ACROSS the
MOVIE REVIEW
DEADPOOL
WORLD
Read about how the International Academic and Professional Network provides jobs for African students PAGE 7
Read about how the newest Marvel Film introduces a different kind of super hero
PAGE 5
MASTER PLAN 2020
Tech green
Check out the fourth part of the campus expansion series on Tech’s plan to become more environmentally friendly PAGE 3
The
Tech Talk
PRSRT STD NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE
PAID
RUSTON, LA PERMIT NO 104 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
THE STUDENT VOICE OF LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY
FEBRUARY 18, 2016
WWW.THETECHTALK.ORG
VOLUME 90 • ISSUE 14
Student organization hosts second line event for Mardi Gras holidays
Gov. John Bel Edwards addresses a joint state session on Feb. 14 about education budget concerns and beginning the new special legislative session.
PAYTON POTTER Staff Reporter | jpp017@ latech.edu
Patrick Dennis / The Advocate
THE FUTURE OF TOPS
Louisiana Tech and other state universities address, discuss a plan for the future of higher education during financial crisis ELLIE MOSLANDER Editor-in-Chief | emo012@ latech.edu As Louisiana Tech students began registration for spring quarter last week, the future of the states higher education funds became a huge concern. On Feb. 11, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LAFSA) announced the suspension of TOPS and for 24 hours many students and faculty members were left wondering how they would be able to attend school or have a job. The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students in Louisiana (TOPS) has played a huge part in funding and assisting many student’s education; but Louisiana higher education is faced with a crucial decision–
what exactly to do with TOPS. “The recent announcements related to TOPS had to do with the expected shortfall of state funds, approximately $28 million, that were necessary to fund TOPS for the remainder of this year,” said Les Guice, Tech president. “The governor clarified that those funds to support the TOPS fund would be absorbed by the universities. I wanted to let our students know that as soon as possible so that they would not have to worry in the midst of studies and registration.” Although many students, faculty members and Louisiana residents have been awaiting news of how this change may effect current students, future students and their universities, Guice said current stu-
dents will not actually be directly impacted. Instead the university will be receiving the most impact from this change. “It should have no effect on students at this point,” he said. “We expect it to have a budgetary impact of $1.5 million to $2 million on the university this year which will cause us to reduce some services or make other adjustments. We are also faced with other budget cuts for this year.” With these new changes, Guice said some of his main concerns with these changes are the challenges they may cause the university at the end of the year because of spent funs and prior obligations.
>> see TOPS page 6
A number of African American organizations welcomed the Mardi Gras season to Louisiana Tech with a New Orleans tradition known as second lining. The celebration of traditional dance, hosted by United Afrikan American Men (UAAM), took place last Wednesday outside the student center. According to FrenchQuarter.com, the second line is defined as a group of dancing celebrants who follow a main parade, such as a Mardi Gras parade, and dance with parasols, banners or handkerchiefs. UAAM president Anthony Parker, a junior sociology major, said the celebration was intended to honor the participants’ ancestors. “It means everything to me,” Parker said. “First of all, I’m from New Orleans. We wanted to use this time to give thanks to everybody from New Orleans; give thanks to all our ancestors before us, and also for paving the way for all us black kids on Louisiana Tech campus. We wanted to make sure we were heard, we were seen, and make sure we have a good time.” Parker said the second line tradition is derived from a New Orleans funeral tradition. “We used to second line for funerals back in the day,” he said. “But now, we do it at celebrations for Mardi Gras or birthdays or whatever. Whenever the song comes on, everyone knows how to second line.” Parker said the second line celebration aligned with the Black Student Union’s Black Culture Week. “We chose this day to pump everything everyone needs to know about our black culture,” Parker said BSU vice president Siana Shepherd noted that since Mardi Gras marks the beginning of Lent, the second line celebration was a last hurrah for many. “Mardi Gras is fun,” she said. “It’s right before people start fasting, so it’s a rejuvenation. Have fun right before you do what you’ve got to do.” Shepherd said the second line celebration served as a way to bring together the African American organizations on campus.
>> see SECOND LINE page 6
Ruston’s KXKZ Z 107.5 host 35th annual Radiothon PRINCESS WARREN Staff Reporter | pcw005@ latech.edu KXKZ, Z107.5 of Ruston made a difference as it hosted its 35th annual Radiothon in order to help raise money for St. Jude’s Hospital. More $60,000 was raised, and all proceeds went directly to St. Jude’s. The Radiothon was held Feb. 1-2 and was open to all to donate or volunteer. Z107.5 broadcasted from Super 1 Foods store where volunteers updated listeners on the amount of money raised and encouraged people to call in to make pledges or donate in person. Matt McKenney, the program director at KXKZ, said the station has been doing the Radiothon for more than 30 years. He said he remembers the event from when he was younger so now it is cool to be a
part of it. “Not only do I have to do it every year ,but I get to do it every year; t’s challenging but certainly a rewarding thing to do,” McKenney said. He said the radio station does not set a monetary goal, so there is no disappointment to themselves or others. MCKENNEY “The goal is to bring as much hope as we can to the kids of St. Jude’s,” McKenney said. He said the radio station plans to keep having the Radiothon each year and they are always thinking of ways to make it bigger and better.
>> see RADIOTHON page 6
Photo by Ashley Kober
Patrick Hall, a Tech alumnus, answers phones during KXKZ’s 35th annual Radiothon to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
NEWS
2 • The Tech Talk • February 18, 2016
www.thetechtalk.org
Dodge, duck, dive and donate KERRY WAGUESPACK Staff Reporter | kfw005@latech.edu
Phi Mu’s sorority second annual black light dodgeball tournament was held Feb. 12 to help raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raises money and generates awareness for different children’s hospitals located throughout North America. The event was headed by the Phi Mu’s philanthropy chairman Carlea Clemens, a sophomore biology major, who has been planning the event since the beginning of December. “Last year we chose dodgeball because it seemed like something really fun and no one else on campus was doing it,” Clemens said. She said that the tournament raised over $10,000, and this is the second big-
gest fundraiser the group organizes. The winning team of the tournament went by the name of Dodgy Style and each team member received a medal and a cookie cake for their efforts. “This was a chapter wide effort to make sure everything went perfectly, so every girl in the sorority was required to at least help out for 30 minutes the night of the tournament,” Clemens said. She said this year had a great turnout in a number of teams, with 52 teams signing up, exceeding last year’s numbers. Zachary Thornton participated in the tournament for the second year in a row. “I think this is a great cause,” said Thorton, a junior mechanical engineering major. “They raise money so that hopefully no child is robbed of the
chance of living their life to the fullest and the money raised here helps make that a reality for some children.” He said one of his favorite parts was being able to do something with his friends that made him feel like he was making a difference in someone else’s life. “With the lights out and the black lights focused mainly on the court, I did get hit by a few overthrows in the stands while watching the game,” Thorton said. “Thankfully it did not hurt but gave my friends a good laugh. He said he likes the idea Phi Mu came up with, although the black light aspect made it harder to track the balls his team enjoyed themselves while playing. “I was surprised at the number of people that actually showed up to play,” Thorton said. “The line to sign in took up the entire
Photo by Jonathan Shaul
Students participate in a black light dodgeball tournament held in Lambright. back portion of Lambright in between the pool tables and workout area.” Garrett McDonald was another participant in the tournament who thought the idea was intriguing.
“When I heard that it was a black light event, I was excited because we used to have different black light events with the youth group I was in ,” McDonald said, a freshman forestry
major. “Free food is the best way to get college students to do something, most of us are broke and always love those two words,” McDonald said.
‘Speed Friending’ held for students FREDERIC NELSON Staff Reporter |fpn001@latech.edu Normally, when you hear the term “speed dating,” you might think of two people getting to know each other in a short amount of time in hopes of romance. “I must say I was skeptical about coming to this friend speed dating event, because it doesn’t really seem like something a college student would want to attend,” said Jacob Crespin, a sophomore industrial engineering major. However, Louisiana Tech’s residential life put together a speed dating event where students could interact with each other to meet new friends. “Tonight is our speed friending event to help students meet new friends,” said Anna Schimmel, coordinator of student development at residential life. Students were able to dress in costumes, play games and ask each other questions as a way of “breaking the ice.” “They had us set up in a speed dating format where we sat at a table for two minutes and they had sample questions for us to ask the people across from us, and they also showed us how to have good conversations,” said Andrew Grote, a freshman biomedi-
cal engineer major. have everyone meet each Grote said this event other and become friends,” helped him get to meet Schimmel said. people he never thought he She also said at first she would have had the oppor- did not know if the event tunity to meet. would be a success but be“My friend lieved in having asked me if I an unusual event wanted to attend that will attract the friend dating the students. and the turnout “We were supwas way betposed to put on a ter than what I Valentine’s Day thought,” Grote program, but we said. really couldn’t Grote also think of anything, said one of the so we tried friend goals of this dating as a way event tonight to be funny,” said was also focused Capri Collins, a SCHIMMEL on freshman and junior clinical kihelping them nesiology major. have an easier way to make Students who particimore friends. pated said before about “This event was a great how well they were able idea because I was able to to interact with each other sit next to my friends and and learn about the backmeet people and not just grounds they had come fr have to be one on one with om. a girl,” Crespin said. Collins also said allowSchimmel said every ing the residents to get to quarter, residential life puts know each other will allow together one big program student-on-student supthat they will host for stu- port. She said this is impordents. tant to help students cope For example, last quarter with the stress of college. they hosted a big Thanks“I’m happy that everygiving and Christmas din- one participated and I was ner. shocked to learn about the “We came up with the people that live in my buildidea from our hall direc- ing that I never knew,” Coltors and of course we want lins said. “I learned that I guys and girls to meet actually have a lot in comeach other, but at the end mon with the people I norof the night our goal is to mally wouldn’t talk to.”
UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
• Women’s Tennis: LA Tech vs. Texas State 11 a.m.
• Softball: LA Tech vs. Mississippi Valley State 9:15 a.m.
• Softball: LA Tech vs. Texas State 12 p.m.
• BOSS Early Registration begins for freshmen 9 a.m.
• Women’s Tennis: LA Tech vs. Louisiana Lafayette 10:30 a.m.
• Baseball: LA Tech vs. ULLafayette 6 p.m.
• Softball: LA Tech vs. Abilene Christian 4 p.m.
• Women’s Tennis: LA Tech vs. Lamar 12 p.m.
• LinkedIn 101: Leveraging LinkedIn for Your Internship & Job Search 4 p.m. in Room 337 Keeny Hall
• LinkedIn 101: Leveraging LinkedIn for Your Internship & Job Search 3 p.m. in Room 337 Keeny Hall
• Softball: LA Tech vs. Grambling State 5 p.m.
February 18, 2016 • The Tech Talk • 3
ROBINSONHALL HALL ROBINSON CENTER STUDENT STUDENT CENTER
VE
HALL KEENY KENNY HALL
WA LK
AV E
BUSINESS OFBUSINESS COLLEGE OF COLLEGE
WI ST E RIA
01
TTEEC CH GGR
REEEENN
01 TECH GREEN
03
AD AM SB LVD
EAST / WEST CONNECTIONS 05
03
06
BUILDING ENTRY ACTIVE ZONE TECH GREEN
02
W LOUIS IANA AV
W TE X A
DAN R ENEAU DR
07
PEDESTRIAN ZONE
SIDE DETAIL PEDESTRIAN ZONE
TECH GREEN
08
WALKWAY
WALKWAY
8’
WALK
40’ 8’
WALKWAY
TECH GREEN
200’
ACTIVE ZONE
8’
WALK
8’ TECH GREEN
ACTIVE ZONE
40’
Next week the fifth and final part of the series concludes plans for 2020 and will discuss how the Ruston Community will play a crucial part in this process.
TECH GREEN
200’
walks, roads, parking lots, including the gravel or rock parking lots. If you look at an aerial map, you’ll actually see that a large percentage of our campus is not green.” Corbrielle Boulard said the addition of a green would change the atmosphere on campus. “I think that would be pretty amazing,” the sophomore biology major said. “I love nature, and I think it is pretty essential for a campus. People probably don’t think like this, but they do provide us with oxygen. It helps us breathe easier, so to speak.” Boulard said she thinks the creation of a green would make Tech’s campus feel more updated and welcoming. “Just from what I’ve heard and what I can see for myself, things are pretty outdated,” she said. “It would be really nice to have things that are new and renovated. It would probably attract more people to this school.” She said a green space throughout campus would change the way she starts her days. “It is nice, especially in the mornings, to see something new and fresh,” Boulard said. “It helps open your mind. It’s kind of a mental stimulus. More greenery would be a major plus in my opinion.”
ACTIVE ZONE
40’
– SAM WALLACE
BUILDING ENTRY
200’
ACTIVE ZONE
“IT’S A WAY OF SOFTENING THE ENVIRONMENT. IT BRINGS TREES, SHADE, GRASS, PLACES TO RELAX, PLACES TO GET OUT OF THE CLASSROOM, PLACES TO INTERACT WITH OTHER STUDENTS, WITH FACULTY.”
TECH GREEN
PEDESTRIAN ZONE
STORY | PAYTON POTTER
he quadrangle at the core of Louisiana Tech’s campus will, in coming years, quadruple in size. Years of planning have led to the pending creation of a centralized “Tech green,” said Sam Wallace, the assistant vice president of assistant vice president of administration and facilities. “We’ve been looking at campus planning — setting8’ of standards and how we envision the campus — for probably 20, 25 years,” Wallace said. “Through different descriptions, something along the lines of a campus green has been discussed in a lot of different venues during my experience at Tech. Last year, we completed a process that took a little over a year which was a campus facilities master plan.” Wallace said architectural firm Sasaki Associates structured the master plan with green in mind. Wallace said the green aims to unify the campus physically by establishing a pedestrian-only green space. “It’s a way of softening the environment,” he said. “It brings trees, shade, grass, places to relax, places to get out of the classroom, places to interact with other students, with faculty.” Wallace said the bookstore and the natatorium are24slated to be demolished in order for the green to be developed. “Keeny Hall is an anchor point on one end of the green,” Wallace said. “The other end of the green will be somewhere along the lines of where the natatorium is now. As the plan progresses through time, it is envisioned that the bookstore portion of the student center will be removed, which opens the quadrangle up.” Wallace said Sasaki Associates conducted a study on campus and found the green will help offset the large amount of pavement on campus. “In this study, there were several things they identified,” he said. “One of them is: we have a very large percentage of the campus that is hard paving or hard surfaces such as buildings, sideWALK
BUILDING ENTRY AND
ABOVE ABOVEDETAIL VIEW 8’
T
R
OR C L AI
R DO I R
ACTIVE ZONE
TECH GOES GREEN
E
S AVE
WALK
04
IEL D
L DS
MA YF
R E C. F I E
L DS
TE CH DR I
R E C. F I E
24
2
www.thetechtalk.org
www.thetechtalk.org
4 • The Tech Talk • February 18, 2016
The
TechTalk
FROM THE EDITOR
MANAGEMENT
What’s really in your meat?
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Ellie Moslander
ELLIE MOSLANDER Editor-In-Chief | emo012@latech.edu
MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Maxwell
NEWS EDITOR
Frededreia Willis
FEATURE EDITOR John Sadler
SPORTS EDITOR
Matthew Valcho
PHOTO EDITOR
Brian Blakely
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Colin Fontenot Devin Dronett Ashley Kober Avery Bryan Jonathan Shaul
ADVERTISING MANAGER Taylor Loftin
ADVISERS
Dr. Reginald Owens T. Scott Boatright Dr. Judith Roberts
ADVERTISING ADVISER Michael LeBlanc
PRODUCTION MANAGER Michael LeBlanc
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Michael LeBlanc
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Tech Talk subscriptions are $25 a year. Mail to: Tech Talk Subscrip tions, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272.
F
ood is one of the essentials to human life, it is meant to nourish and sustain us. But in America today is most of the food we are consuming good for us? A study conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shows that our raw ground turkey contains up to 81 percent of antibiotic–resistant bacteria. A recent CNN post showed how most of our antibiotics and vital drugs needed for human health meant to fend off bacterial disease, are actually being sold to animal producers, instead of being distributed directly to consumers. Stop and think about this for a second, because I assure you most of us don’t take the time to actually do this and when we do, it’s pretty frightening. This is not a healthy way to consume food, and these antibiotics because it is consuming an excess of these and hormones. Too much of these antibiotics are actually not good and can cause continuing health issues. In college, especially as we run
CONTACT US
NEWSROOM 318.257.4946 EMAIL techtalk@latech.edu ADVERTISING 318.257.4949 EMAIL techtalkads@latech.edu DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES JOURNALISM CONCENTRATION 318.257.4427
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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 number. Viewpoints should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 138 Keeny Hall, by 4 p.m. the Friday prior to a Thursday publi cation. 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 com mitted to the principle of provid ing 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/policiesand procedures/1445.shtml.
Ellie Moslander is a senior journalism major from Albuquerque who serves as editor-in-chief for The Tech Talk.
Respect (from) your elders
The Tech Talk (USPS 535540) is published Thursdays of the regu lar school year, except in vacation and examination periods, by the Journalism Department of Loui siana Tech University. Publication office is in Keeny Hall, Room 138.
POSTAL
If the food is not properly treated ultimately, we are not properly treated. Most of the meat consumed in our country comes from factory farms. On this mass level most animals that are raised in this environment are unable to be treated properly for consumption; and it truly is sad. We want our food, we want it fast and we could care less where it’s coming from or what process it went through to eventually reach our stomachs. The less we care, the worse off we are. If we really knew what all was happening to our food along the way, we would not want to eat it. All of this over-processed beef, pumped full of hormones, coming from animals living in horrible conditions, this is not healthy meat. Most of this meat is processed in a factory, we are factory fed America, no longer sustained on our own. Meat is important, it’s necessary but bad meat is simply unnecessary, I would rather go without it at all.
RACHEL’S RAMBLINGS
PUBLICATION
Secondclass postage paid at Ruston, La. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272.
around between work and classes, feeling busy all the time, we consume a lot of fast food or just foodon-the go. No wonder everyone is always tired, sluggish and feeling unhealthy –because we are. And we don’t want to make a change. We want our food, we want it fast and we could care less where it’s coming from or what process it went through to eventually reach our stomachs. This is a bad habit, and it can continue into our adult life. The majority of Americans today probably do not know exactly where their food came from, how it was made and produced, and honestly most probably don’t even care. The truth really is disgusting and we may not really want to know. But why wouldn’t we? Most of the meat we consume is not at all healthy. Half the food we consume from mass distribution is made solely for that purpose–mass distribution. The industry is not thinking of the individual’s need to be sustainable, they’re not thinking about the animals being killed so we can eat.
RACHEL MAXWELL Managing Editor | ram049@latech.edu
A
s college students, we are often regarded as young and misguided–arrogant kids who aren’t worth listening to. We are told that our opinions are dumb, that we’ll understand the world better when we’re older, and that we think we know everything. I’m not saying any of these things are incorrect, but I am saying that there may be harm in constantly invalidating a person’s opinion. Those of us in college are guilty of it, too. I remember being so angry when my older brother was in college and called me a “dumb high schooler.” Now that I’m in college, I regularly roll my eyes at my little brother, who is a freshman in high school. Then I think about how I felt when I was younger and was made to feel
foolish by those older than me. Nothing made me angrier, because, yes, I was arrogant and hated to think I may not be totally grounded in some of my opinions. I still feel this way when I am told I only believe something because I’m in college and that my feelings will change when I get some real life experience. My opinions definitely have changed since I was in high school, so I know a lot my beliefs now will in fact be different once I’ve been out of college for a while. Still, I know that when I am told I am wrong with the explanation simply being because I’m young, I immediately become defensive. I try to remember this when talking to my little brother and offer other arguments against whatever opinions I disagree with beyond him just not understanding because he is younger than me. Instead of beating down those
younger than us and dismissing them immediately, we should start having conversations that encourage respectful discourse during disagreements, not complete disregard of different opinions. Because even if the opinions I and those younger than me hold are naive and misguided due to our youth, isn’t it better to build others up and promote a healthy way of addressing those who disagree with us? Of course, my opinion about this very well could change when I get older, and you may be disregarding this column already, but the idea of respecting others even if we see them as arrogant, biased or just dumb, is a lesson that I think is worth learning at any age. Rachel Maxwell is a sophomore journalism major from Benton who serves as managing editor for The Tech Talk.
READ IN BETWEEN THE SIDELINES
Please don’t take away football MATTHEW VALCHO Sports Editor | mvv022@latech.edu
I
f you live in the state of Louisiana, you’ve probably heard of the nearly billion-dollar budget deficit that the state has found itself in. In an address to the state last week, Gov. John Bel Edwards reviewed what the state might be facing in the next few months when it begins the process of digging its way out of this hole. When talking about higher education, he brought up the possibility of schools closing, including Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Edwards said that students enrolled in those schools would receive a grade of incomplete for classes this semester. “Many students will not be able to graduate and student-athletes across the state at those schools will be ineligible to play next se-
mester,” Edwards said. “That means you can say farewell to college football next fall.” Um. What was that? Care to repeat that one more time? This has to be some kind of cruel joke right? Unfortunately, it’s not something we can simply wake up from. It’s a very real situation many schools find themselves in right now. I love Tech football, but I grew up a fan of the Tigers. Nothing beats a Saturday night in Death Valley. The thought of that massive stadium sitting empty on a Saturday in the fall is the stuff of nightmares for some and is enough to make grown men cry. It could also set the programs in all schools affected back many years. Players will transfer away, and the teams will take some time to return to full strength. This could almost be compared to Southern Methodist’s death penalty and is certainly similar to the situation Alabama-
Birmingham is in. Edwards did the smartest thing he could have possibly done in this situation. If you want people to cooperate, you threaten to take away their football. Is it a bluff ? Possibly. But did he get people’s attention? You bet he did. The next day, sports outlets like Bleacher Report and ESPN were all over this story. Louisiana’s budget crisis, that days before seemingly had no attention whatsoever, was now thrust directly into the spotlight. All thanks to football. The next few weeks are crucial for the future of this state. People will be at each other’s necks debating how our home can be fixed, but one thing is for certain: football is a common, bipartisan issue that we all can get behind. Matthew Valcho is a junior journalism major from Benton who serves as sports editor for The Tech Talk.
TOPS scare causes panic among students T
here have been plenty of hiccups and hits to what seems to be one of the most important things to citizens of Louisiana – higher education. Last Thursday the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance announced that they will immediately suspend TOPS payments due to a rocky and uncertain budget crisis. TOPS, the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, is a college scholarship that benefits thousands of Louisiana students The announcement of possible suspension of TOPS has created a state of panic has been flourishing among students and families who rely heavily on the funds for tuition. The call to end funding fro TOPS has created a firestorm if criticism fro recently elected Gov. John Bel Edwards who campaigned on a pledge to strengthen higher education in the state. Just as the state is lashing out on the topic, the Tech Talk editorial staff has a range of opinions on how the funds being cut will affect our university and students. Most people feel that the government suspending TOPS would significantly hurt Louisiana universities and colleges by driving students of state to attend college, which would ultimately hurt the state. Another issue some believe will be a result of the funding cuts is higher taxes and other major cuts besides TOPS to make up for the budget crisis. Some say former governor Bobby Jindal is to blame, because many believe he has created a massive economic hole for Gov. Edwards to climb out of. Others think it’s just political posturing and is not going to be a bigger issue. The TOPS scholarship has benefited Louisiana in major ways, especially by supporting 49,710 students to be able to pursue their college career. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance announced that they will resume processing TOPS payment requests today. LOSFA will pay 80 percent, and colleges and universities will absorb the remaining 20 percent. Tech President Dr. Les Guice released a statement agreeing that Tech will undoubtedly pay its students’ 20 percent. Right now, LOSFA is uncertain of how the TOPS funding will affect graduating high school seniors but has agreed to created a stricter requirements platform for those students seeking TOPS scholarships.
February 18, 2016 • The Tech Talk • 5
www.thetechtalk.org
KEVIN GATES “ISLAH”
Ryan Reynold stars as Deadpool in Marvel’s newest and comical superhero film.
MARVEL’S
‘DEADPOOL’
20th Century Fox
CALEB DANIEL Staff Reporter | csd020@ latech.edu As a Marvel fan familiar with Deadpool, I expected two things from the Merc with a Mouth’s new movie: the film would be funny, and it would NOT be for children. Despite these expectations, I was still not prepared for how hilarious, yet vulgar and gory, Marvel’s favorite mercenary turned out to be. As the Fox Studios film rapidly moves through its 100-minute runtime, the air is full of bullets, profanity, and/or overt sexual references for almost every minute of it. Because that’s who Deadpool is. Ex-Special Forces operative Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds)
is a wisecracking, lowlife mercenary who becomes subjected to a brutal genetics experiment, leaving him with ugly skin mutations and incredible healing powers. Wilson dons the name Deadpool and uses his powers to save his lover and take revenge on his tormentor. And he is not afraid to drop pants, f-bombs and bodies along the way. Reynolds’s Deadpool wields his sardonic wit even more frequently than his weapons, and the result is a Marvel movie more humor-oriented than any of its predecessors. He slips easily past the fourth wall to make quips about actors, including Reynolds himself, the audience and even Fox Studios.
Deadpool also accomplishes his heroics in a much more violent way than casual superhero fans are used to, blowing out four brains with a single bullet and spelling out words with the bodies of his victims. The violence, intended to add to the humor, usually worked but became unnecessary and cringe-worthy. Minutes-long graphic sex scenes left me feeling awful for the 8-year-olds I saw in attendance. Even with his crimson pants on, Deadpool makes Iron Man look like a Boy Scout. Regardless of the constant graphic content, or perhaps because of it, this is comic-book Deadpool at his most accurate. No planet or even city is at stake in this story: Deadpool’s
KANYE WEST “THE LIFE OF PABLO”
JOHN SADLER Features Editor | jts040@ latech.edu Kanye has always been most comfortable talking about Kanye. From “The College Dropout” to “Yeezus,” all of his albums have touched on a central point of the experience of being Kanye. In his six-disc back catalog, he has been exuberant, arrogant, celebratory, depressive, redemptive and madder than hell. With “The Life of Pablo,” however, he seems to have hit a rut. It’s understandable. It’s hard to keep coming up with new ways to pontificate on basic life experience, and Kanye is not one to look outside of his own life for inspiration. Critically, the album seems to be faring well, but how much of that is from the media’s disbelief that Kanye dropped something subpar: a rushed, exceptionally inconsistent record with impressive highs and embarrassing lows. “Ultralight Beam,” the first track on the album, is one of those highs, both musically and spiritually. With backing chorus from a choir and a feature from gospel musician Kirk Franklin (Kanye did call “Pablo” a gospel album, after all), it starts the album on a ON high note. Besides the chorus, and heavenly aOUR token mumbled “pray for Paris,” Kanye leaves most of the lyrical content on the song to Chance the Rapper, who creates the song’s centerpiece with his energetic verse. “Father Stretch My Hands, Part 1” follows with a surprise Kid Cudi hook and an opening line from Kanye about bleached nether-regions. One of Kanye’s strengths has always been contrasting social or religious concepts with hyper-sexual innuendo, and following the uber-positive “ULB” with the aforementioned line dethroned “Blood on the Leaves” as his most disconcerting mashup. Part 2 of the song consists of a quickly
RADAR
GOOD Music/Def Jam Recordings
yelped Kanye verse followed by what is basically the entirety of newly-signed GOOD Music rapper Desiigner’s song “Panda.” Underutilizing Desiigner like this is criminal, and outright lazy on Kanye’s part. People bemoan sampling as representative of lack of talent all the time, and while it’s an untrue statement, throwing a 15-line verse over a previously recorded song is possibly the most egregious use of “sampling” I’ve ever heard. Just go listen to “Panda,” it’s better. “Famous,” and its infamous Taylor Swift line, comes next. I kept hoping the opening line had some more meaning to the song’s context than manufacturing controversy. Alas, there was no such meaning, but Kanye definitely achieved his obvious goal of trending on Twitter. After “Low Lights,” a sermon/skit that goes on for far too long, and “High Lights,” a collaboration with Young Thug that is one of the album’s high points, comes “Freestyle 4,” the most interesting song on “Pablo.” A strong case could be made about “Freestyle 4” not being a rap song. Over strings that sound as if they’ve been ripped out of a Hammer Films horror movie, Kanye eschews traditional rapping for drugfueled demands for sex on a dinner table and at a vogue party. It’s more id-controlled yelling than anything, and it’s terrifying.
entire mission is done with selfish motives. He may have super powers, and he may happen to beat up bad guys, but he was never meant to be a hero. Deadpool himself addresses this, pausing in the middle of ferociously impaling a victim to explain to the audience, “This is not a superhero movie.” Director Tim Miller, referred to in the opening credits as “a stupid tool,” and writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, “the real heroes,” perfectly showcased everything Deadpool is with this film. For viewers not averse to heavy doses of coarseness and violence, “Deadpool” will completely satisfy as a hilarious and bold experience.
If “Freestyle 4” is Kanye’s demand for unregulated sexual gratification, “FML” is his repentance. After a subpar first verse (The line “I’ve been waiting for a minute” is broken up into four lines.), Kanye gets deeply personal, as Kanye is wont to do. He contrasts his desire to be a husband and father with his inability to truly accept his new role. Kanye truly is still the King of Sad Rappers. While The Weeknd will sing about a self-destructive lifestyle, and Drake will air out unrequited romantic feelings at least four hundred times per album, nobody out there would put a line like “You ain’t seen nothing crazier than / this n***a when he’s off his Lexapro” in their song. For however much he pretends to not care, the public is still ultimately Kanye’s confessional. Kanye teased fans early on with a notepad signed by what was presumed to be collaborators, and the album is full of guest features: Kid Cudi, Desiigner, Andre 3000, Ty Dolla $ign, Post Malone, Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, etc. They’re almost all underused, however. Cudi gets a three-line hook in “FSMH Part 1,” Frank Ocean was pulled out of whatever mountain cabin he’s holed himself up in to sing a small outro to “Wolves” and Andre 3000, one of the greatest MCs to ever record, is relegated to muttering “30 hours” while Kanye attempts to freestyle for a minute and a half. When I say he freestyles, I mean he mumbles monosyllabically and answers a phone call from a Def Jam employee. It’s embarrassing. This is the first album Kanye has released (besides perhaps “Late Registration”) that won’t permanently change the rap game. It’s rushed, sloppy and lacks cohesion, all things that are inexcusable from the man who marathoned a Hawaii recording session for “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” one of the best albums of this century. There is hope, however. The version released on Tidal is apparently not the finished product (per a company email), and Kanye has tweeted “Ima fix wolves.” Someone needs to help him polish this up, because a good album does lurk inside, but as of now, it’s not up to the standards we should hold Yeezus to.
ALEX HEARD Staff Reporter | amh072@latech.edu Kevin Gates is a tough guy from the streets of Baton Rouge. As a “dirty South” rapper, his beats must “bang,” the type of beat to get a person’s head bobbing, and he has got to have a solid hook. His debut album “Islah” is full of singles that have both of those things: “Really Really,” “2 Phonez” and “La Familia.” Another song that has single-potential now that the album has been released is “Jam,” Atlantic Records which features Trey Songz, Ty Dolla $ign and Jamie Foxx. Its highlight is the soulful and extremely catchy hook by Songz, which radiates early-Usher/R. Kelly vibes. Gates can be a tough guy in his songs, but he can be rather raunchy and turn listeners away from his music at times. Gates’ music is so appealing because he does not hesitate to express his feelings. His poignancy is not portrayed any better in any other mixtape the way it is in “Islah.” Islah portrays both of Gates’ personas. First, a family man. He loves his family and does not care who knows it — as he pours his heart out in songs, much like he does on social media, about his family. In the song “Pride,” he speaks about the struggles he had with his wife Dreka. After their break up and Gates claims he tries to be gangster about it, a true “g” does not fret over a woman. However, he misses her too much and does not care who knows that she is the only woman he needs in his life. He expresses such in the line: “As if it ain’t OK to cry, try to be the tough guy. Think about you all the time, start to feel it backfire. No one love you like I, hope our love ain’t expire.” Gates is also shown as a true musician, who is enjoyably unpredictable, capable of switching up his flow, flaunting his versatility as a rapper. The most versatile track on the album is “Hard For” — is guitar-led. Even with a different approach, he is still able to institute his raw, sometimes funny technique. In the song’s hook, Gates is raunchy, but at the same time, caring and loyal: “You the only one that my d*** could get hard for.” “Time For That,” the most underrated track on the album, has my favorite hook: “Cause I done had too many come around and change on me. She screamin’ please don’t waste my time. I say I totally agree. See girl I’m fine with that. I done gave my watches away, ain’t got no time for that.” The most disappointing song on the album is “Thought I Heard (Bread Winner’s Anthem).” Looking at the song title one would think this song would be a classic, a song all of Gates’ fans would sing as it is homage to all “bread winners.” The song fizzles out as no lyrics really stand out as clever, funny, nor emotional, something typical in a Gates song. Instead of a typical catchy hook, it’s lazy, mumbled, rather than shouted, a usual Gates technique. “Islah” is everywhere musically, consisting of every type of Gates fan. However, some songs, like “Told Me” and “Ain’t Too Hard,” are forgettable, leaving one to potentially skip them.
www.thetechtalk.org
6 • The Tech Talk • February 18, 2016
WEEKLYHOROSCOPE www.horoscopes.com.net
Aries March 21 – April 19 You might wake up this morning feeling a little less than your usual self, Aries, and you might not be able to figure out why. There could be some sort of minor physical imbalance or you might be suffering from eyestrain. This could put you a little out of sorts with yourself and everyone else, particularly if you’re stressed about work responsibilities. Avoid computers, if possible, and take time during the day to run or go for a brisk walk. Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Today, Taurus, you might find yourself getting more irritated than you usually would at the quirks of friends, colleagues, partners, and children. Nerves could be frayed and tempers around you frazzled. At times like this it’s best to remain centered and make the effort to be your usual warm and friendly self. No lasting rifts are likely to result, but tension with others can make for an uncomfortable day. Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Temporary difficulties at home might cause you to want to stay and resolve them rather than go to work or anywhere else. However, Gemini, career matters may also be pressing, so you’re likely to be in a bit of a quandary. At this time, the wisest decision is likely to be to take care of your personal life first. Professional matters will still be waiting for you tomorrow. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 Some rather unsettling communications could come your way today, perhaps from out of state. This isn’t likely to be anything serious, Cancer, but it could be enough to put your nose a little out of joint. Changes in your neighborhood might interfere with your daily routine. A neighbor or relative could be ill and you might feel obligated to help them out a little. This is fine as long as you don’t commit to too much. Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Some minor money matters may need to be handled today, Leo, and you might find this irritating as you probably have other things you’d rather do. The situation could cause some petty friction with family members, but that will pass. However, you’ll be able to muster all your innate skills and get the money matters handled, which will leave the rest of the day to do what you want. Hang in there. Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 The healing of a temporary rift with your partner is likely to take place today, with a lot of honest communication and more apologies than are necessary. You might find that a lot of issues have come out in the open and that there is a new understanding between the two of you.
A move could be coming up, Virgo, or at least changes within the household you have now. Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 The desire to go off by yourself and enjoy a little solitude is likely to be in conflict with the reality of your obligations today, Libra. You could find yourself spacing out at times and unable to concentrate on any tasks at hand, so try to stay focused. Some irritating letters or phone calls could come your way, but nothing that you can’t deal with. See an exciting movie tonight. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Don’t expect any creative projects to go smoothly today, Scorpio. You could experience mental blocks that you find difficult to get beyond. Don’t let it get to you. The blocks will pass. Just put the project aside and get back to it later. A phone call from a friend might bring some disconcerting news that could cause you to want to pass it on to others. Before you do, make sure you have the facts straight. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Obligations to others could incline you toward staying home today, Sagittarius, but important career issues could pull you in to work. This could cause some inner conflict, and you may have to face a choice. Only you can make that choice, but take care to be objective and take all the facts into consideration. Don’t get yourself all emotionally worked up. This will only exacerbate the situation. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Today you’re likely to feel torn in two different directions, Capricorn. A part of you could want to sequester yourself somewhere and read, while another part of you feels that you should get out, go somewhere, and do something. You may be more impatient than usual with squabbles between colleagues or family members. It might be a good idea to do some exercise during the day to work off the inner tensions. Relax with a good book in the evening! Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Minor difficulties over money could put you in a state of frustration. The problems aren’t Earthshaking, but they still need to be handled and could take up a lot of time that you’d rather spend doing something else. Giving in to your frustration could waste more time than simply handling the situation and moving on, however. Try to keep your cool, Aquarius. Take your problems in both hands, resolve them, and move on.
CROSSWORDPUZZLE
HIGH 73 LOW 53
>
FRIDAY
HIGH 73 LOW 57
1. Burn slightly 2. Musical drama, usually sung in Italian 3. Cravat 4. Door 5. From ___ Z 6. Actress Berry 7. Outsider 8. Method 9. Former Hungarian premier Nagy 10. Stadium level 11. Singer Murray 12. Dull sound 14. Wall St. debut 17. Conductor Klemperer 21. Twixt’s partner 23. Nouveau ___ 25. Cmdr Data’s was named Spot 27. Pot top 28. Trompe l’___ 29. Actress Merrill 30. HannaBarbera bear 31. Med. school subj. 32. Monetary unit of Nigeria 33. Elemental unit 35. DDE’s predecessor 36. Chopin piece 39. Intelligence 40. Actress Massey 41. Assist 46. To a greater extent 48. Initial stake 49. Cedes 51. Competitor 52. Reptile 54. Congo, formerly 55. Orgs. 56. Office notes
Across 1. Work up lather 5. Cries of discovery 9. Let’s just leave___ that 13. ___ facto 14. Pisa place 15. Ho Chi ___City 16. Cemetery 18. Bausch & Lomb brand 19. Cavern 20. Literate 22. Really bother 23. Continue a subscription 24. Sites 26. Aria 31. Wanted poster abbr. 34. Feel sore 37. Refrain in a children’s song 38. In spite of 42. Bubbling 43. Ornamental case 44. China’s Chou En___ 45. Native drum 47. June 6,1944 50. Like Eric the Red 53. Ruler of Hyderabad 57. Chinese language 61. Comfortable 62. ___ breve 63. Missionary zeal 65. Threadbare 66. Brown and white Eurasian falcon 67. Bond classic 68. Singer McEntire 69. Butter alternative 70. Cong. meeting Down
DAILY U
57. Bryn ___ College 58. Skin cream ingredient 59. Workers’ rights org. 60. Comedian Carvey 61. Cabinet dept. 64. Prefix with classical
LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
Have any ideas for future comics or feedback? Email dwyer@latech.edu
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 An argument with your partner could have you feeling very disheartened and somewhat depressed today, Pisces. Yet you probably are too shaken up to feel like discussing it with him or her. Spend the day keeping yourself busy and working off your frustration. Forget about it for a while, Pisces. This should enable you to see the situation more objectively, so that you’ll be in the proper frame of mind to kiss and make up when the evening comes.
WEEKLYWEATHER TODAY
www.bestcrosswords.com
www.accuweather.com SATURDAY
HIGH 72 LOW 60
SUNDAY
HIGH 71 LOW 56
MONDAY
HIGH 58 LOW 43
TOPS from pg. 1
He also said Tech is planning for what is next, reviewing all available options. “The legislature will obviously take a closer look at the TOPS program for future years to ensure that it is meeting its goals and is sustainable for the longer term,” he said. “Of course, we will advocate for it as this has been great for making college affordable and accessible for so many Louisiana students.” According to a recent Shreveport Times article, student payments will resume as of now, and Louisiana universities plan to absorb the difference that TOPS will no longer cover. Universities will now be paying 20 percent of student funding while TOPS will provide only 80 percent. Guice assured current students there of no immediate impact and said he does not believe the TOPS change will impact Tech’s 2020 master plan. “We are expecting to continue our growth goals to take Louisiana Tech to a student population of 15,000 students,” he said. Pamela Ford, dean of enrollment
TUESDAY
HIGH 52 LOW 39
> management, said admissions are waiting for more answers to know what the future will hold for the university and its students. “At this time we are waiting for further clarification from the state on next year’s budget situation,” she said. “No discussions have taken place yet regarding potential scholarship adjustments as a result of possible changes in the TOPS program.” According to the Louisiana Board of Regents the state is considering raising the TOPS ACT score requirement to a 28. Guice said this would be a possibility in the case that the legislature decides to stop investing in TOPS next year at its current level. He said the university will watch closely as many of legislature discusses these changes. “I believe that most of our legislators strongly support the TOPS program and will find a way to fund it in the future,” he said. “I could see some changes that
would make the program more sustainable.”
SUDOKUPUZZLE
WEDNESDAY
HIGH 58 LOW 35
www.sudoku-puzzles.net
Difficulty EXPERT
LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9.
RADIOTHON from pg. 1
He also said they hope to make the Radiothon a year round event instead of just two days out of the year. Callers could pledge to be a Partner in Hope, in which they would donate $20 a month for a year. Sandra Lara, regional development representative for ALSAC, the fundraising branch of St. Jude’s, said any dollar amount helps. “There is no monetary goal except to get as much as we can,” Lara said. Barbara Lewis, local resident and member of Zeta Rho philanthropic group helping with the Radiothon said the primary mission of the Radiothon was to raise money for St. Jude’s. “There are so many people who are unaware of the fact that we have so many children whose parents cannot afford to get them the treatment they need,” Lewis said. She said St. Jude’s mission and free services make the Radiothon that much greater. She said this cause is personal for some in her organization so it’s a blessing to be able to help out.
>
SECOND LINE from pg. 1
“Basically, we wanted to do something for Mardi Gras to unite all the African American organizations on campus,” she said. “So, we decided to do a second line. We had beads, we had candy to give out to everybody, and we had a DJ so we can have a little fun right before we get out for break.” Briana Moore, the treasurer for the Society of Distinguished Black Women, said the event plays a big role in black culture. We wanted to tie it in with Black History Month,” said Moore, a senior accounting major. “This is something that is important to our culture. It was really fun to tie that in, especially since it’s BSU’s black culture week.” Parker said UAAM is resilient in its efforts to serve the community. “18 brand new black men have come out to United Afrikan American Men and Louisiana Tech campus,” he said. “As president of UAAM, we are not done yet. We will give back to the community more and more; nonstop. We are a community service organization.”
www.thetechtalk.org
More Talk
February 18, 2016 • The Tech Talk • 7
Going
the DISTANCE
The International Academic and Professional Network helps prospective students from Central Africa find their academic home. RACHEL MAXWELL Managing Editor | ram049@latech.edu
ward African economies, and there is an increase in demand for American education in those countries.” For most American high school seTchakounte, a junior finance major, niors, the college application process said his inspiration behind starting the is relatively easy. For most, applica- company was his own two-year expetions to any institution he or she could rience trying to navigate the United dream of are just a few clicks away. States’ higher education admission For international students, the process. process is more difficult, and “IAP is for the struggle of for African students seeking international students to get an American education, that in the U.S.,” he said. “Most of same process can take years. us have the funds needed to Anthony Tchakounte, CEO pursue a U.S. higher educaof the International Academic tion. We have the will, but we and Professional Network, is don’t have the directives, the working to make that process guidance, to get through the easier for students in the Cen- TCHAKOUNTE process.” tral African region. The IAP Tchakounte took his idea Network offers placement and to the Top Dawg New Veneducational services to students in ture Championship in 2013 and in African countries who are seeking a 2014 won the Jones Walker Entreprewestern education, as well as support neurial Spirit Award, giving him the rein their transition into the U.S., which sources to start the company. he says is much needed as African stuDebbie Inman, member of IAP’s dents make up only 5 percent of Inter- Board of Advisors and director of national students in the United States. the Center for Entrepreneurship and “U.S. colleges have not been ex- Information and Technology at Tech, posed to the African market,” he said. said Tchakounte’s devotion to his idea “They are not sure what outcome they separated him from competitors in the can get from the market so they focus eyes of the judges. on China, which is where 60 percent “His dedication to his idea and his of international students in the U.S. tenacity are what stood out,” she said. come from. However, there is global “He wanted to make certain that inditrend where all the focus is shifting to- viduals from Cameroon or other coun-
tries who wanted to come to college in Tech’s entrepreneurial program, and the United States, but had a hard time later joined IAP as vice president of researching opportunities, could come business development. get an education here.” Puckett said IAP wants to recruit Tchakounte said IAP offers support 500 students to Tech in an effort to asfor students once they are enrolled at sist in Tech president Les Guice’s 2020 the universities as well as guidance vision of 15,000 students, and that through the admission process. while other universities pay to gain “While they are here, we access to the African market, offer support groups, when Tech gains this access for free. someone is entering a new “Some people question country you have to assimilate why it is important to give them to the culture,” he said. back to your university,” he “When I got here, I had nosaid. “When Tech is strong, body to tell me, ‘this is where our degrees are strong. When you can go to buy your books, your university is strong, it this is who you can talk to if makes you a better candidate you have some issues within nationally.” PUCKETT your academic frame, these Tchakounte said internaare the people you can hang tional students are beneficial out with. It’s all about getting familiar for Tech in more ways than just the with a new culture.” enrollment number. In March, IAP will host its first Col“We are working hard on Tech’s relege Fair and Educational Summit in tention rate, which I know with interDouala, Cameroon. More than 30,000 nationals being here would be high,” college seniors in the region will be ex- he said. “Once they come here, they posed to U.S. colleges. In an effort to complete the program.” give back to the university that helped He also cited diversity and ecoit gets its start, IAP is not only work- nomic growth as benefits Tech and ing to increase the number of African Ruston gain from international stustudents in the U.S., but also to bring dents. students to Tech specifically. “A strong campus is a diverse camShane Puckett, instructor of com- pus,” he said. “So once your campus is munication at Tech, was assigned diversified, people exchange cultures, to be Tchakounte’s mentor through and they learn from one another.”
www.thetechtalk.org
8 • The Tech Talk • February 18, 2016
National Athletic Signing Day 2016 Louisiana Tech welcomes a new class of student-athletes ALEX HEARD Staff Reporter | amh072@latech.edu
Following National Signing Day on Feb. 3, the future looks bright for Louisiana Tech football. Signing Day has come and gone, allowing teams to get the best feel for whether or not voids from their previous year’s squad can be properly filled. Head coach Skip Holtz and his staff are looking to replace NFL caliber talent. Vernon Butler is a projected first-round pick and his absence leaves a big (no pun intended) void to fill in the middle of the defensive line. Tech hauled in three defensive line standouts that have potential to play right away. Willie Baker is an ESPN 4 star recruit and the “prize” of this year’s class for Tech. Many analysts argue he has the most upside. Baker, a native of Livonia, LA, can potentially make as much of an impact as Jaylon Ferguson did in his freshman campaign last season. Ferguson played his best during the second half of the season, making a slew of impact plays. KaDerrion Mason is a recruit from McComb, Mississippi, who flipped his commitment from conference rival Southern Miss University to the Bulldogs shortly before Signing Day. Mason also had an offer from University of Kentucky. Holtz said he respects Baker and Mason for sticking with Tech when they both had multiple offers from more notable “Power Five” schools. "I applaud them for sticking with their decision and having the maturity and confidence to make the decision they felt was best for them," Holtz said. "Those two guys are difference makers." Kalan Ritchie is a recruit from Georgia Military College who formerly committed to South Carolina. Ritchie has JJ Watt/Jason Pierre-Paul intangibles as he is a long pass-rusher (standing at 6-foot-6) with an enormous wingspan, capable of swatting opposing quarterbacks’ throws into the dirt. Holtz said he is ecstatic over the future at the defensive line position. "They all get me excited,” Holtz said. “I think all five of them will be special players. Many of these guys will have the opportunity to plug straight into the twodeep and push for some playing time. I think we definitely helped ourselves walking into this season with what we did on
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN THE 2016 SIGNING SEASON WILLIE BAKER - DE (ESPN)
JACK ABRAHAM - QB (ESPN)
NEW ROADS, LA (LIVONIA HS) POSITION RANKING: NO. 43 NATIONALLY NO. 3 IN LOUISIANA
OXFORD, MS (OXFORD HS) POSITION RANKING: NO. 31 NATIONALLY NO. 2 IN MISSISSIPPI
A two-time first team all-state, all-district and all-metro selection. Named All-Metro MVP. Led team to a state championship his junior year as he tallied 108 tackles, 29 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks. Helped lead team to a runner-up finish in the state championship his sophomore year. Chose Tech over Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Kansas State, Louisville, Michigan, Ole Miss, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Utah.
DAVID BEASLEY - ATH (ESPN) PINE BLUFF, AR (PINE BLUFF HS) POSITION RANKING: NO. 116 NATIONALLY NO. 1 IN ARKANSAS Beasley played both sides of the ball in high school, but the above rankings are as a safety. Led team to a 13-0 record and an Arkansas 6A state championship with a 28-21 win over Greenwood in the state title game. Finished senior year with 747 receiving yards, 17 touchdowns on offense, 26.5 tackles, two interceptions on defense and two return touchdowns on special teams. Chose Tech over Arkansas State, Houston and Memphis.
the defensive line.” In addition to going heavy on defensive linemen, Tech brought in five linemen on offense. The most notable offensive line recruit is Josh Outlaw. Outlaw, formerly enrolled at Texas Tech, left that program last September and enrolled at Tyler Junior College. He will battle for the starting right tackle position, replacing Jens Danielsen. Jeff Driskel has built up some draft stock for himself lately, in addition to the
Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year. USA Today High School Sports Mississippi Offensive Player of the Year. Senior year, threw for 5,037 in a 331-for-507 with 57 touchdowns and six interceptions. Led team to three consecutive state championship games and became the first player in school history to throw over 100 touchdowns and 10,000 yards. Chose Tech over California Berkely, Tulane, Appalachian State and South Alabama.
ALSO SIGNED ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY Israel Tucker - RB New Orleans Kody Russey - C Burleson, TX Zach Cousar - TE Oxford, MS Devin Hamilton - LB Lake Charles Taylor Fondal - OL New Iberia Zach Hannibal - DB Monroe Eric Kendzior - DE/LB LaPorte, TX L’Jarius Sneed - WR/DB Minden
buzz his play from last season had already created. Who will replace his record-setting production at the team’s most important position? Tech was seemingly able to get the quarterback of the future in Jack Abraham, the 2015 Mississippi High School Player of the Year. Though small in stature (6 foot), Abraham makes up for with throwing ability. With the high school statistics he had, he must have the ability
KaDerrion Mason - DL McComb, MS Josh Outlaw - OL Texas Tech/Tyler JC Kalan Ritchie - DE GA Military College Keonatye Garner - DT Copiah-Lincoln JC Reggie Cleveland - DB Baton Rouge Drew Melancon - OL Hahnville, LA DaMarion King - S Allan Hancock College *More info on all recruits can be found on latechsports.com
of scanning the field as he looks to pass, despite being short at a position that requires height in order to do so. His feel for the football field and where receivers need to be, even though he cannot see over his lineman, is Drew Brees-esque. A few players including Abraham, transfer defensive back DaMarion King and offensive lineman Drew Melancon have enrolled early, signed financial aid papers and will be eligible to participate in spring practice.
Track and field set for conference championships CALEB DANIEL Staff Reporter | csd020@latech.edu As they approach their conference championship meets, the Louisiana Tech men’s and women’s track and field teams have participated in several meets against highprofile teams from the SEC, ACC and other premiere conferences. Assistant coach Jake Cohen said both Tech teams have proven they can run with anyone. “There’s never a meet where we’re looking up at other people,” Cohen said. “We walk in on equal ground.” Throughout the season, redshirt-senior long jumpers/ sprinters Jarvis Gotch and Mia Adams have been mainstays of the men’s and women’s teams, respectively. At the Samford Invitational on Feb. 12, Gotch claimed gold in the 60m dash, beating out runners from teams from Alabama and Virginia Tech. Adams finished second in the long jump and sixth in the 200m. Adams said the women’s team is peaking at the right time. “A lot of us have broken or tied personal records, including me,” she said. “And this is before we even go into conference, so I think it can only go better from there.” At the Vanderbilt Invitational on Jan. 29-30, Gotch placed as the top collegian in the 60m dash and runner-up in the long jump, setting fourth-best marks in school history in both events. Adams placed fifth in the long jump, as well as running on the gold-medal 4x400m relay team.
Cohen said every win against big-school opponents helps set the teams up for Conference USA success. “Any time you can win events with a bunch of SEC schools there, you feel pretty good about that,” he said. “We came out in a good position.” The C-USA Indoor Championships will be held Feb. 2425 in Birmingham, Alabama. With all other meets now behind them, Gotch said the men’s team has the conference title in sight. “Where we are now, I think we can possibly win the conference championship,” he said. “We just have to work hard every day.” Gotch also said he is personally going for gold. “I’m feeling pretty good about gold medal in long jump right now,” he said. “And I set a personal record in the 60m (at Vanderbilt), so I’m hoping to improve that time.” Adams said Cohen’s dedication helps keep her team motivated. “Some days your body hurts and it’s cold, and you really don’t want to hear what Coach Jake has to say,” Adams said. “But he’s always out there basically all day to make us better. So we need to go out and do all we can.” For his part, Cohen said not only are both Adams and Gotch a pleasure to coach, but their talent could carry them to compete at the national level. “They both have shots to be competitors at the NCAA meet, and any time you can do that it’s a big deal,” Cohen said. “Just making it that far means you’re one of the best in the country.”
Photo courtesy of Ben Breland
Jarvis Gotch runs the 60m dash during the Samford Invitational on Feb. 12. He won gold and set a meet record.