Minaret Magazine Best of UT Edition

MINARET BEST OF UT EDITION

Romantic

Fashion AT THE UNIVERSITY Professors and students showoff grade ‘A’ style

SPOTS ON

CAMPUS Students choose Plant Park and Pizza Fusion to heat things up

THE

‘COCKROACH GIRL’ SPEAKS The memorable Vine students are still talking about

ULTIMATE

SHOWDOWN Frisbee takes intramural sports to new lengths

MINARET

ISSUE 80.19 | BEST OF UT EDITION | MARCH 2014 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR FACULTY ADVISER

Jessica Keesee Mia Glatter Natalie Hicks John Capouya

NEWS AND FEATURES Lauren Richey Katherine Lavacca ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Justine Parks Jordan Walsh OPINION Annabella Palopoli Paola Crespo Richard J. Whitaker SPORTS Jordan Llanes Griffin Guinta PHOTOGRAPHY Casey Budd ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Brandon Caples SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Doha Madani COPY EDITING Zoe Fowler Khadijah Khan Jackie Braje

WRITERS

GRAPHIC DESIGN Wendy French

Jesse Long Theresa Stanton Caitlin Malone Hannah Webster Terry Preston Elizabeth Rockett Mark Sugden Avery Twible Madison Irwin Selene San Felice Marcus Mitchell Brianna Kwasnik Kai Miller Phil Novotny Tess Sheets Josiah Kachelmeyer Paige Shallcross

OFFICE

PHOTOGRAPHERS Alex Jackson Ellis Catalan Jane Ojasu Nikki Nunzio Raeshaad Long Leah Beilhart

ADVERTISE

Phone - 813.257.3636 Fax - 813.253.6207 Editor - 813.417.5071 Managing Editor - 321. 525.9090

theminaretonline.com/advertise minaret.ads@gmail.com

ADDRESS

ONLINE

401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Box P Tampa, FL 33606

The Minaret Online - theminaretonline.com ut.minaret@gmail.com

Contents 6 BEST CAMPUS LEADERS

24 TONY THE 16 COCKROACH MATCHMAKER GIRL SPEAKS

8 BEST CAMPUS EVENTS

17 BEST OF POP CULTURE

27 BEST COURSE

10 FAVORITES OF GREEK LIFE

18 BEST ORGANIZATION

28 BEST IN FOOD

12 BEST OF OUR EDUCATORS

20 CREATIVE ELITE

32 BEST ATHLETES

14 BEST DRESSED

22 BEST ROMANTIC SPOTS

34 BEST SPORTS TEAMS

Students tweet their favorite UT and Tampa spots! #BestofMinaret Photos courtesy of (LEFT) @ambajack, (CENTER) @sarivera89 and (RIGHT) @SMRomain

The Best of Us I quickly discovered my favorite bathroom as a freshman here at UT: Sykes second floor.

It was always empty and well maintained. I thought having a favorite bathroom sounded odd, not a regular conversation I’d broach among friends. That was until I gathered with The Minaret staff to plan our Best of UT magazine.

“Vaughn second floor!”

“No, Sykes hands down.”

“Chapel all the way.”

PHOTO BY CASEY BUDD

I found out that everyone seemed to have an opinion on the best bathroom on campus and not just bathrooms but opinions on the best DQ Blizzard or favorite course. We all have our favorites here at UT and around Tampa, so The Minaret staff has dedicated an issue to all those bests that you, the students, love.

JESSICA KEESEE

PAGE 4 | THEMINARETONLINE.COM

We surveyed the student body to see what your top picks were for best professor and best dressed students, favorite vine, best athletes and sports teams, favorite Sodexo employee, most romantic date spots and of course, best bathroom. We’ve included all your picks and a few of our staff picks as well, highlighting the best things about the University of Tampa and the Tampa Bay area.

JESSICA KEESEE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Kristin Anderson

n a typical day I usually work out, spend a few hours at my job in the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement, head to a few classes, then attend anywhere between two to three meetings in the late afternoon and evening,” Kristin Anderson said. “Throughout the day I am constantly checking emails, meeting with other students, answering phone calls and just running around campus.”

Even with Anderson’s busy lifestyle, she still manages to find time for her family, friends and school work.

“On the weekends I usually have events to attend, but like any other student, I love being outside and enjoying the Florida weather during the day and hanging with friends at night,” Anderson said.

Anderson, a junior advertising and public relations major, currently holds seven leadership positions: chief executive officer of Kappa Alpha Theta, UT Diplomat, UT Diplomat vice president of communication, UT

By Jesse Long

Honor’s Council president, Student Government judicial board member, Panhellenic Council vice president of accountability and Order of Omega president.

Anderson has definitely stepped up to the challenge of being a leader in her community and sees the big picture that comes with it.

“I think a great leader is simply anyone who gives [all] of themselves for the betterment of a larger group.

Leaders don’t need to be people in a position of power, but their actions should speak louder than their words,” Anderson said. “Great leaders take initiative, embody passion and embrace conviction.”

There are many different ways for a student to get involved on campus, and Anderson has used this to her advantage. She hopes to accomplish something bigger in the UT community.

“When I’m ready to walk across the stage at graduation, I hope to have inspired and encouraged my UT peers,” Anderson said. “One of my favorite leadership quotes is by John Quincy Adams: ‘If you encourage others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, than you are a leader.’ I think that pretty well sums up what I would like to do within the UT community.”

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Donny Murray “

By Theresa Stanton

urry, you only have five minutes to make it to class on the other side of campus.”

This was the most important thought that raced through Donny Murray’s head as he rushed to class. As he realized the clock was ticking he picked up his pace.

With each step Murray began to go through his checklist of things he needed to complete by the end of the day including going to class, working on homework and attending and leading several organizational meetings.

Murray, a sophomore majoring in marketing and financial enterprise systems, is the logistics chair for Relay for Life, the editor-in-chief of the Moroccan Yearbook and brother of Delta Sigma Pi. According to Murray, all of the “behind-the-scenes planning” for Relay for Life events, such as facilities, rentals, safety and securing materials needed for the event are managed by him. As editor-in-chief of the Moroccan Yearbook, he decides what content to include and how to manage the budget, along with many other duties.

For the Moroccan’s most recent deadline, Murray admitted that there was a lot that needed to get done in a short period of time. To make sure the issue was perfect, he spent a lot of time planning and tweaking the yearbook. Murray has found

that by being personable with his staff, he can give good constructive criticism and enforce deadlines. But what he loves most is “giving energy to others and making people laugh.”

On weekdays he generally wakes up at 7 a.m. and does not go to sleep until 1 in the morning. His hectic lifestyle is partially due to a decision he made during his freshman year to participate in many campus activities that he enjoyed.

“I sometimes get really overwhelmed at the volume of work that I am responsible for, but I have no one to blame but myself because I love what I am involved in so I give myself more to do, and I have great friends who support me in my endeavors,” Murray said.

In addition to being in charge of the yearbook and being the logistics chair for Relay for Life, Murray works for the Wellness Department as the student coordinator of graphic design and marketing where he makes flyers for several organizations including Watch Your BAC, Active Minds, Balance UT, Breathe Easy UT and FOODS. Like some college students, Murray is not entirely sure where he wants to work after he graduates, but he is confident he will be able to find a job from the resources that UT provides.

“I want to have a job where I feel fulfilled with my work and that I am making a positive change in the community around me,” Murray said.

THE MINARET | PAGE 7

Party in the Park

By Jackie Braje

ix together some sun bathers, Frisbee players, lovebirds and studious folk and you’ve concocted yourself a normal sunny day in Plant Park. But throw in a killer live musical performance in the after hours and you’ve got UT’s biggest and favorite annual celebration: Party in the Park.

Each year, Plant Park is flooded by a sea of 1,000 to 1,500 students eager to enjoy UT’s major annual spring concert Party in the Park, hosted by Student Productions. Its purpose is not necessarily to celebrate the artists but to celebrate another tedious, yet successful academic year for the hardworking UT community.

“It is a concert organized by Student Productions and the concert board to take place at the end of every spring semester as a last hurrah for the student body before summer and sort of a farewell for the graduating seniors,” said Brian Cicero, senior marketing major and music chair of Student Productions.

Student Productions planted the seed of Party in the Park in 2007 with its very first headliner, Yellowcard, and has since become a popular tradition for the UT demographic. In past years, SP has also scored performances from B.o.B, 3OH!3 and Gym Class Heroes among a few other other big names. This year on April 11, indie-pop duo Matt and Kim will be leading the celebration with their giddy, hyper-caffeinated performance.

“Every fall semester, Student Productions releases a survey on Blackboard where students have the ability to give us their input for Party in

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the Park,” said William Sandoval, a senior management and marketing major and Student Productions president. “This year’s survey asked students to rank their favorite genre of music, and the results of the survey directed our artist selection process.”

While Student Productions also hosts numerous small performances throughout the year, its aim for this annual final blowout is to feed the UT community’s overall taste, and SP goes to great lengths in order to make that happen.

“Student Productions strives to stick as close to the survey results as possible while still being conscious of our limitations,” Sandoval said. “Students are always surprised to learn that just paying an artist isn’t the main challenge, we also have to make sure the artist doesn’t have a conflicting tour schedule.”

The greatest concern for Student Productions is finding artists who will give and take: someone who will give a spectacular performance and take home nothing but positive reviews from the attendees.

For students with UT IDs, admission is entirely free, and guests of currently enrolled students can purchase their tickets for a modest price of $10. Student Productions has set up a website (www. utpartyinthepark.com) where you can make your purchase with a limit of one ticket per student and guest.

With Matt and Kim performing their electrified set this year, an understanding of the cliché “the best things in life are free” is sure to strike you like lightning.

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The stress of exam week has been known to take a toll on students no matter what their major or schedule is like. Yet, one event students absolutely love occurs right before exam week, and that’s Exam Jam. Exam Jam is put on twice a year by Student Productions and this semester it will be on April 30 at 3 p.m. in Vaughn Lobby.

“Exam Jam is one of Student Productions’ traditional events that occurs at the end of every semester. Exam Jam is designed to celebrate the conclusion of an academic term and act as a destresser for students before final exam week,” said William Sandoval, president of Student Productions and a senior management major.

“My favorite part of the event is seeing students taking a break and having a blast with their friends during a very stressful time of the semester, it’s a great event to just pep up students and motivate them for finals,” Sandoval said.

Some of the past Exam Jam events have included building stuffed animals, frozen yogurt and massages, and all of this is given to the UT student body for free.

“Exam Jam is a great idea and helps us become less stressed during exams,” said Raven Hollaway, a sophomore criminology major.

“The only thing that would make it better was if they had puppies,” Hollaway said.

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THE MINARET | PAGE 8

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ith so many great fraternities on campus, it is hard for one specific group of men to distinguish themselves from all others.

However, in the 20132014 academic year, the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon have found a way to do so.

Sig Ep is one of the nation’s largest fraternal organizations with over 300,000 lifetime members nationwide. A chapter of Sig Ep was colonized at UT in the fall of 2003 and became an official chapter in November 2005. The fraternity now has 54 brothers.

“Even in the short amount of time I’ve been a part of Sig Ep, I have come to realize we have rightfully earned these honors,” said Dylan Seidle, a freshman government and world affairs major. “We all keep each other in check— creating a balance so that we are all positive influences throughout our community and in our academics.”

The fraternity was founded in 1901 under the principles of virtue, diligence and brotherly love. The brothers of Sig Ep have exemplified their virtue through their involvement within the community. They have actively participated in the Greek Variety Show every year that they were able to and placed second at the event this year. They were also awarded second place in Greek Week as a whole, according to Andrew Pesale, a sophomore human performance major and member of the fraternity. They are also participating in Relay for Life on April 5 to support cancer awareness and are currently fundraising.

In terms of diligence, the men have proven their dedication to classroom success. They were selected as the fraternity with the best GPA for the semester proving academics is one of their main focuses. “In Sig Ep, we work hard to achieve our goals,” Pesale said. “The reason why we win these awards are because of the diligence and high standards we hold ourselves to. But brotherly love is where the Sig Eps feel that they excel the most. “What sets us apart is the strong bond that all our brothers share,” Seidle said. “Since I joined Sig Ep, I’ve met so many great people and made friendships that I know will last a lifetime.”

Sigma Phi Epsilon

By Chance Smith

DELTA ZETA

By Zoe Fowler

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remember always walking everywhere and seeing a DZ bag or a DZ shirt… They were just so genuine and kind and welcoming. You walked into their room and you felt like you were already a part of them. I felt like I had already found my home, my family,” said Allie Quintyne, a junior elementary education major and president of Delta Zeta.

Delta Zeta is the largest Greek chapter on campus with 146 women who make up the sorority. They strive to uphold the values of sisterhood, exemplary grades and dedication to philanthropy.

Alana Kohn, a junior advertising and public relations major and vice president of programming for DZ, manages 18 chair positions which include fundraising, philanthropy and social, to name a few. The chair positions plan all of the events and what’s happening on campus, according to Kohn.

“It is my job to oversee that they are all fulfilling their positions and providing the chapter with fun and exciting news and events,” Kohn said.

DZ plans sisterhood activities to strengthen the bond among the sisters in the sorority.

They participate in activities such as beach days, weekly sister dinners and froyo outings.

In addition to sisterhood, academics also plays an important part in the sisters’ lives. They are required to have a 2.5 or higher GPA to be in good standing. Those who have a 3.0 or lower have to complete two to four study hours a week in the study hour log program. If they have lower than a 2.5, they have to complete four study hours a week.

“The girls take [GPA] seriously because academics is something that we all strive for, not only because it’s for themselves but also just to keep up our GPA for our chapter. ... We always want to be above the minimum,” Quintyne said.

Just like every Greek organization, DZ’s philanthropy is crucial to how it functions as a sorority. Its focus is on speech and hearing impairment. Its two major national partners are Starkey Hearing Foundation, a program that is dedicated to global health for the hearing impaired, and The Painted Turtle, a year-round camp that gives children with serious medical conditions a unique camping experience.

“We’re really inclusive to the entire campus and I think that’s what makes DZ awesome.

We’re so open and so willing and looking for things to get our hand in and help out UT in any way we can,” Quintyne said.

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By Caitlin Malone

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his is my 30th year at the University of Tampa,” Edward Cloutier said, “and it seems like 30 days.”

Cloutier is the associate professor of education at the University of Tampa. His main focus is to teach his students to be effective and caring teachers. He teaches Education 200, an Introduction to American Education class.

Although Cloutier has proven to be an outstanding teacher, teaching was not always his first love.

“I wanted to be a major league baseball player,” Cloutier said. “But then I realized I couldn’t run fast enough to be a major league baseball player.” He went to tryouts for some of the professional teams, but it wasn’t meant to be.

He attended college at Northern Illinois University and went on to get his PhD at the University of Illinois. While in college, he worked as a custodian at a middle school. The principal came to him one day and asked him if he was going to school to be a teacher because the kids really liked him.

Cloutier replied, “As a matter of fact I am.”

Soon after, he became a fifth grade teacher at Bryant Elementary School, and at the age of 23, he became principal of Holmes Elementary School. He became the youngest principal in the state of Illinois.

He served as the principal for four years and still didn’t feel like he was doing enough to give students the teachers they deserved.

“And that’s when I decided to become a professor,” Cloutier said. He realized as a professor he could get in contact with future teachers and mentor them to be the best teachers they could be. “I really had no plans to become a principal or a professor. I was so fortunate to have good teachers as role models and my mom and dad who emphasized learning,” he said.

Like so many others, Cloutier came to Tampa for the beautiful weather and the non-existent winters. The day he saw the ad in the Chronicle for higher education for a position at the University of Tampa, it was 10 degrees below zero, and he had fallen four times on his walk from his apartment to where he taught at the University of Illinois. “By the time I started my lecture, I was frozen,” he said. So he applied for the position and despite offers from other universities, Cloutier chose UT. Junior and elementary education major Alexandra Quintyne took EDU 200 with Cloutier her freshman year and has had him as an advisor ever since. “Dr. Cloutier is my favorite professor at UT,” Quintyne said. For the past two years, Quintyne has mentored with Cloutier for Gateways 101 and 102. She said Cloutier motivates his students to come to class and takes the time to get to know them. “A good professor is not someone who is an expert in their field but someone who gets to know their students individually and challenges them to succeed,” Quintyne said. “In Dr. Cloutier’s case, he is both which is what makes him so great.”

Cloutier has been at UT for 30 years and doesn’t see himself retiring anytime in the near future. “As long as I’m not drooling on myself and I’m still able to share information, I want to continue to teach,” Cloutier said.

“This is a special honor [being chosen best professor] because the University of Tampa has taken time to share this with me,” he said. “And I want to thank you so much.”

Daniel Dooghan

By Katherine Lavacca

Where do you shop?

I got my start at Express, back in 2000, I did that for a long time and as I got a better job, I moved more to Brooks Brothers. These days I go custom made when I can. On a professor’s salary, you can’t do Savile Row, but I have the advantage of being in India every year. They have very good tailors at very low prices. I wish I could afford some Paul Stewart, but Brooks is still the go to. It’s the standard in American men’s fashion; it’s conservative as all get out, but my purple pinstripes are from Brooks so that’s something.

What advice do you have for students who want to dress nicer?

Good men’s clothing will last forever. I wore my last pair of dress shoes into the ground. I had them for 15 years and I wore them all the time. To do it right it cost a little money, but it will last 10 or 20 years and it will—as long as you don’t do anything particularly seventies-esque—remain fashionable. Build your wardrobe up over time; you don’t have to buy 10 suits right off the bat. If you go out and get a grey suit or a blue suit and get it tailored–and as you grow or shrink–get it retailored and you can keep it going for a long time then. Every year you get a new shirt or a new tie and after a few years you have a substantial wardrobe.

What are some things you like to wear? Why do you like to dress up?

I got a lot of my fashion decisions from my dad. Whenever he would go to work, I always saw him wearing a suit and it looked good. I like being dressed up. That may seem obvious on some level, and I really like three-piece suits.

Wearing a jacket all the time can be hot and constricting, but vests always look good; you look polished even with your coat off. I just like to be dressed up at work because there’s something about putting on your work clothes and then going home and changing, because then you are taking work off with you. The physical transition is meaningful. You feel different.

Are there any phases that you're not particularly proud of?

I went through a necklace phase, that was ill advised. I’m very proud of my Hawaiian shirt phase, but that was a bit before Hawaiian shirts were cool again. I was a real dirt bag for years. In high school it was the age of alternative. I had jeans, boots and flannel shirts everyday. I liked listening to my Nirvana and Stone Temple Pilots and Smashing Pumpkins. I’ve done some unfortunate things with orange. Generally things have worked out all right. I started to dabble in bro-muscle shirts once, but uh, that wasn’t very successful.

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Alma Gomez

By BRIANNA KWASNIK

Alma Gomez’s go-to outfit when she’s running late includes a maxi skirt, a cute crop top and a ton of jewelry. Alma describes her style as fun, creative and girly.

“I don’t have a specific person that I look to for style inspiration, but if I see a character on TV, I will try to re-create the outfit,” Gomez said. “I also look for inspiration on YouTube, Instagram pages and in magazines.”

She also looks for styles she likes in PacSun, then goes to stores like Marshall’s or T.J. Maxx to find the same thing at a decent price. Alma’s favorite piece of clothing that she currently owns is her black leather skirt from PacSun. She says it’s her favorite because it matches with everything and gives an outfit an extra touch.

For students trying to stay stylish on a tight budget, she advises going to thrift stores or checking out what your roommates have in their closets, as long as you ask permission first.

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Cody Bray

By BRIANNA KWASNIK Cody Bray says he hates spending more than $10 on any clothing item. The majority of his closet is a random assortment of clothes from thrift stores that has built up over the years.

“I like anything that catches my eye,” Bray said. “Usually, the odder it is, the more I like it.”

Cody likes to shop online at places such as UNIQLO and American Apparel, but one could most likely find him shopping at thrift stores around Tampa. His favorites are Sunshine and the Salvation Army on Nebraska Avenue. A favorite piece of clothing that he currently owns is a button down with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck playing instruments on the pocket.

Students’ Best!

You voted and chose Kristin Anderson and PK Creedon as your best dressed students!

THE MINARET | PAGE 15

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COCKROACH GIRL

By ANNABELLA PALOPOLI

I am cockroach girl. At least that’s what I’m known as on the Internet.

This past Halloween, I posted what I thought was a harmless video on Vine.

Within a few weeks, it spread like wildfire to every corner of the Internet, including Reddit, theCHIVE, WorldstarHipHop, Tumblr (thanks, Tyler Oakley) and countless Facebook pages.

In this Vine video, I stare at the camera for a few seconds before opening my mouth to reveal a cockroach inside.

Before you jump to the conclusion that I’m gross, let me explain myself. You’ll probably still think I’m gross but maybe a tiny bit less gross.

I definitely did not put a wild, microberidden cockroach in my mouth. My mom (an entomologist) raises Madagascar hissing cockroaches. Madagascar cockroaches are

relatively clean. As pets, they live in a glass tank and eat fruits and vegetables. Also, before I put the cockroach in my mouth, I let him walk over some rubbing alcohol to disinfect his feet.

I know what you’re thinking: “Wow, this girl is the bravest, coolest, most badass person I’ve ever had the honor of sharing a campus with.”

Astonishingly, the people of the Internet don’t seem to agree.

The most common comments include things along the lines of “I hate white people,” “This girl needs Jesus” and “What else would she put in her mouth?” I also received regular suggestions to commit suicide, which quickly grew irritating.

After reading through thousands of these incredibly clever, wellthought-out comments, I came

across one in particular that really struck a chord with me. It was one of the most poetic, articulate pieces of writing I have ever read.

“THIS FUCKING TRIFLING ASS BITCH NEEDS THE DEVIL TAKEN OUT OF HER. THAT WAS SOME DEMONIC SHIT. BITCH I WILL SLAP THE HELL OUT OF YOU IF I EVER SEE YOU BITCH. YOU JUST RUINED MY FUCKING LIFE,” wrote Vine user Jasmine Clawson.

Hopefully this raving review has peaked your interest.

If you think your stomach and phone can handle it (some people have told me they threw their phones and cracked the screen), you can find the video on my Vine (username Bella Palopoli) or google “cockroach girl vine” and it’ll be sure to pop up.

BEST WEBSITE

MAC vs. PC

BEST MUSIC STREAMING APP

BEST GUILTY PLEASURE

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Call Of Duty

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“Timber” by Pitbull

Apple

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Student Environmental Action Coalition

By AVERY TWIBLE

The Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) is a student organization selflessly devoted to bettering the world, one project at a time. It was founded in 2006 by one student, Kari Pandilidis, who was inspired during a management class taught by Bella Galperin, and it has exploded into successfully action-oriented organization.

SEAC has improved the environment, educated the community on the responsibility of taking care of this earth and continues its attempts to reduce UT’s carbon footprint every year. One student initiated a domino effect that has had a significant impact on this campus and the Tampa Bay community. Any one student could have such a powerful cause and effect with the right amount of passion.

Walking around campus, the changes implemented

by SEAC are everywhere.

Go to the laundry room of any dorm and you will find recycling containers, so you can feel a little less guilty about last night’s menagerie of empty beer cans and wine bottles. Visit buildings such as West Kennedy Hall or Martinez Athletics Center and you will see purified water stations to fill up your water bottles, exponentially decreasing the amount of plastic water bottle waste that could fill the world’s oceans. Go to McNiff Fitness Center on special event nights to be educated on the importance of sustainability and rewarded with free reusable water bottles and fitness towels. Exit any building on campus and you are almost guaranteed to see a recycling bin for your plastic or glass bottles. You may not realize it, but SEAC has left its mark all around campus and it’s just getting started.

Our fellow students are the impressive members of SEAC who choose to be conscientious about the time they spend on this earth. One of their greatest wishes is to educate the community on easy changes that can be made in one’s everyday life that could not only make life easier but healthier and kinder to the other beings we share this beautiful earth with.

“I joined SEAC as a junior because I had seen them around campus spreading awareness about protecting the environment, as well as taking action to make the environment better. The organization’s values were directly

on par with my own,” said Becca Gaesser, junior marine science and biology major and SEAC member. Although many of the group’s members are science-related majors, anyone and everyone is welcome to join the club.

Since junior environmental science major Lizzy Gallagher was appointed president in spring of 2013, the club has blossomed into a force to be reckoned with. She has organized participation of the group in community cleanups such as Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, contributed to planning the “From the Ground Up” speaker event (bringing in environmental experts to talk to students) and spoke personally at Eckerd College’s Student Sustainability Summit.

You can thank her and her team of SEAC members for the blissfully cool purified water stations around campus, as well as the convenient recycling bins in laundry rooms of residence halls.

Gallagher has helped SEAC build a list of prideworthy accomplishments, but she isn’t finished.

She has a repertoire of plans in the mix, including fundraising for and hosting a 6K race to raise awareness on the global water crisis in developing countries where the average person has to walk an approximate six kilometers just to get to a clean water source, she said. Look for this event coming in April 2014.

Caring about the environment and sustainable practices do not have to consume your life. Small changes in daily life could improve the world.

“It all starts with being aware. If everyone begins to shut the light off when they leave the room, shave two minutes off their shower time or purchase items with less packaging, it all starts to have an effect,” Gallagher said.

If we all make a conscious effort to care about this beautiful planet we’re blessed to call home, such as filling up a reusable water bottle at one of the water stations, we could all be responsible for helping the planet, as opposed to contributing to the negatives. If you’d like to learn more about SEAC, meetings are Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in the Wellness Center, or you can email Gallagher at elizabeth. gallagher@spartans.ut.edu.

Students’ Best!

You voted and chose Student Productions as your favorite organization!

THE MINARET | PAGE 15 THE MINARET | PAGE 19

The University of Tampa's

Creative Elite

By KAI MILLER

As a liberal arts college, The University of Tampa is home to many talented and creative students. In offering multiple art-related disciplines and programs UT provides students with a variety of opportunities to discover their creative niche. For Alyssa Fessett, Russell Colleran, and Samantha Gatelaro the UT community has not only fostered their dreams but also turned them into reality.

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Alyssa Fessett

Since the age of 2, Alyssa Fessett has been a dancing machine. The UT senior and marine biology major was initially inspired by her peers to pursue dance.

“I enjoyed seeing my friends all the time traveling to compete and getting to perform,” Fessett said.

During her four years at UT, Fessett has contributed her talent to the dance department in a countless number of ways whether it be performing or choreographing. However, UT’s dance department has left quite an impression on Fessett as well.

“UT’s dance department has taught me what else you can do with movement besides perform or compete,” Fessett said. “I grew up in a competitive dance studio and only knew that side of dance.”

Through UT’s dance department, Fessett has been granted the opportunity to not only showcase her talent, but also improve the quality of others’ lives. Under the direction of dance professor Susan Taylor Lennon Fessett has worked with the elderly, those with special needs and children living with traumatic brain injury.

“I thought that after I got old and couldn’t perform I would have to give up dance, [but] UT showed me this is not the case. By learning how dance can improve other people’s lives, it has made my love for it grow even more,” Fessett explained.

Russell Colleran

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Senior performing arts major Russell Colleran’s love for DJing all began with an email from UT’s music department. “[The email] was an employment opportunity for a talent agency that specialized in DJing and emceeing, specifically at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island,” Colleran said.

The email went on further to explain that no DJing experience was required but being able to perform in front of crowds was necessary.

“I have theatre experience so I felt qualified,” Colleran said. “I sent in my application and the rest is history.”

In taking a leap of faith, Colleran fell into his craft at the age of 19. As a self-taught DJ, Colleran continues to develop his skills, which have made him even more fond of music.

In the near future, Colleran intends on pursuing a career in the music industry. He is interested in multiple apprenticeships at professional companies in various states across the country and plans on trying his hand at sound engineering.

“Music is very important to me. I can confidently say I’ll be doing something music-related for the rest of my life,” Colleran said.

Samantha Gatelaro

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Samantha Gatelaro, a freshman art major, utilized painting as a means of self discovery.

The self-taught artist has had a love for acrylics and watercolors her whole life. Gatelaro loves the freedom and room for mistakes that the medium allows for. She’s also a fan of mixed media, which involves utilizing materials other than paint to create a more dynamic piece.

Through UT’s travel immersion course, Gatelaro realized that her dreams of pursuing art professionally were within her reach.

“After visiting New York, I realized that my abilities were stronger than some of the works I saw and that if I wanted to become a professional artist it is definitely worth a shot,” Gatelaro said.

THE MINARET | PAGE 21

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Plant Park

by HANNAH WEBSTER

If you’ve ever walked around UT during sunset, you’ve probably noticed our campus has been gifted with a romantic air.

From the vast, modern cityscape contrasting the 1800s architecture of Plant Hall to the lights reflecting off the surrounding river and bridges, it’s no wonder our home is often visited by couples for engagement and wedding photoshoots.

It comes as no surprise that Plant Park was voted as the most romantic spot on campus by students.You can wander between the more shadowed areas where the benches scream “make out on me” or simply stroll along the edge of the river.

It’s one of those places that inspires couples and has singles longing for someone to share a moment with.

“I find Plant Park to be very romantic,” said Russell Colleran, a senior performing arts major.

“When my girlfriend and I were first getting to know each other, we would always take walks to Plant Park and just lay out on the docks.”

Perhaps the isolation from the hustle and bustle of main campus makes it our university’s most emotional corner, the go-to spot for the important moments in student relationships, whether that’s making or breaking them.

In general, it seems that most students sneak off to Plant Park seeking a positive experience.

One couple in particular, senior marine biology major Ellen Matza and her boyfriend, senior management information systems major Chris Martinez, had plenty of good things to say.

“One night I randomly went on a walk there with Chris and we just sat on a bench together watching the reflections in the water across from the art museum for hours,” Matza said.

Martinez then chimed in with, “We made sweet, sweet love under the starlight by the river which was reflecting the full moon in the sky.”

Whether or not that last part is true, we’ll never know. And we’ll probably never want to.

Regardless, our student body is pretty lucky to have a place that sets the mood without much effort on our part. If you are broke, without a vehicle or just want something simple to do, try taking your significant other over to Plant Park.

Bring a blanket, some sparkling apple cider (wine is not allowed, so just pretend) and maybe even your iPod to play some Coldplay or Marvin Gaye.

Remember, if the magic of the park starts getting a little too–potent–you might need to take it back to your room. Campus security’s golf carts can sneak up on you awfully quickly.

So the next time you’re feeling a little romantic, remember that you don’t even need to leave campus. Just take a walk in the park.

Pizza

by TERRY PRESTON

The quickest route to one’s heart is through their stomach. The quickest route to my pants is Pizza Fusion.

Only a short walk from downtown, the trendy restaurant offers a unique and hipster spin on the traditional food style.

The restaurant is relatively friendly to a college budget, costing between $15 to $21 for a pizza capable of sufficiently feeding two people.

Pizza Fusion is the safest bet for a first date because it’s likely that your partner for the evening will be a fan of pizza. (94 percent of Americans eat pizza regularly, reported pizza.com.)

In addition to specializing in this universally adored food, Pizza Fusion is amenable to a variety of dietary restrictions. Every pizza is served

Fusion

on white or multi-grain bread and can be made gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian. Pizza Fusion also offers other menu items including salads, sandwiches and giant brownies.

With a variety of classic options, there is no way you can regret choosing this pizzeria, even without prior knowledge of your date’s eating habits.

“I honestly crave Pizza Fusion weekly,” said Stephen Zieler, a sophomore nursing major. “It’s moderately priced in a really chill atmosphere that makes for a young and hip experience.”

Based upon a streak of overwhelmingly positive experiences, my love for this restaurant places Pizza Fusion as the skeleton key to

both my heart and my pants.

My heart yearns for the moment when my significant other looks at me and says those three words I so desperately want to hear: “Let’s get pizza.”

“This is absolutely a great place for a date. I see couples come here all the time,” said Hannah Hutchinson, a waitress at Pizza Fusion. “We recently hosted an engagement party for a couple that had their first date here.”

I read this profound story of finding love in a pizza place as proof that food is the easiest way to fall in love, or at least that’s the case for me.

For those seeking a lifetime commitment following their graduation, the answer to your prayers is pizza, and Pizza Fusion is the perfect place.

THE MINARET | PAGE 23

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the Matchmaker

By ELIZABETH ROCKETT

“Have you two met?” is a common question heard when waiting at the omelet station in the morning.

The last place most students would expect to find love would be in line at their school’s cafeteria—but not here at UT—we have Chef Tony Brown for that. Brown is the charismatic Sodexo employee who has been working in the cafeteria for seven years.

Not only will Brown introduce you to someone he feels suits you, but if you are habitually in his omelet line and he has gotten to know you, he will proceed to tell your potential “match” all of your wonderful qualities. ​When asked about how he began to match students, he chuckled.

“You mean ‘allegedly started matching people.’ It’s an urban legend! Who knows? It just snowballed,” he said.

Brown recalls introducing students to one another who went to the same high school and never even knew. Brown simply enjoys introducing schoolmates to each other. ​Brown revealed he had “been invited to weddings and received thank you cards…allegedly” for matching the couple up in the omelet line.

Tre Hansen, a junior majoring in international business management, has frequented Brown’s omelet line since his freshman year and has experienced Brown’s matchmaking magic firsthand. But even with all of Brown’s attempts, Hansen has never pursued anything further than a quick conversation with these ladies.

“For the most part, I took it as burning time instead of standing in line staring at my phone for ten minutes. As long as it isn’t eight in the morning, I don’t mind,” Hansen said. ​But who is Brown outside of work at UT? He is a New York native, but spent most of his life living in San Diego. He enjoys sleeping as much as he possibly can on Saturdays, as well as curling up on his couch to “put on one of those old movie networks” and just relax. ​While Brown enjoys making omelets for us here at UT, he does not make them at home and they are most certainly not his favorite food. Apart from making omelets, Brown also enjoys watching sports. Considering he has moved from coast to coast throughout his life so far, I asked him what his favorite sports team was.

“Whoever’s winning,” he said. “I am on the bandwagon! It was the Steelers and then that ended quickly–so go Seahawks!”

Brown is a laid back and personable guy who enjoys seeing UT students happy. He can brighten up a bad day and wake you up in the morning with his contagious energy and happiness.

Best R.A.

By MARK SUGDEN

JACOB MACKEY

No job is too tough for Jacob Mackey, a sophomore government and world affairs and history major. On top of balancing classes, workouts, swim team and a social life, Mackey has one more job to do. He currently oversees 31 freshmen on the third floor of Austin Hall as a resident assistant.

Being an RA is not an extra hassle for Mackey, but rather something that he actually wanted to do.

“I wanted to become an RA because I really enjoyed the environment of my floor freshman year,” Mackey said.

“I get to interact with some pretty amazing people on my Austin staff and have a phenomenal supervisor.”

Mackey said the best thing about being a RA is the freshmen residents he oversees. Something Mackey enjoys is eating lunch with his residents and knocking on their doors to find out what the latest gossip in the hall is.

“They make me want to do everything possible to benefit them. I seriously wouldn’t trade a single one of them,” Mackey said.

So far, Mackey has hosted cupcake decorating and pancake making events for his floor. One of his favorite programs was when his residents designed and decorated their own door tags.

“It’s a great way for the residents to establish a sense of community and get to know one another,” Mackey said.

“Over the course of the year, the third floor has transitioned from 31 strangers to 31 people who symbolize a family and that’s something I’ll never forget.”

Next year, Mackey will continue to be an RA in Morsani Hall.

THE MINARET | PAGE 25

BEST OF

CAMPUS

Students and Staff pick their favorite spots on campus to nap, study and even go to the bathroom.

Best Residence Hall

West Kennedy Best Computer Lab Vaughn

Best Nap Spot

Commuter

Best Study Spot

Library

PAGE 26 | THEMINARETONLINE.COM

Best Building

Plant Hall

Best Bathroom

Chapel

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Open Water

by MARCUS MITCHELL

During the day it is the same sight at the UT public pool. A beautiful blonde sunbathing, a swimmer doing laps and the sunshine hitting off the water at the perfect angle. But at night the pool transforms from a Floridian paradise into an underwater laboratory.

On Monday and Tuesday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., students take to the deep end to try their hand at the grueling yet extraordinary lives of marine biologists. Led by professor Scott Lucci, the students practice the beautiful art of scuba diving in the pool.

MAR 100, known primarily as Open Water, was voted the best course on campus and for very good reason.

In no other course can students literally dive into the

techniques and vital instruction necessary to become marine biologists in the field. Along with the Open Water excursions, the class also meets for lectures about sufficient protocol while out in open water. Not only does the class meet at the pool, but weekend trips to real locales are taken for better understanding of the aquatic world and its beauty.

The class appeals to those uncertain about whether or not to pursue marine biology as a legitimate career choice.

The course is even inspiring students’ future career paths, like undecided

major Tom Dunigan who said, “I absolutely love marine animals and want to study sea turtles in the future. Being able to practice scuba diving here on campus through a class is vital to my dreams and it is a real plus that it is right here on campus.”

The class itself is worth two credits making it helpful for students with a heavy workload who are looking for a fun and different course, as long as they have sufficient priority in the registration process. There is a mandatory lab fee of $150 which covers the equipment used in the class as well as the weekend trips. So, when you’re sitting down getting ready to register for classes for the fall, don’t forget about Open Water.

You’ll be deeply in love while swimming in knowledge.

THE MINARET | PAGE 27

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The phrases “mountains of food” and “mac n’ cheese stuffed meatloaf” usually aren’t associated with high class restaurants or good presentation, but Datz on South MacDill Avenue breaks the norm in the tastiest ways possible.

After traveling the world, Datz coowner Roger Perry teamed with wife Suzanne in 2009 to create a restaurant that would put a cultural twist on southern comfort food. Datz started out as a small deli, but its immediate success convinced the Perrys they needed to morph into a sit-down dining experience.

The southern-gone-gourmet approach Datz takes to its food may seem confusing at first but has been found to be quite addicting. Panache Vue’ magazine called

by SELENE SAN FELICE

Datz “food-therapy,” and it couldn’t be any more correct.

Senior and chemistry major Becky Vaclav is Datz’s self-proclaimed biggest fan.

“I would say Datz is the best local place,” Vaclav said. “They have a great beer selection with lots of local choices.”

Customers can call or text to reserve a table and Datz will text back when the table is ready, according to Vaclav.

Vaclav’s favorite is the April in Paris sandwich, which is a grilled cheese made with melted brie, tomato, arugula, basil pesto and grilled house-baked sourdough bread. She also enjoys the fries, which come drizzled with sour cream and chives.

DAILY EATS

by MADISON IRWIN

Daily Eats, located on South Howard Avenue, puts a modern twist on the traditional diner by serving up deliciously unique dishes that are sure to comfort any college student.

This trendy yet casual joint offers breakfast all day, specialty mac and cheese dishes, Shredder Bowls (brown rice, shredded lettuce with various meat toppings) and famous homemade shakes, along with some other diner classics like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.

As for all of you health nuts out there, they also offer healthier options like oatmeal or egg

white omelets, as well as a variety of glutenfree meals for those who have allergies.

“The diner has been an American tradition for decades,” said Raymond Menendez, the general manager of Daily Eats. “Daily Eats is our Tampa diner, a modern day interpretation of this long-lasting tradition. Our motto for the last eight years has been ‘we luv our customers,’ and fortunately, the ‘luv’ is mutual.”

Daily Eats is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends. The diner offers take out, outdoor seating and catering as well.

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BEST DQ BLIZZARD

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Oreo

BEST OVERALL EATERY Ultimate Dining

BEST MORSANI MEAL

Pasta (Pandini’s)

BEST VAUGHN MEAL Grill 155

GET READY FOR THE WEEKEND STUDENTS PICK THEIR FAVORITE PLACES TO UNWIND OFF CAMPUS

BEST CAMPUS HANGOUT SPOT

OXFORD EXCHANGE

BEST NIGHTCLUB

AMP YBOR

BEST BEACH

CLEARWATER BEACH PAGE 30 | THEMINARETONLINE.COM

STenue E B V

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THE RITZ

BY JORDAN WALSH

Not every band can fill the Tampa Bay Times Forum, and thank the music gods for that. Because there’s nothing quite like the intimacy of a rock and roll show in a smaller venue, and every larger city needs a staple venue for this type of experience.

Tampa has The Ritz, located just two miles from UT in Ybor City. Just big enough to book larger indie groups like Manchester Orchestra and Taking Back Sunday but small enough to allow for a great concert experience from anywhere in the venue.

The Ritz Ybor was a shoo-in for our staff pick for Tampa’s prime concert spot.

The Ritz’s Director of Marketing and Events, Okesene “Okie” Tilo, emphasised the venue’s mission statement.

“The RITZ Ybor is a unique, multi-purpose, historic venue that strives to provide a memorable experience for all of our guests and patrons,” Tilo said.

The history of The Ritz Ybor goes back as far as 1917, according to theritzybor.com, when the venue was opened as a playhouse and sold theater tickets for a fraction of a dollar. The current incarnation of The Ritz opened in 2008 after some major renovations.

The Ritz is especially good at booking artists to please a wide variety of music fans––even Lady Gaga made an appearance at the venue as she rose to prominence in 2009.

“There is not a specific music genre that we gear ourselves towards,” Tilo said. “Our entire management staff are music enthusiasts themselves, so we are all constantly keeping an eye out for any new and emerging acts to book.”

BEST SHOPPING

INTERNATIONAL PLAZA

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY

DISNEY WORLD

THE MINARET | PAGE 31

Top Tampa

Swimmer Kameron Kilpatrick

Tlete S E B nt Ath

BY JOSIAH KACHELMEYER

ICK de “I’m slightly embarrassed,” a humbled Stu UDENT P Kameron Kilpatrick said when he learned ST

he was selected as best athlete at the University of Tampa.

The junior swimmer from Carrollton, Texas never would have guessed that he, not a basketball player, not a baseball player, but a swimmer, would be given the designation. However, he believes that it is a testament to the unique community that UT is.

“I would never have predicted this because swimming is generally an unrecognized sport, but it just goes to show you that we all support each other through everything,” Kilpatrick said.

At UT, the swim team does indeed have a reputation of always being together, something Kilpatrick embraces wholeheartedly.

“As most UT students know, the team is almost inseparable throughout the school year and with that comes an unconditional support system we all take part in.”

Whether it is seeing the teammates together in their usual cafeteria spot for dinner or checking out their Harlem Shake video they made on YouTube last year, it doesn’t take too long to realize that this team has a special bond.

Upon graduating from Hebron High School back home in Texas, Kilpatrick came to UT as a freshman in fall 2011 and since then has found UT to be a second home. An allied health major, he was attracted to the school in large part due to the variety of programs offered that were related to his field.

Equally important for Kilpatrick was how he fell in love with the swim team, especially the manner in which they trained. “I loved PAGE 32 | THEMINARETONLINE.COM

the training style the team did,” Kilpatrick said. “I knew that even if I didn’t get any faster, I would still enjoy doing the hard work.”

Kilpatrick has worked hard since day one at the UT pools, and it has paid off. After being named to the Sunshine State Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll as a freshman, his success carried over to his sophomore year when he registered a top time in the 1,000 meter free at the SSC Championships.

His early success culminated in him being named a team captain as a junior.

“He’s a natural leader, one that earns his respect rather than demanding it. I could not think of a better person to be one of the swim team’s captains,” said Scott Nocco, a senior swimmer.

Kilpatrick’s teammate also attested to his charisma as a big reason for him being chosen as captain.

“Kam is just an all around great guy––one of the friendliest you’ll meet at UT,” Nocco said.

Despite being selected as the best athlete at UT, Kilpatrick placed an emphasis on putting the team first.

“I believe I was selected strictly for how great my teammates and friends are,” Kilpatrick said.

Set to graduate in spring 2015, Kilpatrick plans to further his education and go to physical therapy school either in Florida or back in Texas. He plans to pursue a job in either neurological or pediatric physical therapy. When it comes to his swimming career, Kilpatrick plans on leaving it behind him after graduation in order to begin new athletic pursuits such as mountain climbing and the half-Ironman triathlon.

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GENERAL JORDAN DAVIS

BY TESS SHEETS

“Optimism,” “selflessness” and “leadership” are all character traits accredited to junior point guard Jordan Davis by his friends and teammates. Davis, the recent staff-voted best student athlete, has made a tremendous impact on the men’s basketball team in terms of leadership and chemistry in the mere months that he has been playing for UT. “He brings a contagious amount of selflessness that rubs off on the entire team,” said Austin Rettig, a sophomore guard.

“He can see every player on the court and get them the ball in a position to score, and that’s something we lacked the previous two seasons.”As a transfer student from the College of Central Florida in his first year at UT, Davis has risen to a position of leadership by playing each and every game with the confidence and skill of an experienced leader.

“I mostly try to lead by example,” Davis said. “I try to play as hard as possible and lead my team in effort.” For Davis, this means going above and beyond in his duties as a point guard to secure wins for his team.

“He does more than what he’s responsible for,” Rettig said. “For example, what other point guard in the conference is snagging 18 rebounds in a game? None.”

In order to improve both his own and his teammates’ skills and stats, Davis is always looking for the opportunity to help the players score in the most convenient way possible.“I like to get out into the fast break as much as possible in order to get my teammates dunks and easy layups,” Davis said. “I always think about the next play and try not to worry about the negative things.”

Davis’ personality and skill level have been shaped by the various playing experiences that he has encountered since high school. He has played for a Division 1 team, took a year off and then won a national championship with the College of Central Florida.

“Part of his job on the court is to be an extension of the coaching staff, which he is,” said Assistant Coach Justin Pecka.

“He understands where everyone is supposed to be on the court and is able to help put his teammates in position to be successful.

He is just a naturally positive person, and that helps when things don’t go as planned.”

Ultimately, it is Davis’ encouraging attitude that keeps him so well-respected amongst his teammates and peers.

THE MINARET | PAGE 33

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CHAMPIONS

BY PHIL NOVOTNY

What is there not to love about UT baseball as a student? The big crowds at games, the six national titles in school history and top 25 ranking every year since 1997, the winning atmosphere…

There is a lot to be said for UT’s baseball team and its accomplishments.

“Baseball is popular here in Florida. The students love the sun and they get to watch a team who is capable of winning the national title every year,” Coach Joe Urso said. “The amount of athletes that declare for the MLB draft also plays a factor.”

In fact, UT baseball has had 68 MLB draft selections with seven of them playing in the major leagues. Some notable alumni players are Tino Martinez and Lou Pinella.

The student body at UT has taken notice that the baseball field is the place to be during the year. Rising attendance amongst fans, the student body and UT alumni are due to the constant success the Spartans have had on the field.

Last year, the baseball team went 47-12 during the regular season and defeated Minnesota State 8-2 in the

PAGE 34 | THEMINARETONLINE.COM

championship game of the NCAA Division II National Finals in Cary, N.C. A crowd of 2,478 attended the final game in Cary, which was the second highest singlegame attendance since the title game was moved there in 2009.

“We love having the support of the fans and the student body. There has been good interaction between the players and the fans who come out to watch us game by game,” said Preston Packrall, a senior pitcher.

Fan support has increased even more this year due to the number one ranking in all of Division II to start the season. With 14 returning players from last year’s championship roster, the Spartans have been able to maintain a number one ranking throughout the 2014 season, and the end goal is nothing short of winning their second straight national championship.

Being at the top has seemed to fire up the players and the coaches to perform at the highest level.

“It is no secret that UT baseball has a bulls eye on their back, and we are motivated to be recognized as the best

in Division II,” Urso said. “We need to be better in the weight room and in the classroom in addition to our on-the-field play.”

Outfielder Michael Danner played a huge role on the 2013 team with a .348 batting average and a team leading 53 RBIs. “A ranking is a ranking. We have to stick to who we are and stick to team play,” Danner said.

UT has changed throughout the years, but the success of our baseball team has always been consistent and has been something students can take pride in.

It is hard to ask for much more from such a dominant program except to keep on winning. Winning is contagious, especially in the game of baseball, and consistency will be the key factor to the success of the future for the UT baseball program.

“Winning constantly is hard but we know that it is all about winning the title,” Urso said.

After all, UT baseball is one of many great sports programs on campus, but the constant success year after year has made it stand out. The student body has spoken.

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BY PAIGE SHALLCROSS

Whether teammates are in the heat of the season or training in the offseason, the swim team works hard around the clock. With demanding practice schedules and intense workouts, the life of a swimmer at UT is certainly not easy. The Spartan swimmers are constantly striving to improve and often aren’t merited for their dutiful work––which is why as a staff we’ve picked them as our favorite sports team.

“For the most part our teams are students first. We have very limited scholarships so my staff and I work hard to bring in students who qualify for our highest academic scholarships,” Coach Ed Brennan said. “We do our level best to encourage our kids to be good citizens of the university community too.”

Being strong in both academics and athletics shows the values that UT appreciates from its athletes. Academics are an important part in every athletic team at UT. We pride ourselves for

having these strong academic sports teams like the swim team.

“We are structured and take not only swimming seriously, but also school,” said Runar Borgen, a sophomore. “Both the men and women´s team are top 10 in the nation academically.”

Along with being ranked nationally in academics, the swim teams are also successful when competing. The women’s team, who just recently won the SSC Championship, have been working and training hard all year for this title win.

“Winning conference was an amazing experience especially because it was in the same pool my brothers and I swam many meets throughout our swimming careers,” said senior Catherine Parker. “I had my final high school meet at that pool, and it’s where I’ve set my final records with my high school and college teammates. It was like a chapter closing in my life, swimming

in Orlando. It was really special for my parents and myself.”

This win led them, along with the men’s swim team, to the NCAA tournament in Ohio. Halfway through the NCAA tournament, the men were ranked seventh.

They earned the bronze medal after the first 200 free relay event and also earned an All-American performance in the 400 Medley Relay.

On top of that, two of the Spartan women placed in the 200 free.

After the conclusion of the NCAA tournament, the men’s team finished ninth and the women’s team finished 21st.

“Any time we finish in the top 10 I have to be pleased, but in 45 years of professional coaching, there haven’t been more than a half dozen times when I felt we did everything right,” Coach Brennan said.

The swim team exemplifies the values UT looks for in its athletes.

It competes at a high level and is always consistent.

THE MINARET | PAGE 35

MUSIC

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By GRIFFIN GUINTA Got a few guys, a field and a Frisbee disc? That’s about all you’ll need to play a game of Ultimate Frisbee. Over the past decade, this wild and quirky sport has become a staple on college campuses. Its simplicity makes it easy to play, but make no mistake––ultimate is not for the faint at heart.

For those unaware, ultimate Frisbee is a lot like football (minus the tackling, pads and huddling before plays). The goal is to pass the disc between players until you reach the endzone. Much like every other sport, whoever scores more points wins the game.

However, there’s a catch. Players can only move when they do not have the disc, making it all the more challenging to march down the field and score.

The Minaret chose ultimate as the best intramural sport because we believe it garners a subculture of its own. Between 10-12 intramural Frisbee teams are formed every year at UT, each with unique attributes.

Some students join to represent their fraternities or clubs, while others dawn pun-filled nicknames such as

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The Disc-iples, Disc Jockeys and Disco Crew. Because Frisbee is so unlike any other sport, you never know what to expect night in and night out. It’s relatively easy to understand the game, which sets up hearty competitions on the regular.

“I loved Ultimate Frisbee because it was an off-beat sport that was not only fun but actually pretty competitive. My experience playing was fun getting to know the other teams and trying to figure out plays with my new team,” said Austin MacFarland, a sophomore nursing major.

In a bevy of ways, ultimate is the underdog of sports. People underestimate the tenacity, grit and determination needed to win a match of this glorious game. According to a BBC study, a Frisbee athlete runs an average of five miles in an hour long game. To add, a thrower must be meticulous about where he or she throws the Frisbee as soft, feeble passes can be easily swatted down or intercepted by an opponent.

Frisbee may not be littered with glam, but its adrenaline-pumping action makes it our favorite intramural sport.

Master It Boost your career credentials with a graduate degree from UT! • MBA (seven concentrations) • M.S. in Accounting • M.S. in Finance • M.S. in Marketing • Certificates in Nonprofit Management, Accounting and Business Administration

• New! M.S. in Exercise and Nutrition Science • M.S. in Nursing • M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology • Master of Education • MFA in Creative Writing

U.S. News & World Report ranks UT as a top-tier school for master’s degrees in the South. The Sykes College of Business has been named one of the best business schools in the world by The Princeton Review for the last nine years, and its MBA program was rated #1 in the Bay area by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The Sykes College of Business is accredited by AACSB International, an honor shared by only 6 percent of business schools worldwide.

All programs accepting applications now.

Request more information at www.ut.edu/gradinfo or call (813) 258-7409.

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COVER Photos by Casey Budd | Doha Madani Graphic by Mia Glatter EDITORIAL | Page 4 Photo by Casey Budd BEST OF UT | Page 5 Photo by Casey Budd KRISTIN ANDERSON | PAGE 6 Photo by Casey Budd KRISTIN ANDERSON | PAGE 6 Photo by Jessica Keesee CAMPUS EVENT | PAGE 8-9 Photos courtesy of Student Produtions SORORITY & FRATERNITY | PAGE 10-11 Photos by Connor Byrne (10) and Raeshaad Long (11) PROFESSORS | PAGES 12-13 Photos by Casey Budd (12) and Katherine Lavacca (13) BEST DRESSED STUDENTS | PAGES 14-15 Photos by photo by Raeshaad Long (14) and Alex Jackson (15) TECH AND POP CULTURE | PAGES 16-17 Ylvis/Facebook, Pitbull/ Facebook, Michale (Macbook)/Flickr, XBOX/Facebook ORGANIZATION | PAGES 18-19 Sunchild57photography/ Flickr Photo of SEAC 1 2/20/14 10:06 AM Page 2 14 Minaret TBcourtesy OH Ad.qxp_Layout CREATIVE ELITE | PAGES 20-21

Photos by Ellis Catalan (20-21) and Alex Jackson (21) ROMANTIC SPOTS | PAGES 22-23 Photos by Alex Jackson (22), bettinche/Flickr TONY | PAGES 24 Photo by Casey Budd BEST R.A. | PAGES 25 Photos by Casey Budd and Raeshaad Long CAMPUS | PAGES 26 Photos by Alex Jackson, Raeshaad Long and Jane Ojasu OPEN WATER | PAGES 27 Photo courtesy of David Glatter FOOD | PAGES 28-29 Photos by Doha Madani (28), Raeshaad Long (29) and Casey Budd (29) HANGOUT | PAGES 30-31 Photos by Casey Budd, Ampitheatre Tampa/Facebook, GleasonMJ/Flickr, DrewRukesRessler/Facebook, RichardStep. com/Flickr ATHLETES | PAGES 32-33 Photos by Jane Ojasu (32) and Raeshaad Long (33) SPORTS TEAMS | PAGES 34-35 Photos by Alex Jackson (34) and Todd Montgomery (35) INTRAMURAL SPORTS | PAGES 36 Photo by Casey Budd

Cooley Law School

Open House Tampa Bay | Thurs., April 3 | 6-7:30 p.m.

Student and area alumni Q&A panel • Optional campus tour Information about academic programs, scholarships and financial aid Informal discussion with campus deans and professors Register to attend at cooley.edu or register at the door.

Can’t attend?

Cooley Law School, Tampa Bay Campus

View a Webinar ICG.0214.008.AD

Schedule a Visit|Tour

Attend an Info Session Visit cooley.edu

summer 2014

Explore register online : www.ut.edu/coursesearch

2-Week May Term May 12 – 23 6-Week Terms May 27 – July 3 July 7 – Aug. 16 12-Week Term May 27 – Aug. 16

Registration Now Available!

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Register Online:

www.ut.edu/coursesearch

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