PLANNERS for PROGRESS
See how one student-run nonprofit is working in the community. | PAGE 5
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 22, 2018
WWW.THETECHTALK.ORG
VOLUME 92 • ISSUE 7
COES honors distinguished alumni MORGAN BERNARD Managing Editor | mrb056@ latech.edu
Photo by Madison Wooley
University president Les Guice met with approximately 70 students on Feb. 7 to answer questions and discuss the university’s future plans.
Getting real with Guice Tech president Les Guice addresses students’ concerns at the SGA’s Q&A session HANNAH JONES Staff Reporter | hej006@ latech.edu The new high-tech engineering building, added parking and future plans for a green extending from Keeny Hall all the way to Memorial Gym were only a few of the projects discussed at the Q and A session with Louisiana Tech President Les Guice. About 70 students attended the official question and answer session with Guice hosted by Student Government Association Feb 7. Along with Guice, Vice President of Student Advancement Jim King, and a few additional administration representatives attended the event in order to give complete and more satisfactory answers. Beginning with a presentation overview of the progress being made regarding Louisiana Tech’s expansion, Guice then opened the floor to questions from the students in attendance. Guice, the featured guest of the Q and A, said he valued the opportunity to communicate personally with students the direction in which Tech is headed.
It was also an opportunity for him to understand the mindsets of the students and what is problematic for them. “This meeting is to share where we are as an institution and where we’re going” Guice said. “I also use it as a way to connect with the students and understand what they need and what issues need to be addressed. I learned many things today from the questions of the students that I didn’t know before.” The meeting included explanations of the various construction projects appearing all over campus. These projects include: new lighting, new housing, old trees being removed and new ones being planted, the new engineering building fully funded by alumni only, and of course, in the midst of all of this, the shifts in parking across campus. “We had some questions that were very specific to a course or a major and those are good for me to hear,” Guice said. “And then you have some broad questions as well. I can’t answer every question but I can try
“It’s important to engage with the top and we can do that here. I definitely feel like my voice has been heard.” MATTHEW STRUM asophomore chemistry major
to point them in the right direction and focus on the things that can help resolve those issues.” Guice candidly answered questions ranging from issues with parking to values of diversity in the student population and even to more specific questions regarding a particular class. SGA president Ben Rice looked back on the event with satisfaction at the turnout and nature of the meeting itself. He said the meeting raises his hopes for further communication between the administration and students in the future. “I want students to be involved more with the question process and be involved with the administrators,” Rice, a senior English
and Spanish double major, said. “Every student on this campus can tell you something they’re mad about, but when you ask, ‘What have you done about that?’ They’ll say, ‘Nothing.’ It was really just to encourage students to let their voice be heard — getting students here and letting them know that Dr. Guice does care about what they say.” One such student, Matthew Strum, a sophomore chemistry major, raised his voice. Posing a question regarding a lack in the offering of a necessary technical writing class for engineering students, Strum received the acknowledgement and commitment of Guice to see what he could do about the matter. “Coming to this meeting was important because it hasn’t been done in the past,” Strum said. “I wanted to reward Dr. Guice for doing something like this by showing up. This is extremely valuable and should be a regularly scheduled event. It’s important to engage with the top and we can do that here. I definitely feel like my voice has been heard.”
Some of Louisiana Tech’s most impressive engineering and science alumni were recognized for work they have done in their field at the College of Engineering and Science’s 2018 Alumni Awards on Feb. 1. Tech’s COES held this award ceremony to honor its most successful alumni in each degree program. There were 12 recipients at this year’s awards that represented degrees from biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical and industrial engineering as well as construction engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, computer science, chemistry, mathematics and physics. Hisham Hegab, dean of the COES, said the Distinguished Alumni Awards serve as an opportunity for each of the undergraduate degree programs to recognize outstanding alumni from their program. He said many characteristics of these alumni go noticed when choosing who receives the awards. “The recipients typically have demonstrated success in their professional career as evidenced by promotion to leadership positions where they work, and in many cases, have started up or lead their own companies,” Hegab said. “In some instances, the recipients have a distinguished record of technical achievements or advancement of knowledge in their chosen field. Many of the recipients have a strong record of humanitarian, community or public service as well.” Hegab said being chosen for the Alumni Awards is a great honor to any COES alumni as it recognizes the excellent work done by them in their field of work. “It means they have achieved great success in
their professional careers as recognized by the program faculty and their professional peers,” he said. “Their accomplishments bring great pride to the university.” George Lavert, an alumnus who was recognized at the ceremony, graduated from Tech in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He said a large part of his life that contributed to receiving this award was his time spent here at Tech. “The strong technical background afforded by my academic work at Tech allowed me to comprehend, analyze and solve very technical problems,” Lavert said. “The leadership experience I had in leading the IFC, my chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha and Student Government built a skill set and confidence that set me on a course to lead and manage groups of people.” Lavert said although he was recognized for his contribution to his work, he believes the award recognizes other people in his life who have helped him along the way. “My hard work would not have been enough without the commitment and support of my family, my teachers, my fraternity brothers and dear friends over the years, so they share in reflected honor for this,” he said. Lavert said he was surprised when he was chosen to receive an award from the electrical engineering program and was honored to be picked by Tech professors and peers. “I am flattered to be selected from the thousands of Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering graduates,” he said. “At my stage of life, retrospectives, reunions and memories are very important. This honor validates my hard work at Tech and the things I have accomplished in life since my college days.”
NEWS NEWS
2 • The Tech Talk • February 22, 2018 2 • The Tech Talk • February 8, 2018
www.thetechtalk.org www.thetechtalk.org
MSA hosts lecture on Islam Christianity Poetry society hosts first and open mic night BRYN YOUNG News Editor | bjy001@latech.edu
awareness of Islam and not doubled it, but numetry-centered community as a haven ered and perhaps we only know one HANNAH JONES risen. what we really believe to bers have definitely in the uncertainty of creativity, even or two sides of them. This is sort of Staff Reporter hej006@latech.edu is due| to the the public where people I think that for those who are not explicit mem- a new side that they are able to show The Muslim Student really have a misrepre- lectures before and the of themselves.” Students as classmates bers of Poetry Society. Association shared both sentation of what that exposure to uslistened that has Tech’s diverse student population “I didn’t know what to expect.” and people other unknown fellow students pizza and ideas with their really is,” Al-Agha said. made want to shared a little vulnerability at the Waller said. “I’m very ecstatic that can cause students to sometimes fellow students Feb. 8 as “I hope that people can learn more.” Tech Poetry the group hosted Mounir see that there is common Al-Agha saidSociety’s he andfirst open mic we had a few people who are not feel isolated in their own personal Feb. 1. from all members of Poetry Society present stresses. But poetry, as believed by Bourkiza, the head of ground and a common the event MSAonhope to Students get over campus met that to share poetry something. Anytime you do any- Lawrence Irchirl Jr., a freshman kithe Islamic Society of foundation between all more events planned their favorite poets or their own thing creative, you want to share it nesiology major, allows students to Central Louisiana, for a humans. We’re not some will from allow them to have with people, but it’s also very scary see that they are not alone. He sees original poetry. lecture titled “Islam and blood-thirsty race of conversations like this The president of the Poetry So- to share it with people, so just having the open mic night of sharing perChristianity, Closer Than heathens. We’re just like with the student body. ciety, hope senior English You Think.” “We to havemajor Caitlyn a safe space with other creators is a sonal poetry as a way to connect you. We are no different with other students who may be gowas proud the turnout for very welcoming thing to have.” The lecture consisted than any other American onePetrus, (of these) onceofevThese students demonstrate that ing through similar struggles. their first open mic night. She hopes of topics comparing both in this country, and we ery year and hopefully “It doesn’t matter what backexamples set by the Poetry amidst the tests and projects, pothe holy texts of both re- just want to be under- thatthat willtheturn into once etry allows flexibility and creativity, ground we come from, it doesn’t Society members and the other volligions and the beliefs stood.” a quarter,” he said. “We readers held by both groups. It plan on havingwould moreimpact other thinking beyond structural boundar- matter what happens to us on a daily He said he was happy alsounteer students to explore their own self- ies and expressing the inner self. Erin basis, everybody has problems,” was followed by a short to see so many people events. Maybe not like Singer, assistant professor of Ameri- Irchirl said. “You see that at open question and answer ses- turn out to listen to the this,expression. maybe some more Photos by Bryn probYoung can literature and faculty adviser for mic night where everybody’s “It’s been a really good crowd,” sion to allow the crowd lecture. He said he thinks informal events where the Poetry Society, supports these lems are now put on display. People Petrus said. “I’m happy that everyto have some of their the crowd shows that people can come and Mounir Bourkiza asks the crowd what they wish to know so that he can tailor the lecture oneuscame andMSA are able that students’ passions for expressing dif- will think ‘Oh, yeah, I had that probto see the audience. most pressing questions more people are willing meet withoutthe age areconwriting and shar- ferent angles of themselves through lem too, but I thought I was the only about the faiths to be to learn about his reli- andothers have their a good poetry. I didn’t about ing their poetry. They’ll that they taught her a lot andone, in-so back at say theanything end times,” as they do. heard. over some cof- seebelieve gion and not just listen versation “Students at Tech, it.’ But with problems write too, as get an outlet, as“Ia came way to hear herlike to stuask more she everyone’s said. “I have a lot ofon moreherespired or tea and just to Ibrahim Al-Agha, the to what is said about it fee can dents everywhere, are always more know that aren’t the of meditating or aThat way of about escape.”the Islamic and look display, into you questions andyou a lot of refaith questions know each other. spokesperson for the by those outside it. thanbelieve what they Singerfaith said.more. only onesearch out there hadtohearta freshman, Spanish the Islamic that who I want do. and major what they in seem,” be awesome.” MSA, said they wanted “The involvement was would As think all of us — break, orI the onlytoone hadtheir famJane Waller is experiencing “I students, learned afaclot about want seewho how Christianity,” Gremillion, se- regardstheto “I to host the lecture to great and the Photo turnout by Hannah Jones Rachel ulty, staff, human people — would ily members go down the wrong event with only half of a year with what they believe about story lines up with ours Gremillion said. “I, mymajor, said help people understand wastheamazing,” he said. The open mic night gave students chance to share origi- nior biology do well to and remember people are road. You’re only believe one out Poetry underself her am belt.a Christian the that lineage of Jesus and not whythethey went to Society hear how what Muslims actually “It was better than what she the sort of multi-faceted and multi-laythere.” nal works with their peers. She said she sees value in this poChrist and the resurrectheirs is the one that is believe and fight stereo- we had hoped for. Last her faith and Islam com- I was curious as to how tion and that they believe more valid when I betypes of Islamic beliefs. year, we got 80 and this pared as well as get to their beliefs line up.” She said the night that Jesus is coming lieve mine is more valid.” “We wanted to bring year we got more, maybe understand why Muslims
International cultures Delta Sigma Theta presents forum showcased at annual onscholarship consent and sexual abuse dinner TAMARIA WILLIAMS HANNAH JONES Staff Reporter | tmw055@latech.edu Staff Reporter | hej006@latech.edu Before Mardi Gras Theand International break in regards Stuto dent Association’s ScholValentine’s Day, students arship held Feb.to3, got theDinner, opportunity provided those attending a engage in conversation of theforum manyand culatglimpse a consent tures represented at Louisipanel discussion hosted ana Tech.Sigma Theta. by Delta The the ISA’s The dinner forum, isheld on largest annual event, and Feb. 8 at the University this year, added three Hall Auditorium, scholarships to theincludnumber ed a guest speaker and of total scholarships given representative from the to the university’s internaDomestic Abuse Resistional students. tance organization TheTeam dinner is the assofrom here in Lincoln Parciation’s greatest opportuish. the speaknityFollowing to raise money for the er, there who was come a panel students from discussion consent, all over theonworld to atdomestic violence and tend Tech and Oluwatoyosi sexual that includKade, abuse ISA treasurer, said ed student thefour support of panelists. the comLovely Wilkerson, munity for these studentsais senior kinesiology much appreciated. major and“The member of ofDelta purpose this Sigma Theta, said was dinner is to provideitscholthe first time sorority arships for the international has hosted Kade, a forum like students,” a junior this at the school. computer science major, “We“The wanted talk said. three toscholarabout something that ships that were added was serious,” said. shows that ISAshe is recog“The mainappreciated focus was nized and and tothatinform students we have people that who anything can happen understand how difficulttoit anyone. Tech international is a small is for some campus, butpaythere’s still students to tuition.” cases stuff happenLukeofHansen, the public ing.” relations officer and sound Wilkerson team assistant gave for the the din-
rority wanted to address “As we move into ner, they the negative things side of Valthe 21stworked century“The moreexposure with the ticket only experientine’s Day with the foand more, therethrough is this sales and said enced in their rum.me a danger of looking dinner helps the goal of the various coun“We wanted to open at people broaden my view eyes,” dinner wasastocomtries,she and the people’s said. modities looking at world and raise $4,000orfor attendees get of the “You have this intel, now people as accessible scholarships. to experience brings to life as-The next what? step is main cultures or“The objects. That’s so of other yours.culWhat other are you gopects goal was to sell without havmuch more than ing to do?” tures that I would all 500 ing to leave what we tickare.” Akeylah Wellington, ets,” Hansen, a otherwisea never thestudio United sophomore art Akeylah Wellington sophomore en- experience.” States.” major, said she felt the Sophomore Studio gineering ma- Art major T h r o u gh structure of the forum jor, said. “This ANTHONY ELLIS performances was done major well. would hope- senior engineering and delec“I think that it was effully raise over table dishes, panelists and the audi- fective,” she said. “I think $4,000 to be more than 10 ence a chance to voice conversations like this put in for funds for scholarcountries were representtheir opinions by giving need recurring converships. different We are still counting ed, expanding the horizons them scenarios the tickets now, but we had sation.” non-international students that revolved around also over 400 people. I’d defi- to Wellington multiple cultures differconsent. served as one of own the nitely say the event was a ent than that of their “Instead of it be- panelists for the discussuccess.” here in the United States. ing just informative, we sion segment of the foOf it course, gaining fi- One such student, senior turned into something nancial support not the rum. engineering major Anthony informative and isinterac“As attended we movethe intodinner the only goal of the InternaEllis, tive,” she said. “A lot of 21st century more and tional Scholarship Dinner. last year as well as this year. people are now aware more, there is a danger The International Student “I definitely enjoyed that it can happen any-to of looking at people as Association also hopes trying the new foods and where anyone. It commodities or looking promotetocultural awarewatching the various perneeds to campus be talked people as he accessible ness on as about. well as at formances,” said. “I Ifwithin you don’t know, she said. the general someRuston or wasobjects,” able to learn about the one has to tell you.” more community. This is why “That’s food thatsomymuch international According what are.”in their they also includetoand the wel- than friends eatwewhen Rape, Abuse and Incest Wellington come non-students guests. home countries.said The she exNational Network, womit was important “The dinner is the big- thought posure through this dinner en 18 the to 24 at for both and women gestages event ISOare holds helps memen broaden my view an elevated risk ofmaking sex- to of brings what’s every year thereby of be the aware world and to ual as far dating it theviolence. one eventStatistics everyone out life there aspects of as other culalso that 8to,” percent looksshow forward Kade and turesrelationships that I wouldgo.otherof “This is just a step inIt said.sexual “It alsoassault is that hapevent wise never experience. pens school property. very other long cultures walk,” she whereon the students can amakes feel Wilkersonsome said the experience of sothe said. more real.”
: n o i t n , S e R E t , N S t G R a DESI APHE INE
GAZ A M K SPEA S YOU! NEED
R G O T S O R H E P IT ur R g yo ! n i n & W erience by smhpaurpsepublication so send a
rties ch.edu exp h our ca a l p a c i d t g te te prac hrou teres lanc@la n i l l Gain e skills t -A leb tiv ORS ork to m J crea A M ALL ples of w O T m N OPE e and sa resum
UPCOMING UPCOMING EVENTS EVENTS FRIDAY FRIDAY
• Baseball vs. SIU-Edwards• No6 Calendar ville p.m. Events • Softball vs. South Dakota 3 p.m. • Softball vs. Saint Louis 5 p.m.
SATURDAY SATURDAY
•Baseball vs. SIU-Edwards• Ruston ville 2 p.m.Mardi Gras parade festival p.m. - 9 p.m. •and Softball vs. 4UMass-Lowell 6 p.m. • LA Tech Men’s Basketball vs. •Old EndDominion of the Quarter 6 p.m.Rock Show at Sundown Tavern 9•p.m. Lady Techsters Basketball @ UTEP 2 p.m.
SUNDAY SUNDAY
• Baseball vs. SIU-Edwards• No1 Calendar ville p.m. Events • Symphonic Wind En-
semble Concert at Howard Auditorium 2 p.m.
MONDAY MONDAY
• No Calendar Events • Mardi Gras Break
TUESDAY TUESDAY
• Baseball vs. Northwestern • Mardi Gras Break State 6 p.m. • End of the Winter Quarter
WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY
•No Calendar Events •Mardi Gras Break
THURSDAY THURSDAY
•No Calendar Events •Lady Techsters Basketball vs. Charlotte 4:30 p.m. • Men’s Basketball vs. UAB
8 p.m.
www.thetechtalk.org
February 22, 2018 • The Tech Talk • 3
The
TechTalk
FROM THE EDITOR
MANAGEMENT
Know thyself ... then what?
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Starla Gatson
MANAGING EDITOR
STARLA GATSON Editor-In-Chief | sjg021@latech.edu
Morgan Bernard
NEWS EDITOR Bryn Young
SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Bell
PHOTO EDITOR
Brian Blakely
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ashley Kober Jonathan Shaul
ADVISERS
T. Scott Boatright Dr. Judith Roberts Michael LeBlanc
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.
W
hether you consider yourself a philosophy expert or not, you’ve probably heard the phrase “know thyself ” at least once in your lifetime. Though only two short words, this phrase, made famous by Socrates, carries a heavy weight, but I was sure I had it figured out. I was sure I knew what I wanted out of life, and I was confident I was on track to get there. I was perfectly aligned with my goals and nothing could derail me. As it turns out, that was not at all the case. This quarter has been one of extreme growth for me, and to my own surprise, I haven’t been as put together as I led myself to believe. I have learned that knowing yourself sometimes means confronting certain things — both
PUBLICATION
CONTACT US
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.
Starla Gatson is a senior communication major from Farmerville who serves as editor-in-chief for The Tech Talk.
Are guns more important? BRYN YOUNG News Editor | bjy001@latech.edu
POSTAL
NEWSROOM 318.257.4946 EMAIL techtalk@latech.edu
things I once avoided daily. I challenge you to get to know yourself and what captures your attention. What do you desire? What do you avoid? How do these things affect you, and what are you going to do about it? Once you’re aware of what you pay attention to, you have the freedom to decide what to do next. You can redesign or refine yourself. Or maybe, you will decide the things you have paid attention to have truly been good for you. Socrates concluded that true wisdom and happiness is found in knowing oneself. Take the time to figure out who you are and what you pay attention to. Who knows what you may discover about yourself ?
THE ISSUE ON THE TABLE
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 GTM Room 165. Secondclass postage paid at Ruston, La. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272.
things you avoid and desire — and deciding whether or not they’re truly holding you back or pushing you forward. Sometimes you have to ask the tough questions: should you confront the things you’ve avoided, and are your desires actually a hindrance? How do these affect your thoughts and actions, and are they aiding you in being the person you want to be? In my case, the answer to the latter was no. Many of the things I chased after were not good for me and the things I avoided needed to be faced. Without realizing it, those things had negatively affected nearly every aspect of my life, and I had to do something about it. Then came the scary part: change. My focus had to shift, and I had to set new goals to achieve and find new objects to desire. I decided to make a conscious effort to confront the
L
ast week, we saw another school shooting take the lives of 17 people in Parkland, Florida. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 38 mass shootings in America in 2018. They define a mass shooting as four or more people shot by one gunman. Usually after a shooting of this kind, we hear pundits push around their thoughts on gun control but we never see real change. But this one feels different. It may be that we have videos of the actual carnage taking place, or that the survivors have taken the opportunity to be vocal about the changes we need; but either way, I feel this shooting is making America take a good look at what needs to be done. As with all shootings, we are seeing renewed calls for “gun control” and other measures to stop such senseless violence. But what sort of control are politicians pushing for? First, no one is asking to take away all guns. That is a talking point
that is often used to generalize all actions to restrict some access to guns as tyrannical and overreaching. Gun control often refers to legislation that would increase background checks, ban certain types of “assault-style” weapons and closing loopholes that make obtaining guns easier. One might ask why that should be done; won’t criminals still get guns if they want to? While yes, some might obtain guns illegally, most weapons used in these mass shootings have been procured legally. The AR-15 used in Florida was bought legally by someone who showed clear signs of being capable of doing exactly what he did, which leads me to my point: Congress should pass comprehensive gun control measures that ban these military-style weapons and establish a national gun registry. A registry would make it easier to find people who, like in this instance, show a history of violence that have purchased a gun. Many argue that this would make it easier for a tyrannical leader to take our guns, but those same people forget
the Second Amendment is still a thing. A ban would effectively rid the public of these weapons that have no place in the hands of civilians. The main argument against this is these weapons are used for hunting, target practice and standing up to the government if they get totalitarian. First, if you need an assault rifle to hunt, you suck at hunting. If it comes down to a choice between having fun at the range and the lives of school children, I’m choosing the lives. Also, as a friendly reminder, the U.S. has the largest military in the world and some semi-automatic weapons will do nothing to stop drones and tanks. Now is the time for thoughtful discussion about how guns are viewed in this country. No, we shouldn’t ban all guns, but we should be willing to pass legislation that regulates them further in exchange for saving lives. Bryn Young is a sophomore communication major from Mountain View, Arkansas who serves as a news editor for The Tech Talk.
TAMARIA’S TRUTHS
Snapchat’s disappointments TAMARIA WILLIAMS Staff Reporter | tmw055@latech.edu
S
ome of our favorite apps have gotten makeovers that I have grown to love-or have at least gotten used to. There is now a 280 character limit on Twitter instead of 140. There are now story updates and a non-chronological timeline on Instagram. However, with the new Snapchat update I believe I will never get acquainted. Before the new update, there was always a simple swipe to the right that led you to your Snapchat friends’ most recent story updates. Now when you swipe right, stories from publishers, celebrities and recommended stories are for viewing instead. Swiping left now brings you to your friends’ stories. However, the stories are now shuffled up and you literally have to search for that friend’s story that you want to view. When you find the story that
you want to view, you now have to tap the circle next to their name instead of tapping their name or else it will bring you to the chat conversation screen with that friend. Among all of the new changes in the app, it has stayed true to opening with the camera for when you need to immediately capture that perfect selfie. That’s one upside. All of the changes in the app are not bad, though. You can now type a caption and choose among a range of different fonts for your photo. You can also give your Bitmoji a new look with updated hairstyles and clothes. I can honestly say that I enjoy styling the avatar me. Obviously, one of Snapchat’s motives was to keep your friends and media content on different spectrums. I can understand that. However, since I’ve had the update, my views have dropped and I feel completely out of the loop with
what’s happening with my Snapchat friends. When I open the app now, I immediately get frustrated and just close it because honestly who has the time to scroll through hundreds of names to get to the stories you actually want to see? I’ve taken to Twitter to express how I really feel about the new update and some people are in even more distress than me. People are even saying that the update has ruined the experience of the app as a whole. I just feel Snapchat should go back to their basics or the app will continue to lose its popularity among users. So, if we’re friends on Snapchat and you get a notification saying that I’m typing, don’t worry. I’m just trying to look at your story. Tamaria Williams is a junior communication major from Shreveport who serves as a staff reporter for The Tech Talk.
Is football worth it? F
ootball is America’s game. This one sport, originally created from the tossing of a pig-skinned, oval-shaped ball, has morphed into an ideal that has united cities and states by evoking widespread feelings of joy, sorrow and even rejuvenation. Not to mention it’s just flat out entertaining to watch. There is only one problem. This aura of football has coated over one disturbing and harsh reality for a very, very long time until recently. Its image is coming at the expense of its players’ health. If you follow sports, this isn’t necessarily breaking news. However, it seems as if the sports media only drudges up the issue after something tragic or unfortunate happens. For example, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson took a shot to the head in week 10 of the previous NFL regular season against the Arizona Cardinals and never actually entered concussion protocol. After arbitrarily entering the blue medical tent for a split second, just to say he “went through protocol,” he played the rest of that game. He ended up not having a concussion, but if he had actually been concussed and re-injured his head during the game, the league could have had serious litigation on their hands. The most recent news in the health of NFL players was the possible retirement of superstar New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski following the Super Bowl. Gronkowski has suffered numerous injuries to his legs — and primarily knees — throughout his career but his last injury was far more serious. Gronkowski suffered a violent concussion in the AFC Championship game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and left the game for good. He was in concussion protocol for 10 days but still played in the Super Bowl. After the Patriots’ loss he told the media he was considering retirement. This situation particularly raised eyebrows, because if there was one person who people assumed had a life that revolved around football, it was Gronk. He’s passionate, competitive and a beast on the field. So, if he wasn’t committed to the sport long-term, who should be? Here at The Tech Talk, we believe there should be reasonable doubt as to whether or not football is worth all of the hardships that come collaterally. If there is an incredible athlete who is almost destined to go to the NFL, and does so to provide for his family, it’s tough to argue against using your natural abilities to make a comfortable living. However, studies show that around 96 percent of former NFL players studied showed some form of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Not to mention, over 300,000 children have been treated for sports related traumatic brain injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So while football may always continue to surface as a major aspect of American life, every attempt possible, even if it degrades the quality of play in some people’s opinions, should be made to make the game safer through new rules and technology.
www.thetechtalk.org
4 • The Tech Talk • February 22, 2018
In ‘The 15:17 to Paris’ real heroes portray their story The 15:17 to Paris HHIII MORGAN BERNARD Managing Editor | mrb056@latech.edu “The 15:17 to Paris” hit theaters Feb. 9 and to most people’s dismay, did not live up to the excitement that is somewhat expected in every American hero tale. The film tells the true story of three American men who managed to take down a terrorist on a Paris -bound train. To most, this sounds like a dramatic, action-packed film but was in fact the exact opposite. While the idea of the movie was met with good intentions, director Clint Eastwood made several mistakes in his attempt of retelling the men’s story. Probably the biggest problem with the film is that the three main characters, Alek Skarlatos, Anthony Sadler and Spencer Stone, played themselves in the movie. I will admit, I was impressed by this idea at first, but after seeing the film one can see it was not thought out well. These men are not professional actors and it really showed as they lacked in expression and creating a more dramatic element. With that being said, for complete amateurs at
E News
Alek Skarlatos, Anthony Sadler and Spencer Stone star as themselves in “The 15:17 to Paris.” acting, they did work well enough to keep the audience’s attention. While they do not live up to famous celebrity actors and their work, they managed to do a decent job. There were also many great actors within the film
like Jenna Fischer and Judy Greer, who played the mothers of Skarlatos and Stone. These two actresses were excellent in their roles and brought a little more professionality to the film. Their two characters caused the most audible laughs from
Aquila Theatre performs ‘Sense & Sensibility’ A Jane Austen novel takes the stage at Howard Auditorium HANNAH JONES Staff Reporter | hej006@latech.edu A story involving love triangles and hilarious irony galore, “Sense and Sensibility” swept the stage of Howard Auditorium Feb. 19 with Aquila Theatre’s masterful performance of the play based on Jane Austen’s novel of the same title. Aquila Theatre, a theatre company based in New York and touring nationally, brought to life this classic tale of the balance between reason and romance, sense and sensibility. The performance used the placement of the minimal set pieces along with illustrious backdrops to portray the multiple settings of the play. The multiple characters were played by a cast of only eight actors, with all but the two actresses portraying the two eldest Dashwood sisters acting as two or more personas. Of course, the use of male actors in the role of females is not a new concept to the theatre and it is this ability in the exaggerated nature in the men’s portrayals of females to capture the
irony of the characters. One audience member, Stormi Verret, expressed her initial apprehension in this tactic of the theatre that quickly turned into enjoyment. “At first I was kind of unsure about the male actors portraying females, especially for Margaret,” Verret, an English and Spanish double major, said. “But I think it added a fun, along the lines of slapstick, humor because it lightened the mood from the formal beginning and made the audience a bit more engaged. They made it more fun and energetic.” Aquila Theatre was certainly not lacking in creativity and acting finesse. Paul Crook, the co-director of the Louisiana Tech Concert Association, said he enjoys every Aquila performance he has attended. “Aquila is one of the foremost, if not the foremost, touring companies that presents classical theatre in the United States, touring nationally every year,” Crook said. “The thing about Aquila’s work — and it’s what has always impressed me — is their consistency in actors.
They are really wonderful both vocally and physically. They’re very complete actors in what they do. Their command of the language is fantastic, which is really important with Jane Austen.” The performance of Austen’s literature provoked laughter and elicited gasps from the audience with the emphasis on wit and the tragic love triangles between the characters. “I think one the most important things about Jane Austen’s works is the wittiness of it and how sharp some of the things land,” Verret said. “They did a really good job of delivering that to the audience. If that had been lacking I would have been very disappointed, but I think they kept that very well. They even added a little of that stage magic that made it really fun for the audience — I mean, you could hear everybody laughing.” Verret said Sense and Sensibility was truly a show worth viewing. “It was fabulous,” Verret said. “Anyone who didn’t get to see it really missed out.”
the audience with their overprotective mother personalities, but were also easily lovable. “The 15:17 to Paris” definitely disappointed in its action factor. When going to see a movie that includes people from the armed forc-
es and terrorists, you expect a lot to be going on actionwise. The only interesting part of the entire movie is the last ten minutes when the guys are actually taking down the terrorist. Other than that, it is a slow-moving back-
ground story about how the three men became friends and how that led them to this trip to Europe that ended differently than expected. During these flashbacks to their childhood and early adult life, there were small pieces of action and humor but they were taken over by the overall blandness of the film. The less interesting parts of the story were long and drawn out, and the actual events leading up to the train only happen toward the very end. However, “The 15:17 to Paris” did have a few good elements that helped it along the way. The main actors weren’t the greatest, but they did have a sense of humor and a strong relationship among them that helps viewers stay interested. Also, the few action scenes throughout the movie were all very well filmed as they gave each view point from each main character. While I was not truly impressed by the movie, it was a decent watch. It told an interesting story of three guys who grew up together, created this strong friendship and used that bond to save several people’s lives on the train that day in August 2005. Fortunately, they will be remembered for their brave actions and not their acting skills.
LET US HELP GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT! MOVIE REVIEW
DEADPOOL
ACR OSS the
Read about how the newest Marvel Film introduces a different kind of super hero
MASTER PLAN 2020
WORLD
Tech green
Read about how the International Academic and Profession al Network provides jobs for African students
PAGE 5
through the Lens
Check out the fourth expansion series on part of the campus Tech’s more environmentallyplan to become friendly
PAGE 7
A community photographer shares his memories from Ruston and Tech’s past.
PAGE 3
Tech Talk The
FEBRUARY 18,
THE STUD ENT
2016
VOICE OF LOUISIAN
WWW.THETECHTALK.
ORG
Gov. John Bel Edwards addresses a joint state session on Feb. 14 about education budget concerns and beginning the new special legislative session.
OF TOPS Patrick Dennis
/ The Advocate
Louisiana Tech and for the future other state universities address, discuss of higher educati ELLIE MOSLAND a plan on during financia Editor-in-Chief | emo012@ ER what exactly l crisis latech.edu to do with
TOPS. “The recent dents will not As Louisiana announcem actually be directly gan registration Tech students be- lated to TOPS had to do ents re- impacted. Instead the university last week, the for spring quarter expected shortfall of statewith the be receiving approximately the most impact will future of the higher education $28 million, funds, this change. states were from funds became necessary that huge concern. “It should have a the remainder to fund TOPS for no effect on dents at this point,” On Feb. 11, of this year,” Les Guice, the Louisiana he said. “We stufice of Student Tech president. said pect it to have Of- governor exFinancial Assistance a budgetary “The of $1.5 clarified that (LAFSA) announced impact million to $2 the suspension to support the TOPS those funds university million on the of TOPS and fund would be this absorbed by for 24 hours many dents and faculty the universities. us to reduce year which will cause stusome services wondering how members were left ed to let our students know I want- other adjustments or make that as . We to attend school they would be able soon as possible so that they would faced with other budget are also not have to worry in the cuts for this year.” The Taylor or have a job. for Students Opportunity Program studies and registration.” midst of With these new in Although Louisiana changes, Guice has played a said some many students, (TOPS) and assisting huge part in funding ulty members and Louisiana fac- with these of his main concerns dents have been many student’s changes are tion; but Louisiana the chaleducaawaiting newsresi- lenges they may higher education how this change may cause the univerof sity at the is faced with effect end of the year a crucial decision– students, future current because universities, Guicestudents and their of spent funs and prior obligations. said current stu-
107.5 host 35th
VOLUME 90 •
PAGE 7 PAID
RUSTON, LA PERMIT NO 104 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
TY
ISSUE 14
Student organ ization hosts secon d line event for Mardi Gras holidays PAYTON
THE FUTURE
Ruston’s KXKZ Z
A TECH U NIVERSI
PRSRT STD NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE
>> see TOPS page
annual Radio thon
6
POTTER Staff Reporter | jpp017@ latech.edu A number of African American comed the Mardi organizations wela New Orleans Gras season to Louisiana tradition known Tech with The celebration as of traditional second lining. United Afrikan dance, last Wednesday American Men (UAAM), hosted by According outside the student center.took place is defined as to FrenchQuarter.com, the a group of dancing second low a main parade, celebrants who line foldance with parasols,such as a Mardi Gras parade, and UAAM president banners or handkerchie fs. Anthony Parker, gy major, said a junior sociolothe celebration the participants’ ancestors. was intended to honor “It means of all, I’m fromeverything to me,” Parker New Orleans. said. “First time to give thanks We to everybody wanted to use this give thanks to from New Orleans; paving the wayall our ancestors before us, and also for for all us black campus. We wanted kids to make sure on Louisiana Tech were seen, and we were make Parker said the sure we have a good heard, we time.” second line from a New Orleans tradition is derived funeral tradition. “We used day,” he said. to second line for funerals back in the Mardi Gras or “But now, we do it at celebrations song comes on,birthdays or whatever. Whenever for Parker said everyone knows how to second the line.” with the Black the second line celebration Student Union’s “We chose Black Culture aligned needs to know this day to pump everything Week. about our black everyone BSU vice president culture,” Siana ShepherdParker said since Mardi Gras marks the beginning noted that second line celebration was a last hurrahof Lent, the “Mardi Gras is for fun,” many. she ple start fasting, said. “It’s right before peobefore you do so it’s a rejuvenation. Have what fun right Shepherd said you’ve got to do.” the second line as a way to bring celebration served together the African ganizations on American orcampus.
>> see SECOND
LINE page 6
PRINCESS WARREN Staff Reporter | pcw005@ latech.edu part of it. KXKZ, Z107.5 “Not only it hosted its 35th of Ruston made a annual Radiothon difference as every year ,butdo I have to do it raise money in order I get to do it every for St. Jude’s year; t’s challenging was raised, and Hospital. More to help all proceeds $60,000 a rewarding thing but certainly Jude’s. went directly to do,” McKento St. ney said. The Radiothon was held He said the radio to all to donate or volunteer. Feb. 1-2 and was open station does not set a monetary Z107.5 broadcasted is no disappointm goal, so there from Super 1 where volunteers MCKENNEY selves or others. ent to themof money raised updated listeners on Foods store the amount and encouraged “The goal is to make pledges or donate in person.people to call in to bring Jude’s,” McKenney hope as we can to the as much Matt McKenney, kids of St. the program said the station He said the radiosaid. has been doing director at KXKZ, Radiothon station plans more than 30 the to keep Radiothon for each from when he years. He said he remembers ways to make year and they are always having the was younger it bigger and thinking of so now it is coolthe event better. to be a >> see RADIOTHO Patrick Hall, a Tech alumnus, N page 6 Radiothon Photo by Ashley answers phones Kober to raise money for St. Jude Children’sduring KXKZ’s 35th annual Hospital.
MOVIE REVIEW
Star Wars
the force awakens The saga continues... PAGE 5
T Tech Talk he
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA TECH THE STUDENT VOICE 10 WWW.THETECHTALK.ORG
JANUARY 14, 2016
PRSRT STD NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE
PAID
RUSTON, LA PERMIT NO 104 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
VOLUME 90 • ISSUE
lt Remembering Gary Zumwa A tribute to the late geology
professor of over 35 years
how to geology or kayak-making or study,” Diane said. Marta Sramkova, a junior finance major, shared some of her memories of Zumwalt. and “He was a great professor loved amazing person,” she said. “He thing that Photo by Avery Bryan his job with all his heart. One you is very strong in my mind when audiology lab located in the when I An ear on display at the new ask me about Dr. Zumwalt is, today? asked him, ‘How are you doing Rawle Enterprise Center. He always said: surviving.’” was a Even though Dr. Zumwalt passion geology professor, his true his share was woodworking. He had but his of rock and fossil collections, most many completed projects were impressive. enDuring my first office hours proudly counter with him, I noticed his wooddisplayed pictures of two about inquired I stripped kayaks. After you the pictures he asked me, “Would own?” be interested in building yourboth kayPhoto provided by Diane Zumwalt CALEB DANIEL He and his wife had built yard. Staff Reporter | csd020@ latech.edu he built. aks in the wood shop in his back geology professor, with a kayak Little did I know, this new friendship Gary Zumwalt, a Louisiana Tech and Hearing Center rebuildThe Louisiana Tech Speech would teach me more than boattools, I and clinics, and its his guidance and cently added an additional location upgrades. vironmental remediation. said ing. With long hours in his shop durPAUL DAUTERIVE His widow, Diane Zumwalt, new site came with some important clinic in Rawle Enbeloved spent many own Former Staff Reporter | pd010@ latech.edu These sites include an audiology he was an inspiring and muchthe long ing my off days working on my other facilities set up in for terprise Center, along with two augmentative commuwood -stripped kayak. Tech teacher who was known Gary Zumwalt, a Louisianapassed lectures that he gave without notes for Robinson Hall; including a new He was a teacher inside and outside During that time I geology professor since 1980, nication lab. himself. to be able to bring this his of the classroom. away on Dec. 21, 2015. “I’m very proud and privileged also to provide wona lot about woodworking and She said he would always keep memand about learned about life through his interHe was a long time faculty type of service to our center to our graduate students classes entertained with stories a lot more Sciences to Biological used of “He School ber the derful training and experiences said Daphne Washinghis many experiences. esting stories and life experiences. get to trips to Colorado, teaching courses for both environmenwho participate in the program,” Unfortunately, Gary will not I have cam- take his students on Louisiana,” Diane in residence. tal sciences and geology across ton, a speech-pathology professional Arkansas and South see my completed kayak, but student, said the Hay, an audiology graduate original. pus. to finish it. Ashton intention said. every condeep a the to dehonor He was known to have Tech used to have a geologyEnginew clinic is a vast improvement This is the best way for me tomonuthem his “With newer equipof a cern for his students, making “It’s 10 times better,” Hay said. partment under the College him and his memory because quickly and serve more top priority, myself included. the Col- neering and Science. Zumwalt would ment bigger than Wyly Tower would ment, we can test patients more on field trips and not be enough. As a faculty member of people.” Sciences, take his students at his home. graduate students lege of Applied and Natural The clinic, operated by audiology have crawfish boils Rest in peace, Gary Zumwalt. a variety of services init was Zumwalt taught geology, oceanogra“He loved to teach, whether and faculty supervisors, offers aid evaluations, hearing and enphy, mineralogy, paleontology cluding hearing tests, hearing for balance, earaid sales and fittings and evaluations ringing and auditory processing. the School of CommuBrenda Heiman, director of dual purpose: providing a nication, said the clinic serves as services to patients. well as experience to students facility for the students,” “This is essentially a training sciences and resisupervises the students as Green is a professor of agricultural Heiman said. “The faculty will now serve as interim KEIERA BELL dent veterinarian at Tech. He Agricultural Sciences and they interact with the client.” Bryan, an associate proStaff Reporter| klb072@ latech.edu director of the new School of between One such supervisor is Matt services. order to help facilitate the transition of agricultural Forestry in fessor and director of audiological improved equipment, two complex units. As of Dec. 10, 2015 the department new to Tech beBryan said in addition to the have merged togeth- the clinGreen said merging is not something a better space to provide the sciences and the School of Forestry have simply is Arts called site have new Liberal the of faculty in what departments in the College er to create one department ic’s services. South Campus a larger cause together as well. very cumbersome bemerged an effort to give Louisiana Tech’s “Our setup in Robinson was College of Applied and actually in Woodard Hall,” Gary Kennedy, dean of the there have been some and more unified presence. up of the two previously cause the testing booth was patients from the office in Sciences, explains how This new school is made Bryan said. “We had to walkthem tested. Now they have of agricultural sciences Natural in the process of planning the merger. problems separate units of the department Robinson to Woodard to get why it took so long to “I honestly feel that saying and School of Forestry. much easier access.” bit unusual the two units merge the two units is hard, but I believe the budget cuts William Green thinks it is a the process of had to deal with slowed down have been separate here at Tech. of agricultural that we’ve said. department mergers,” Kennedy page 6 “At other universities, the department were already together, the > see SPEECH AND HEARING page 6 sciences and School of Forestry departments is not some> see DEPARTMENT MERGER but having mergers between thing new to us,” Green said.
The Louisiana Tech Speech and Hearing Center opens new center, facilities
Merger benefits South
Campus academics
SPEAK Magazine & The Tech Talk
would love to represent your business or organization! Call or email our advertising representative at 318.257.4949 or techtalkads@latech.edu
February 22, 2018 • The Tech Talk • 5
www.thetechtalk.org
More Talk
Photos courtesy of Amy Vessel
Planners for Progress mentors meet with middle school students to teach the importance of organization and time management skills.
Progress The Plan for
A student-run nonprofit is making a difference, one planner at at a time STARLA GATSON Editor-in-Chief | sjg021@ latech.edu
W
hile many college students are primarily concerned with planning their own futures, Jacob Cambre set out to help area middle school students shape their
own. Cambre, a junior biology major, established the nonprofit organization Planners for Progress with the intention of teaching middle school students effective planning and time management skills. He said the inspiration for the organization came after reading Atul Gawande’s “The Checklist Manifesto,” a book that detailed mistakes made by medical professionals because of lack of attention to details. Cambre said he drew the connection between the book’s subject matter and using a planner for daily activities. “Our mission is to provide middle school students with a daily planner and teach goal-setting skills in order to ensure an organized and successful future,” he said. “I personally use my planner all the time. It seemed to me that people who do use a planner have better grades or are more involved.” Cambre, who serves as president of Planners for Progress, said his original intent was simply to buy planners and donate them to schools; however, the organization quickly shifted into a mentorship program. “We go to the schools incrementally, and in the planner, they have goals on certain pages,” he said. “The mentors, who are Louisiana Tech students, talk about how to set goals and kind of inspire the kids.” Cambre said he only expected the program to reach about 50 kids; however, Planners for Progress has partnered with 3 schools — Quitman, Weston and Jonesboro-Hodge — and has reached more than 500 students. Cambre said though the nonprofit is only in its inaugural year, he hopes to see it continue to develop into a more formal organization during the next year. “Next year we want to make it more like a job, and hopefully we’ll be able to compensate them through donations and things like that, but that’s the long-term plan: to keep engaging and hopefully keep expanding,” he said. “It’s not perfect by any means; it’s just the first year. We hope to make it long-term, sustainable, worth the money, worth the effort.” Planners for Progress currently has approximately 50 active members, including a four-member executive team, which includes Cambre, treasurer Taylor Giddens, vice president Skylar Giddens and secretary Maddie Patton. Patton, a junior marketing major, said she believes the organization is successful in helping students develop effective planning skills. “Planners for Progress is a hands-on approach, teaching students the importance of time management at an early
Planners for Progress currently works with three area schools, including Weston Middle School. age,” she said. “It’s a great resource that promotes independence and allows students to feel accomplished when a task is completed.” The organization has also received major support from Tech’s College of Education and is advised by Amy Vessel, to whom Cambre attributes much of its success. Vessel, an associate professor in the College of Education and executive director of Tech’s Clinical Residency Center, said the decision to advise the organization was an easy one to make after hearing of their dedication to the cause. “What they’re really doing is sharing their love for Louisiana Tech, they’re sharing the importance of having goals and planning your future,” she said. “They’re instilling in these students the importance of being organized and staying current with all your schoolwork and are literally planting the seed for stellar future Louisiana Tech students and I’m just so proud of them.” Vessel said she and the organization are researching grants and thinking of ways to provide funding for the program to continue next year. “There’s no telling where this program will be in a few years because of the work that they’re doing,” she said. “They’re just getting started.”
www.thetechtalk.org
6 • The Tech Talk • February 22, 2018
Malone and Boykins play final games in TAC 2018 Signing Class LA Tech Football’s newest Bulldogs Aaron Allen, QB Ridge Point HS Willie Allen, OL Tyler JC Trey Baldwin, LB Trinity Valey CC Brodrick Calhoun, DB John Horn HS Eric Dunn, OL Kentwood HS Brandon Floyd, LB Trinity Valley CC Isaiah Graham, WR TCU/Bastrop HS Bailey Hale, K ENMU Walker Hankinson, OL Alamo Heights Davon “Smoke” Harris, WR West Feliciana HS Christian Henderson, OL Greenwood HS Elijiah Hines, RB Memorial HS D.J. Jackson, DL West Mesquite HS Xavier Lodge, DB Woodlawn HS Tahj Magee, WR Franklinton HS DeAndre Marcus, RB Ruston HS
Photo by Tom Morris
Senior Jacobi Boykins finished with a team-high 22 points in his final game in the Thomas Assembly Center. MICHAEL LOVETT Staff Reporter | mdl034@latech.edu The Louisiana Tech men and women’s basketball teams played their final home games on Saturday, as each team saw a senior play their final 40 minutes in the Thomas Assembly Center. Seniors Alexus Malone and Jacobi Boykins played their final home games in the TAC with each game yielding different results. In Malone’s case, she couldn’t have envisioned her time in the TAC ending more perfectly than it did on Saturday. The Lady Techsters beat the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles to the tune of 32 points, as five players scored in double figures and the team set a program record for 3-pointers made in a single game, connecting on 14 of 28 shots from behind the arc. “I wasn’t expecting such a huge win in my last game at the TAC,” Malone said. “I’m going to miss everything about the TAC, especially the fans.” Malone’s roommate and one of her best
ANDREW BELL Sports Editor | agb022@latech.edu
Steven Shaw, DE Manvel HS
Following a season full of ups and downs, head coach Skip Holtz and the Louisiana Tech football team are looking forward to a bright future after a promising 2018 Signing Day. The second NCAA Football Signing Day concluded for Tech with eight new signees. This rounded out a class that included 16 3-star recruits and six 2-star recruits, according to 247sports.com. That makes for the most 3-star prospects Tech has ever signed in a year under head coach Skip Holtz. “This is the best class we’ve signed since we’ve been here,” Holtz said. “I think I’ve said it every year that I’ve been here, but I truly believe that if you just look at the number of players that add Power 5 opportunities, there’s over 22 Power 5 offers from this group that they turned away from to be here at Louisiana Tech. And I think that is a huge testament to the university, the academics, the staff, the players and what we’re building here at Louisiana Tech.”
Wayne Toussant, WR Plaquemine HS Derek Turner, DB West Feliciana HS Bee Jay Williamson, DB John Horn HS Isaiah Windmon, DB John Ehret HS Maureese Wren, WR John Horn HS
ed 44-25. The Blue Raiders scored 19 second chance points off of 18 offensive rebounds. “They had some big guys but that’s not an excuse,” said freshman forward Anthony Duruji. “I felt like we weren’t very determined to finish plays with rebounding earlier in the game, which hurt us.” Boykins, who led the team with 22 points, will finish his college career holding the program records for most three-pointers made in a season with 89 and most career threes with 255 and counting. “Having Jacobi as a teammate has been an honor,” said freshman guard Exavian Christon. “As a freshman having him to look up to has really helped my work ethic and trying to be the guy that can lead the program to more success like he has.” The team also honored junior center Joniah White, who announced the end of his playing career earlier this season due to health complications. The Lady Techsters will be traveling to play UAB on Saturday while the men will travel to El Paso to play UTEP tonight at 8 pm.
Holtz, Bulldogs reel in 16 3-star recruits
Biron Rossell, OL W. Memphis Christian HS
Connor Taylor, LB Snow College
friends, junior forward Reauna Cleaver, praised Malone for her value to the team. “She is a great teammate in every sense of the word,” she said. “When things go right, of course she’s cheering and so enthused about what everyone else accomplishes. Then, when things go wrong, she’s gotten so much better at speaking up.” Junior guard Kierra Anthony also had another big game, scoring 12 points and dishing out a career-high 10 assists, as she fell two rebounds shy of recording only the fourth tripledouble in program history. Cleaver had 11 points while guard Taylor Stahley added 19 of her own, and sophomore Anna McLeod also scored a career-high 18 points off the bench. Unlike the first, the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader did not have the happiest of endings for Tech fans. The men’s team fell to Conference-USA leader Middle Tennessee by the score of 8770. The Bulldogs struggled from the field as they shot just 38 percent and were outrebound-
Although Holtz might say it every year, there is proof to support his claim that this is, in fact, the best recruiting class he and the coaching staff have had since he arrived at Tech in 2013. Not only did Tech sign more highly rated recruits than ever, but this class ranked as the 76th best class nationally, according to 247sports.com. That is their highest such ranking since 2009. One of Tech’s primary objectives coming into this recruiting class was to provide depth on the offensive line. They did so with five big guys signing with the red and blue: four high school seniors and one junior college transfer. The highest rated offensive lineman, and Tech’s highest rated player, Willie Allen is a 6-6, 330-pound former LSU Tiger who was the 73rd ranked prospect in the country and ranked ninth in the state. “When I look at this offensive line there were five offensive linemen and the biggest emphasis was tackles,” Holtz said. “We wanted size. We are trying to replace not only Darrell Brown from a year ago but Josh Outlaw, a lot of players from the last couple years who played tackle. So that’s why when I look
at Biron Rossell, Christian Henderson and big Willie Allen, and some of the younger guys like Walter Hankerson they’re all 6-5, long armed and more tackle-suited bodies, so I’m really excited about the size of the offensive line.” Tech was a relatively young team this past season and that doesn’t look like it will change this upcoming season, after losing 12 seniors with significant playing time to graduation and getting production at key positions by young players like sophomore J’mar Smith at quarterback and freshman Amik Robertson at cornerback. Holtz is hoping the inexperience brings more hope than growing pains. “With 18 freshmen coming in with this signing class, we’re going to have some youth,” Holtz said. “But I think we’ve got a good mix. When I look at our classes, one of the ways that you evaluate the health of your program is balance, so you don’t have 38 seniors and six freshmen. That’s robbing Peter to pay Paul. I think with 18 freshmen, along with the young guys we’ve redshirted, we’ve got a really good mix of young guys and upperclassmen.”