SEPT. 18
2018
Vol. 52 Issue 6 | Since 1966
THE SENTINEL Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel KSU CELEBRATES VICTORY
KSU files lawsuit extensions to resolve complaints
KSU provides game tickets to Florence evacuees Sabrina Kerns | News Editor
Alex Guevera | Staff Writer Kennesaw State officials and former KSU President Sam Olens filed extensions on Sunday, Sept. 9, on two pending lawsuits involving two student organizations that filed complaints against the university earlier this year. Ratio Christi, a Christian student organization at KSU, filed a complaint against the university in February and KSU’s chapter of Young Americans for Freedom filed another complaint in March. According to court documents obtained by the Sentinel, the university has filed multiple extensions, with the most recent indicating a 14-day extension lasting until Wednesday, Sept. 19. The court documents state that “the requested extension is not for the purpose of delay or any other improper purpose; rather, it seeks time only to permit the parties to continue to attempt to resolve the case and to avoid any unnecessary expenditure of time, money and effort associated with preparing and filing pleadings that may ultimately be unnecessary.” Both student organizations agreed to the extensions as a way to give the university time to resolve all or some of the issues raised in both complaints. According to the court documents, “the parties have made significant progress toward resolving the claims and issues in this litigation.” Ratio Christi said in the complaint filed in February that KSU’s policies on where students can put up displays on campus and speak to students are unconstitutional. The group “sought to conduct a prolife display on campus in 2016 and 2017 to prompt dialogue with students and faculty on the issue of abortion,” according to the complaint. The complaint states that the group requested space on the campus green to put up their display, but the university denied their requests and redirected the group to a “speech zone” that the group said only comprises 0.08 percent of the university’s Kennesaw campus. Alliance Defending Freedom filed a suit against KSU in March on behalf of KSU’s Young Americans for Freedom chapter after the university charged the group an extra security fee to invite a guest speaker to campus. The speaker was Katie Pavlich, a news contributor at Fox News and editor at Townhall Magazine. The lawsuit states that, by charging YAF the extra fee for the guest speaker and not allowing the group to use student activity fee funding to clear the cost, the university engaged in “viewpoint discrimination.” “All too often, university officials — including those at Kennesaw State University — seek to silence or restrict those who express ideas to which they object, using a myriad of different university policies to effectuate this censorship,” both complaints state. CONTINUED on page 2.
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Cory Hancock | The Sentinel
Isaac Foster (12) returns a kickoff for a touchdown to open the second half of the matchup between Kennesaw State and Alabama State at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
“Our thoughts and
OWLS EXTERMINATE HORNETS 62-13, SET SCORING RECORD Tyhi Conley | Staff Writer Totaling 563 yards of offense, the Kennesaw State football team broke a school record for points scored in a 62-13 victory over Alabama State University on Saturday, Sept. 15. Despite facing their second consecutive weather delay Saturday night, the Owls had no delay in their play, getting off to a much quicker start than last week’s victory over Tennessee Tech. “It’s very pleasing to see,” quarterback Chandler Burks said. “When you lose leadership guys from last year, you come into a new year and you have to build your identity. I think the 2018 Kennesaw State Owls are starting to let everybody know our standard, and we’re not even close to doing it at all phases yet, but we’re getting there.” Darnell Holland led the team in rushing with 136 yards largely due to two explosive runs. Burks, along with backup quarterbacks Daniel David and Tommy Bryant, combined for 197 yards and four touchdowns. In the midst of his 58-yard run, Holland took his eyes off of the end-zone and set them on the TV screen, causing him to trip and fall before he was able to score. His stumble would eventually set up Burks’ third rushing touchdown of the night, pushing his career total to 33 and elevating him to 5th all-time in Big South Conference rushing touchdown history. “Glory to God,” Burks said, referring to whom he gives credit. “I couldn’t do it without my teammates. I also couldn’t do it without Darnell tripping at times.” Holland would soon have his time to shine. On the following drive, Holland found himself in the open field once again,
NEWS
this time finishing the 70-yard run with a touchdown. “I won’t hear the end of it,” Holland said. “That’s the beauty of football. I love football because the next play is always the best play.” The team may have made history in multiple ways offensively, but the defense and special teams put them in position to do so. Two out of its first three touchdowns were set up by turnovers. Overall, the defense forced three turnovers and allowed the Hornets only three chances in the red zone. Isaac Foster took advantage of his time on the field with a breakout-day at special teams. Foster took off for a 100-yard kick-off return, the longest return in program history. He also contributed with four tackles.
OPINION
Cory Hancock | The Sentinel
ARTS AND LIVING
KAEP’S KNEELING IS WHITTEN FIRST MONTH HIGHLIGHTS PATRIOTIC
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“I caught the ball on the right side of the field,” Foster said. “We had a left sideline call, so I’m headed to the left side of the field. I see it just split open, the middle of the field, I just tried to hit it as hard as I could and that was it.” With the victory, the Owls extended their winning streak at home to 10 games. “Ultimately we won at home. That’s something we’ve preached since day one — protect the nest,” head coach Brian Bohannon said. “Last time we lost here was October 15, 2016, and it’s important. It’s important to keep that alive. I’m proud of the win.” The Owls stay at home for their next game as they face Clark Atlanta University on Saturday, September 22 at 6 p.m.
Owls look to tackle Ezra Gray (20) in the matchup with Alabama State at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
prayers go out to those impacted by this hurricane,” Director of Athletics Milton Overton said.
SPORTS
KSU HOLDS HISTORIC TEXT
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Kennesaw State invited residents displaced by Hurricane Florence to its football home-opener game against Alabama State University on Saturday, Sept. 15, as the storm approached the Carolinas. All residents with a valid North Carolina or South Carolina ID were able to receive a complimentary ticket to the game at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, according to the athletic department’s website. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this hurricane,” Director of Athletics Milton Overton said. “For those families displaced by the storm and seeking shelter here in northwest Georgia, we welcome you to our home and hope that a few hours of college football can provide a sense of normalcy during this difficult time.” A limited supply of tickets were available on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to the department’s website. KSU’s athletic department also hosted Coastal Carolina University’s women’s soccer team on Friday, Sept. 14, according the KSU’s website. The team was scheduled to play against Arkansas-Little Rock, but the university could no longer host the game in South Carolina after students evacuated and the campus closed in anticipation of the hurricane’s arrival. Coastal Carolina reached out to KSU women’s soccer coach Benji Walton about the team playing their game against Arkansas-Little Rock at KSU, and the KSU’s Department of Event and Venue Management coordinated an agreement with Coastal Carolina, according to KSU’s website. The game was held at KSU’s Sports and Entertainment Park. “We were more than happy to offer our facilities and work out the details quickly to give Coastal Carolina this option,” said Zach Kerns, executive director of the KSU Sports and Entertainment Park. “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our students, so we welcome any university that seeks our assistance in helping keep their students safe.” According to WSB, the storm has brought heavy flooding to North Carolina and South Carolina since it made land on Thursday, Sept. 13. The largest amount of rain recorded so far was in Swansboro, North Carolina at 34 inches of rain. “That is going to drive the heaviest rain north out of South Carolina, eventually out of North Carolina — although it will likely be another couple of days before all is said and done in North Carolina,” WSB Meteorologist Katie Walls said. Florence was downgraded to a tropical depression on Sunday, Sept. 16, according to WSB.
COACHES EXTEND CONTRACTS
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Page 2 | Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | September 18, 2018
NEWS
CYAAR AWARDS OVER $42,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS Sabrina Kerns | News Editor KSU’s Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery hosted their annual Celebration of Recovery Scholarship Breakfast at the KSU Continuing Education Center on Friday, Sept. 14, to raise funds for student scholarships. The breakfast is held every year to help fund endowed and non-endowed scholarships and student-learning initiatives in the Collegiate Recovery Community, according to KSU’s website. This year, the center awarded $42,320 in scholarships to 20 KSU students within the CRC. The event provided a way for donors and their scholarship recipients to meet and connect. It also gives recipients and the center a chance to thank those who contributed to the funding of endowed and annual scholarships, according to the website. This year, the breakfast highlighted the Allen Family Scholarship in memory of Laura Bradfield. “When my daughter Laura entered college at age 18, she blew out her first semester and entered treatment,” Bradfield’s mother wrote in an article published on her LinkedIn on Sept. 4. “Under the guidance of a recovery program, she had two successful years in college in Colorado, but when she transferred to Kennesaw State in Georgia she elected not to join their collegiate recovery community and her college career was yet cut short again.” “That story plays itself out over and over again on college campuses across the country as students try and navigate through a culture that
is often rooted in how much you can drink versus how well you do in school,” she continued. During the breakfast, several faculty members and scholarship recipients gave speeches about their involvement in the center. Tara Serio, a scholarship recipient, spoke at the breakfast, saying that she was considering taking time away from school during the fall semester. Serio said, however, that the scholarship has since helped with the financial stress of attending school and has allowed her to focus more on her coursework, according to KSU’s website. “I would not be in college this semester had I not received this scholarship,” Serio said. “The CYAAR has really helped me stay on track to graduate and, as a side effect, it has given me the confidence to apply for other scholarships. The entire recovery community has been unbelievably helpful throughout this process.” Serio also spoke about how the CYAAR has created an inclusive environment for her and the other students in the program. She said the center has served as a space for students to seek help without worrying about facing the stigma associated with addiction and recovery. “From my perspective, I have a place on campus where I can go to be myself, share my story and hear from others who have gone through it,” Serio said. “We’re all still able to attend college and build a better life. We’re like family.”
KSU President Dr. Pamela Whitten attended the breakfast and gave a welcome address to the donors and student recipients. According to KSU’s website, Whitten said 60 percent of new students within the CYAAR chose to attend KSU based on its Collegiate Recovery Program. She also said that 38 percent of students in the program were awarded scholarships for the upcoming academic year. Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick, R-East Cobb, was the keynote speaker at the event, speaking on the center’s success, according to KSU’s website. CYAAR Director Teresa Johnston spoke about the growth of the program since she first opened the center in 2007, according to KSU’s website. When the center first opened in 2007, the office consisted of two small offices and a meeting room in Willingham Hall, and now it includes seven full-time and six part-time staff members who help approximately 75 students every year, according to KSU’s website. “The contributions that organizations, corporations and individuals make to the CYAAR are critical because it allows us to focus our attention on the education and wellbeing of the students we serve,” Johnston said. “In providing these scholarships and by offering our students undergraduate and graduate research opportunities involving addiction recovery, KSU will continue to be a model for collegiate recovery CYAAR directorTeresa Johnston, speaks at the KSU Scholarship Breakfast. programs nationwide.”
Photo courtesy of Lauren Kress
President Pamela Whitten finishes up her first month at KSU Megan Butler | Staff Writer Kennesaw State President Dr. Pamela Whitten made an effort to get to know KSU and its community during the first month of the fall semester. On Aug. 13, the first day of the fall semester, Whitten took a tour of the campus and met with different groups at KSU. Whitten said that she hoped to find out what KSU is, what it is “really good at,” what it values and what is important to the community. She said getting to know the community would help her create a “roadmap” for KSU’s future. With the release of her new blog, Written by Whitten, the president has made an effort to stay connected with the university’s thousands of students and faculty members. Whitten’s blog posts feature updated information about what is happening at KSU and the direction KSU is heading. On her first blog post on the first day of the fall semester, Whitten said that she was able to meet with many of the new students during move-in and first-day festivities. Whitten said that she would spend the first few weeks in her new position learning more about KSU, and also said she would continue to try to learn more from students and the rest of the KSU community throughout her presidency at KSU. “I hope students feel very comfortable approaching me and feel they can be direct and candid because we want to have a really open university in terms of being transparent and clear and respectful,” Whitten said. Whitten said that one of her main focuses coming into her position as KSU’s president is to make the university more student-centered. In an email to faculty and staff in August, she urged the KSU community to take the time to ask how they are benefitting students before starting work on a project or idea. “We have a fantastic class of new students, and I expect they will make an impact right away,” Whitten said. Whitten has also highlighted the expanding potential of the students and staff behind KSU’s Honors college. “Since joining Kennesaw State last month, I have been increasingly impressed by the potential for undergraduate research, international education, and community service that the Honors College provides,” Whitten said. She has also welcomed many programs to KSU so far, such as the Coca-Cola First
Generation and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Scholars program, and she has boasted about some of KSU’s recent successes. “There are innovative minds at work throughout the university, whether faculty and students are finding solutions to protect bat populations through the Bioinnovation Lab; or exploring new possibilities for entrepreneurship through the Shore Entrepreneurship Center; or discovering ways of measuring white blood cells using principles of electrical engineering,” Whitten said. In her Sept. 11 blog post, Whitten congratulated the victories of the football team and the women’s volleyball and soccer teams. She promoted athletic support and KSU pride in her blog post by encouraging students to “create a sea of Black and Gold by dressing out each Friday” and to post their photos and videos using #blackandgold on social media “to tell everyone that they are Black and Gold — Proud and Bold!” Whitten has also spoken at several events on campus, the first being KSU’s summer commencement ceremonies that started July 26. Whitten also recently gave a welcome address at the Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery’s Collegiate Recovery Scholarship Breakfast where 20 students were awarded $42,320 in scholarships Friday, Sept. 14. Whitten told the AJC that, while she has a 100-day plan, she and the administration have already started on several projects that Whitten wants to try to implement at KSU. “The train has left the station,” Whitten said. “We are just being careful to do it collaboratively across campus.” Whitten first visited the campus on June 8 before becoming president to hold an open forum for Whitten to tell students, faculty and staff about herself and her career and to give the community an opportunity to ask her any questions they had. The Board of Regents named Whitten as KSU’s president during the summer semester June 12, and Whitten assumed the new position June 16 — over two months ago. “It is going to be a great year for Kennesaw State, so let’s make it a memorable one together!” Whitten said.
KSUPD offers a 12 hour self-defense course for women of all ages and fitness levels.
Photo Courtesy of KSU’s RAD Program
KSU teaches annual Rape Aggression Defense classes Sabrina Kerns | News Editor KSU began its Rape Aggression Defense classes on Monday, Sept. 17, in the multipurpose room of the Austin Residential Complex on the Kennesaw campus. RAD is a self-defense course meant for women of all ages and fitness levels as a way to learn options to escape an attacker, according to KSU’s website. The classes begin with a lecture portion focusing on risk awareness, risk reduction and risk avoidance. The lecture is followed up by hands-on tactical training. “RAD classes are important for students as these classes provide an educational foundation for individuals so they may become more aware of their surroundings to ultimately reduce, recognize and avoid situations that may become harmful to that individual,” said Heather Tucker, KSU Police Department records manager. During the training, students wear protective gear and take part in a simulated attack with “the RAD man,” according to the website.
Lawsuit
RAD is offered as a 12-hour course, broken up into four three-hour classes. KSU’s website states that participants must attend all four of the classes in order to complete the course. Members of the KSU Police Department serve as the instructors for RAD. The classes are open to all students, faculty and staff, according to KSU’s website. The other three classes will be held in the same room on Wednesday, Sept. 19, Monday, Sept. 24, and Wednesday, Sept. 26. “Most victims of rape are women, and assaults against women are very different from an assault that may occur toward a man, which is why RAD systems designed a class specifically for women and one specifically for men,” Tucker said. Other ways for students to protect themselves on and off campus include making sure drapes and shades are closed at night, always locking doors and cars and telling friends or family members before traveling somewhere alone, Tucker said. The Sentinel found last year that KSU
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A former KSU cheerleader also recently filed a complaint against KSU and Georgia officials. Tommia Dean, one of the five cheerleaders who kneeled in protest during a KSU football game in 2017, said in the complaint that officials violated her constitutional rights by attempting to keep her and the other cheerleaders off of the field during the national anthem last year. The complaint also states that Defendants Rep. Earl Ehrhart, R-Powder Springs, and Cobb County Sheriff Neil Warren were “engaged in the conspiracy against Plaintiff [Dean] because of her race and because of she was protesting police brutality against African Americans.” University Spokeswoman Tammy DeMel said the university is unable to comment on pending litigation. Sabrina Kerns contributed to this article.
Keep following The Sentinel for updates on this story.
has higher rates of sexual misconduct than other four-year universities of comparable size such as Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern University and Georgia State University. All three of the other universities have fewer reports of dating violence, stalking and rape than KSU. According to KSU’s daily crime log, this semester alone, there have been three reports of dating violence, one report of sexual battery, one report of sexual assault and one report of stalking. These six reports have been made in a span of 25 days, starting with the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 13. KSU Police referred a student who reported a stalking incident earlier this year in May to the defense classes offered on KSU’s campus. The university has not issued any timely warnings to students for any of the sexual assault, dating violence, sexual battery or stalking reports this year. The last timely warning issued was in November 2017 for a reported fondling on the Marietta campus.
Correction In the Sept. 11 issue of The Sentinel, the article on the first page titled, “KSU student faces additional charges, second warrant on KSU student carrying gun on campus without permit” says that it was written by Sabrina Kerns, news editor. The author listed should instead be Sasha Avchukov, staff writer.
Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | September 18, 2018 | Page 3
NEWS
OUTSIDE THE NEST
Institute to hold Women in Data Science event
Man dies after shark attack off Cape Cod Sasha Avchukov | Staff Writer
What Happened?
Raphael Fonge | Contributor KSUs Analytics and Data Science Institute will hold a Women in Data Science event on Thursday, Sept. 27, for women to learn more about careers in data analytics. Dr. Jennifer Priestley, associate dean of the Graduate College and executive director of the Analytics and Data Science Institute, said that there is a small percentage of women in this industry which the event will address. The event is meant to encourage women at KSU to pursue degrees in computational programs where women are usually underrepresented. Priestley said, however, that more than 40 percent of the students in the data science programs at KSU are female, representing a larger female presence than many other programs. The event will be led by Polly Mitchell-Guthrie, the chair and vice chair of the Analytics Certification Board and secretary of the Analytics Society. She will be speaking about her own experiences in the field and how she worked to get a w leadership position. According to Dr. Priestley, this event is open every month and will have guests who travel from across the country to attend. Guests will speak about research, initiatives, cases and all sectors of the economy as a way to try to coach and mentor women pursuing a degree in data science. The event will also end with a Q&A session. This event is mainly meant for college students who are considering computational degrees. Priestley stressed that data science is an interdisciplinary field with approximately 100 undergraduate students minoring in data analysis at KSU. “One theme that I hear consistently from those who come from less computational disciplines like sociology or psychology is along the lines of, ‘I had a question, and I needed to learn how to analyze data to find the answer. And that required that I learn how to code,’” Priestley said. “Again, their paths are different, but their truth is the same.” Priestley said that KSU started the Women in Data Science initiative in 2018 as a way to engage and support female students as they found their path into the analytics field. The initiative started at KSU as part of a larger global initiative that started at Stanford University, Priestley explained. Priestley said that data science involves working with translation data and information used to solve problems in healthcare, retail and manufacturing. Data science involves core skills such as mathematics, statistics and computer science, and requires that students use applied concepts in real-world projects. The Graduate College published videos on its website in March about the institute, mentioning that data science can be enjoyed by all 13 colleges across KSU.
The Presidential Commission on LGBTQ Initiatives held a welcome reception for falculty and staff.
Juan Pablo | The Sentinel
Arielle Robinson | Contributor Whitten on matters regarding the LGBTQ community on campus, Jackson said. In the past, KSU faculty and staff have assisted with the creation of programs to create a more welcoming campus for KSU’s LGBTQ community. Jackson said the commission’s Preferred Names initiative allows for students to use their preferred names on D2L rather than having to use birth names that they do not identify with. The University System of Georgia Health Insurance policy recommends that the university contact the USG to request that health insurance covers gender transition surgeries and gender dysphoria. The LGBTQ Initiative has also helped build unisex bathrooms on campus for students who do
told CBS News. “I dragged him back to the shore and I got a boogie-board strap and I kind of tied it around his thigh to try to stop the bleeding.” Responders and people on the beach helped rescue Medici from the water and administered CPR. Medici was taken to Cape Cod hospital where he later died from his injuries, reported BBC.
The Latest
LGBTQ commission holds welcoming ceremony Presidential Commission on LGBTQ Initiatives held a welcome reception for KSU faculty and staff on Thursday, Sept. 13, in order to welcome and thank KSU staff and faculty that have been supportive of LGBTQ initiatives. Associate Director of Cultural and Community Centers Brandon Jackson said that faculty and staff who have been supportive or were looking to support LGBTQ initiatives were invited to attend the welcome reception. Jackson said that the reception was a “celebratory event,” and he felt that the event was successful in being welcoming and inclusive for all involved. The Presidential Commission on LGBTQ Initiatives was formed to advise KSU President Dr. Pamela
A 26-year-old man died after a shark attacked him while he was swimming at a beach in Wellfleet, Massachusetts on Saturday. CNN reported that witnesses told police that the victim, Arthur Medici, was bodyboarding with his girlfriend’s brother, Isaac Rocha, around noon when the incident occurred. “I swam to him as fast as I could in that moment,” Rocha
not feel comfortable in single-sex bathrooms and for students with disabilities, Jackson said. Additionally, faculty and staff in past years have given out campus climate surveys to assess how LGBTQ students feel while on campus. In a campus climate survey from 2014, LGBT students “indicated that they experienced both subtle and overt discrimination based on their sexual orientation,” Jackson said. Jackson said the commission hopes to improve that statistic by continuing to promote diverse and inclusive tactics that ensure the safety and welcoming of LGBTQ students at KSU. “There’s always work to be done,” Jackson said.
Officials suspect that the shark was a Great White, which is common in Massachusetts waters, according to CBS. Greg Skomal, a marine biologist and Massachusetts Recreational Fisheries
program manager, told CBS that these sharks are seen daily. “They are there in big numbers. And people have to be vigilant and be aware of it,” Skomal said.
What’s Next The beach has remained closed since Sunday. Officials warned that the amount of sharks has increased with the rising seal population.
Officials suspect that attacks occur because sharks mistake humans for seals or other prey, according to the New York Times.
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Page 4 | Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | September 18, 2018
OPINION
Colin Kaepernick’s peaceful protest is patriotic
Robert Thomas | Staff Writer
Though protest may not always be favored, there is nothing more American, or patriotic, than exposing yourself to the risks that come with fighting for your rights. With Nike’s recent ad featuring the controversial NFL football player, Colin Kaepernick, the issue of his kneeling in protest during the national anthem has been propelled into the spotlight once again. Challenging Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Rep. Beto O’Rourke recently exposed this perspective in a viral video posted on Twitter by NowThis News. O’Rourke iterates that not only were the freedoms we enjoy as Americans purchased by those in uniform, but also by those who knowingly risked life and limb in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Those who died were beaten within an inch of their lives, punched and spat upon for the crime of trying to be a man or woman in this country and fought to secure better rights for fellow Americans.
Today, these players peacefully and nonviolently take a knee at football games to point out that black men, black teenagers and black children are being killed at an alarming level, often by members of law enforcement without accountability or justice. “Non-violently, peacefully, while the eyes of this country are watching these games, they take a knee to bring our attention and our focus to this problem to ensure that we fix it,” O’Rourke said. “I can think of nothing more American than to peacefully stand up, or take a knee, for your rights, anytime, anywhere or any place.” Protest by its own nature is meant to be controversial and force as many people as possible to consider an issue that they otherwise would have ignored. Considering the massive national attention and controversy surrounding the protests, I would say the protests have been largely successful in their purpose. It is also worth noting that while Kaepernick originally sat during the anthem, a compromise was made after speaking to a veteran and asserting his desire for change and an unwillingness to stand for the flag of a country that oppressed black people and people of color. According to NPR, U.S.
Army special forces veteran Nate Boyer advised Kaepernick to instead take a knee during the anthem as a sign of respect. Kaepernick has also received support from numerous military veterans in his protest, and several even published an open letter of support in Medium. “Far from disrespecting our troops, there is no finer form of appreciation for our sacrifice than for Americans to enthusiastically exercise their freedom of speech,” the letter states. The letter also references an analysis by the Washington Post, that found that black people in America are two and a half times more likely to be shot and killed by police than white Americans. According to The Undefeated, U.S. Army veteran Richard Allen Smith, who was a signer to the letter, said politicians and corporations often use the military and its servicemen and women as a prop to cloak themselves in credibility. We must transform the attitude surrounding those who peacefully fight to better the nation. Those who do, do so out of a deep patriotic devotion to the nation and its peoples, and an understanding of its great potential — not out of a disrespect for it.
Americans are missing Russian voices in media Hunter Cawood | Guest Contributor From the hyper-sensationalism of the Trump-Russia saga to the bated breaths that now hold on as the United States and Russia ostensibly approach direct conflict in Syria — the stakes have never been higher, and yet most Americans are only hearing one side of the story. A month ago, I graduated with a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Management at Saint Petersburg State University. In the time that I have sojourned back and forth between the U.S. and Russia, I’ve had the unique opportunity of evaluating both sides of a New Cold War story that is rapidly being written. As someone who speaks Russian, I’ve been able to watch Russian television, engage with Russians and their points of view and simultaneously compare that experience with the national dialogue unfolding here in the U.S. The most surprising thing I have discovered since going abroad is that Russians are very much aware of what Americans are saying about Russia. Americans, on the other hand, are not so well acquainted with the other side. In April, a slew of local news stations owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group was shown in a video reciting the same exact script to millions of viewers. This incident caused shock and outrage. Armchair pundits across Twitter called the video “insidious” and “terrifying,” and yet the Sinclair scandal somewhat mirrors the way our nation has dealt with issues involving Russia. For the past two years, journalists, pundits and self-described Russia experts across the mainstream media have parroted the same talking points in regards to Russia. Repetitions of “Putin is a former KGB agent,” and “Russia is seeking to sow discord and undermine our democracy,” and “Russia is acting as a rogue state” has plastered news columns and television screens, and could easily be compiled into a Sinclair-like clip. Although our media is full of good people with good intentions, what we have when it comes to Russia is a monolithic consensus that shows growing shades of groupthink. Our conversations on Russia often lack meaningful context and much-needed self-awareness. We have a national conversation that is on the verge of malnourishment, void of the sort of thought diversity that fosters better group-decision making. What we need is a balanced diet, and what’s currently missing from our diet is Russian voices. For most Americans, the summit at Helsinki was the brief and only interaction with a Russian perspective. Many Americans I talk to are clueless of what Russians would say on topics of international importance. However, in my experience, Americans and Russians do tend to agree when both sides know what the other side is saying. Americans overwhelmingly value democracy and the idea that people have the right to self-determination. Coincidentally, Crimea is a quintessential example of democracy and self-determination on display, and yet there is a fundamental disconnect between America’s values towards democracy and the official position of the U.S. government. The fact is, and what Russians will rebut with, is that in 2014 an overwhelming majority of Crimeans voted in a
We cannnot continue to have a conversation about Russia without hearing their side of the story.
Alex Keller | The Sentinel
democratic referendum to reunify with Russia. Indeed, numerous polls showed that a majority of Crimeans favored reunification with Russia as early as 2009. Even a post-referendum Gallup Poll found that 82 percent of Crimeans believe that referendum reflects the views of most Crimeans. The U.S. has instead levied sanctions on Russia and introduced sanctions that specifically target Crimea. The problem is those hard-hitting Obama-era sanctions targeting Crimea present a very obvious contradiction between American values and American actions. While decreeing it illegal to export and import goods and services to Crimea, the sanctions targeting the Crimean peninsula illogically punish Crimeans for voting their conscience — something Americans traditionally consider a value worth defending. Americans are generally consistent at maintaining their values when given both sides of a story, but that starts with having both sides of the story. Our media has a tremendous impact on both our government and our politicians, but missing from this crucial national dialogue about Russia are Russians.
Georgia students must vote in state- Drug addiction deserves more awareness level elections Sharonjeet Kaur | Staff Writer
Jonathan Phelps | Staff Writer Voting is not only a right but a necessary action fundamental to the preservation of our democracy. We have a duty to ready ourselves to vote in the upcoming Georgia general elections. With this right comes an imperative to encourage our friends, peers and acquaintances to register and vote. Georgia’s state-level elections will take place on Nov. 6. Included on the ballot will be six proposed amendments to the state’s constitution. In 1781, writing to the Boston Gazette, Samuel Adams said that when citizens vote, they are “executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable.” As a founding father, Adams recognized that our expression of political action through voting is one of the most important duties of an individual to their democracy. According to reports by the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement, about 54 percent of eligible students at KSU voted in the 2016 presidential election. That number is slightly above the national average of 50 percent at learning institutions. Though we can claim a better than average score, these numbers do not point to the levels of engagement we should strive towards at KSU. These statistics indicate that of all eligible voters, only 77 percent were registered. Of that percentage, only about 70 percent of registered students actually voted. Though general state elections are not nearly as high-profile as a presidential race, they are still just as important to the function of our democracy. Our last midterm election saw a turnout of 50 percent among registered voters across Georgia in 2014. According to Fairvote.org, these numbers still outrun the national midterm average of 40 percent across states, but they still leave room for improvement.
For the 20 percent of eligible students who have not yet registered to vote, the registration deadline ends on Oct. 9, less than a month from now. Absentee ballots open on Sept. 18, with the last day for mail-in ending on Nov. 2. I recommend that everyone should double-check the status of their registration in case it has expired or in case their information was removed in recent voting roll purges. Once your status is squared away, it is time to spread the word and remind your peers to register. Spreading the word is an easy step that can lead to public action. A simple reminder from a friend or family member can motivate others to get involved in the election. One way we can encourage others is by sharing online resources to help people register, learn about candidates and get to their polling places. Residents can register to vote, check their registration status, and find their appropriate polling station using Georgia My Voter Page. Sites such as VoteSmart.org can also let voters quickly learn and evaluate candidates’ policy platforms and voting history, making it a great resource for self-education. Both pages can be shared on social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter to reach broad audiences and help. Students can also use KSU Turbo Vote to register and order absentee ballots. For those looking to go the extra mile, you can volunteer for services like Carpool Vote as a driver to help shuttle people to your local polling station. This service is also a great resource to spread around, as many people may not have their own transportation to polling stations. It is crucial that we take whatever steps we can towards encouraging as many people to vote as possible. Whether through social media or word of mouth, getting the word out is important to maintaining a healthy democracy. As students, let’s reach out this month and help our state and our university advance the representation of all members of our society, starting with our fellow Owls.
With one in six college students struggling with a substance abuse disorder, which is more than double the rate of the general population, Kennesaw State must make drug addiction awareness a priority. We as a university system must recognize that our students are not invincible to the effects of drug addiction. The effects of popular drugs such as Xanax, synthetic cathinones and methylenedioxymethamphetamine has just as much of a threat to college students than it is to the rest of the nation. In fact, as the White House has declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency, Georgia is one of the top states with the most opioid overdose-related deaths. In 2017, there were 165 overdose deaths in Cobb County alone. Farther from home, popular rapper Malcolm McCormick, more commonly known as Mac Miller, was found unresponsive at his home in Los Angeles the morning of Sept. 7. His autopsy and cause of death are still pending, but his death was apparently due to a drug overdose. This can be traced back to at least 2013 when he was openly rapping about his addiction to prescription opiate cough syrup. Addiction in the celebrity community gets attention on news outlets, but what about right here at home in the KSU commwunity? Where can students turn to? It is time to use fewer hashtags and look for solutions and long-term changes for all. Drug addiction is defined by the National
Institute on Drug Abuse as a chronic disease of drug use that is compulsive or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. Drugs that affect the brain’s reward circuit flood the brain with dopamine, a “feel good” neurotransmitter. But continued use of these drugs leads to neurons requiring higher levels of dopamine to respond to the reward circuit. Physically, this is seen as a person taking more of a drug to reach the same high. This can also cause changes to the brain’s circuitry, leading to problems in the brain’s function in judgment, memory, stress, behavior, decision-making and learning. When it comes to death due to overdose, one should examine the root cause of an individual to use drugs and what lead to the addiction. It may be disruptions in the person’s environment that lead to their drug use. Each person has their own unique life experiences which can lead to different life choices and outcomes. It is important for drug addicts to know that it is not their fault and that help is available. The Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery is a campus resource available for KSU students who are facing issues with addiction. It has various professionals and resources available, as well as the Collegiate Recovery Community and the Collegiate Recovery Program. The CYAAR encourages KSU students, faculty, parents and the greater KSU community to stop by and learn more about alcohol, drugs, addiction and recovery.
Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | September 18, 2018 | Page 5
ARTS AND LIVING CONSTITUTION WEEK CALENDAR The panel will be in room 101 of the Sturgis Library.
Lauren Hohn | Contributor books in the collection. According to Livingston, age alone is not what makes a book rare. “Many people think that if a book is a hundred years old, that it’s a rare book,” Livingston said. “Well, it is certainly an old book, but what makes a rare book rare is that it is in limited supply and there’s a high demand.” This means that modern publications can join the collection, such as fine press books — some of which are currently on display. Livingston encourages younger generations to keep physical copies of books, photographs and other records despite living in the digital age. “Not only do [books] provide documentation and evidence of the past, but they also help us make . . . connections with past history — with past people,” Livingston said.
One of the pieces on display at the Kevin Barrett | the Sentinel Bentley Rare Book Museum.
This will take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
9/18-20
KSU library has served as a Federal Depositary for 50 years.
Freedom of Expression Workshops Students can learn about their First Amendment rights during the following times: Tuesday 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Wednseday 3:30 - 5 p.m. Thursday 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Attendees will learn about the Public Service Comission, the regulating body that determines the cost and source of energy. The event will take place in room A216 in the Marietta student center from 3:30-4:45 p.m.
Affecting Environmental Policy through Direct Democracy The Kennesaw chapter of the Citizen Climate Lobby and local nonprofits will discuss upcoming voter opportunities on environmental policy. The discussion will be in room 1002 of Prillaman Hall on the Kennesaw campus.
Field Trip Friday
9/21
Deep Dive in the Public Service Commission
Students have the opportunity to go to tour the Georgia Capitol building from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
National Voter Registration Day
9/25
The Bentley Rare Book collection houses ancient artifacts
9/17
coordinated a series of protests where students kneeled during the national anthem at public events during the 2017-18 school year. One protest happened during a football game and another during Olen’s investiture. Others happened on the campus green. These protests gained national attention and spread quickly on social media using #TakeAKneeKSU. After realizing the protests alone wouldn’t bring the desired changes, the organizers met with Olens and presented a list of “charges” against him. The charges included the cutting of funding to black student programs, the removal of three KSU hiring ads that included the words “social justice,” the choice to strip the African American Student Alliance of the ability to choose the speaker at Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the forced removal of the words “black lives matter” from pamphlets made by the black studies program and the silencing of KSU cheerleaders. Vaca wants KSU students to know about TakeAKneeKSU’s meeting with former president Olens and their charges against him because she believes the charges were likely an essential part in Olens’ resignation, which she says happened about two weeks after the meeting. Now, at the start of a new football season, four of the five cheerleaders who knelt last year have been cut from the team, with one actively suing the university. “Students have the power on the campus . . . but we have to harness that power,” Vaca said. “We do not want to let these issues be swept under the rug by the new administration.” Vaca says that TakeAKneeKSU is planning to meet with President Whitten to continue the discussion on racial justice. “We can’t look forward unless we address the things that have been happening for years,” Vaca said. Students and faculty who are interested in getting involved can email takeakneeksu@gmail.com
9/18
Luke Gardner | Staff Writer
Federal Depository 50th anniversary
9/24
Student activist propels TakeAKneeKSU forward
KSU’s Bentley Rare Book Museum hosts open houses every Thursday where students can study various collections of unique texts. Do you have a fascination with rare archives and literary history? The Bentley Rare Book Museum provides Kennesaw State students with the opportunity to view such archives and documents from the museum every Thursday from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on the first floor of Sturgis Library on the Kennesaw Campus. “It’s a chance for people to get a hands-on experience with our materials and ask questions,” said Dr. Tamara Livingston, director of Rare Books, Archives & Records Management at KSU. The museum is open to the public every Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the weekly open house will have a new theme every week. On Sept. 13, the open house theme was music and on Sept. 20 the theme will be early scientific texts. The open house is not the only event the museum offers. The BRBM currently houses the exhibit “Getting Medieval: The Making of a Medieval Manuscript,” which includes a collection of intricate illuminations, a feast calendar and a copy of “Dante’s Inferno” with margin notes from the book’s owner in the sixteenth century. The museum has several more exhibits than the ones displayed during open houses. The week of September 23, the BRBM will display a collection of banned books to coincide with Banned Books Week. In spring, the department will collaborate with Phillip Kiernan, an associate professor of Art History at KSU, to display “Discovering Books and Bronzes,” an exhibit that will match ancient bronze sculpture with rare
Constitution Con will be held in the library on both campuses from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
A panel discussion about how different life would be without First Amendment rights will begin at 10 a.m.
Ryan Basden | the Sentinel
Alexa Vaca speaks at a press conference in Oct. 2017 on the KSU Cheerleaders who knelt during the national anthem.
A KSU Student spoke with the Sentinel about her role as a leader in the #TakeAKneeKSU movement. Standing up for what you believe in isn’t always easy, especially when it means standing up to those in control of your education. There is a long and untold history of student activism at Kennesaw State, one that has culminated to form grassroots movements like TakeAKneeKSU. TakeAKneeKSU is a loosely-formed group without a set organizational structure. Students who want to be involved dive in head-first, sometimes stepping up to take leadership roles. Alexa Vaca is such a student, who is currently serving as the movement’s main organizer. Vaca, a senior political science major, explained this history and her role serving as a student organizer in the TakeAKneeKSU movement. “Change only happens when people let love and compassion lead them,” Vaca said. Vaca explained that the TakeAKneeKSU protests did an excellent job of shaking up the community and drawing awareness and attention, but much more behind-the-scenes work goes into making sure that the campus is safe and welcoming for students of color. Vaca described the hushed nature of the job when she explained that if organizing strategies get leaked, TakeAKneeKSU could face silencing and bureaucratic pushback. The movement’s origins reach back to 2015 when concerned student organizers at KSU decided to take a stand by presenting a list of student demands to former President Daniel Papp in 2015, who, according to Vaca, agreed to continually meet with the organizers. Some of the demands included hiring a more diverse staff and requiring students and faculty to undergo diversity training. After Papp left and Sam Olens took office, student organizers with a newly formed name, TakeAKneeKSU,
Attendees can expect a free pocket Constitution, refreshments, help with voter regristration and Constitution trivia.
Constitution Con Panel
9/17
9/17
Constitution Con
Students will have the opportunity to register to vote, pratice on a sample ballot machine, check polling locations and get absentee ballots. The event will be in the student center on both campuses from 10 a.m. - 2p.m.
Page 6 | Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | September 18, 2018
KSU chooses Morocco for Annual Country Study program Shannon Mayembe | Staff Writer KSU students can learn about the culture and history of Morocco through a series of events and curriculums. Kennesaw State’s Annual Country Study Program set its sights on Morocco for the 2018-19 school year, giving students a chance to learn about the country’s historical significance and dynamic change. KSU students, faculty, staff and members of the community can get involved with KSU’s Year of Morocco by attending various events where participants discuss and learn about the society, culture, cuisine and music of Morocco. One such event is “The Taste of Morocco Food Bazaar” hosted by the Department of Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality. The event will feature recipes that highlight traditional dishes and ingredients of Morocco. “Some people may elect to simply attend one or two events. Others may attend more regularly,” said Dr. Dan Paracka, director of Campus Internationalization. During the spring semester, students can get involved in a number of projects such as the “Moroccan Solar Tree build” on the Marietta campus. Year of Morocco also hosts a literacy project where students research literacy in relation to Morocco. Students that take part in the literacy project will have an opportunity to present their findings at the Year of Morocco conference in spring 2019. Year of Morroco will also have a seminar abroad program taking place from March 28 through April 7, 2019, in Morocco. Paracka believes that studying abroad is a “very
effective means for promoting deeper levels of understanding” he said. “It is both humbling and empowering, helping students to understand how much they have to learn as well as how inspiring this wonderfully rich world is.” According to Paracka, the program aims to teach students to appreciate and understand just how complex and interconnected the world is by providing opportunities to develop the intercultural awareness needed to work effectively in differing environments. KSU has long-standing partnerships with Hassan II University located in Casablanca and with Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, which made Morocco an ideal location for the program. KSU’s ACSP has been around for 34 years and helps break down stereotypes, build connections across the world and develop intercultural awareness. Each year, the program rolls out new courses and curriculum, research projects, education abroad programs and global partnerships. “When we select countries for the ACSP, we always select countries from different world regions,” said Paracka. “The undergraduate student who studies at KSU for four years can learn about four countries in four different parts of the world.” Students interested in participating in Year of Morocco projects and classes can go to the program’s website for a complete list of projects and steps on how to get involved.
A handful of the EVT members with two of their electrically powered go-karts.
Kevin Barrett | the Sentinel
Club of the Week: Electric Vehicle Team Zack Hill | Staff Writer Electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent in our society and KSU’s Electric Vehicle Team offers students a chance to build and race them. Kennesaw State’s Electric Vehicle Team gives students an opportunity to learn more about the emerging world of electric vehicles through hands-on experience. This student organization meets every Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the Wilder Communications building on the Marietta campus. The meetings, which are open to everyone and are not mandatory, usually entail discussing subjects such as current and future projects, events and workshops. With over 40 active members, the team ranges from students majoring in electrical engineering to business management. “The Electric Vehicle Team is an extracurricular club that allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom and get to do hands-on projects”, said Ousman Ndow, president of the team. Ndow expressed that a goal of the team is to prepare its members to be able to apply their skills in real-world applications. Members also have the opportunity to learn transferable skills, take advantage of networking opportunities and learn how to work on a team. The EVT’s projects are not limited to electric vehicles. Ndow explained that many students joining the team are freshmen who may need help learning general electrical engineering skills like circuit building.
There are two branches that the team is divided into, the EVGrand Prix Go-Kart division and the Formula Societal Automotive Engineers Electrical division. The EVGrand Prix is a less competitive and smaller go-kart race in Indianapolis with more relaxed regulations. In this competition, teams are given a base frame for their vehicle and are limited to how much power there can be in the electric motors. The Formula SAE Electrical division is more competitive and larger in scale. Hosting over 80 similar teams from all over the world, the SAE International competition has more regulations for teams that compete. Vehicles must be built from scratch with strict rules on how the vehicles can be put together. Currently, the EVT has two go-karts, one that is running and one that is a developmental go-kart for students to learn from. Another goal for the team is to develop an autonomous system on the development of go-karts that would turn them into self-driving vehicles. The team attends other events such as Maker Faire 2018 in October to showcase their cars and other vehicles. According to Ndow, showcase faires are a good way of getting both high school students and transfer students interested in going to KSU. “That was the main reason I wanted to come to this school — I wanted to join Formula SAE and be a part of the EVT,” said Ndow. More information about the Electric Vehicle Team can be found on its Owl Life page.
ACROSS 1. Capital of Tunisia 6. Gumshoe 9. “____, over here” 13. #18 Across, alt. sp. 14. Busy one 15. Misrepresent 16. “____ One” on a ticket 17. ____ ____ mode 18. Become hardened to 19. *Pinching crustacean 21. *SquarePants 23. *Female #19 Across 24. Frigid shipping hazard 25. Medicinal baths locale 28. Microsoft browser 30. Peter of Peter, Paul and Mary 35. Stay out of its way! 37. Like word of mouth 39. Truth, in the olden days 40. American Society for Clinical Investigation 41. *a.k.a. solvent of life 43. Title for Turkish leader 44. Woodwind mouthpieces 46. Large, prefix 47. Alexander Hamilton vs. Aaron Burr, e.g. 48. Alaskan archipelago 50. Agitate 52. Before, in verse 53. Fire starter, in a pinch 55. Lamb serving 57. *Star of Raffi’s song 60. *Where ocean meets river 64. Not a trick 65. Boozehound 67. It is best not mentioned 68. Eagle’s nest 69. Grass bristle 70. Japan to U.S. in WW2 71. Gwyneth, for short 72. Actress ____ Thompson 73. Official state sport of Wyoming DOWN 1. *Ocean color, bluish green 2. Ctrl + Z 3. Like after a novocaine shot 4. March marchers 5. Parlor piece 6. Alpine transport 7. *Snake-like fish 8. ____-fire 9. Teller’s partner 10. Terrestrial gastropod 11. Make children 12. Kickoff prop 15. Methane 20. Furnish with a fund 22. Be nosy 24. “Egg ____,” egg substitute 25. *Thresher ____ 26. Promenade in Spain 27. Formed a curve 29. SI unit of mass 31. Beatles’ “Abbey ____” 32. “____ One: A Star Wars Story” 33. Not the same one 34. *Giant mammal 36. Calf-length skirt 38. Toy block 42. Train runners 45. “Yes, Sir!” gesture 49. Party barrel 51. It’s “sealed with a kiss” 54. Like allergy spray 56. *Excrement of sea birds 57. Tea or beer 58. Strange and spooky 59. Been in bed 60. Volcano in Sicily 61. Tucked in 62. Capital of boot-shaped country 63. Walk-the-dog toy 64. “You’re it” game 66. Be obliged
Sept. 18 SOLUTION
CROSSWORD:
Marine Life
SUDOKU
Image courtesy of KSU
ARTS AND LIVING
Sept. 18 SOLUTION
Listen to Owl Radio! Check them out on the RadioFX app and online at ksuradio.com!
Get involved with The Peak! Apply online at studentmedia.kennesaw.edu!
Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | September 18, 2018 | Page 7
SPORTS
Chastang leads as volleyball gets back to winning ways Rio White | Sports Editor
Football head coach Brian Bohannon talks with reporters following a practice.
Kevin Barrett | The Sentinel
COACHES EARN CONTRACT EXTENSIONS AFTER SEVERAL SUCCESSUL SEASONS Rio White | Sports Editor After successful seasons in their respective sports, football coach Brian Bohannon and volleyball coach Keith Schunzel have earned extensions to their contracts at Kennesaw State. Over the past three years, Bohannon has helped build the football program from the ground up, immediately establishing KSU as a formidable force in the Football Championship Subdivision. “What coach Bohannon has accomplished in such a short amount of time is incredible,” Director of Athletics Milton Overton said. “Coach Bohannon strives tirelessly to encourage his student-athletes to be men of character and challenges them to be champions in the classroom, on the field, in the community and in life.” So far, he has amassed a 28-11 record with the Owls while creating an exciting and winning culture
that recruits can look forward to joining. While his work has helped create the leading rushing attack in the FCS, Bohannon has also been a vocal supporter of hard work from his athletes in the classroom and off the field. Last season, the Owls won the Big South Conference and made it to the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs, solidifying their presence in the football world. With the large media market of Atlanta and plenty of high school talent to recruit from, KSU is set to become a vital part of the local sports community for years to come and it is difficult to see anyone besides Bohannon at the helm. His new contract extension will last through the 2023 season. Meanwhile, Schunzel has found great success of his own, leading the volleyball team to their first conference championship and
NCAA tournament appearance last season. Over the past five years, he has gradually grown the program into a successful one, building up a 66-56 record in the process. His recruiting during this time has resulted in a well-balanced team that plays with distinct aggressiveness. After the success of last season, Schunzel scheduled a number of difficult opponents for this season to challenge the team. With a 9-4 record so far, his contract extension to 2022 already looks to be justified. “The commitment that KSU has made to volleyball is so exciting as a head coach because we came in with big dreams and expectations,” Schunzel said. “As we move forward, I am more excited than ever to reach our goals and do it at a university where so many great things are happening both inside and outside of the athletic department.”
Laura Chastang recorded 41 kills over the three matches played in Troy, Alabama as the Owls swept their weekend series. The volleyball team began its weekend against Florida A&M on Friday, Sept. 14. Chastang and Liesl Engelbrecht had 14 kills each while Lexi Broadwater recorded a doubledouble with 35 assists and 12 digs. Only three sets were needed as the Owls snapped a four-game losing streak in beating the Rattlers. The first two sets were tight early on until the Owls found ways to break through and dominate. By the third set, they had total control. Later that day, KSU played hosts Troy in a more closely-contested match. While Chastang led the way again with 13 kills, Quin Sutphin and Sydni Shelton were close behind. Engelbrecht finished the match with 10 blocks. The Owls were down early, conceding the first set 25-12. Settling in the second set, they
managed to hold on to win before losing the third set. The Trojans got out to an early lead in the fourth set but KSU fought through, coming from behind to 25-15. An exciting final set saw the Owls score six consecutive points to finish off the Trojans 15-7. “Really proud of our team. We learned a lot of things about ourselves tonight and pulled out a solid road win in the process,” said head coach Keith Schunzel. “It was an up and down match statistically for both teams but we had some really nice performances, attacking and blocking from Quin Sutphin and Sydni Shelton.” In the final game on Saturday against Jacksonville State, Shelton tied the team’s season-high for kills with 19. The Owls came from behind to beat the Gamecocks after dropping the first two sets. Losing each of the first two sets by the minimum of two points, KSU handily won the third set
The volleyball team starts a new winning streak after losing to Auburn on Sept. 11.
before taking advantage of their opponent’s errors to win the final two sets. “To come back from a two-set deficit against any team is really hard, so I couldn’t be prouder of our players for staying calm and staying the course,” Schunzel said. “As a coach, it’s clear as day we need to keep working to achieve more consistent play.” Three Owls were given awards following the three matches that comprised the Troy Classic. While Chastang was named as the MVP for the overall event, Shelton and defensive specialist Karlee Groover were named to the All-Tournament team. The Owls go on the road this week as they first travel to play the New Jersey Institute of Technology on Friday, Sept. 21, before they head south to visit North Alabama on Sunday.
Katie Spare | The Sentinel
Winning streak ends for soccer as conference schedule looms Teddy Teshome and Perry Turnipseed | Staff Writers The Kennesaw State women’s soccer team played twice last week, relinquishing their four-match winning streak in a loss at Samford University before drawing against Mercer University at home. After an impressive start to the season, the Owls concluded their non-conference play this weekend with minor setbacks. For only the second time this season, the Owls failed to score as they lost 2-0 to the Bulldogs on Thursday, September 13. The Owls did not play like themselves on the night with sloppy defensive and offensive performances, allowing an 11-0 shot advantage for Samford at the half and an 18-1 advantage by the end of the match. Samford took a 1-0 lead on 31 minutes on the first of two goals by Allie Sam. A pass was intercepted by the Bulldogs at the halfway line and an immediate counterattack ensued. Sam took one touch outside the box and buried it in the bottom corner. As the Owls struggled in the closing minutes, a victory
seemed further away from reach. Throughout the entire match, the only shot attempted by the Owls was by Sophomore Erin Harris who seemed to be the only hope in the game with a close-call shot in the closing minutes. Sam swooped in again with a well-deserved goal to complete her brace after the endless pressure she was putting on the Owls throughout the night. She sealed the victory with a goal on 85 minutes. “Full credit goes to Samford. They came out more prepared than we did and controlled the game,” said head coach Benji Walton. “Unfortunately, it was a game where we weren’t at our best and they took it to us.” The Owls returned home to Fifth Third Bank Stadium to play Mercer on Sunday night. Freshman striker Jenna Vollrath scored her third goal of the season on nine minutes making her joint top scorer this season with Erin Harris and Emely Sosa. Sosa provided the assist on the goal. Mercer equalized on 81 minutes
through Abigail Zoeller. The game went into overtime but remained scoreless and ended in a draw. “Mercer is a good team. They are having a lot of success, leading the country in goals and doing a lot of good things that work to their style,” Walton said. “I think we had a little bit of trouble connecting passes and were our own worst enemy in the first half.” The Owls were out-shot 18-12 and Tiffany Sornpao made eight saves. With non-conference play concluded, the Owls now look to their Atlantic Sun Conference schedule. “Being 7-2-1 in non-conference play is pretty good, we’ll take that,” Walton said. “We beat some real quality opponents and it was our toughest non-conference schedule since I’ve been here.” The Owls begin ASUN Conference play this Friday, Sept. 21, at home against Liberty. The game will take place at Fifth Third Bank Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
Buy a Mac. Get Beats. Pick up an eligible Mac for college and you’ll get Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones on us and Apple education pricing. And with AppleCare+ you can protect your purchase.* Apple Authorized Campus Store University Stores at Kennesaw State University ksustore.kennesaw.edu
*Qualified Purchasers can receive Promotion Savings when they purchase an eligible Mac or eligible iPad Pro with a pair of Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones, Powerbeats3 Wireless earphones, or BeatsX earphones. Purchases must be made at U.S. Apple Store locations, the U.S. Apple Online Store for Education, or U.S. Apple Authorized Campus Stores, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE, from July 12, 2018, through September 25, 2018. Only one Promotion Product per eligible Mac or eligible iPad Pro per Qualified Purchaser. Offer subject to availability. While supplies last. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.apple.com/promo for full details.
Isabella Contreras (21) defends the ball against a Mercer player during Sunday’s match.
Richard Blythe | The Sentinel
Page 8 | Kennesaw State University | The Sentinel | September 18, 2018
SPORTS