North River Oaks Drive, off of Riverside Drive, in Indialantic was still blocked off a week after Irma hit. Photo by Mary Kozaitis
// MARY KOZAITIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The open plains of the Midwest are not the only places that experience severe tornadoes. They partially thrive off of wind shear, which is created by significant differences in wind speed and/or direction within a small distance in the atmosphere. Hurricanes offer the perfect environment for these conditions. The National Weather Service reported at least seven tornadoes in Brevard
County, during Hurricane Irma’s passing Sept. 10 - Sept. 12. Although authorities reported no injuries or fatalities, the tornadoes swept through with a wind speed of between 75-125 mph, depending on the location. The area most affected by a tornado was Kilbee St. in Mims, FL, about an hour north of Melbourne. It was hit at approximately 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10. Homes on Kilbee St., Turnbull Rd. and Brevard St. were affected and some were left uninhabitable due
to severe roof damage. A number of trees were snapped and uprooted as the tornado continued northwest across Old Dixie Highway. The tornado dissipated shortly after crossing US Highway 1. Slightly weaker tornadoes touched down in Indialantic. The Director of Music Programs, Professor Kevin Burke, still had his street closed a week later, near where the Melbourne Causeway meets Riverside Drive. Irma’s forces left his property with roof,
gutter and fence damage, windburn, blown out screen panels, pulled up mailboxes and a now roofless shed. “We evacuated for the hurricane because I have three small children, ages two, four and six, so we did not witness a tornado ourselves,” Burke said. “But the talk in the neighborhood is that a small one went through because our street is noticeably worse and was the only one that was blocked off from the main CONTINUED ON 3
Lights linger out in Harris Commons Florida Tech football game vs. Shorter // ELEANOR MATHERS MANAGING EDITOR Harris Commons is home to some of the most important functions for Florida Tech’s community - and it was the last FIT building to receive power after Hurricane Irma. “Florida Power & Light Co. had technical issues with sending power to/from Harris Commons and was in contact with [Florida Tech] to reestablish power,” Gary Hamme, vice president for enrollment management and the representative for questions regarding the power outage, said. Hamme said that at one point FPL estimated that power wouldn’t be restored to the building until Sunday evening, however, it was luckily restored at approximately 11 p.m. Thursday after the hurricane passed. According to FPL’s website, approximately 30,000 customers were affected in Brevard county
and they had a record of 22,000 employees and contractors, working to restore service after Irma. The hurricane affected many functions on Florida Tech’s campus, but having Harris Commons down caused concern for potential issues. Harris Commons is the center for operations like campus services, career management services, student health insurance, and residence life and housing, which are all crucial for the Florida Tech community. Due to the concern that the outage would impact important student and community needs, staff from some of these departments were set up temporarily at Farmer Hall in Harris Village. Although Hamme stated that he wasn’t aware of any problems concerning students trying to contact departments, he said classes that were held in Harris CONTINUED ON 5
// DAVID THOMPSON STAFF WRITER After a tough loss last game against McNeese State University, the Panthers bounced back with a big 31-6 victory over Shorter University. Florida Tech’s running game exploded with 340 total yards on the ground, lead by junior running back, Antwuan Haynes, with 188 rushing yards.
“Antwuan finally started to go tonight,” Coach Steve Englehart said. “He really picked it up in the second half. He was getting big chunks of yards. Haynes is so dynamic. He is always the one when he touches the ball that can do something explosive.” Following last week's loss, Haynes said they felt like they could’ve played better. CONTINUED ON 7
Sekai Lindsay, number eight, running the ball during Saturday's game.
Photo by Mmusi Kevin Motsumi
The Florida Tech Crimson
Irma tornados hit Brevard County
Issue 3 September 19 Fall 2017
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Panther Aquatic Center reopens after Hurricane Irma // LINDSAY ISAAC SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Panther statue in front of Panther Aquatic Center. Photo by Lindsay Isaac
Satirical Section:
// DOUG SCHOELLER COPY EDITOR Hurricane Bag Unpacking Rescheduled for January It was reported that a hurricane luggage bag sitting in the corner of a dorm bedroom has been rescheduled to be unpacked in January. “Well, I spent so much time packing it, unpacking it at the hotel I evacuated to, then packing it again when I left there. I might as well wait to see if another lifethreatening catastrophe is on the rise before I unpack again,” James Ritenour, the
Zachary Sanchez, IT Management student and full-time employee at Florida Tech, is the pool manager for the Panther Aquatic Center. The 32,000 square foot facility, located between the Clemente Center and the Panther Dining Hall, features a competition pool and a recreation pool — both were closed due to lack of power after Hurricane Irma. Hurricane Irma, eerily translated from German to mean “goddess of war,” tossed sand, leaves and other debris into the pool. But the facility avoided any major damage. “We got pretty lucky,” Sanchez said, whose most important responsibility is keeping the two pools clean and functional.
“Our scoreboard even made it through the storm with no damage!” he said. According to Sanchez, the Aquatic Center had to be closed after the hurricane to make sure the pools were up to code and running properly. “Without power the pools become stagnant bodies of water that aren't being filtered,” Sanchez said, “and the potential risk of unclean and unhealthy water increases rapidly.” Sanchez, who weathered the storm in Melbourne, said he is grateful for how everyone on the aquatic staff handled hurricane preparations. “We had to clear the pool deck to prepare for Hurricane Irma,” he said. “Because the Aquatic Center is an outdoor facility, everything not tied or held down was at risk of blowing
away and causing damage.” According to Sanchez, special precautions were also taken to secure all of the pumps and motors to ensure that absolutely no water damage was sustained. “Now that power is restored to campus, the Panther Aquatic Center staff has been working diligently to get the facility ready for use and open,” he said. As of Sunday, the Aquatic Center has resumed normal hours of operation. The facility is open on Monday through Friday from 7 to 9 a.m., noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8:30 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday the facility is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Make sure to come by the pool and enjoy a nice swim in our beautiful facility! We do it for you guys!” Sanchez said.
real fake news Fake News Inspired by Real Events
owner of the bag said. Ritenour insists on taking out particular toiletries and placing them back in the bag without actually unpacking the bag. “If another storm is coming, I’ll be so far ahead in preparing. For example, I’ll have all three boxes of contacts already in a pocket. It’s going to save so much time,” he said, as he continued to walk back and forth 20 feet between the bathroom to the bedroom for a comb, a toothbrush and toothpaste.
The luggage bag is planned to sit in the corner of the room accompanied by various empty cardboard boxes of ramen noodles and a chair with several clothes draped over it. The bag refused to comment. As more tropical storms loom in the distance, Florida Tech assures students they will provide information about weather updates and time needed to prepare on their Facebook page, providing six emergency cellular alerts every hour, just to be sure. Photo by http://wanna-joke.com
Mary Kozaitis Editor-In-Chief mkozaitis2014@my.fit.edu
Ted Petersen Advisor tpetersen@fit.edu
Eleanor Mathers Managing Editor lmathers2014@my.fit.edu
Doug Schoeller Copy Editor dschoeller2013@my.fit.edu
Audrey Gangloff Copy Editor agangloff2013@my.fit.edu
Annika Sundquist Sports Editor asundquist2014@my.fit.edu
Abeer Janakat Design Editor ajanakat2013@my.fit.edu
Nathaniel Ashton Photo Editor nashton2015@my.fit.edu
Elin Svensson Business Manager esvensson2013@my.fit.edu
Lindsay Isaac Social Media Coordinator lisaac2015@my.fit.edu
Sean Moroney Distribution Manager smoroney2014@my.fit.edu
The Florida Tech Crimson is a student-run newspaper published every two weeks during the academic year, with the exception of breaks and holidays, by the students of Florida Institute of Technology. General circulation of the paper is approximately 1,000 copies per issue. The Florida Tech Crimson is a service for Florida Tech students, staff, faculty, alumni and the general public. The Florida Tech Crimson strives to inform the public and to use its editorial sections as open forum for debate on campus issues. The Florida Tech Crimson welcomes input and opinion pieces submitted by students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Florida Institute of Technology. Published letters may be edited without notification for length, libel, good taste or other reasons at the discretion of our staff. The opinions expressed herein The Florida Tech Crimson and our website do not necessarily represent the student body, staff, faculty, alumni or Florida Institute of Technology or its partners. Images and stories submitter to The Florida Tech Crimson and their derivative works become the intellectual property of the Florida Tech Crimsons. Depicted works of art and or product may be subject to copyright to their respective owners. Advertisers may contact the Florida Tech Crimson for sizes and pricing at crimson@fit.edu. All contents copyright The Florida Tech Crimson unless otherwise notedp. All rights reserved. No part of the Florida Tech Crimson may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-In-Chief. The Florida Tech Crimson is always looking for new writers, columnists, photographers and designers. Contact us at crimson@fit.edu for more information.
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Irma tornados hit Brevard County (Cont.)
Burke’s street got power back a few days after the storm’s passing, but the neighborhood may lose its power again, due to power lines down nearby. CONTINUED FROM FRONT road [Riverside Drive].” Visiting Professor, Ingrid Bradley, experienced similar issues in South Merritt Island. Bradley’s home damage included popped out of place windows, uprooted 50-foot tall trees and large trees sliced in half or topped. The home of one of her neighbor’s was split in half. “Tornadoes are a different experience than hurricanes, with pressure changes which create headaches, noise like a train coming at you and surgical
destruction,” Bradley said. “Our property looks like a war zone, but some of the neighbors are untouchedsuch is the nature of tornadoes." Tornados were not the only thing Hurricane Irma brought to the Melbourne area. For Brevard County, the National Weather Service reported a rainfall maximum of 13.74 inches in Palm Shores (the second highest amount of rainfall being 13.23 inches in Palm Bay) and a minimum of 9.11 inches in Melbourne Beach. Scott Spratt was working at the National Weather
Service Forecast Office in Melbourne, as the storm blew through the area. He is a warning coordination meteorologist who has been working on sending out storm warnings and updates since a week before Irma hit. His office of 24 people, 18 being meteorologists, handles 10 counties in the Central Florida area from Daytona to Steward. The entire team stays in the area during major storms and works 12-hour shifts to ensure the accuracy and effective communication of their weather reports. One of the teams’
Photo by Mary Kozaitis
"Our property looks like a war zone, but some of the neighbors are untouchedsuch is the nature of tornadoes." biggest focus is discovering and issuing weather warnings in order to disseminate it to news media, government and the public. They assist in announcing school closings, aviation reports, water reports and forecasts on the
The National Weather Service Forecast Office located on 421 Croton Road in Melbourne.
Photo by Mary Kozaitis
radio and TV. They are the ones that issued the storm and tornado warnings and watches sent to Florida residents during Hurricane Irma, using their wireless emergency alert system. Spratt explained that the team focuses on the job by preparing for the storm early and making sure their family is safe and evacuated in advance. “When you’re constantly looking at data, you don’t have time to think about the storm,” Spratt said. “We put in 100% of our effort in doing what we are trained to do and don’t worry about personal items.” Spratt and his team continue to work the week after the storm hits to conduct ground investigations, document all of the storm’s effects and make updates to their data. There are 11 weeks left of hurricane season, which officially ends November 30, according to the U.S. Department of State.
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Coping with Mental Illness in College
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// Lisa Stewart, M.S. & Gabriela Gonzalez, M.S. Outreach Coordinators (CAPS) Imagine you wake up one morning with a little fever. You think it might just be a small bug that is likely to go away on its own. So, you do nothing. Now imagine that over the course of the week, your fever does not go away, continues to rise and you develop a severely painful sore throat. What would you do? It’s probably a no-brainer that
you would go to the health center or another medical clinic to get checked out. What if the above scenario hadn’t been about physical illness, but mental illness? How long would you suffer from depression, anxiety or any other mental health difficulties before seeking help? According to the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), young adults ages 18-24 show the lowest rate of seeking help for mental illness compared to other age groups (2006). Additionally, mental illness rates among college students are high and unfortunately, increasing. In 2013, the American College Health Association
(ACHA) found that more than 80% of college students felt significantly overwhelmed over the prior year. Forty-five percent of students reported feeling hopeless and almost one-third of all college students reported feeling so depressed that it impaired their functioning. Whether you’re currently struggling with mental
health difficulties or you have previously, you’re not alone. That SAMSHA statistic can be turned around if we viewed seeking mental health services the same way we would view going to a doctor when we have a virus or taking your car to the mechanic when it needs a tuneup.
Here’s a simple prescription to help you cope with mental health difficulties: 1. Learn about mental illness by researching credible and scientific sources or seeking psychoeducation from a mental health provider. The more you know, the less guesswork you have to do when trying to cope with your situation. 2. Stay connected. Engage in social activities and spend time with family or friends often. Although tempting, isolating yourself may increase some negative feelings. 3. Make self-care a priority by ensuring you are getting sufficient sleep, nutrients and physical activity. Consider picking up a hobby, like crafting, dancing or fishing to help you unwind. 4. Don’t hold it off for another day; seek help ASAP! Many mental health conditions can be more challenging to manage as time progresses and symptoms worsen. Ask for help when you need it and be honest with your loved ones about how you're feeling. 5. Need some extra support? Check out our Creative Reflections group to learn ways to better manage stress and emotions through literature. You can write, choose a poem, bring song lyrics or create something to share your thoughts and feelings with others. We are also in need of more members! See our website for more details. Call Florida Tech’s Counseling Center (CAPS) at 321-674-8050 or come in Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.or Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., to schedule an appointment. Visit our website for more details at: www.fit.edu/ caps. To learn more on coping with mental illness, join us at “#PanthersCope.” Here you will join forces with other panthers to learn how to identify and support peers who may be struggling with mental health difficulties. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, September 28th from 7-8:30pm in Evans Hall, Room 202!
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STUDENT LIFE
5 Lights linger out in Harris Commons (Cont.) ISSUE 3
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CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Harris Commons Building.
Photo by fit.edu
Commons had to be relocated and staff from enrollment management were set up to redirect anyone who was unable to receive electronic notice, due to power outages in their homes. “It was agreed that students should go to Commons for a scheduled class or some other student service where they would be greeted by enrollment management professionals who would address their need and guide them where to go. I was present for the full day at Commons and both faculty and students were appreciative,”
Hamme said. Another department affected by this change was the psychology department, which has all of its department offices located in Harris Commons. “FIT seemed to do a thorough job of communicating with students and everyone was very adaptable, making the best of a tough situation,” Senior Associate Dean of the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts, Lisa Steelman, said. Steelman said that staff offices were relocated throughout campus and faculty had the option to relocate to the library. “The change was
handled well for last minute purposes. Most of my classmates didn’t have a hard time finding the right place to be in and the professor was understanding,” Arpad Marsh said, whose class had to be relocated to the ROTC building. He said that although he suspected most students wouldn’t have come to class after learning about the relocation, his class was almost in full attendance. The Florida Tech campus faces challenges it doesn’t always have the power to change hurricanes, power outages, class rescheduling - but the community remains
Florida Tech athletes play on through Hurricane Irma //AUDREY GANGLOFF MANAGING EDITOR Hurricane Irma threw up a red flag for several scheduled sporting events for Florida Tech athletics. A volleyball tournament, cross country and women’s golf invitational were canceled due to the storm. However, several teams still traveled out of state to play their scheduled games. Men’s soccer played two games in Alabama over the weekend and women’s soccer played two in Northern Georgia. Football also played their scheduled game against Division 1 FCS opponent McNeese State in Louisiana. Men’s soccer, ranked No. 20 in the nation before their game against Alabama Huntsville was dealt their first loss of the season with a final score of 2-1. Not to be knocked down for long, the team came back the next day with
Photo by Florida Tech Athletics
Midfielder, Josh Thomas, with a shot on the goal.
Goalkeeper, Karlyn Prisco, with a saved shot on goal.
Photo by Florida Tech Athletics
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a decisive 5-0 victory over Auburn Montgomery. Five different Panthers scored each of their five goals, culminating in a true team effort. Men’s soccer played their games on Sept. 8 and 10, two days before and the day of Hurricane Irma’s hit in Melbourne. Women’s soccer played their games on the same days, with slightly better results. The women’s first game started off with a blank scoreboard until the second half when Young Harris put the first mark up. Within 30 seconds Florida Tech had answered back to tie it up for the rest of regular time play. In overtime, the Panthers were finally able to knock one more shot in to end the game with a 2-1 win. Florida Tech posted an impressive 17 shots on goal as a team and goalkeeper, CONTINUED ON 6
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Florida Tech athletes play on through Hurricane Irma (Cont.) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Karlyn Prisco, kept her team in the running with four saves during the game. Prisco’s game was even more impressive during the women’s next matchup against North Georgia. The game ended in a tie after double overtime with Prisco recording a conference high nine saves against the Nighthawks who took a demanding 22 shots on goal.
into their grasp once more during the third quarter but ultimately failed to stop McNeese offensive drives and ended up with a 42-21 loss. Florida Tech football played the night before Irma was predicted to hit Florida in Lake Charles, Louisiana, well out of the way of Irma’s path. Wide receiver Demetrius Frazier said that travelling away from Florida felt like a bad idea at first as the team
“After landing in Louisiana, we constantly prayed about it and put it all in God’s hands.” Prisco is now tied for first place in the Sunshine State Conference for totals saves on the season with 17. Florida Tech football did not fare as well as women’s soccer in their game against McNeese state. It was starting quarterback Mark Cato’s first game on the field since the last game of regular season play last season. The Panthers trailed the Cowboys the entire game but brought it to a one-point deficit just after halftime. Florida Tech brought a potential win
was worried about their families’ well being and if everyone would be in a safe place if the storm did major damage. “After landing in Louisiana, we constantly prayed about it and put it all in God’s hands,” Frazier said. “We got ourselves refocused and went out and played our butts off for everyone back home.” It is impossible to say how much hurricane stress affected the Panther’s play but Frazier said the team did a good job of keeping one another positive and encouraged at all times.
Midfielder, Elin Svensson, fights for the ball.
Photo by Florida Tech Athletics
Quarterback, Mark Cato, hands the ball off to running back, Antwuan Haynes. Photo by Florida Tech Athletics
Volleyball Spikes Down in Home Opener //LEXI BETTERMANN STAFF WRITER Volleyball jumped into their home-opener this Saturday at 4 p.m. against Embry Riddle, with the Florida Tech student section was filled up and ready to go. As soon as the buzzer blew, we knew it was game time. Florida Tech had the first serve and immediately got down to business. With great rallies and rowdy fans the first set just got away from the Lady Panthers. Embry Riddle wins, leading the match 1–0. After the teams switched sides, the second match began. Embry Riddle had the first serve and they were quick to take the lead again. The Lady Panthers kept
great rallies. High passes, smooth sets and hard hits got them on board throughout the second set. Embry Riddle squeezed by and took the second set
leading the match 2 – 0. There was a short break in between the second and third set. Lady Panthers came out hard because they knew if Embry Riddle took
this set, the game is over. Fans could feel the emotion the girls were playing with. They got even louder than before. Feet stomping, hands clapping,
Kelly Germain, oustide hitter, slams the ball to the other side of the court.
anything they could do to create the most amount of noise - and they did. The fans knew this was going to be a close set. CONTINUED ON 7
Photo by Florida Tech Athletics
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Though Embry Riddle took the lead again, the Lady Panthers answered back harder than before. They closed the gap behind Embry Riddle to only three points. The crowd was
SPORTS going crazy. Students, parents and faculty were all sitting on the edge of their seats. creeping closer and closer to the floor as the set went on. The Lady Panthers then closed the gap to only two points. Defensive specialist,
Kyra Atkinson, made some outstanding digs to keep her team alive. Though the fight was hard for our Lady Panthers, Embry Riddle took the victory in the third set, winning the match 3 – 0. “My digs felt good,”
7 sophomore defensive specialist, Kyra Atkinson, said. “I knew I had to go hard if we wanted to win.” The Lady Panther’s next home game is on September 22 at 7 p.m., when they take on the Buccaneers of Barry University.
Florida Tech football game vs. Shorter (Cont.)
Mark Cato, 12, setting up a play.
Photo by Mmusi Kevin Motsumi
CONTINUED FROM FRONT “The mindset going into this game was to get better, that was a great team we played last week. We had chances to win and we didn't come out with [the win]. So we came out here trying to play better, it wasn’t a perfect game, but we got the win. We are going to continue to get better weekly, everyday
in practice, so when we come out here everything is fluent.” Along with running for 188 yards, Haynes also scored two touchdowns. One of them came with about 8 minutes left to play in the 4th quarter, a 35-yard burst right up the middle of the Hawks defense. “I saw the touchdown
Panthers kick-off during the game against Shorter University.
and I just had to get in there,” Haynes said. “I was a little winded, but I had to get in there.” The Panthers didn’t allow any points scored defensively, the only touchdown by Shorter was via an interception thrown by senior, Mark Cato, that was ran all the way back into the endzone.
“For three straight games we didn’t start well. We’ve put ourselves in the hole for the last three games,” Englehart said. “Our defense really had a great performance and everyone played very well tonight. They pitched a shutout against Shorter. They really are a bend and don’t break kind of defense,
but in crucial moments they come up with big stops.” Florida Tech visits Mississippi College to take on the 0-3 Choctaws next week on Saturday, Sep. 23 at 7 p.m. Live coverage of the game will be available on floridatechsports.com and on 89.5 FM WFIT and WFIT.org.
Photo by Mmusi Kevin Motsumi
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