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A TECH TALK PUBLICATION
MEET THE 2014 HOMECOMING COURT PAGE 5
GET A GLIMPSE OF WHAT HAPPENED DURING HOMECOMING WEEK PAGE 6
HOW WILL THE BULLDOGS FAIR AGAINST THE HILLTOPPERS? PAGE 3 PAGE 12
THE YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A
QUEEN 2013 Homecoming Queen Madison Byles reflects on her year as Louisiana Tech royalty • PAGE 3
PAGE 11
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The Tech Talk
HOMECOMING EDITION 2014
Dear Alumni, Students, Faculty and Staff,
H
ere it is, our Homecoming edition. By the time this paper is published, Homecoming Week will be in full swing. We will have already had talent shows and marathons, concerts and step shows, scavenger hunts and cook-offs.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
THE
LADIES
This Saturday is the culmination of the entire week. We will face off with the Hilltoppers on the battlefield of Joe Aillet Stadium. And we will win. And our alumni will be with us the entire way. Homecoming is the most important week of our academic year. And there is a reason that its name is so literal. College is like a second home. For many, it is their first taste of freedom. It is the first time you experience real life. It stays with you, too. Not just in the academic sense. You make lifelong friends and have unforgettable experiences. College is important. Louisiana Tech is important. And it shows just how important Tech is when our alumni return for this week. To have affected this many people in ways that make them want to return, Tech must be someplace special. And it is. It’s a family. A tradition. All those stereotypical words that people use when they want to get sappy. They all apply.
OF
PHI
MU
One day I will be among the alumni. One day you will be, too. Our names will be on a brick lining Tech’s walkways. Whatever we do and wherever we will be, we will know that we can succeed because of what we learned at Tech. And when we enter the real world, prepared for it by what Tech has taught us, we will always have a home here. We will come back to this small school in north central Louisiana and we will see that we have stayed with it just as much as it has stayed with us. So, to our alumni, welcome home. We’re happy to have you back. To our fellow students, thank you for making this one of the best homecoming weeks yet. And to the Hilltoppers, we’ll see you on the gridiron.
John Sadler
CONGRATULATE
Leslie Brister and Madison Blackwell
ON BEING VOTED TO THE 2014 HOMECOMING COURT! Follow us at PhiMuAlphaLambd
Like us at Facebook.com/PhiMuAlphaLambda
Find us LatechPhiMu
Alpha Lambda Chapter Louisiana Tech University Ruston, La 71272
PHI MU LOVES THEM DAWGS!
The Tech Talk
• 3
HOMECOMING EDITION 2014
A YEAR WITH THE
Madison Byles recaps her year as queen CATHERINE BURKE Staff Reporter
O
Photo by Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay Homecoming queen Madison Byles and esort Tyler Wagnon pose in front of a photograph of the Lady of the Mist in University Hall.
n Oct. 19, 2013, Madison Byles was crowned the Louisiana Tech homecoming queen. Homecoming queen at Tech is an honor received based on an interview process and the student body’s vote. “I told my mom before the game that the queen would definitely be someone who everyone liked, someone who has school spirit and someone who is well-respected,” Byles said. “That’s what made it as special as it was for me. It’s an awesome feeling to know that the majority of your university’s student body and faculty thinks that highly of you.” Byles said when they called her name her jaw dropped. “I did not expect it at all. I was truly shocked, but relieved that all my hard work had paid off,”’ she said. “I honestly never thought it would happen to me, and it was perfect timing.” Byles said the Thursday before last year’s game, her younger cousin, Kaitlin, died from cystic fibrosis. “It was like something so horrible happened and then something so good did to lift my spirits,” she said. “I truly believe Kaitlin was on the field with me that day.”
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Byles said she thinks serving as Tech’s H omecoming queen helped her land her current job. Byles said she is now living in Houston, Texas, where she is the women’s universe service associate for Louis Vuitton. “It is a big accomplishment and honor and one of the things I’m definitely most proud of,” she said. “It was definitely a focal point of my job interview. It shows that you can jump into any environment and make it your own. Future employers look for things like that.” “It definitely does not feel like a whole year. That week was so much fun and definitely one I will never forget,” she said. “I loved everyone I was on court with. It gave me the opportunity to hang out with and get close to some people that I more than likely would not have been if it was not for homecoming court.” Byles said the experience was unlike anything else she had ever experienced. “And to the new homecoming queen, the biggest of congratulations,” she said. “It is a real honor to be chosen to represent your school. You are now part of a history of distinguished, involved, respected, well-liked and poised women.”
Email comments to cjb066@latech.edu.
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The Tech Talk
INSIGHT
MANAGEMENT
BLONDIE KNOWS BEST
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF John Sadler
Coming home; what this week is really about
MANAGING AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Cody Sexton
NEWS EDITOR
Ray Patterson
SPORTS EDITOR Jared King
FEATURE EDITOR
Kelsy Kershaw
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Wynnifred Sanders
ASSOCIATE MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Ellie Moslander
PHOTO EDITOR
Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brian Blakely Carter Carroll Colin Fontenot Jaclyn Perry
ADVERTISING MANAGER Taylor Loftin
ADVISERS
Dr. Judith Roberts T. Scott Boatright
ADVERTISING ADVISER
Dr. Reginald Owens
PRODUCTION MANAGER Michael LeBlanc
KELSY KERSHAW Features Editor
T
he time has come for us to welcome home our Louisiana Tech family who came before us. It is a week of philanthropy, school spirit, celebration and tradition; it is Homecoming week. By definition, Homecoming is the return of a group of people, usually on a special occasion, to a place formerly frequented or regarded as home. As this week’s events commence it is important that we remember the true meaning of Homecoming. Fun, exciting festivities, the guessing game of who will be crowned king and queen, and the question of whether or not the Bulldogs will get the win; all of these things bring a buzz to campus, but they are not what Homecoming is all about. It is about celebrating our traditions, supporting our fellow Bulldogs, and welcoming our Tech family.
The week’s events such as the 5K, the Union Board Talent Show, the Unity Step Show, the volleyball tournament, the pep rally and the parade would not be possible without the planning and organizing efforts of various on-campus organizations. Through participation in these events, we show our support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. The money raised from the 5K will be donated to St. Jude’s, and SGA will be collecting canned food items throughout the duration of the week for the food truck. There are smaller events like the displays, the organization cook-off, and the scavenger hunt set up to promote student involvement. All of the events will be tied together with the pep rally tomorrow evening where students will get their strongest dose of red and blue. When I reflect on the week’s events, and my time here at Tech, I am filled with so many emotions. Each year, during times such as Homecoming, I am reminded of why I decided
to become a member of the Tech family. Being loyal blue is the biggest blessing and greatest gift I could have ever received. As I join my fellow current bulldogs in welcoming home our older fellow bulldogs, I can not help but smile, because I know that even when I graduate and leave Tech, I will always be a part of this family. It is a comforting thought to know that no matter where you go in life, and no matter what you do, you will always have a home right here at Tech. With bittersweet tears, I participate this week, knowing it is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in this wonderful beautiful thing we call life. That is what this week is really about; the warm feeling you get when you look beside you, and sense the love and pride of your family who bleeds red and blue with you. Kelsy Kershaw is a senior journalism and FMRS major from Jennings who serves as features editor for the Tech Talk. Email comments to kjk016@latech.edu.
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION
Michael LeBlanc
LET’S GET ONE THING STRAIGHT
DEPARTMENT HEAD
Dr. Reginald Owens
Smells like no school spirit
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The Tech Talk welcomes letters to the editor. However, we reserve the right not to print anonymous letters. We also ask that each letter be accompanied by a telephone number, address and classification or title. We will not print the telephone num ber. Viewpoints should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 139 Keeny Hall, by 4 p.m. the Friday prior to a Thursday publication. Letters should be mailed to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272. Emails should be sent to techtalk@ latech.edu. You can also submit letters online at www.thetechtalk.org/home/ lettertotheeditor/. Louisiana Tech University is committed to the principle of providing the opportunity for learning and development of all qualified citizens without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status for admission to, participation in, or employment in the programs and activities which the University sponsors or operates. For Title IX information, see University Policy #1445 at http:// www.latech.edu/administration/ policies-and-procedures/1445.shtml.
CODY SEXTON Managing Editor
O
kay, I confess. I have the absolute worst school spirit. Events like Homecoming mean very little to someone like me who always had other things occupying my time. I can count on one hand the number of football games I have attended. The only reason I went to those was to partake in the ritualistic tailgating event, but only for the public drunkenness I have become accustomed to while living in Louisiana. I feel about tailgating the way I feel about camping; I hate being outside for extended periods of time. Attribute it to my complete lack of interest in sports (and that is a part of it), but my unconventional college experience is a large part as well. I was never one of the people who was able to enjoy many of the things my peers did. Even in high school, I had to forgo many of the things everyone else got to have fun doing. From the moment I turned 16, I had to work for anything I wanted. It became apparent that if I wanted to do anything with my friends who had the luxury of their parents financing their social lives, I had to earn it myself. My parents wanted to instill a strong work ethic in me and I could respect that. Either that or
we were poor. I’m still not entirely sure why I had to work as hard as I did. Unsurprisingly, my life of working six days a week did not change when I moved to Ruston. I rarely allowed myself the luxury of missing an opportunity to make money for something as frivolous as a football game. Even if it allowed me an excuse to spend a day drinking. I’m not complaining. The money I could earn on a Saturday morning had the potential to finance my phone bill and maybe a cheap bottle of whiskey. And when I was not waiting tables or making smoothies, my time was spent on Barksdale Air Force Base due to a six-year commitment to the military in exchange for school funding. So due to a combination of having to always put work and the military before everything else, and a simple disinterest in sports, I never thought of regular school activities like Homecoming as a big deal. I do not look down on the tradition itself. I understand that a strong sense of school pride helps to keep an educational institution alive. Potential students want to bring their desire to seek a higher education (and their tuition money) to a school they can be proud of. Therefore, schools make a spectacle out of big events like Homecoming. I also understand Homecoming is a way for
schools to invite back alumni in the spirit of reminding them they are still a part of the school even though they have long since graduated. By doing this, alumni feel the desire to help keep the school alive by making donations. But I’m not one of those people and I doubt I ever will be. Louisiana Tech is simply a school to me. Once I graduate the odds of me ever returning are minimal. No offense to the school, my time here will simply be over. I will be long gone and my desire to “come home” as they say will not be strong enough to drag me from the better life I will have undoubtedly established elsewhere. However, as this is my last year and I am on the cusp of graduating, thus ending my academic career permanently, I look back and realize my school-affiliated memories are few. My last chance to participate in Homecoming is disrupted by my commitment the military and I will be spending it on base. While I might not have had the typical college experience, I enjoy the bragging rights of being able to say I worked hard and earned everything I got without relying on anyone, a lesson I value over cheering on a football team.
Cody Sexton is a senior journalism major from Seattle who serves as the managing editor for the Tech Talk. Email comments to cls068@latech.edu.
SOME R’ELLIE GOOD ADVICE
A slice of my homecoming life ELLIE MOSLANDER Associate Multimedia Editor
A
s Homecoming week has begun and events are kicking off, the excitement can be felt all around campus. Homecoming was something foreign to me until my freshman year at Louisiana Tech. Growing up, I was homeschooled, so I never really had the chance to participate in a Homecoming. I remember when fall would come around; everyone would start picking out dresses, begin talking about the Homecoming game and other events occurring during the week. I never really understood what the big deal was until I came to Tech. I’m not upset about not having a Homecoming experience in high school, because I’ve gotten to experience it at Tech. Even though Homecoming is a lot different in college than it is in high school, it’s still a great experience. There’s no big Homecoming dance, where students feel obligated to find dates. Homecoming week is a time to share with friends and the rest of the student body. I’m glad it is something college students can experience
as well. Homecoming is a time where the campus comes together to celebrate the university, its students and its alumni. The celebration extends throughout the week through various events such as the talent show hosted by Union Board, the announcement of the Homecoming queen and king, the Homecoming parade and of course the Homecoming game. For the most part, I have never really been the kind of person who likes to be around big crowds of people and go out and participate in events. My first year of Homecoming, I honestly did not plan on attending and was pretty okay with doing so. I heard about the events and everything going on during the week, but did not think it was really my kind of thing. My friends ended up encouraging me to go to some of the events and I am very glad I did. I remember my first Homecoming at Tech in 2012, and that I did not know what to expect. I attended my first Homecoming game, the parade and various events around campus and had a great time. I could have experienced Homecoming in high school, but now I was able to on a much larger scale on a college campus.
The campus seems to come alive during this week as well because there is something always going on around campus during Homecoming week whether it is planned or spontaneous. It is one of the most exciting weeks of the school year. The thing I love most about Homecoming at Tech is the feeling of community. Everyone is welcome to participate and they do. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming as well. Alumni come from all around to be reunited with their classmates and to show off their school spirit. Even though I may have a different perspective on the idea of Homecoming, because I never had anything to base it on, I do not think it is a bad thing and I’m glad Tech has given me the opportunity to experience Homecoming. So I look forward to participating in my third Homecoming this year and the others I will experience during the rest of my time here at Tech. Ellie Moslander is a junior journalism major from Albuquerque, New Mexico who serves as associate multimedia editor for the Tech Talk. Email comments to emo012@latech.edu.
The Tech Talk
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HOMECOMING EDITION 2014
PHOTOS BY DONNY CROWE
MADISON BLACKWELL jr. biomedical engineering
LESLIE BRISTER sr. biology
Q:What are you most looking forward to this school year? A: “I’m looking forward to many milestones I will be passing up this year. I have research opportunities and classes that I’ve looked forward to all of college.”
Q: How do you feel about being on the 2014 Homecoming Court? A: “I am so honored and beyond excited. I remember sitting in the stands as a little girl and admiring all the girls dressed up. I cannot believe I am in their shoes now.”
GRACE COYER
JORDAN WARD
sr. business management
sr. kinesiology and health promotion
Q: What has been the most memorable moment for you at Tech? A: “My most memorable moment is being able to represent Louisiana Tech sororities as PanHellenic president.”
MORGAN TANNER
jr. mechanical engineering
sr. electrical engineering
Q: How do you feel about being on the 2014 Homecoming Court? A: “I feel very privileged that I was picked to be one of 14 students on campus to represent the campus today to the alumni.”
Q: What has been the most memorable moment for you at Tech? A: “Hands down, I’ll always remember having dinner with Dr. Guice and Mrs. Kathy at their beautiful home.”
ANDREW LEWIS
TAYLOR GUILLOT
sr. medical technology
jr. fashion merchandising and retail sales
Q: What has been the most memorable moment for you at Tech? A: “Receiving my orientation student leader’s acceptance letter. I was very emotional because it meant the world. ”
Q: How do you feel about being on the 2014 Homecoming Court? A: “I am really excited and so honored. It’s so exciting to represent my department and organizations in this way. “
CHASTIN SEEBY
JORDAN RUSHING
sr. professional aviation
sr. biology
Q: What are your plans after graduation? A: “I hope to give back to my university by working as a flight instructor for the aviation department.”
Q: What are you looking forward to the most this school year? A: “The moment I walk across the stage concluding my college career.”
MAGGIE BRAKEVILLE
COLLIN MCDONALD
sr. agricultural business
jr. kinesiology
Q: What has been your most memorable moment at Tech? A:“When I won SGA president. It was such an honor to be selected by my peers for such a prestigious opportunity.”
Q: How do you feel about being on the 2014 Homecoming Court? A: “I am honored to represent the Tech Spirit Groups and Regal Blues on Comecoming Court as well as the Tech student body. ”
DREW JIMMERSON
MADISON BOTTOMS
sr. kinesiology
jr. secondary math education
Q: What are your plans after graduation? A: “My plans are to become an admissions recruiter for Tech.”
WILLIAM LORIO
Q: What are you looking forward to the most this school year? A: “Watching Tech win the rest of these home games.”
Q: What are you looking forward to the most this school year? A: “I am looking forward to soaking in everything I can before my time at Tech is over.”
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The Tech Talk
HOMECOMING
HOMECOMING 2 A
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ABOVE: The Student Government Association held a 5K wiht a route that ran through campus. Entry fees went toward helping St. Jude’s. RIGHT: McKinley Ward-Lasalle, a sophomore sports marketing major, participated in the 5K. Photos by Colin Fontenot
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EDITION 2014
Photo by Brian Blakely
ABOVE: The band Crackers of Graham performed at the Union Board’s talent show on Tuesday.
Photo by Colin Fontenot
Photo by Brennen Lege
MIDDLE LEFT: Boston Scott, a sophomore kinesiology major, performs a dance routine at the talent show. MIDDLE RIGHT: The Regal Blues practice for the upcoming Homecoming game. BOTTOM LEFT: Jenny Hicks, a sophomore kinesiology major and member of Union Board, dressed up like an elephant for the talent show. BOTTOM RIGHT: Tytiana Browder and Lakenya Lafitte, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, practice their routine for the step show Wednesday.
Photo by Colin Fontenot
Photo by Brennen Lege
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and is so suspenseful and exciting,” she said. 43 ce) Culver said she will be attending the 82 year for more Homecoming parade this ALABAM This year the Louisiana Tech Home- than just A AVEsocializing. (LA HWY 150) coming parade will give students an “I will be there to support the Bullopportunity to participate in a Home- dogs against Western Kentucky, to parcoming tradition to take place at 10:30 take in39the tradition that is Homecom47 74 a.m. Saturday. ing, and to make memories with all of The parade is put on by the Student my peers,” she said. Government Association and Maggie Brakeville, features the Alumni AssociaSGA president, will D AVE be atA O RAILR tion along with other organi- “The tending the Homecoming TEC parade H FA RM zations. parade as a member of 69 RD is a way to 5 61 court 15 “The parade is part of0) the the Homecoming Y8 this year. HWto be R ( cology)Homecoming festivities D E 81show our 91 K AV 12 “The parade is a way AR IA CL able to incorporateIFORNthe com64 AL C munity into theW celebration,” school spirit53 to show our school spirit said Lacy Culver, SGA70director invite the community 59 us) and invite the and 24 of student affairs. to campus for some 71 fam37 70 “Also, it gives the organiza- community to ily fun,” she said. 30 tions that are participating a DR Brakeville said the paX MA campus for chance to show off their crerade is a way to see the 17 LO 75 51 ativity and excitement about some university and commufamily nity come together 56 for a Homecoming.” She said the Homecom- fun.” great event. 41 DR 60 ing theme “WildGREENWAY about the Wes Cavin, director of Bulldogs,” is incorporated alumni relations, said the BARNETT SPRING RD MAGGIE SOUTH CAMPUS throughout theVETVILLE week and Alumni Association puts 6 DR ) through float decorations. Cul- BRAKEVILLE out flyers and information ver said it is a way to express SGA president with the parade map. Tech pride. “We absolutely en18 are26 86 50 “I think all of 55 the floats courage our alumni to 27 going to be great and I cannot wait to come to the parade,” he said. “We en25 see what everyone comes up with,” she courage everyone to come.” 57 will begin near VETVILLE DR said. “I attend the parade for an opCavin said the parade portunity to hang out with current stu- Tech Point and will go around the camdents, alumni, the community and my pus, hitting major streets such as Calipersonal friends.” fornia Avenue, Tech Drive, Alabama Among the many exciting events Avenue and then back to campus. throughout Homecoming week, Culver For more information contact the said she thinks students will be looking SGA office. forward to the announcement of the Homecoming king and queen the most. Email comments to “It is on everyone’s minds all week emo012@latech.edu.
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ELLIE MOSLANDER & WINNIE SANDERS Multimedia Editors
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The Tech Talk
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HOMECOMING EDITION 2014
Alumni Association to host class reunion IAN EDWARDS Staff Reporter
Tech Talk file photo
54 Golden Society members will receive a golden medallion and Louisiana Tech pin at Saturday’s luncheon.
“Since we are also holding the Breakfast with Champ event again this year, as well as some other festivities, I’d say the week is very busy,” he said. “However, it’s the good kind of busy. It’s a collaborative effort with the Student Government Association and city of Ruston, and we want to give all of our Tech fans something to get excited to see.” Cavin said at the end of the day, the Alumni Association is eager to provide
the returning graduates with a memorable week. “It really is an exciting time to be a Bulldog,” he said. “Homecoming is always an exciting time for the alumni, and we love the role we play in helping them reengage with their peers. After all, they made us who we are today.”
Email comments to ije001@latech.edu.
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various alumni interact with each other is her favorite part of Homecoming. “This is my 28th year to do Homecoming here at Tech,” Swart said. “I give them nametags with their senior yearbook pictures on them and they use those to find their old friends by face. It’s always fun to see the reaction.” Cavin said, while busy, Homecoming Week is still something everyone can enjoy.
Louisiana LouisianaAve. Ave.
The Louisiana Tech Alumni Association will host its annual Golden Society Reunion on Friday.Wes Cavin, director of alumni relations, said the reunion will primarily focus on the graduating classes of 1964 and prior. “While anyone from the classes of 1964 and before may attend, we are planning to give a special commemorative diploma and medallion to the classes of 1964, 1954 and 1944, respectively,” Cavin said. He also said the association chose to honor the classes of 1954 and 1944 because they believed those classes have reached important “milestones.” “Homecoming Cavin said he felt the returnis always an ing graduates will exciting time for greatly enjoy the the alumni, and festivities. “Right now, we we love the role have around 75 we play...” alumni who have signed up for earWES CAVIN ly registration,” director of alumni he said. “It should relations be a good crowd of folks who are happy to return to the university after all these years.” Cavin said his favorite part of the reunion is speaking with the various alumni. “It’s usually expected for the alumni to be awestruck at how Tech has changed in 50 years,” he said. “In reality, I think I’m more shocked from their stories of how Tech used to be. It’s always exciting to hear how far we’ve come and compare it to where we are now.” Barbara Swart, administrative coordinator for alumni relations, said seeing the
Keeny Hall Keeny Hall
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK SERVING TECH STUDENTS SINCE 1965 SERVING TECH STUDENTS SINCE 1965 YOUR PARENTS WASHED WITH US YOUR PARENTS WASHED WITH US
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The Tech Talk
HOMECOMING EDITION 2014
‘Steppin’’ within the Greek community FREDEDREIA WILLIS Staff Reporter From “Stepping” to “Stomp the Yard,” an artform has evolved from a percussive dance identified with black Greeks to a cultural phenomenon enjoyed by all. Louisiana Tech students share their experience about Tech’s past Greek Unity Step Shows and excitement about the 2014 show, which was held wed. Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. in Memorial Gym. Tech’s Greek Unity Step Show is usually held the week of Homecoming, sanctioned by SGA and coordinated by National Pan-Hellenic Council. Vice president of Student Government Association Sarah McCorkle, said it is important for SGA to host this event as a way to serve students as well as continue traditions of Tech’s great university. “A really cool thing about hosting this event is that we not only have a great opportunity to serve students, but also serve those who were once students in Greek life and return as an alum,” said McCorkle, a senior communication and political science major. Greek yard shows, step show, and stroll competitions have not only enhanced the college experience but also created a new culture for fraternities and sororities worldwide. Many have only experienced stepping for the first time through movies; however, stepping is not new to college campuses. Stepping is a dance style rooted in African tradition and flavored with modern Greek culture. With original intentions to inspire traditionally African-American fraternities and sororities, stepping has since upgraded to a form of intercultural educa-
tion and diversity outreach with non-black Greeks and others participating. Chase Cason, a junior engineering major, said black Greeks are known for stepping, but having a lot of diversity brings new flavor to the step show and it gives the audience an image of how diverse Tech is. “When the show comes around, students get excited because this is probably the only time the whole school will see real stepping for the year,” Cason said. “It’s also a great way to see all Greeks come together.” Tech’s step shows has evolved into a community-wide event for fraternities and sororities, and students from both Tech and surrounding colleges. Antoinette Thompson, a student at Grambling State, said even though she does not attend Tech she never fails to be present for Tech’s step show. “Since I attend a Historical Black University and we are all about stepping, it’s so fun to come out and see how Tech does it,” said Thompson, a sophomore education major. “Tech definitely shows students stepping is not only for blacks, and it’s more interesting to have diversity.” She also said she plans on coming out for next year’s show and she wants to be involved. Each year, the Greek Unity Step Show is a highly anticipated event for which chapters practice for a month in advance and students expect the unexpected. Students always take the opportunity to enjoy an amazing and fun experience together and interact with chapters in Tech’s Greek community.
Photos by Brennen Lege
ABOVE: The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority practice their routine for the Step Show. Left: Kimberly Miles and Taylor Woods, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, prepare for their routine.
Email comments to flw005@latech.edu.
panhellenic family! Thanks for joining the
G
reek life comes with great pride. Our women value scholarship, community service, campus involvement, and social activities. Greek women are held to a high academic standard. Our sorority women consistently achieve a GPA above the all-women’s grade point average. Community service is another valued area of Greek life. All of our women raise money and volunteer their time for charitable causes. Each sorority raises over $20,000 for their philanthropy each year. Greek women are involved on campus in other organizations as well. The social aspect of sorority life is another great benefit. Each house has formals, theme parties, sisterhood nights and exchanges with different fraternities. joining a sorority will definitely be the best decision you will make during your college career!
Junior Auxiliary Of Ruston
RACE FOR THE KIDS COLOR RUN 2014 5K Trail Color Run & 1 Mile Run/Walk Saturday, November 8, 2014 Lincoln Parish Park • Ruston, LA
Registration: www.fitrightracing.com/ruston-ja-race-for-the-kids/ All proceeds from this fundraiser will be used by JA of Ruston for our service projects benefiting children and families in the Lincoln Parish Community.
Contact: Kristy Burton 318-548-0414 • Rachel Roach 318-245-6415
www.jaofruston.org
The Tech Talk
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HOMECOMING EDITION 2014
Spirit groups prepare for Homecoming BRENNEN LEGE Staff Reporter Louisiana Tech’s bustling array of events, festivities, dances and acrobatics throughout Spirit Week are all small parts of what make Homecoming what it is. But what goes on behind the scenes to make it all possible? In the weeks leading up to Homecoming, spirit groups have worked long hours on a mission to deliver a smooth week full of performances for the Tech community. Lacy Culver, SGA’s Homecoming chair, described the full plate of preparation she dealt with in her first year planning the week out. “Homecoming requires much more planning than I could have ever imagined,” Culver said. “I’ve been working on Homecoming since May, when I received my SGA position. Maggie Brakeville, the SGA president, and I wanted to get an early start so it wouldn’t be so chaotic when it actually got here.” As a student observing for the last two years, Culver said she never imagined she would be the one planning it one day. Reserving locations and appointing judges for all events, arranging the Homecoming Court selection process and appointing the court’s judges were all part of the list of Culver’s responsibilities. “Of course there are still so many things left to do, but I feel confident Homecoming Week 2014 will be a success,” Culver said. “I hope everyone goes out to enjoy the events and has a great Homecoming Week.” Tech’s Regal Blues dance squad has been hard at work while assistant coach and student Megan Lee helped teach four new dances over the past few months. Their first performance of the week was Wednesday night at the step show to kick things off. “The energy and the response we get from the crowd is what we feed off of and we always have so much fun dancing for the students,” Lee said. Next will be the pep rally performance, and during the Homecoming game they perform twice: once at halftime with the Band of Pride and again in the end zone between the third and fourth quarters of the game. Tech’s cheer coach Kyle Falting has been treating
The Tech Cheerleaders practice a new pyramid formation for the pep rally and the homecoming game.
Homecoming Week just like any other, knowing a consistent regimen is what the team needs to focus on during the week. “This week will be no different than the others as we are constantly trying to increase our effectiveness on the sidelines by improving our skills,” Falting said. “We want our teams to value leading the crowd over all else and understand how the incorporation of skills
Photo by Brennen Lege
elevates their effectiveness.” Each year as months of preparation unfold over the course of a single week, the efforts of these groups act as a backbone to the body of school spirit and pride on display., she said
Email comments to bsl008@latech.edu.
Lousiana Tech University A V I A T I O N
SEARCHING FOR OR LOOKING TO CHANGE YOUR MAJOR? Boeing predicts a need for over 20,000 airline pilots a year until the year 2032. With more than a forty year history, Louisiana Tech University’s Department of Professional Aviation has established itself as a high-quality degree program with a national reputation for outstanding graduates. The department is a member of the University Aviation Association and is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International. Our links with industry are accomplished by internship programs with numerous major air carriers, regional airlines, corporate aviation, and government organizations as well as maintaining close contacts with our graduates. DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AVIATION P.O. BOX 3181 • RUSTON, LA 71272 (318)257-2691 • WWW.LATECH.EDU/AVIATION
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The Tech Talk
SPORTS
THIS WEEK IN BULLDOG FOOTBALL For Homecoming, Louisiana Tech plays the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at 2:00 p.m. Saturday in Ruston.
The game will be televised on the FOX Sports Network and can also be listened to on 107.5 FM. The Bulldogs lead the series between the teams (2-1).
OVERALL RECORD:
OVERALL RECORD:
(5-3,4-0 C-USA) POINTS PER GAME:
32.9
POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME:
(3-4,1-3 C-USA) KENNETH DIXON - RB 681 yards 4.5 yards per carry 10 touchdowns
CODY SOKOL - QB 1,978 yards 247.2 yards per game 17 touchdowns
25.9
POINTS PER GAME:
45.6
POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: TOTAL OFFENSE:
TOTAL DEFENSE:
TOTAL DEFENSE
TOUCHDOWNS: (RUSHING/PASSING)
TOUCHDOWNS: (RUSHING/PASSING)
380.5
BRYAN SHORTER - RB 26 tackles 5.5 tackles for loss 4.5 sacks
549.4
XAVIER WOODS - DB 34 tackles 4 interceptions 1 touchdown
TONY JOHNSON - LB 44 tackles 5 tackles for loss 1.5 sacks
Bulldogs take on Hilltoppers in 89th annual Homecoming Louisiana Tech is playing its 89th annual Homecoming game against the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers. This will mark the fourth time these two teams have met and will be the first time both teams do so as members of the same conference. The Bulldogs and Hilltoppers last met in the 1973 NCAA Division II National Championship game. Tech, led by former NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver Pat Tilley, beat Western Kentucky 34-0 in Sacramento, California. Tech comes into this year’s game with a 5-3 overall record and a 4-0 record in Conference USA after defeating the Southern Miss Golden Eagles last week by a score of 31-20. Tech sits atop the Western Division standings of C-USA. “It feels good to be undefeated in C-USA, but we take it one game at a time and look at it going 1-0 in the season every game,” junior defensive back Kentrell Brice said. “You get this one and then go on to the next game 1-0.” The Hilltoppers come in at 3-4 on the year with a 1-3 record in C-USA. Despite its 3-4 record, Western Kentucky is fifth in the nation in total offense averaging more than 550 yards per game and its
NICK HOLT- LB 69 tackles 5 tackles for loss 1.5 sacks
554.7
350.8
WILL TRAHAN Sports Reporter
LEON ALLEN - RB 716 yards 4.7 yards per carry 7 touchdowns
41.1
TOTAL OFFENSE:
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BRANDON DOUGHTY - QB 2,871 yards 410.1 yards per game 24 touchdowns
passing attack, led by se- has been heating up as of nior quarterback Brandon late due to senior quarterDoughty, is second in the back Cody Sokol’s stellar nation averaging more than play. Sokol threw for a ca410 yards per game. reer high 423 yards and “When you play a team three touchdowns in last like this, there are two ways week’s game against Southto look at it,” Tech coach ern Miss. Sokol has thrown Skip Holtz 17 touchdowns said. “You and eight ineither have terceptions this to keep the season. ball in front “The teams of you and that loaded the make them box against us, slow down we have shown the game by we can put up taking some some pretty points off big numbers,” the board Holtz said. “We or you have have had some to load up pretty strong and get after perfor mances it, spread it offensively. I wide open think we are and see if getting better we can win and growing on a shootout. it. It is nice to BRICE Those are have that kind really your of balance. We two options. I think that did not have that last year. story will be told Saturday.” People loaded the box and The strength of Tech’s took away Kenneth Dixon. football team this season We would not throw for 400 has been its defense. yards, we would throw for First year defensive co- 180.” ordinator Manny Diaz’s deThe Bulldogs look to fense likes to put pressure move to 5-0 in C-USA with on opposing quarterbacks a win over Western Kenand is ranked 10th in the tucky Saturday and benation in tackles for loss. come bowl eligible with its “We just take it as anoth- sixth win of the season. er game,” Brice said. “A lot of teams like to throw and a For more on Tech athletics, lot of teams like to run, and follow the Tech Talk Sports it just happens to be their Desk’s Twitter page at twitter. thing to throw it. We are com/techtalksports. going to prepare for it and play our best.” Email comments to Tech’s passing offense bwt008@latech.edu.
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