SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 NINERTIMES.COM
READ MORE ONLINE AT NINERTIMES.COM
Madison Dobrzenski editor@ninertimes.com
EDITORIAL BOARD
Brandon Mitchell MANAGING EDITOR Jeffrey Kopp COMMUNITY EDITOR Emily Hickey COPY EDITOR Megan Bird NEWS EDITOR Sam Palian SPORTS EDITOR Noah Howell A&E EDITOR Olivia Lawless LIFESTYLE EDITOR Nikolai Mather OPINION EDITOR Pooja Pasupula PHOTO EDITOR María Solano VIDEO EDITOR Natasha Morehouse LAYOUT EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITORS
Max Young, Kennedy Hehr, Elissa Miller, Elizabeth McGuire CONTRIBUTING STAFF
Ashley Conde, Tyler Trudeau, Sam Mayer, Cooper Metts, Gracie Hood LAYOUT STAFF
Sam Palian, Drew Fitzgerald, Reuben Sanchez, Olivia Lawless, Aarushi Katoch COVER DESIGN
Natasha Morehouse LAYOUT EDITOR
VIDEO • • • • •
Niner News Sept. 17 Charlotte 49ers defeat UMass 52-17 Student Voice: Freshmen SlutWalk
SPORTS • • •
Charlotte 49ers Football welcomes 11-year-old Towner Lewis, Remarks about Appalachian state game
Laurel Hall: not all it’s cracked up to be
49ers set to take on Minutemen Charlotte draws against West Virginia in ranked battle
Chris Crews
NEWSROOM: STUDENT UNION 047 705.687.7150 Follow us on Twitter @niner_times ninertimes.com/staff
MEDIA MARKETING MARKETING DIRECTOR
Caleb Adams
mktdirector@uncc.edu
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
James Bourke production@uncc.edu
MARKETING STAFF
Joe Calhoun, Paityn Kapesser, Abram Shaw, Kayla Christian
A&E
OPINION •
Charlotte cruises past UMass 52-17
COVER PHOTO CREDIT
•
ALBUM REVIEW: Lana Del Rey ‘Norman Fucking Rockwell’
LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE STUDENT UNION
NINER TIMES • RADIO FREE CHARLOTTE SANSKRIT LITERARY-ARTS MAGAZINE MEDIA MARKETING • TECHNICAL T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F N O R T H C A R O L I N A AT C H A R L O T T E
NINER MEDIA ADVISER: WAYNE MAIKRANZ MARKETING ADVISER: KELLY MERGES BUSINESS MANAGER: LAURIE CUDDY GRAPHICS & PRODUCTION: JOSHUA WOOD OFFICE MANAGER: KELLY DUDDEN
2
SEPT. 17, 2019
NINERTIMES
Associate Vice Chancellor accused of human rights violations during military service Anonymous campus flyer accuses John Bogdan of human rights violations during his military service at Guantanamo Bay
NEWS
by Megan Bird News Editor
An anonymous flyer has recently accused UNC Charlotte’s Somalia.” However, in December 2013, Director of Amnesty’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Safety and Security John Security with Human Rights Daphne Eviatar wrote in the Bogdan of overseeing multiple human rights violations Huffington Post that Bogdan disclosed during a military during his time as a commander at Guantanamo Bay, commission hearing that he ran detention operations in both Cuba. However, the retired Army Colonel has refuted these Iraq and Somalia. According to Eviatar, little is known about allegations, calling them “inaccurate” and “a distraction” from U.S. detention in Somalia. his duties at the University. The retired Army Colonel did serve as commander of The flyer states, “In Guantanamo Bay, John Bogdan the 95th Military Police Battalion in Baghdad from 2007 to tortured people – most of whom were cleared for release.” It 2009, where he ran a detention center with “healthy amounts accuses Bogdan of using religious humiliation as a strategy to of enemy prisoners of war,” as he told the Niner Times. He pacify detainees, allowing genital searches and commanding also partnered with Iraqi police officials across 50 police detention centers in Iraq and Somalia. It asks, “How could stations to develop their security forces. During his tour in Bogdan possibly be qualified to protect UNCC students, Iraq, Bogdan told the Stars and Stripes publication that faculty, and staff when all he knows how to do is brutalize his “‘concerned local citizens’ — armed civilian groups — have subordinates?” played a major part in helping to reduce violence.” This Bogdan told the Niner Times in an interview on Aug. 30 occurred during the surge when the U.S. sent additional that the flyer is “generally full of inaccuracies, largely other troops to Iraq and often cooperated with the local groups. Photo courtesy of UNC Charlotte people’s opinions,” and “a distraction from my primary focus, Bogdan told the Niner Times that he was assigned to his which is the safety and security of the University.” position at Guantanamo in 2012. Bogdan was appointed as associate vice chancellor for From 2012 to 2014, Bogdan served as the warden of the safety and security in late December and began his duties in his first civilian Joint Detention Group at Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. military prison in Cuba. job on Jan. 2. Inside UNC Charlotte wrote in an announcement of his hiring During his time there, he faced criticism from detainees’ attorneys for his that Bogdan is responsible for managing “the plans and programs that protect harsh rules, like imposing regulations on when attorneys could visit their lives and property, prevent accidents and incidents and preserve the learning clients. environment and business operations of the University. This includes police In February 2013, the Miami Herald reported that it was revealed during and public safety, environmental health and safety, emergency management, a Guantanamo war court trial that there was a hidden microphone inside of and risk management and insurance.” a smoke detector in Echo II, a room where high-profile detainees meet with Director of the Center for Holocaust, Genocide & Human Rights Studies Dr. their attorneys. Bogdan testified that he had no prior knowledge of the bugs John Cox told the Niner Times that he was “disturbed” to hear about Bogdan’s and that they had been installed long before his arrival. background. He said he reached out to Chief of Staff of the Chancellor’s In March 2013, the New York Times confirmed with the Defense Office Kim Bradley asking why UNC Charlotte felt it needed someone with Department that numerous detainees were participating in a hunger strike. experience such as Bogdan’s. Bradley responded to Cox, “Throughout his The detainees’ attorneys said the protest was a response to a search in military career, John demonstrated his leadership skills in safety readiness February in which guards allegedly took personal valuables and mishandled and response, skills applicable to his responsibilities on campus and that were the inmates’ Qurans. In a media briefing, Bogdan said that Quran searches instrumental in our response and ongoing recovery to April 30. We believe had been standard practice for a while. According to a study by UC Davis, he is committed to our mission and he is a valuable addition to our campus 106 of the 166 inmates participated in the hunger strike, 46 of whom were community.” subjected to force-feeding. Shaker Aamer, who was held without trial for 13 A senior who is active in the Amnesty International chapter at UNC years despite being cleared for release twice by the British government, said Charlotte told the Niner Times, “UNC Charlotte’s hiring of John Bogdan as that the authorities of the prison used techniques such as sharply decreasing associate vice chancellor for safety and security is troubling. His expertise is the temperature and introducing metal-tipped feeding tubes to ensure not suitable for an institution that strives to be inclusive to all races, gender consumption by inmates. and creeds.” When asked why he allowed these tactics, Bogdan told the Niner Times the The flyer, whose author remains anonymous, states that Bogdan ran focus was the “safe, humane treatment of the detainees” and the decision to detention centers in Iraq and Somalia. Bogdan replied that he ran “nothing in force-feed was a “medical protocol” that “wasn’t under his purview.” No
NINERTIMES.COM
SEPT. 17, 2019
3
inmate’s weight had fallen below 100 pounds during the strike, a Navy officer in charge of prison camp health facilities told the Miami Herald under the condition of anonymity. But according to Bogdan’s declaration from a lawsuit challenging the legality of the force-feeding, he did advise on the decision to allow “compliant” detainees to sit in a reclining chair and “watch television or play video games while being enterally fed.” The strikers were strapped to a chair with their feet shackled, reported VICE News. On Apr. 13, 2013, dozens of specially-trained U.S. soldiers raided the facility’s communal compound and put 65 defiant detainees in single-cell lockdown at the command of Bogdan, who monitored the event by video screen and radio. The guards fired rubber pellets and five detainees were injured. Bogdan told reporters with the Huffington Post, “We hit the point where I thought we were accepting too much risk, and I felt it was time to take action.” According to the Huffington Post, the night after the raid, a detainee attempted suicide by strangulation. Another detainee had attempted the same the night before. Attorney David Remes wrote in the Guardian that “[Bogdan] appears to view the hunger strike as an insurrection, not a protest, and is using every trick in the book, however brutal and cruel, to put it down. Bogdan has eliminated communal living, moving almost all detainees into isolation cells. His guards have confiscated family letters and pictures and legal materials, and even toothbrushes, toothpaste and towels. The guards prevent the men from sleeping by keeping bright lights shining all night and removing the men’s eye-shades. My clients report to me that guards also deliberately make enough noise to keep the detainees awake all night and they are chilling the detainees by keeping their cells freezing cold.” In May 2013, Al Jazeera reported that detainees were forced to submit to a “pat down” of their genitals and buttocks before leaving the camp for another facility. The tactic received heavy criticism from the detainees’ attorneys
4
SEPT. 17, 2019
NINERTIMES
who pointed out it was a form of religious humiliation for the predominantly Muslim inmates. In a June 3 declaration, Bogdan justified the searches by saying they would prevent additional suicides and cut off the alleged flow of “contraband” into and out of the cells. A lower court struck the policy down, calling it “religiously and culturally abhorrent” and claiming it was a tactic to prevent detainees from meeting with their lawyers during a hunger strike. When asked about the genital searches, Bogdan told the Niner Times that he “used the standard search procedures that are assigned in army policy and regulation and in the best practices with the Federal Bureau of prisons.” He said it’s a “regular army procedure” that he did not create. As the flyer alleges, 86 prisoners were cleared for release during Bogdan’s tenure at Gitmo. Bogdan says that release is “not a decision of innocence or guilt.” In the announcement of Bogdan’s hiring, Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Elizabeth Hardin said, “John has a track record of leadership providing safety and security in installations and communities around the U.S. and the world. His dedication to service and his mission orientation fit well in higher education.” Following Bogdan’s controversial administration at Guantanamo, he served as Chief of Force Protection and Homeland Defense Division and later as Chief of Policy for the U.S. Army. Associate vice chancellor is Bogdan’s first civilian job. He said it was a “natural evolution” and a continuation of his background in “training and developing people.” He added that he chose Charlotte specifically because he has family in the area. “My time in the military was about leading and developing young Americans,” said Bogdan, “and the large percentage of the folks I worked with were roughly the same age group as students in college. I’ve been completely in awe by the initiative and the determination of young Americans, and the opportunity to do more of that work and continue in that environment I saw as a real blessing.”
The day democracy died in North Carolina Ashley Conde criticizes the General Assembly’s recent budget vote
by Ashley Conde Intern
Lies and deceit: two words one could use to describe the political ambush conducted by North Carolina’s Republican lawmakers on a vote with a little over half of the House’s representatives in attendance. Early last Wednesday morning, North Carolina’s House of Representatives overrode Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of a budget bill in a controversial vote (55-9). According to the News & Observer, only nine Democratic leaders were on the floor of the General Assembly. The vote came as a surprise to Democratic leaders, the media and Gov. Cooper. Democratic lawmakers claim they were told by the GOP that no vote would be held during the early morning session, which explains why nearly 46 Democrats were absent during that session. However, even without 56 members of the House, Republican Representative Jason Saine continued his motion to reconsider the state’s budget. The few Democrats that were in attendance immediately objected to the motion. Democratic Representative Deb Butler protested from the floor legislature as they continued to hold the vote. In a video that went viral on Twitter that same day, Butler shouts, “This is a travesty of the process and you know it!” and “I will not yield!” As the video began to circulate online, the hashtag #wewillnotyield began trending. Democrats and other supporters refused to tolerate the power grab made by N.C. Republicans that Wednesday morning. The News & Observer reported that Gov. Cooper had vetoed the two-year budget bill earlier this summer, due to its negligence of teacher pay, failure to expand federal healthcare, and its large tax cuts for corporations. It comes as no surprise that N.C. Republican leaders placed a vote to override the veto on every House calendar for this legislative session, looking for the opportunity to override Cooper. While the vote was placed on every day of the calendar during this session, this didn’t mean there would be a vote: it meant only that there could be a vote. Three hours after this ambush, Cooper held a press conference in which he called the vote “an assault to our democracy.” When Cooper won the election for state Governor two years ago, it marked a big victory for Democrats. For the first two years of Cooper’s gubernatorial seat, Republicans held a su-
OPINION
Photo by Karen A. Blum
permajority of both the state’s Senate and House of Representatives, which gave them carte blanche to override each of Gov. Cooper’s vetoes. Upon losing this supermajority during the 2018 elections, Cooper finally gained the power to veto without being immediately overruled by Republicans. Reflecting on this total political chaos, we must also take into account that a percentage of the elected Republicans shouldn’t even hold a seat in our state’s government. North Carolina’s state court found the current district lines unconstitutional and undemocratic. The district lines had been drawn by Thomas Hofeller, a GOP strategist, whose estranged daughter released his hard-drives after his passing in 2018. According to the New Yorker, Hofeller’s hard drives proved that Hofeller had drawn N.C. lines using prior election results. This resulted in extreme partisan advantage in those districts, and systematically prevented people of color from voting. As North Carolinians, we should be embarrassed by N.C. Republican leaders making our state’s government look like the punchline of a poorly written SNL skit. Whether or not there was a secret plan to deceive Democrats, the distress from our Dem-
ocratic state leaders and the public’s confusion is enough to grant uncertainty. How can we trust our elected officials when they spend nearly all summer arguing over the state budget, then possibly concoct schemes in order to get what they want? If our representatives are more concerned about getting what they want than the well-being of our state’s citizens, it’s time to boot them out of office. Our great state’s budget plan sets North Carolina’s priorities in showing where N.C. decides to focus spending. Our state lawmakers should be looking at solving the budget issues through negotiating, compromising and providing alternatives. Republicans forgot to consider North Carolinians when they decided to have their cake and eat it too. Republicans took away democracy through gerrymandering and now with the unethical vote by an unwarranted majority. On a day known to bring the citizens of this country together regardless of party, we were shown that our state’s government can’t be trusted. As a constituent of North Carolina, I am outraged and disappointed. And you should be too.
NINERTIMES.COM
SEPT. 17, 2019
5
A&E
IT’S A FINE LIF Lionel Bart’s exuberant retelling of the by Tyler Trudeau Staff Writer
The tales of renowned author and social critic Charles Dickens have seen their fair share of adaptations of stage and screen in the past, none perhaps as widely successful as “Oliver Twist.” With the original London production based on the 1839 Dickens story spawning numerous retellings, including the Academy Award-winning 1968 film, the musical adaptation has stood the test of time as not only a critique on the hypocrisies of child labor but also as an exhilarating and impassioned portrait of the London underbelly. Along with it comes a motley cast of blood-thirsty villains, gold-hearted criminals and undaunted matrons. As Theatre Charlotte opened its 92nd season with “Oliver!” this month, the wise-cracking and emotional narrative of young Oliver Twist rose from seedy London streets and dazzling Broadway seats to the Queen City. Before seeing the tale of “Oliver Twist” unfold into a sweeping yet grounded musical on the Charlotte stage, I had only a slight familiarity with the classic Dickens novel. Often described as an unromantic portrayal of sordid criminals and their unsavory acts, as well as a peek behind the curtain of how young orphans in London made their way in the world, the story already held so many fascinating layers of drama and seething social commentary. While the seminal novel by Dickens–only his second novel in what would become an unprecedented literary career across Victorian England–might have included within its story and characters far more than the eventual musical adaptation would, the retelling by Lionel Bart served its own purpose: to shine a light on the realities and cruelties of impoverished London and the colorful company of heroes and rogues just trying to figure out their place in the world. With its story simplified and many of the novel’s negative connotations stripped away, ‘Oliver!’ made for yet another delightful experience at Theatre Charlotte. With a vibrant cast — the majority consisting of talented, youthful actors–filling every corner of its sprawling set of stone stairways and wooden doors, the production ignited with an enthusiastic liveliness. The animated spirit of the show was primarily found in the ensemble of orphans who opened the night. While their bodies appeared feeble and their faces solemn with
6
SEPT. 17, 2019
NINERTIMES
hunger and lack of sleep, they sprang to life immediately as the stage lights brightened. And as its opening scene lit up the stage, among the crowd of dirtied faces of young boys eagerly awaiting their daily gruel to consume, there was Oliver (Atticus Ware). With the orphans’ desirous tune of dreaming of a richer menu among their crumbs and scraps filling the dark theater, a scrawny, black-haired boy darted unnoticed between the mass of actors. It was only when his trembling yet unambiguous request for more than he was given on his plate that young Oliver, and young actor Atticus Ware, emerged. While Ware did not get much time to shine on-stage, scampering past vile caretakers like Johnny Hohenstein’s Mr. Bumble and viperous crooks like William Kirkwood’s Bill Sykes, he was astounding whenever he held the spotlight. After Oliver is cast out into the London streets, his simple request for more food tarnishing the cruel existence he lived within the workhouse, he beckons to the outside world as to where love can be found. As the boy eventually stumbles into the care of criminals and thieves, led by the fanciful Artful Dodger (Bailey Wray) and his often-perturbed mentor Fagin (Geof Knight), Oliver’s naivety to the vast underworld of London is emboldened by Ware’s innocent demeanor. While songs like “Where is Love?” and “Who Will Buy?” at first ring out through the actor’s voice with a contemplative unease, Ware filled the character with a unique sense of wonder that molded his nervousness into a vitalized ounce of courage by the musical’s end. Once he joined in song with Wray’s Artful Dodger (“Consider Yourself”), Ware scattered across the stage not in fear but with a renewed sense of belonging. The introduction to the motley crew of child crooks and thieves that follow the former criminal of Knight’s Fagin paved the way to a satisfying conclusion to the first act. As Ware’s Oliver garnered more courage to dabble in the game of thievery and deception, other characters populated the stage to sprinkle even more drama into the classic tale. While the production molded the thief Fagin into far more of a comic character than his villainous counterpart in Dickens’ novel, the antagonist role was filled effectively by the elderly crook’s blood-thirsty comrade Bill Sykes. Each seeking their riches using their own
FE FOR “OLIVER!” Charles Dickens tale lights up the Charlotte stage Photo by Chris Timmons
methods, Fagin harboring the jewels and treasures his boys steal in secret while Sykes bargains mostly through unfettered violence, they both quickly see the true value of a young thief in Oliver. Along with Sykes came his unflinching matron Nancy (Kristin Sakamoto), whose effortless vocals played to both the humorous and joyful side of the story (“It’s a Fine Life”), as well as its more somber moments (“As Long as He Needs Me”). The abusive relationship between Sykes and Nancy only fueled the fiendish portrayal of the scoundrel by Kirkwood. Perhaps even more captivating, however, was Sakamoto crooning on the wicked fate she sees for herself on the horizon. The second act emerged with the powerhouse melody “Oom-Pah-Pah,” the exuberant Nancy swaying across barstools as gin and beer is shared by the ensemble. Fairly quickly, the elation and promise of the first act dwindled as the situation became increasingly complicated for Oliver and company. As the story steadily escalated to its culmination, the scenes of drama and music began to blend together insistently and rather suddenly. While standout tracks like “My Name” and “Reviewing the Situation” showcased the divided morale of Sykes and Fagin, and Sakamoto’s emotional send-off as Nancy held the awe of the audience for a brief moment, the tale steamrolled into its ending with no sign of slowing down. As revelations concerning Oliver’s upbringing came to light, the musical offered only a few minutes to this before sprawling into another sing-and-dance number. Ultimately, while it tied up many narrative ends by its finale, the closing of the second and final act of the production left me wanting a bit more from its trimmed-down adaptation. “Oliver!” will play at the Eloise MacDonald Playhouse at Theatre Charlotte until Sunday, Sept. 22. The Theatre Charlotte production is directed by Ron Law, with help from music director Ryan Deal, choreographer Lisa Blanton, and scenic designer Josh Webb. The book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart are adapted from the classic Charles Dickens novel.
Photo by Chris Timmons
NINERTIMES.COM
SEPT. 17, 2019
7
MOVIE REVIEW: ‘THE GOLDFINCH’ by Sam Mayer Intern
A film taking flight
When you’re the youngest person in a theater, it’s safe to say that you are mentally around 80 years old. This was the situation I was in on Sept. 13, when I went to see “The Goldfinch” on its opening day. What a time to be around older humans who have been on this planet longer than I have who don’t know how to be polite and silence their phones before the film begins. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name, written by Donna Tartt, follows the life of Theodore “Theo” Decker after his mother was killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Although the adaption was not perfect it was still an intense and emotional drama that is definitely worth the recommendation. While this film was beautiful to watch, the story felt rather weak and disjointed. This 2 and a half-hour long movie took a different approach to convey a very condensed version of the book. Instead of taking a straightforward and linear approach to the story, the film developed a nonlinear chronology showing the viewpoints of young Theo (Oakes Fegley) and adult Theo (Ansel Elgort) at various points throughout the. Due to this back-and-forth kind of format, it felt like a lot of the foundation was not developed. It was difficult to believe certain aspects of the film usually in regard to character development and writing. The film flipped between “Show not tell” and the reverse through various scenes which made the story sometimes difficult to follow in order to “help” further the plot. A lot of the film is based on visual subtext, so paying attention is imperative and intentionally thought-provoking. If you missed something at the beginning of the film, you’re basically screwed for the rest of it. One last little issue concerning the cast, just because you have a great one does not always mean you get great acting. Contrary to the previous statement, the highlight of the film was watching young Theo Decker and his best friend Boris (Finn Wolfhard) interact. These two actors were amazing to watch since they had the chance to show off a range of emotions that none of the other actors in the film as a whole (except perhaps a little bit from Elgort and Nicole Kidman) got to portray. It was a riveting and beautiful performance by both Fegley and Wolfhard. This is a kind of film where explaining it doesn’t do it justice. This a complex story dealing with grief, loss, love, betrayal and etc. A lot of the story must be pieced together from your own analysis of visuals and its underlying subtext, this may sound complicated but it’s the kind of film you need to see to understand. Despite this film opening Sept. 13, the opening reviews have not been particularly favorable. It’s not the best film of the year but it is certainly not the worst. On a ten-point scale, it’s definitely around a seven out of 10. Even with its faults, “The Goldfinch” is definitely one to recommend for its complex, emotional storytelling about dealing with love and loss.
Rating: 7/10 8
SEPT. 17, 2019
NINERTIMES
70 Bldg. with a pool 71 “I Am of Ireland” poet
ACROSS 1 Really big hit 6 Numero uno, with “the” 10 One always ready with quick comebacks 13 W.C. Fields persona 14 Strand during a sleet storm, say 16 Green prefix 17 Football non-passing offense 19 Fish eggs 20 __ the table: arrange silverware and such 21 MBA or MFA: Abbr. 22 Behind, or hit from behind 24 Farm song refrain 26 Hasenpfeffer, e.g. 27 Open-and-__ case 30 Get one more card for twice the bet, in blackjack 34 36-Across skunk Pepé 36 Warner Bros. creation
37 Author Tolstoy 38 European peak 39 “Gosh, look at the time” 42 Sundial seven 43 You, to Goethe 44 “Peter Pan” dog 45 Sediment 47 Car engine measure 51 Arthur of tennis 52 “Unforgettable” singer 53 Peter, Paul or Mary 55 Philosophy school with no classes? 58 Biol. or geol. 59 “Bingo!” 62 Australian bird 63 Opening kickoff, say, and what both parts of 17-, 30and 47-Across can be 66 Sailor’s “Help!” 67 Woodsy path 68 Deed 69 Gallery hangings
DOWN 1 Lat. and Est., once 2 Grimace 3 Em, to Dorothy 4 Nine-digit ID 5 Alpine heroine 6 Astros Hall of Famer Craig __ 7 Cardio readout 8 Blacken 9 Schedule opening 10 Human/canine shape-shifters 11 Screen symbol to click on 12 Open-__ shoes 15 Tidied, as a room 18 Require 23 Cabernet color 24 Summer in Lyon 25 Western bad guys 27 Cut drastically, as prices 28 Prefix for “sun” 29 Elite group 31 Fancy neckwear 32 Mull over 33 Bam, bang or boom 35 Sommelier’s menu 40 Complex woven textile 41 __-Caps: candy 46 Backstabber 48 Fenway team, familiarly 49 SoCal Latinx neighborhood 50 Puerto __ 54 Really cool 55 Big butte 56 Love, in Lima 57 Hat-tipper’s word of address 59 Opposite of baja 60 “Stop right there!” 61 Shipboard yeses 64 Rocker Ocasek 65 Dessert pastry
Home is where the heart is 49ers’ senior corner Nafees Lyon wants to help bring a bowl game to his hometown
by Cooper Metts Intern
For Charlotte native Nafees Lyon, growing up a standout high school athlete and playing with his hometown Carolina Panthers on the popular football video game Madden NFL, Charlotte was a natural choice to continue his football and academic career. Now, he wants to lead his team to their first bowl game appearance. Lyon channeled his love for Madden, the Panthers and football into a successful high school athletic career at Mallard Creek High School. During his career at Mallard Creek, Lyon helped guide the Mavericks to consecutive 4AA State Championship victories and was named Top Defensive Back at Charlotte’s TVO Top 100 in 2014. When he wasn’t playing football, Lyon ran track for the Mavericks’ 4AA State Champion 4×2 relay team. He also found success in the classroom, making the A/B Honor in both 2013 and 2014. Lyon’s athleticism and achievements on and off the field did not go unnoticed by college football recruits. Lyon garnered 15 Division 1 college football offers coming out of high school, giving him a myriad of options. However, Lyon decided to stay close to home when he chose Charlotte over other colleges. Lyon cites being close to family and home as well as a sense of pride in his hometown as deciding factors that helped him choose Charlotte. “Charlotte’s home, so I felt comfortable here. And my parents are big supporter[s] of me, so being here allowed them to attend most of my games,” said Lyon. “It was very humbling and exciting [to get an offer from Charlotte]. Getting an offer from the home team and being part of the foundation [meant a lot].” In the fall of 2015, Lyon packed his belongings and made the short drive to Charlotte’s campus for his redshirt season. During that season, Lyon trained with the team and laid the foundation for many important, cherished relationships throughout his time at Charlotte. Lyon began to see playing time in 2016 following his redshirt season. When given the opportunity, Lyon flashed the big-time playmaking potential he exhibited in high school that caught the eye of many college scouts. In the 49ers’ 2016 home-opener versus Elon, he forced a fumble. Additionally, Lyon recorded two-plus tackles in five straight
games during the 2016 season. Everything appeared to be going as planned as Lyon’s play indicated he was on the fast-track to earning a starting or significantly increased role in the upcoming 2017 season. However, Lyon’s progression up the 49er depth chart was suddenly derailed during the 2016-2017 offseason when he suffered a significant injury. The injury sidelined Lyon for the entirety of the 2017 season. Through lots of hard work and recovery, Lyon was cleared to return to the field in the 2018 season. He credits his family, coaches and teammates for encouraging him and providing support during his recovery efforts. “I have a lot of people to thank, starting with my family,” said Lyon. “And then I got my friends, my coaches, my trainers and my teammates all in my corner with me while I was on my comeback; just being there for me, helping me and giving me whatever I need to get back on the field.” Lyon saw a significant increase in playing time during the 2018 season, after recovering from his injury. In 11 games, Lyon tallied seven starts, made 42 tackles, intercepted five passes, led the team with five passes broken up, and forced one fumble. After a successful 2018 campaign and solid offseason, Lyon earned one of two starting cornerback spots this season. As a senior, earning a starting position means a great deal to Lyon and reminds him of all his hard work down the long road to recovery. “Starting my senior year means a lot because before I wasn’t playing a lot, and then I had to miss the [2017] season. It was like I had to start all over,” said Lyon. “It’s basically showing me that all my hard work paid off and now I’m looking forward to having a successful season to end my [college] football career.” Lyon plans on pursuing a career in either the NFL or the CFL. However, if his professional football career plans do not pan out, Lyon intends to pursue a job with his major in Africana Studies and minor in Public Health. “After graduation, I most definitely am trying to get an opportunity to get to play in the league, if not in the NFL, then the CFL. That is [my] number one goal,” said Lyon. “But if that happens not to
SPORTS
Photo by Chris Crews
work out, I’d just look to be able to find a good-paying job [to] get my life started and get ready for the future.” Lyon models his game after New England Patriots two-time Pro-Bowl selection and one-time All-Pro selection, cornerback Stephon Gilmore. “My favorite [NFL] corner is Stephon Gilmore,” said Lyon. “He is a great playmaker and a smart corner. That’s why I watch him [and] pick up things from him to try and make myself better.” Lyon’s professional football aspirations will have to wait until the end of the 49ers’ season because Lyon has big plans and goals set for his team. “[As a team], most definitely [I want] to go to a
NINERTIMES.COM
SEPT. 17, 2019
9
bowl game, which hasn’t been done in program history,” said Lyon. “And [I want] to win a conference championship.” The 49ers currently sit four games away from bowl eligibility with a 2-1 record on the season. Additionally, the 49ers are currently in a two-way tie for first place in the Conference USA East division. The road to accomplishing the goals Lyon has set for the 49ers is sure to be riddled with adversity with matchups against the No. 1 Clemson Tigers and last year’s Conference USA runner-up, Middle Tennessee State. But for the boy who grew up playing Madden as Carolina Panthers players he idolized and the man who overcame a gruesome, devastating injury in his sophomore season, adversity is nothing new. Behind Lyon’s leadership, resilience and deeply-rooted love for his hometown, the 49ers look to battle through adversity and make program history by bringing a winning season and bowl game appearance to Charlotte. “I’m looking forward to having a winning season and making a bowl game,” said Lyon.
10 SEPT. 17, 2019
NINERTIMES
15
Marquavis Gibbs
Position: Defensive Back Hometown: West Palm Beach, Fl. Favorite place to eat in Charlotte: Cuzzo’s Cuisine Fun facts: Loves to bass fish
Photo courtesy of Charlotte 49ers Athletics
Marquavis likes to spend his free time watching movies and playing video games
“The best part about being a Charlotte 49er is probably the brotherhood. All the guys on the team, we can come together and talk about anything.”
GOOD READS FOR A BOSS WOMAN by Gracie Hood Intern
Being female in your 20s and owning it
There is nothing more powerful than a woman who goes after what she wants. It’s the 21st century, and there is no time like the present to strive for all your goals and aspirations. However, as college students, we sometimes may not be exactly sure which road to take. As a nonreader myself, I have made it a point to change that by doing some reading over the past few months tailored specifically to women, and I must say that these reads have been inspiring and reassuring as I begin my twenties. BECOMING BY MICHELLE OBAMA “Becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a mean of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self.” – Michelle Obama Her autobiography depicts what it means to grow up as a minority on the South Side of Chicago. Throughout her writing, she discusses what it was like to be motivated to better herself and how growing up shaped the person she has become. Most importantly, as she shares her journey and growth, you realize that we figure out life along the way. I won’t spoil too much of the book, but it follows this former First Lady as she goes to college and then Harvard Law School, only to realize a few years into practice that she is ready for a change from being a lawyer. Following practicing law, she does community outreach and holds a few different jobs throughout the years leading up to her husband’s presidency. She does an excellent job explaining life in the White House and her life afterward. This story allows you to understand that life does not need to be figured out on graduation day, that we all dance to the beat of the drum differently, and that we are all on our own path to greatness.
LIFESTYLE
childhood. Packing up and moving to New York City is where her adult career begins. During her different fashion-based jobs, she learns about being overworked (even at the top of the chain), relationships, and how to use her voice for what she wants in the working world. Elaine challenged fashion media and left her mark on Teen Vogue, but her story doesn’t stop there. She takes you through her life and the lessons she has learned throughout her teens and twenties. These books and the stories within them provide young readers with guidance on being female in the world. They teach us to learn about ourselves, to roll with the problems in our lives, and to realize that only you have the power to make those big choices in your life. As a Boss Ass Woman, never be afraid to go after what you want. Can that be scary? Yeah. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Right now, we are experiencing life in a whole new perspective. Our twenties are for us, and our time is now. We are the future. We are Boss Ass Women.
MORE THAN ENOUGH: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) BY ELAINE WELTEROTH “There were times I was underestimated a lot. It gave me a unique benefit. The expectations were so low I could blow their head off.” – Elaine Welteroth As the youngest Editor-in-Chief and second black women to hold that position at Condé Nast, Eliane writes her first book illustrating breaking barriers and coming to the realization that we are, as the title states, More Than Enough. This is definitely a book worth reading for any and everyone in the midst of making big life choices. Born in Northern California to a black mom and white dad, she has always had a biracial identity which she has shown the world. After graduating a semester early from California State University in Sacramento with a bachelors in Mass Communications, she realized the fashion world was still a heavy interest for her ever since her
Photo by Christina Morillo via Pexels.com
NINERTIMES.COM
SEPT. 17, 2019
11
12 SEPT. 17, 2019
NINERTIMES