freshman of the Week and GSC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

“She’s just an unbelievable athlete and she’s one of those kids that there’s not many skills that she doesn’t have,” said head coach Stephanie Radecki, now entering her 12th season at UNA. “Ashtyn’s reached that level where we don’t really nag her about the little things because generally the ball goes where we

want it to go. She’s very gifted.”

Kapovich said being a great libero is not just about skill but also being able to focus and being coachable.

”

IʼM GOING TO PLAY WITH THE TEAM AND TRY TO HELP US WIN GAMES. SINCE WE WERE SO CLOSE TO A RING LAST YEAR I REALLY WANT TO PUSH FOR THAT AGAIN THIS YEAR.

ASHTYN KAPOVICH

SOPHOMORE LIBERO

“I think concentration, working hard at practice and getting better every day (is key),” she said. “And then you listen to your coaches and get those small feedbacks and then it’s taking any mistakes you make and fixing them.”

With a year of experience under her belt, the expectations for the GSC Preseason All-GSC Team player have risen quickly.

“We definitely expect her to be a leader on the court,” Radecki said.

“I think (setter and libero) are two of the really key positions to have that leadership role and demanding more from their teammates all the time and that’s something Ashtyn needs to look to do this year.”

Sophomore outside hitter Lexie Bradley said Kapovich is an ideal teammate she would want to have on her side of the court.

“She’s a great teammate because she is so competitive in everything she does,” Bradley said. “It really helps drive us in drills during practice.”

Bradley said having Kapovich at the libero position gives the Lions an advantage in most cases.

“It’s extremely important to have

• ATTACKS: 97 • KILLS: 2 a great player at libero,” Bradley said.

“Without that first great dig from our libero, our setter cannot get a good set and our hitters cannot get a good attack.”

Aside from their “on the court” relationship, Bradley said Kapovich is the type of person she could trust off the court.

“She always has your back on and off the court and that kind of trust in a teammate is priceless,” she said.

Like her coach and teammates, Kapovich has expectations for another great year this year.

“I’m just going to do the best that I can and I’m going to play with the team and try to help us win games,” she said.

“Since we were so close to a ring last year I really want to push for that again this year.”

Kapovich begins her sophomore campaign Sept. 4 in the Tony Banner Invitational at Clarion, Pennsylvania.

6B SPORTS

Sept. 3, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

ACADEMICS

Student-athletes talk balancing classwork with athletics RACHAEL WIER

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Many students stress about the days they are burdened with schoolwork and their job, leaving little time for a social life. For many of UNA’s student athletes, it is an everyday occurrence.

Between practices, meetings and classes, managing time can become tough for a student athlete. Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance Todd Vardaman helps UNA’s student athletes balance their busy lifestyles and manage their schedules.

“We make sure students are taking courses that go toward their degree,” Vardaman said. “That is for eligibility purposes.”

Contrary to popular belief, student athletes are not allowed to take a lot of “easy” classes to make good grades so they can play.

Vardaman said he advises students how to manage their time involving their specific sport and academics. A lot of campus sports require study hall hours for the players.

As student athletes attempt balancing school and sports, it can become hard for them to enjoy the typical college experience, Vardaman said.

“Student athletes are committed at least 20 hours a week, and many of them do more,” he said. “They will often

photo by SHAY REDD I Staff Photographer

Student-athletes from the football team take notes during a lecture for a Coaching Theory class in Floyd Hall. “(The coaches) expect us to be good in the classroom, and they expect us to be good on the field,” said senior running back Diamond Simmons.

condition and work out on their own.

Those 20 hours could easily turn into 30 or 40.”

Diamond Simmons, a senior running back for the football team, said pleasing his coaches and professors takes plenty of exertion.

“I am expected to give every effort, or even more, in the classroom that I do on the field,” Simmons said. “So much more is expected from student athletes, since most of us are on scholarship.”

Simmons said many of the high standards from his coaches and professors are expected to carry over into

every aspect of life.

“They expect us to be good in the classroom, they expect us to be good on the field and they expect us to be good at everything in life,” he said.

Junior cheerleader Halley Porter said between classes, practices and cheering, a typical day may give her two hours of free time, leaving her little time to waste.

Porter said the standards are high for the cheerleading squad, as well as many athletes, pertaining to classroom rules.

“We have to sit in the first three rows (of class),” Porter said. “We cannot miss more than three days of class and

(our coach and administrators) will be checking our GPA.” While many student athletes lead busy lives, many of them would not trade it for anything.

Simmons and Porter said they appreciate being a student athlete and when asked if it was worth the hectic lifestyle, they answered with an astounding “definitely.”

Senior Eli Williams, a former football player at UNA, decided to give up the sport he loves to focus on his accounting degree.

“I looked at the time I was putting into football compared to the time I was putting in my school and football outweighed it,” Williams said. “I feel like school has always been more important than football.”

Williams said college sports will only last four years for most people, but a college degree will last a lot longer.

“You’re only an injury away from never playing again, but you can never be stripped of the knowledge you have,” he said.

Williams, who plans to attend graduate school at UAB next fall to get his CPA license, said he has no regrets giving up sports for academics.

“I’ll always have love for the game,” Williams said. “I played for 16 years. If I could go back and change my decision, I wouldn’t. I’ve had nothing but success since I stopped.”

FANTASY FOOTBALL

sports writers give tips for league success MIKE EZEKIEL

KADIN POUNDERS

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•Know the league rules: Not every league will have standard rules. If a league focuses more on QB stats, draft a QB early. If defenses are scored high, you may want to jump on an elite D/ST as quickly as possible. Check the rules before draft time.

•Mock drafts:

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•Research:

Some of the best fantasy players each year are players that nobody has heard of until they ball out and score three touchdowns week one. It is always a good idea to take a few hours (or days or weeks) to research team depth charts.

•Productivity over popularity:

Every draft is different. Anyone might jump on a player earlier than expected. Develop strategies from mock drafts and apply them to the real draft. If someone is taken early in most mock drafts, chances are they could be stolen in your draft. Be prepared.

Tom Brady may be the most popular quarterback in the NFL but in fantasy football, he is not a good first pick. When drafting, do not just pick the players with household names. Sure, most of them will score a lot of points, but remember, a fantasy team is not paying their bills.

•Have a “Plan B”:

•Wait on running backs:

•“High Risk-High Reward” picks late:

The NFL is a running back by committee league in 2015. The days of the one running back system are pretty much over. Nearly every team will split carries among two or three players. If LeʼVeon Bell, Marshawn Lynch or Eddie Lacy are available early, grab them. Otherwise, it is OK to wait.

The worst feeling in the world is when someone takes a target pick. Before this occurs, have a second player in mind to pick. Do not make that “panic pick” because the clock nearly ran out. This usually results in “the bust of the year.”

The worst thing anyone can do is draft a rookie in the early rounds. When considering drafting Winston or Mariota, do it after an established QB is on the roster. Iʼd rather not have them at all than to pick them early. Either of the two could be the next Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf.

•Have a cool team name:

Part of the competition in fantasy leagues is to have the best team name. “Team (insert last name here)” should not be an option. If winning is the goal, do it in style! Iʼm thinking “Golden Tate Bridge” or “Forgetting Brandon Marshall.”

•Check the waiver wire:

The waiver wire is the fantasy leagueʼs free agent market. All of the undrafted and noname players are here, as well as the surprise standouts. Waiver transactions separate good fantasy teams from the great ones and waiver wire moves could be the difference between a championship and a bad tattoo.

•Trades are like a box of chocolates:

You never know what you are going to get. Do not be afraid to buy and sell hot players.

Productivity for most players ranges from week to week. Do not be scared to make a deal if you need depth at a certain position.

EXTRA 7B

Sept. 3, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

SEPTEMBER 2015 6

13

UNA Football @ Miles College (Birmingham) 6 p.m.

The Flor-Ala writer’s meeting 4 p.m.

TUESDAY

MONDAY

SUNDAY

7

University closed for Labor Day holiday

8

WEDNESDAY

9

Singin’ River Brewery Running Club 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY

10

11

15

Singin’ River Brewery Running Club 5:30 p.m.

16

17

18

The Shakedown Kings at Champy’s 8 p.m.

UNA Soccer vs.

UAH 7 p.m.

UNA Volleyball vs. Shorter 7 p.m.

UNA Volleyball @ West Alabama (Livingston) 6 p.m.

The Geek Gathering Sheffield Recreation Center 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

21

22

Singin’ River Brewery Running Club 5:30 p.m.

28

UNA Soccer vs.

Cumberland 1 p.m.

4

23

24

Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

25

The Wildwood Ruminators at Champy’s 8 p.m.

Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

UNA Soccer vs.

Lee 7 p.m.

27

The Midnighters at Champy’s 8 p.m.

UNA Volleyball Double-header: vs. Kentucky Wesleyan 1 p.m. vs. Montevallo 7 p.m.

14

20

FRIDAY

29

A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Training 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

5

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

Oktoberfest at Singin’ River Brewery 2 p.m.

UNA Football vs.

Florida Tech 6 p.m.

30

1

2

3

7

8

9

10

Singin’ River Brewery Running Club 5:30 p.m.

UNA Volleyball vs. West Georgia 1 p.m.

6

8B EXTRA

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

Sept. 3, 2015 • The Flor-Ala