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Sept. 14, 2011
NEWS
2
CIT major becomes NMAC BY DANIELLE QUESENBERRY | STAFF WRITER In an effort to meet the growing needs of the community, Macon State College is extending its academic repertoire. Along with new minors, such as Creative Writing and Gender Studies, the Communications and Information Technology program was updated into the New Media and Communications major. Although these might be considered humanity courses, each faculty member stressed the fact that all these offerings are relevant to our ever changing culture. Even students not specically focused on a humanities course load could utilize the ideas in each course to strengthen the skills they bring into their career. To comprehend the changes in the CIT program, specically the conversion to NMAC, I spoke with Dr. Gerald Lucas, coordinator of the NMAC program. Lucas said, “Students who wish to emphasize the cultural aspects of the degree can focus more on those. They can take more English classes, more humanities courses. Those who wish to fo-
cus more on production can tailor the degree to that. Its much more exible. ” But what exactly is New Media and Communications, and how does it deal with the Humanities? NMAC, as Lucas explained, is focusing on the “changing realities of cultural studies ”. It observes how modern humanities utilize new media. This includes composing websites, writing for digital media, videography, and technical literacy. He went on to say that, “We ’re trying to couple liberal arts and the critical thinking that comes from that with the pragmatic aspect of technology. ” This degree is a mix of creativity and technological understanding; this is benecial now in many careers, as companies need a strong digital presence. Corporations need creative literate people for advertisement, and many newspapers and other publications are considering how to expand digitally. The degree is exible, as are most in humanities. Allison Boutwell started off as a CIT major, and said she made the switch to NMAC because it was only one extra class, and NMAC is far more production based. She said she was more interested in lm than the graphics, which is what she said the CIT major covered. Paul Roadarmel, a CIT student that has decided to graduate with his CIT degree, said, “I would have to add at least two new classes to qualify for graduation with an NMAC degree. Graduating this coming May
is more important to me than having the new, shiny, NMAC degree. ” However, he did say that he is “interested to see how the new program will interface with and/or replace the IT courses. ” As for the future, Lucas stated he would like to incorporate more art in the curriculum, and possibly music production. Right now, with the program on its rst run, it will be developed based on faculty and the needs of central Georgia. As Lucas said, “Technology moves so fast. You have to continuously update. ” Students who were enrolled in the CIT program before Fall 2011 can continue on to obtain their CIT degree, and not worry about hours or course loads changing. However, Lucas encourages those who aren ’t too far into their CIT degree to consider changing to NMAC, as it is merely an “updated ” program. With most media moving to digital, and the fast world of blogging, tweeting, etc., NMAC is something to consider if one is interested in the arts, but wants to stay abreast of technology. If students are interested in the NMAC program or if you are a current
CIT student and wish to know where you stand, you can contact Lucas (gerald.lucas@maconstate.edu) or Chair of the Department, Dr. Mary Wearn (mary.wearn@maconstate.edu). You can also check out a video interview of Wearn, speaking on the NMAC program, at MSC-TV.com. NMAC is on Facebook: facebook.com/msc.nmac.
NEED MORE INFORMATION? It ’s on MSC-TV! Don ’t forget to check out studentweb.maconstate.edu/msctv for a video related to this piece. There are other stories on MSC-TV about campus happenings as well.
3
NEWS
Sept. 14, 2011
Financial Aid: Is it dust in the wind? BY DANIELLE QUESENBERRY | STAFF WRITER
begin on the date the loan was received, instead of when a student graduated. The recent discussions on budget and the debt ceiling have left many The third change, as NASFAA states, prohibits the Department of students reeling in the political jargon assigned to the changes in nanEducation from authorizing or providing repayment incentives on new cial aid. By examining the major resources for nancial aid for Macon loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2012, except that an interest rate State students, we get closer to the implications from the lowering of the reduction may be provided to a borrower who agrees to automatically debt ceiling. submitted electronic payments. To understand the implications, students must rst realize that there After 2012, it is possible that students who rely on summer disbursewere three major changes to the nancial aid budget, as outlined by ments to further their education efciently will not have that option. Text of Budget Control Act Amendment presented and approved by Also students, who pay back their loans on time won ’t get the benet Congress, under the Subtitle A —Federal Pell Grant and Student Loan given to most basic credit card owners, the option to lower interest. Program Changes. The Georgia Hope Grant, also, is only allowed to pay $80.62 per credThis plan outlines the changes made to the Pell Grant. Although the it. According to MSC ’S Business ofce, Macon State ’s In-State tuition Pell Grant is guaranteed until 2012, at the maximum amount rewarded is $92.54 per credit for 2011. This isn ’t a great notable difference, until as $5,550.00. you realize, that in 2007, tuition was $68.00. The additional fees went However, according to UsaFunds.org there is a proposal that a second from $458.00, to $482.54. It ’s not a steep change, but with the statistics Pell Grant in an award year would end effective with the 2011-2012 leading towards the further lowering of nancial aid, it can be alarming. academic year. Which means the second award that students get to pay Not satised with this cut? Here ’s a site tailored to getting students for summer classes would no longer be an option. involved: loyno.edu/nancialaid/save-student-aid. Also, for students considering graduate school, unsubsidized loans will If students would like more information on the nancial aid changes, no longer be available. This means that the interest on the loan would nasfaa.org is a good place to start.
Gay-Straight Alliance promotes harmony across campus BY STEPHANIE MILLER | STAFF WRITER
College is a period of transition whether from high school to the workforce or from one job to another. Student organizations can help students nd their niche, making the transition easier and providing them with skills that cannot be gained from just attending class. It is for this reason that nding a good organization to be involved in can be just as important as picking out your major. One such organization is the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), which serves to promote harmony and understanding among Macon State students no matter age, gender, orientation, race, or status. According to the group ’s advisor, Dr. Sheree Keith, “people are unaware and have questions, ” questions which the GSA can help answer. Some people are unable to understand the ideals and beliefs of other groups, one of which being the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Feelings of prejudice and disunity are often the result of such misunderstandings. The GSA is able to address these misunderstandings by hosting movie nights, volunteering at places such as the Rainbow House, working with other student organizations and attending conferences. Keith said, “the students really decide what the club is going to do. ” Because of this student input the club is able to effectively address many of the issues seen around campus as well as the community. Along with answering questions and correcting misunderstandings, the GSA aims to get people to think about the conicts surrounding the
LGBT community. According to Keith there is a “sense of unawareness … people don ’t really think twice about saying ‘that ’s so gay, ’ so it is up to the GSA to raise awareness. ” One main goal of the GSA is to create “safe spaces ” on campus. According to GLSEN ’s National School Climate Survey from 2001, “35.1% of youth who had a supportive teacher or staff person felt as if they belonged at their school compared to 25.6% of those youth who did not have a supportive teacher or school staff person. ” Creating safe spaces on campus would involve training certain faculty members to provide students of any orientation with a supportive place to discuss any issues or discrimination they face. Besides providing a supportive and safe environment for students of all backgrounds and lifestyles, the GSA also helps students cultivate “leadership skills as well as connect with others, ” continues Keith. It also gives students a place where it is ok to “speak out and speak up. ” Meetings will take place on the rst and third Wednesday of each month. There are no fees and everyone who is as Keith says, “open minded and interested in helping out ” is strongly encouraged to attend. Keith also mentions that the Macon State GSA “often works with other student organizations around campus, so it ’s really a good organization to get involved in if you want to get involved around campus. ” If you are interested in expanding your own connections and getting involved around campus, contact Keith at sheree.keith@maconstate.edu or visit the GSA Facebook page (facebook.com/groups/msc.gsa/). You can also look out for GSA posters around campus.
OPINIONS
Sept. 14, 2011
4
Vintage shopping: From the exclusive desk of your business divo-fashionista BY ANDREW HILL | COLUMNIST
The market is quite crowded with vintage stores, and perfect little gems can go unnoticed. So before you deOne of the best ways to stay ahead of fashion is to con- cide to run to The Shoppes at River Crossing and spend stantly look back. Fashion trends tend to run in a cyclical your entire check, seek out places like Treasure Vintage motion. downtown (see annotations below) and Wicked Plum Some of the very things that your parents, or even Vintage online. grandparents, were wearing are coming back into rotaAs always: If you like something, wear it, own it, and tion; and continue to do so. make it your own; just make sure you know your body. Skinny jeans, harem pants, acid wash, and But that, my lovelies, is another lesson alpeplum skirts are a few examples of styles together. that have recently come back into the fashion limelight. Bonus Treat from the Golden Crown of This causes designers to continually be on Chic: the lookout for reemerging trends, challenging them to put a modern and ever forward Don ’t be afraid to shop at Goodwill and thinking spin on them. The Salvation Army! They are not just for The realities of these trends cause much the unclothed! They can be your new social conflict when the price tags soar to that of a hotspot. car payment. As a college student working a Grab a few close friends (read: shopminimum wage job this is just totally unacping buddies, because everyone knows all ceptable. One way to alleviate this problem friends aren ’t real shopping buddies. Pais to bargain and vintage shop. tience and a love of clothes is a prerequiSome people may see this as a last resort site.), Starbucks/Pellegrino, and shop your when you can ’t afford the latest styles hangbuns off. ing in your favorite upscale store. However, Be warned: Thrift store shopping can be vintage shopping can not only help develop a task, and can also be quite lengthy! This you into the trendsetter you aim to be, but it applies to thrift store and vintage shopping. can also be extremely kind to your wallet. You mustn ’t skim over the feast of potential Have you ever thought of wearing a white wardrobe additions, carefully pick through silk blouse, camel colored riding pants, and everything for the best finds. chocolate riding boots for the winter? BuyTailor all purchases to your personal ing these pieces from a normal store or boustyle, which you learned about in the previtique could cost you well over $400. ous column, and also choose at least one Contrarily, finding these pieces at a bargain item outside of the norm. In the immortal store or vintage shop can cut the cost from words of Tim Gunn, “Make it work! ” xoxo $400 to $200 and if you find the right store can even drop the total price to below $100. Notice a decline in the temperature and find yourself **Wicked Plum Vintage in need of a new leather coat? At Wilsons Leather this wickedplumvintage.com type of coat could cost you $220, but if you go to Wicked On Facebook: Wicked Plum Vintage Plum Vintage (see annotations below), this same jacket with a chic 70 ’s flare is only $40. Unfortunately many **Treasure Vintage stores like Wicked Plum are suffering because they are treasurevintage.tumblr.com being overlooked. On Facebook: Treasure Vintage
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5
OPINIONS
Sept. 14, 2011
Gay people don ’t want you BY KENNY LOGAN | OPINIONS EDITOR Of the many things I ’ve witnessed at Macon State one of the most disgusting is the way people in the LGBT community are treated. Their mistreatment by coworkers and family is already known and those who are in the closet hear their friends make disparaging remarks. I think they should be ashamed of themselves and publically called out on their hateful comments, but there ’s another statement commonly said I feel isn ’t addressed as often. “I don ’t have a problem with gay people but I don ’t want them rubbing up on me ” one student who wished to be anonymous told me. This was one of the stupidest and ignorant replies I ’ve ever heard in my life. To assume someone who is gay will “rub up ” on you for some reason is narcissistic. What makes you think you ’re good-looking enough
that someone will rub onto you in the rst place? Anyone who thinks such a thing has a huge ego in need of a reality check. Just like you Mister Statistically-Average-American gay people have preferences, self-control, and the want to be treated as rst-class citizens. Treating them otherwise based on an irrational idea of what gay people do is a detriment to everyone. In all the years of the multitude of gay male friends I had, never has one of them hit on me. Maybe it ’s because I ’m unattractive, they know I ’m straight, or - imagine this thought - THEY DON ’T DO IT, especially in the Bible Belt where just being gay can get you beaten, ostracized, or killed. Call me crazy but I ’m pretty sure it ’s because they don ’t do it. Next time you think gay people can ’t resist touching you, think about changing the view to “can I help not touching women? ” If your answer is “no ” you need serious help. If your answer is “yes ” then proceed to ask yourself “what makes gay people, or any member of the
LGBT
Got opinions? Share them by commenting here: studentweb.maconstate. edu/maconstatement. Also, check the student media blog for polls and updates: blogs.maconstate.edu/studentmedia. The Macon Statement Staff
Photographers: Kayla Barton, Robert Reese
Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Frye-Mitchell editor@maconstate.edu
Cartoonist: Patrick Lippert
News Editor: POSITION OPEN newseditor@maconstate.edu Opinions Editor: Kenny Logan opinionseditor@maconstate.edu Features Editor: Danielle Quesenberry Sports Editor: Kaleb Clark sportseditor@maconstate.edu Photo Editor and Layout: Meaghan Smith photoeditor@maconstate.edu Online Editor: Harry Underwood onlineeditor@maconstate.edu Copy Editors: Alexis Meeks, Stephanie Miller, Kristin Hanlin Writers: Victoria Lippert, Danielle Quesenberry
Contact Student Media Coordinator Katherine Tippins (katherine.tippins@ maconstate.edu) if you ’re interested in being a part of The Macon Statement staff. Letters Policy The editor of The Macon Statement will try to print all letters received. Letters should be, at maximum, 250 to 300 words long. The writer must include: full name, professional title if a Macon State employee or Georgia resident, or year and major if a student. An address and phone number are required with all letters sent, but this personal information will not be published. The student newspaper reserves the right to edit letters for style, length or possible libel. The newspaper will not, under any circumstance, withhold names. Please address all correspondence to
Letter to the Editor at editor@maconstate. edu. Where current events are concerned, priority will be given to those letters written by students, faculty and staff of Macon State College. DISCLAIMER: The Macon Statement is the registered student newspaper of Macon State College and is published biweekly (Mondays) during fall and spring semesters. Opinions and ideas expressed in The Macon Statement are those of the individual artists, authors and student editors, and are not those of Macon State College, its Board of Regents, the student body or the advertisers. The Macon Statement is paid for, in part, through student activity fees. Contact Us: The Macon Statement Student Life Center Room 120 100 College Drive Macon, GA 31206 478-757-3605 Fax: 478-757-2626 editor@maconstate.edu
FEATURES
Sept. 14, 2011
6-7
Fitness Center: Walking trail and group classes also offered
Continued from front page include: weight benches, a full set of dumbbells, two elliptical cross training machines, two treadmills, two recumbent bikes, and a ve station multi-gym. Hagler also mentioned that each piece of equipment will also have a 15 ” touch screen TV for students to use while they exercise. Along with the new indoor equipment a new walking trail is being offered at the Warner Robins Campus. The three-fourth mile long trail begins and ends behind Oak Hall, winding its way through the campus. The Recreation and Wellness Program is also planning to offer group tness classes at the Warner Robins Recreation Department gym located across Watson Blvd. from the campus. Intramural Sports Coordinator, Rachel Jackson, says that the classes offered will include “Boot Camp, Abdominals, Kickboxing, and Zumba. ” The tness center ’s grand opening was on
Monday, Sept. 12. And the center will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday. Jackson said that “the group tness schedule is still being arranged; however, classes should be starting in mid-September. ” Hagler said that the new facility is “the rst expenditure of the Recreation and Wellness fee ” which was implemented at the beginning of the fall 2011 semester. However, the facility is purposed to be a temporary one as plans of a separate, larger facility are being considered. Intramural Sports will also be coming soon to the Warner Robins Campus. For more information about the new facility, contact James Hagler (james.hagler@maconstate.edu), and for more information on the group tness sessions contact Intramural Sports Coordinator Rachel Jackson (rachel. jackson@maconstate.edu). Or you can visit the website for the Warner Robins facility at maconstate.edu/wellness/wrc.
Photos by Robert Reese | Photographer President of Macon State Dr. Jeffrey Albritten cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the WRC tness center (top right). Director of Recreation & Wellness James Hagler (bottom right) also spoke at the event.
Sept. 14 , 2011
FEATURES
8
Honoring your interests: Designating an honors course for your benet
BY KRISTIN HANLIN | STAFF WRITER or B in each Honors course and should maintain A or B in each course and with a nal cumulaa minimum 3.5 GPA in order to be designated at tive GPA of 3.5 or higher, ” Morton explained. The Honors Program at Macon State Col- graduation as an ‘Honors Program Graduate. ’ ” The idea of having to complete a large exlege is thriving and growing as each semesIt can be incredibly difcult to tra project in a course can denitely seem ter comes and goes. It might seem as if the align honors courses correctly enough to daunting. However, designations are put toonly way to be a part of this organization is to graduate with honors at the baccalaure- gether by the students themselves. Maktake specically scheduled honors ate level. There is never a certainty of which ing it an entirely individualistic process. classes; however, this is not the case. honors courses will be offered per semester. During thef all 2011 semester at Macon Honors designation is a process that can be “Almost everyone earning Honors Pro- State, there are a number of students designatdone for most academic classes of at least three gram Graduate status at the baccalaureate lev- ing courses. Of these, one of the most notable semester hours. Designating a course as honors is el completes at least one honors-designated is Adam Weaver. Weaver, the Honors Student an alternative to taking a class already labeled as course, since it is difcult to work eight hon- Association President, has designated Morton ’s honors while still earning credit that apMythology class and put together pears on a transcript as an honors course. a presentation of the 1999 lm The only limitations are that “The Matrix ” to be screened on the course being designated cancampus Sept. 15, with a following not already be offered as an honors discussion that analyzes the lm ’s course and that the designation is at mythological and religious themes. the professor ’s discretion, they have Morton stated that Leslie Smith, to be willing to put in the extra time a junior majoring in English edand effort needed to guide the stuucation at Macon State, “is redent on their path toward extra accomvising an essay for publication plishment through honors designation. in a journal for my NineteenthDr. Clay Morton, the Honors ProCentury American Lit. class. ” gram Director, has the nal say on who While some students use their gets their designation ideas approved designation to focus on a single and who does not. Morton encourages presentation, others use the expestudents eligible for inclusion in the rience to teach. Rebecca Holhonors program, (students with a cucomb, a Biology major at MaPhoto by Kristin Hanlin mulative GPA of 3.5 or higher) to not Rebecca Holcomb presented part of her Biology work at the Southern con State, is serving as a student only take regularly scheduled honors Regional Honors Conference in March 2011. teacher for Biology courses at classes, but also to designate courses. the college for her designation. “Students have the opportunity to tailor course ors classes into one ’s schedule. ” Morton said. With no limit on how many courses a stumaterial to their own interests and goals. They For students enrolled in an associate ’s degree dent can designate per semester and a plethcomplete projects that provide them with valuable program, or a baccalaureate program, it is much ora of opportunities to further academic sucexperience that will be useful when they move easier to become an Honors Program Graduate cess and interests all based on individualistic on to graduate school or a career, ” Morton said. if the student has always attended Macon State interests and ideas, there is no reason why Designation not only helps a student achieve from the beginning of their college experience. more honors qualied students should not be personal goals relative to their education, but However, some students transfer to Macon State designating courses for the honors program. can also can help students graduate with honors. after attending another school; others enter the In order to designate a course Morton At Macon State, there are a number of ways to honors program later in their college years. is the first person who students should graduate with honors. The Macon State website Because Macon State generally only offers 1000- contact. “Students wishing to designate explains in its Academics section under Honors and 2000-level honors classes, “it is not practical a class in the spring should contact me Recognition that “Students graduating with an for students entering the Honors Program their ju- as soon as they know what classes they Associate ’s degree should remember the 4/4 nior or senior year to seek Honors Program Grad- will be taking. All paperwork must be rule: complete four Honors courses in four dif- uate status. Instead, these latecomers can work completed prior to the end of this semesferent subject areas. Students graduating with towards being an Honors Discipline Graduate. ter, ” Morton said when asked what stua Bachelor ’s degree should remember the 8/4 This involves completing honors designations dents need to do in order to designate. rule: complete eight Honors courses in four dif- for four or more 3000- or 4000-level classes For more information, contact Morton at (478) ferent subject areas. The student must make an A in a specic program of study with grades of 471-5368 or clay.morton@maconstate.edu.
9
FEATURES
Sept. 14, 2011
Don ’t go hungry — get a meal plan BY ROBERT REESE | STAFF WRITER
but you get $535 to spend; Platinum - $1,000 unused plan balance expires at the end of cost to you, but you get $1,100 to spend. ” each semester. ” Macon State is once again offering a In summary, prepay $100 and get a three In other words, use it or lose it. The declining balance meal plan this year, percent bonus, pay $300 and get a five benefit is that students do not have to carry and to entice students there is a bonus for percent bonus, spend $500 and receive cash or worry about checking or credit card signing up. The Dining Dollars now balances. If there is a balance on the go on the student ’s new Blue Storm ID Blue Storm card, the student can eat, card, and as you use the Dining Dollars and with a bonus there will be a little the balance declines. extra just in case. Basically, the meal plans are nonStudents that had heard of the plan refundable prepaid credits for the voiced similar opinions: Richard cafeteria and the other cafes around the Groves, an I.T. Freshman, put it Macon Campus. The Warner Robins succinctly, “It ’s nice, but I don ’t like Campus is not yet supported. that it doesn ’t roll over. ” College students are famous for their The plans are not just for students they feast or famine lifestyle, particularly in are also available for faculty and staff, the fall and especially with freshmen. according to the page at maconstate. Traditionally, college students feast edu/bluestormcard/account.aspx. for the first few weeks of college as The minimum deposit is $100, and for they are flush with cash from student those waiting on Student Loan refunds, loans, parents, grandparents, and jobs. be aware that students can already use Soon the cash runs dry and frequent those funds to purchase a meal plan. ramen noodle stockpiling ensues. The To learn more about the Dining Photo by Kayla Barton | Photographer Dollars and the new Blue Storm Dinning Dollars declining balance meal plans are aimed at preventing this sad truth. a seven percent bonus, and get a ten ID card, visit the Macon State College Dean McCraney sent out an email on percent bonus for preloading $1,000. As a website at maconstate.edu/bluestormcard August 16 to the students and faculty giving convenience, each time the student uses his or by visiting the Bursar ’s Office where a brief run-down of the bonuses offered for or her card the remaining balance will appear you can also purchase a declining balance preloading one ’s Blue Storm ID card with on the receipt. The bonus, however, will meal plan. The Bursar ’s office is located Dining Dollars, citing four levels of bonus. not appear in the account until the balance in SLC 230. The Bursar ’s Office handles “Bronze - $100 cost to you, but you get $103 is exhausted. Think of it as a reserve rather Student Accounts and Cashiering services. to spend; Silver - $300 cost to you, but you than a bonus in this case. They can be reached at 478get $315 to spend; Gold - $500 cost to you, McCraney went on with a caution, “Any 471-2705.
10
Could there be a football club at Macon State?
SPORTS
Sept. 14, 2011
BY KALEB CLARK | SPORTS EDITOR
Over the past year Macon State ’s Club Sports program has welcomed many new clubs, but one that hasn ’t yet emerged is a football club. In fall 2010, three students, J.P. Mitchell, Kody Patrick and Adam Shealy, came together as an interest group with the goal of establishing a football club at Macon State. When asked why he wanted to start a football club, Mitchell said, “For me, seeing the atmosphere of other colleges that had football programs. I would love to see that brought here. ” The group planned out aspects of how the club could work and compete within the National Club Football Association. Photos by Kaleb Clark | Sports Editor Their idea was to use the field by the track on the east side of campus that is currently being used by the soccer club for practice. Goal posts could be posted at opposite ends of the flat field and yard lines could be drawn to transform the field into a football stadium. Viewers could watch the games from the hill that overlooks the field and concessions could be served at the games in order to offset some of the costs of the club. With enough player commitment, their interest had a hope of becoming a reality except they found there were a few more hurdles to jump over first. These hurdles included: the expense of the club, the potential founders had other time commitments and according to Director of Recreation & Wellness James Hagler, “The The track eld may be a possible location for a football club to practice. biggest concern is liability. ” To offset these costs the club could bring Columbus State University ’s football club in revenue through: club membership dues, currently has a cost of $10,000 per year. When the ticket sales to their games, concessions at their Macon State interest group drew up their plans they games, sponsors and other fundraising venues. came up with a total cost of $5,700 per year, but this figure did not include the costs of an athletic trainer, travel and membership dues to the NCFA. See FOOTBALL CLUB on page 11
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Football club: Liability the biggest hurdle in creating a club for this contact sport Continued from page 10 Liability was one of the largest concerns because of the intensity of bodily contact that goes along with playing football. In order to play in the football club, players would have to sign a waiver stating that they have adequate medical coverage. Players of other clubs at Macon State already have to sign a similar form to play sports that are currently offered. Possibly the highest hurdle that the interest group faced was that despite their planning and possibility for success, the
members of the group had other time commitments. In order for there to be a successful football club at Macon State, the leaders and players would have to dedicate large amounts of their time. According to Mitchell, practicing for football requires more time and dedication than other sports. Therefore time was the ultimate hurdle that stopped the group from bringing football to Macon State. Despite the hurdles, Hagler said, “There is always a possibility. If people wanted to do it. They can come talk to me and we will explore the options. ”
Coming up in Sports... • Twin sisters team up for women ’s basketball: An inside scoop on what family bonds bring to their game. • Soccer Club: An in depth article discussing their rst two games of the season by debut sports reporter Clinard Stokes. • Rugby Club: Where have they been and what do they plan to do?
Recent soccer scores Sept. 11 @ Home (TIE)
Macon State Blue Storm 0
Valdosta State Blazers 0
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Survivor joins Soccer Club BY KALEB CLARK | SPORTS EDITOR
land and began playing soccer at the age of six. “My whole life has been about soccer, ” said For some people soccer is just Filipponi. a game, but to sophomore Marco While being treated at the Filipponi soccer is his life. Shock Trauma University of After he was offered a full Maryland, Filipponi suffered scholarship to Mercer Univer- from a traumatic brain injury and sity to play soccer, on Apr. 25, was induced into a coma for five 2003, Filipponi ’s plans were weeks. shattered when he lost control of Doctors removed and later rehis silver Honda Civic, spun, and attached a piece of his skull in slid sideways into the rear end of order to let the swelling of his another car, causing his head to brain stabilize. slam into his driver side window. He endured while doctors straAccording to Filipponi, doc- tegically cut his legs to relieve Photos by Kaleb Clark tors said that he had a two per- pressure and while Filipponi ’s Marco Filipponi said he has not been able to play soccer competitively in nine cent chance of surviving and that legs were reluctant to stop bleedyears because of a 2003 car accident. it was unlikely he would be able ing, doctors used an experimento walk again. tal drug called “factor seven ” his condition, England on the Port Vale team. This news was disheartening to in order to clot his blood. “Marco, while sitting on the Because of Marco ’s accident, his Filipponi who grew up in MaryLater, plastic surgery had to be side of the bed with assistance, father purchased a business in performed on both was told to move his right foot Macon and renamed it Marco Risof his legs and back and forth. Since he didn ’t torante Italiano, a restaurant that nerve damage still appear to want to do this, Marhis father later passed on to him. existed in his right co ’s mom got one of his soccer After coming to Macon State, leg. His legs and balls, put it in front of his right Filipponi explained that he was abdomen also had foot. Immediately he moved his surprised at the challenge that to have multiple right foot back and forth – more the classes at Macon State ofskin grafts. than once! ” fered. The accident Following his hospitalization, Filipponi has been a student appeared to have Filipponi became a patient at at Macon State for six years stolen Filipponi ’s Kernan Rehabilitation Hospital, now. By doctor ’s orders he ability to play soc- in Maryland, where he had to takes no more than two classes cer by leaving him relearn how to think, talk, drink, per semester. He also takes off with brain damage bathe and walk. spring semesters in order to and endangering Despite all of these hurdles coach soccer at Tattnall Square both of his legs, Filipponi still longed to play Academy. but the accident soccer again. He also wanted to This fall, 26-year-old was not able to move to Georgia to live with his Filipponi has the opportunity to steal his love for brother Giordano and his father play soccer again through the the game. Nazario. Blue Storm soccer club. According to “My father inspired me to play Filipponi said, “The last howismarco.com, and love the game, ” said Filipponi. time I played soccer, like a website created At the age of 16, Filipponi ’s competitively, was nine years Marco Filipponi will join the Blue Storm Soccer Club to keep Filipponi ’s father was transferred from Ita- ago and being able to play now this fall. family updated on ly to play professional soccer in is, like I said, a miracle. ”