Niner Times: October 16, 2018 by Niner Times

OCTOBER 16, 2018 NINERTIMES.COM

READ MORE ONLINE AT NINERTIMES.COM

Jeffrey Kopp

editor@ninertimes.com EDITORIAL

Alexandria Sands COMMUNITY EDITOR Megan Bird NEWS EDITOR Sam Palian SPORTS EDITOR Elissa Miller A&E EDITOR Hailey Turpin LIFESTYLE EDITOR Madison Dobrzenski OPINION EDITOR Emily Hickey COPY EDITOR Leysha Caraballo PHOTO COORDINATOR Pooja Pasupula PHOTO COORDINATOR Kathleen Cook VIDEO PRODUCER Natasha Morehouse LAYOUT EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITORS

Nikolai Mather, Noah Howell CONTRIBUTING STAFF

Brandon Mitchell, Hiral Patel, Jonathan Limehouse, Katherine Hererra COVER PHOTO

SPORTS

A&E

•

The 49ers defeat WKU 40-14, making program history

•

TV REVIEW: ʻThe Walking Deadʼ - ʻThe Bridgeʼ

Charlotte sweeps Middle Tennessee

•

TV REVIEW: “Star Wars Resistance” – “The Recruit”

Charlotte gets burned by Blazers

•

Queen of Peace Comes to the Queen City

Chris Crews

NEWSROOM: 705.687.7150 ninertimes.com/staff

MEDIA MARKETING MARKETING DIRECTOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Fred Brown

James Bourke

mktdirector@uncc.edu

production@uncc.edu

MARKETING STAFF

Kayla Christian, Eddy Falls, Lillian Taylor, Abigail Guadarrama

•

Charlotte goes down in double overtime

•

PREVIEW: Breakaway Music Festival set to Visit Charlotte

•

Charlotte 49ers stumble against Blue Raiders

•

Bruce scores game-winner; Niners win

GAMING REVIEW: “The Walking Dead: The Final Season” – “Suffer the Children”

•

Indie Spotlight: “Undertale” and “SteamWorld Dig: A Fistful of Dirt”

LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE STUDENT UNION

VIDEO

NINER TIMES • RADIO FREE CHARLOTTE SANSKRIT LITERARY-ARTS MAGAZINE MEDIA MARKETING • TECHNICAL

• •

NEWS

Students and alumni react to newly remodeled Belk Plaza Hundreds displaced by Haven49

•

Charlotte 49ers defeat WKU 40-14

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

OCT. 16, 2018

NINERTIMES

KEVIN OLSEN FOUND NOT GUILTY Former UNC Charlotte quarterback Kevin Olsen was acquitted on all counts of rape and sex offense

by Brandon Mitchell News Intern

NEWS

Former UNC Charlotte quarterback Kevin Olsen was found not guilty This and other inappropriate behavior caused Kevin to be cut from on three counts of second-degree rape and one count of second-degree the football program and from the university. He then transferred to sex offense. Towson University but was quickly removed from their football team The trial began Monday, Sept. 24 after charges originated on Feb. 19, due to several reported conduct issues. After this, Kevin transferred to 2017, when Olsen sent several threatening texts to his then-girlfriend UNC Charlotte and played as the quarterback for the 49ers until he was while intoxicated. The former girlfriend alleges she was then raped and removed from the team due to the rape allegations made in February of assaulted several times that night while Olsen remains adamant that last year. all sexual acts between the two were consensual. Olsen would have Kevin Olsen’s family relations play a large factor in the amount faced up to 30 years in prison had he been found guilty. of media coverage this case has received. Greg Olsen, Kevin’s older According to the prosecutor, the couple got into a heated argument brother, is the tight end for the Carolina Panthers. He was on the list of over text following a night of drinking. Olsen sent many hostile potential witnesses, expected to deny allegations that Kevin’s jealousy messages, including threats to kill both his former girlfriend and created tension in their relationship. Over the past year, Greg has himself. Later that night, the couple met at his off-campus apartment remained silent about the case. where Olsen allegedly became Kevin Olsen refused a plea deal physically violent. The prosecutor and his lawyer stood beside him, stated that “he attacked her with stating that he was “100 percent his words, he attacked her with his not guilty.” Over the course of the fists; he delivered blow after blow trial, Olsen’s defense team, George to her head, to her arms, to her and Bree Laughrun, attempted stomach, to her face.” to discredit the prosecuting The former girlfriend alleges witness by informing the court that after Olsen assaulted her, that she sent a text to a friend he held her against her will and after the incident stating, “He is forced her into oral sex. He then not a rapist.” They also pointed allegedly further escalated things out several inconsistencies in the by penetrating her “three separate former girlfriend’s testimony and times without her consent.” The undermined the accuser’s character former girlfriend was able to by describing her as obsessive and sneak out of the room after Olsen emotionally unstable. fell asleep and sought help from Seven witnesses were called to Olsen’s roommate and his fiancee. testify including the prosecuting Photo courtesy Matt Walsh, Charlotte Observer They then went to Carolina’s witness, several friends of the Healthcare System University where she spoke with police and received former couple, a CMPD crime lab technician, a DNA analyst and the examinations. According to the medical reports, she came to the hospital sexual assault nurse examiner who treated the girl during the night with “vaginal injuries and bruising around one of her eyes.” of the incident. Taneika Torres, the sexual assault nurse examiner, Superior Court Judge Karen Eady-Williams allowed limited media testified that the former girlfriend entered the hospital with bruising on coverage of the trial. It was prohibited to take photos or video of the her right arm and her left eye and a knot on the back of her head and former girlfriend or the jury, and all audio recordings of the accuser also reported abdominal pain. Torres also stated that the accuser had had to be distorted. This was in an effort to protect the accuser and her vaginal lacerations but could not determine if the injuries were recent. anonymity amidst a large amount of public interest. Amanda Blain, the CMPD crime lab technician, testified that Kevin This is not Kevin Olsen’s first encounter with the law. During his Olsen was exceedingly compliant as she swabbed his cheek and took senior year of high school, Olsen drove his car into two other vehicles several photos of him, several of which where of him nude. and a tree before fleeing the scene. According to the police, Kevin On Monday, Oct. 1, a jury consisting of nine men and three women appeared to be “under the influence of something.” According to court cast their first votes: two votes guilty and ten votes not guilty. The jury documents, Olsen was found guilty of both careless driving and failure remained divided for two days before they finally reached a consistent to report an accident resulting in a fine of $254. In addition to this, verdict of not guilty on all charges. Kevin was charged with a DUI while attending the University of Miami.

NINERTIMES.COM

OCT. 16, 2018

MOORE HALL SAYS NO MORE Students were told to remove flags and other decorations from their windows or face documentation

POLICE BLOTTER OCT 1 - 10 LARCENY OCTOBER 1 •

•

by Megan Bird News Editor

unsecured.

Freedom of speech is a longstanding issue on public university campuses. The presence of political speech, discriminatory jokes and religious propaganda have all been questioned and defended. On Thursday, Sept. 27, UNC Charlotte added another point of contention to the debate over free speech on college campuses. In an email to Moore Hall residents, the Resident Coordinator warned students they could face conduct charges for placing any sort of display in their windows. The rule comes from the Housing and Residence policy, which states, “Decorations, including but not limited to posters, flags, signs, writings, stickers and banners, are not permitted on windows in residential rooms, residential hallways or in residential lounges within University residence halls.” It is a policy that was added this year. Moore Hall resident Nathan Klinge commented, “This is a new rule that I find absurd in that it isn’t a safety issue nor a vandalism issue. A flag I simply have taped to my wall that is visible outside is no longer allowed, and I was told by an RA in my dorm that students can face expulsion from the dorm if flags/signs are not removed.” The email came after the Assistant Director who manages the student conduct process for Housing and Residence Life observed some window policy violations in Moore Hall and a few other buildings. Kimberly Tullos, Director of Residence Life, clarified that it wasn’t due to any one isolated incident in Moore Hall, but rather in response to “a trend of students not following policy.” She assured that it wasn’t a ban specifically on flags. However, an incident in October 2016 in which a Hunt Hall resident displayed a Nazi flag in their window may have set the precedent for the new rule. Chancellor Dubois addressed the situation in his 2017 convocation speech, stating, “When a student decided last year to post a Nazi flag in his residence hall window, we used that incident as an opportunity both to protect his free speech rights... but also to have a conversation with that student to help him fully understand the true impact of displaying a symbol that embraced a history of hatred and genocide.” Moore Hall residents were given until that Thursday night to remove items from their windows or face possible documentation and go through the conduct process. Moore Hall seems to be the only building enforcing the rule, but it applies to all campus residential buildings. In a statement to the Niner Times, Tullos said, “We are happy to have students personalize their space and by following appropriate guidelines, residents are able to decorate the walls with flags, posters, artwork, etc. in their bedrooms or shared units.”

OCT. 16, 2018

Student Activities Center, an unknown subject entered an unsecured ofﬁce and removed victims’ personal property. Atkins Library, An unknown subject removed a bicycle left

NINERTIMES

RESIST OCTOBER 2 •

8917 Alumni Way, subject was in violation of current trespass order then resisted arrest by running from ofﬁcers.

UNDERAGE DRINKING OCTOBER 3 •

Laurel Hall, an ofﬁcer issued one North Carolina State Citation for underage drinking and four Campus Appearance Tickets for alcohol violations.

ACCIDENT OCTOBER 3 •

East Deck 2, Subject reported that a vehicle attempted to park in a marked parking space and sideswiped several times a vehicle parked in the adjacent space.

VANDALISM OCTOBER 4 •

•

Student Activities Center, an unknown subject entered a public restroom and vandalized property. Lauurel Hall, Ofﬁcer responded to a report of a window being broken by an unknown subject.

MECKLENBURG SHERIFF DEPARTMENT’S COLLABORATION WITH ICE

OPINION

Student reflects on effects of 287(g) program that Mecklenburg Sheriff department has been enforcing

by Hiral Patel Opinion Intern

In May of 2018, the citizens of Mecklenburg County elected Sheriff Irwin of their ethics and moral values and of respecting one’s privacy and natural Carmichael, a hardline conservative who, in cooperation with the Trump rights, especially if the suspect is not convicted, which in many deportation administration, is working to “do something” about the immigration issue cases is not yet known. Others even believe that this is a target to the Latino here in Charlotte. Sheriff Carmichael ran his elections as a Democrat, but community that resides in East Charlotte. It influences institutional racism. his views on immigration and gun rights align more with conservatives. He Like Carmichael said, the intent of the program is “to make sure we’re taking is known to be the “last conservative democrat in Charlotte”. According to the felons and gang members, who are violent, out of play.” This program can Charlotte Observer, “Carmichael has repeatedly defended the 287(g) program, disproportionately impact Latino Immigrants just because of the way they which provides access to a federal database where jail officials can check the look. The Migration Policy Institute found that “the 287(g) program can immigration status for anyone arrested in Mecklenburg County, whether be a tool for localities pursuing anti-immigrant agendas. Sheriffs, who are they’re charged with a traffic generally elected officials, can use violation or a violent crime.” the program to meet political goals Carmichael said that the intent and respond to community pressure of the program is “to make sure to “crack down” on immigration. we’re taking felons and gang For example, Sheriffs in Alamance members, who are violent, out of County, North Carolina have been play.” caught setting up checkpoints in The 287(g) program is majority Latino neighborhoods. An functioning on behalf of the investigation done by the United U.S. Immigration and Customs States Department of Justice Enforcement (ICE). ICE was has found that Latino drivers established in 2003 by the Bush were ten times more likely to be administration; its purpose is pulled over for traffic violations to enforce immigration laws than Non-Latino drivers in these within the United States and checkpoints. Throughout history, to investigate criminal and we have found different ways to terrorist activity of foreign commit racial profiling and promote nationals residing in the United institutional racism. Even now in States. According to ICE, the 2018, the judicial system we know Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s would not expect the White Man Photo courtesy of the Department of Homeland Security Office’s participation in the to be an illegal immigrant when program led to nearly 300 deportations in the fiscal year of 2017 alone and juxtaposed to a Hispanic man, and because of our stereotypical judgments, we 15,000 deportations altogether since 2006. The controversy behind it is that may never check the background of this White Man and never find out that he deportations occur while suspects are still in the state of arrest, not after illegally crossed the border of Canada to come to the United States. they are convicted. Many people believe that this is unconstitutional and Sheriff Irwin Carmichael is no longer running again in 2022 due to his that it violates the fourth amendment, but unfortunately, in this situation, two-terms being over by then. Because there were no Republican candidates that doesn’t seem to be the case. Once a suspect is arrested for a crime, a for the position of Sheriff in 2018, it is expected that a full Democratic ballot background check must be done regardless of the reason for the arrest. for Sheriff will appear in 2022. With every candidate besides Carmichael During the election, Sheriff Carmichael was the only candidate to support voting against the 287(g) program, it is expected that in 2022, whoever the the 287(g) program in contrast to his two other opponents, Garry McFadden future sheriff is, will be repealing this federal implement within Mecklenburg and Antoine Ensley. McFadden and Ensley, along with other opponents of the County. 287(g) program, believe that even though ICE and the Charlotte Mecklenburg County Police Department are allowed to do this, their actions strip them

NINERTIMES.COM

OCT. 16, 2018

A&E

GAMING ROUNDUP: OCTOBER 2018 Check out all the gaming blockbusters set to arrive this October

by Noah Howell Arts & Entertainment Assistant Editor

“Super Mario Party” - October 5 for Nintendo Switch Starting off the month of October is what should be a return to form for the “Mario Party” series. The series is especially great for sibling rivalry, which I can personally vouch for from the personal experience of constantly being beaten by my older sister on “Mario Party 4” for GameCube. The online functionality of the game however, consists only of a series of five mini-games to go against others online. I think it would have been nice for Nintendo to include the ability to play a full regular board-game match with either friends or random players online in 2018. I can sympathize with the reasoning that it would never be nearly as fun as playing with people inperson, but the option would always be nice to have. If you are looking for a game to liven up your own party life with friends, “Super Mario Party” could be the title for you given its extensive list of fun mini-games and ability to play portable anywhere thanks to the Switch.

“Call of Duty: Black Ops 4” - October 12 for PS4, Xbox One and PC Battle royale has been a hot topic for gaming in 2018, first popularized by “PUBG” last year and then taken to a whole other dimension this year with “Fortnite.” It was pretty much assumed that most triple-A developers, at least ones dealing with first-person shooters, would try to give the craze a go. “Call of Duty” has been a staple in gaming for almost the past decade, delivering a quality (yet sometimes too familiar) experience year after year. This year, some controversy came about when Treyarch announced they would be dropping the single-player campaign in favor of the battle royale mode, but when the beta for the game dropped last month, most of these complaints seemed to be squashed. Zombies has also grown in a tremendous way since its secret inclusion in “World at War” ten years ago, now stretching across a number of maps in a story that I think has gotten more convoluted (yet still as fascinating) than the TV show “Lost” at this point. Even with a lack of campaign, “Black Ops 4” looks to be another excellent title for Treyarch, beefing up their other modes with more content and including the new battle royale mode to make up for the loss in single-player.

Image Courtesy of Nintendo

“Luigi’s Mansion” - October 12 for 3DS Coming out just in time for Halloween, this port of the original GameCube classic finally gets a rerelease. “Luigi’s Mansion” is one of Nintendo’s more experimental titles, giving the spotlight to Luigi in a mildly spooky but extremely charming action game. The main gist of the game is that Luigi is outfitted with the Poltergust 3000, a backpack vacuum designed specifically to suck up ghosts. The mansion explored in the game is more maze than manor, which really shines through the game’s use of lighting and different effects like dust particles or towels draped over furniture that can be sucked up. Luigi himself delivers a variety of animations that help bring him to life, and small details like him whistling along with the game’s soundtrack only help to build up the atmosphere. I could gush about this game for a while, so if you have not yet gotten a chance to play the original “Luigi’s Mansion” before, this new release on 3DS is a great opportunity to do so.

OCT. 16, 2018

NINERTIMES

Image Courtesy of Rockstar Studios

“Red Dead Redemption 2”- October 26 for PS4 and Xbox One The biggest release of the year, “Red Dead Redemption 2” caps off the month of October with the sequel to Rockstar’s critically acclaimed openworld western. From even the small amount of gameplay they have shown, it’s more than clear that “RDR 2” will be one of the most expansive openworld games to date. Rockstar is the king of open-world design and is extremely meticulous in paying attention to every single detail in a game, despite its overwhelming size. Despite the two in its name, the game is set before the events of 2010’s “Red Dead Redemption,” placing you in a gang of outlaws in the year 1899. One thing I think “Red Dead” holds over the “GTA” series is that it tells a much more grounded narrative and I am keen to see how this one will play out this year as a prequel.

A CURIOUS INCIDENT

Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte’s newest production is a compelling mystery with a heart

by Elissa Miller Arts & Entertainment Editor

I first saw “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” during world to the audience. However, while Shepard impresses in his starring its national tour stop in Charlotte in February 2017. I sat in awe for the role as Christopher, it truly feels like an ensemble production. In fact, I entire production, struck by both its story and the incredibly unique way the was most blown away by Christopher’s parents (Rob Addison and Becca play sought to tell it through staging and special effects. It was emotionally Worthington). They paint his parents’ flaws strongly and clearly but also compelling and visually immersive; I talked about it nonstop for the rest of with an overarching feeling of empathy and compassion. There are many the evening. Thus, when I walked into the Hadley Theater for Actor’s Theatre points within the show where you can see the hurt they’ve caused and feel of Charlotte’s production, I was both nervous and excited to see how it would righteously angry, only to be drawn back into their lives and connect to them be transformed by this local professional theatre. again. It is a moving and powerful performance. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is based off Despite the play’s widespread success, it has not gone without criticism, the bestselling 2003 novel of the same name. It tells the story of a boy especially from those within the autism and Asperger’s communities. named Christopher (Chester Shepard), who the author described as “a Christopher, and the characters around him, never explicitly state what his mathematician with some behavioral difficulties,” but has largely been diagnosis is (or if he has one). However, the novel/play has largely been hailed interpreted by audiences to represent someone on the autism spectrum. for its depiction of neurodivergent people and originally included the word It details his attempt to solve the “Asperger’s” on the back cover. This murder of his next-door neighbor’s has led to both support and criticism dog, Wellington, which results in the from autism and Asperger’s advocates, uncovering of family secrets, a solo which have especially criticized the adventure to London and a stressful novel’s author (Mark Haddon) for his A level examination. The play is own admitted lack of research into the self-aware, acknowledging that it is subject and the play for not casting currently being performed on stage, neurodivergent people as Christopher. and is narrated by Christopher’s Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte seems to teacher and mentor Siobhan (Megan be aware of these concerns and has Montgomery). partnered with Southeast Psychology The set is incredible. The boxlike, for this production. In a promotional mostly-barren look is clearly inspired video, they urge audience members by the original, but is condensed to “read, search, and learn” about and translated for a smaller and Christopher’s “neuro-tribe.” They more intimate performance space. are also offering a sensory-friendly Using the cast and a small number performance on Oct. 27. of chairs, a table and other props, While the program for the show it is able to quickly transform includes a quote stating that “The into various spaces and scenes. It Curious Incident of the Dog in also takes advantage of a highly the Night-Time” is “a story about Photo Courtesy of Fenix Fotography inventive and skilled technical crew. difference,” I’d argue that it is also a Projectors and lights are used to visually illustrate Christopher’s dreams as show that celebrates and embraces family. It functions as a portrait not only well as feelings of overstimulation. Loud sounds and physical choreography of Christopher, but of the individuals around him that create his world. This are also used to draw the audience into Christopher’s world. These are includes his parents, Siobhan and his lonely neighbor Mrs. Alexander. All of most on display in scenes where Christopher is panicking, such as one in them are treated with respect and understanding. Especially in regards to which the entire stage flashes red and the score picks up. This production Christopher’s parents, the show recognizes their flaws and (serious) mistakes, design wants the audience to understand what the world looks and feels yet still finds room for forgiveness and a path to redemption. This capacity like to Christopher, and presents the world as he sees it. It is an absolutely for forgiveness hits the other major theme: one of hope. It is a guiding thesis impressive work of technical theater; this alone could set the play apart. here, underscored by Christopher’s final line, asking if he can do anything. However, “Curious Incident” doesn’t need to rely on the technical aspect It is so hopeful it hurts, because the audience knows that there are unfair alone. It is in the hands of a strong and talented group of actors. Shepard societal limitations on Christopher. But for now, Christopher and his family plays the role of Christopher with grace and understanding, portraying his are working on fixing things together. He has his family in the same city, a character as the full human being he is and not just focusing on what sets dog, two more A levels to take and a dream of becoming an astronaut. He is in him apart. He does a great job of opening up Christopher’s way of seeing the a good and hopeful place, and I’m happy to exist there with him.

NINERTIMES.COM

OCT. 16, 2018

ACROSS 1 Largest city in the Bahamas 7 Beauty chain with a salon inside each store 11 High-level H.S. classes 14 Takes in or lets out 15 Not at all far 16 Milked animal 17 Bedding structure for kids 19 Pirouette pivot point 20 Approx. takeoff hrs. 21 Patronize Airbnb 22 “Fine with me” 23 Sight organs 24 Place for people with nothing to hide? 26 Clinton opponent Dole 27 Fawn’s mom 28 Partner of hearty 29 Snake with a tight grip 30 Otherwise 32 “It’s freezing out here!” 33 Most suburban residences... or, in a military sense,

OCT. 16, 2018

NINERTIMES

the ends of 17-, 24-, 46- and 55-Across 38 Crime family head 39 Captains’ diaries 40 Bro, to a sis 42 Liquor amount downed in a gulp 44 Mango leftover 45 Burst into tears 46 “Theft” on a diamond 50 Bohr or Borge, by birth 51 Evacuation center beds 52 Cyprus currency 53 MIT Chapel designer Saarinen 54 Tiny crawler 55 Secretary of Defense, for one 58 Floral luau wear 59 “Sin City” actress Jessica 60 Impassive 61 Clairvoyant’s claim 62 Genuine 63 Provides food for, as a party

DOWN 1 Catch 2 Hoops pass to a high flier 3 Regulatory legal association 4 Mails 5 Torah cabinets 6 Take advantage of 7 Like a ravenous cat 8 Téa of “Madam Secretary” 9 Fruit pastries 10 Paintings, sculpture, etc. 11 Bona fide 12 Words of self-pity 13 Win every game 18 Most sincere 22 Accident mementos 23 Flow back 24 Ryan with seven no-hitters 25 Rocket booster’s push 27 Dedicate, as time 31 Snakelike fish 32 Bacall’s love, familiarly 34 Objects of adulation 35 Boards, as a bus 36 Leafy salad green 37 Emphatic military denial 41 ‘‘Till next time’’ 42 “Sticks and __ may break ... “ 43 Inside track info 46 Deli counter weighing device 47 Writer Zora __ Hurston 48 Forrest’s shrimp-loving friend 49 Sans-serif font 50 Train station 53 Jazz singer Jones 55 Compact __ 56 PC key to the left of F1 57 NFL scores

DIGGING FROM THE SPORTS GROUND UP by Jonathan Limehouse Intern

Photo by Pooja Pasupula Photo Coordinator

It’s been more than a year since Yumi Garcia took her first step onto Halton Arena’s slickly polished maple court. The game was against South Carolina State, and Garcia finished with 11 digs. The 49ers beat the Bulldogs 0-3. Garcia quickly made a name for herself as a defensive dynamo and exhibited why she was so highly touted out of high school. Garcia’s conquest towards prominency began in Cerejeiras, Brazil and her devotion to volleyball is hereditary. “When I was six years old my brother used to play volleyball, so I used to go with him to practice. I wanted to do exactly the same thing so that’s why I started playing volleyball,” said Garcia. Her brother’s admiration for volleyball drove Garcia’s competitive spirit, which led her to play for Colegio Regina Mundi in high school. “I went to Colegio Regina Mundi because I thought they were a good team and I wanted to play at a good club,” said Garcia. After her stint at Colegio Regina Mundi, Garcia attended Bethel University in Tennessee. During her time at Bethel, she had a team best, 554 digs. Garcia was also named to the SSAC’s All-Freshman, All-Conference and AllTournament teams. Her journey before, and after, attending Bethel was a tumultuous one. “It was such a long ride. First of all, I moved from my city to another state in Brazil to play volleyball. Then from there I went to Bethel University which is another school, and then I ended up here [UNC Charlotte]. I had ACL surgery in high school, I didn’t live with my parents, and I moved out of my house when I was 14. I had to figure out how to be independent,” said Garcia. The obstacles Garcia has faced to get where she is now is why she takes every game in stride. Every game is another opportunity to help her team win, which is why she makes sure her spirit and psyche are sound. “[I] Put my mind in the right place for sure. Every time we’re about to play I just start to think about I want to do on the court, and I calm myself down if I’m nervous. I pray too, that’s part my routine,” said Garcia. Garcia’s perseverance explains why she was able to have a record breaking 44 dig contest against Davidson this season. Garcia’s mindset throughout the game wasn’t to break a record, but to win. “I was definitely not thinking about breaking the school record. I was trying to do my best and win the game,” said Garcia. Garcia’s main priority is to help secure the win for her team, numbers don’t push her to play harder. “For me it’s not thinking about the numbers,

it’s more about the game. Every time we’re going to play a game I don’t think about getting 40 Diggs or anything like that, I think that I wanna win and I’m going do my best to do that,” said Garcia. Garcia’s team-first mentality makes her sometimes shy away from announcing her own individual goals. “I do have a personal goal that I want to accomplish this year. For the team of course we want to go to the tournament and win conference and get the ring, that’s what we want.My plan is to break the all time conference record,” said Garcia. Garcia doesn’t play volleyball 365 days of the year, she spends her time off similarly to how most college students spend their free time. “I like to hang out with my friends, watch TV shows, or watch movies. When I’m not playing, I just like to chill honestly, because I’m always so tired. We are doing so many things that when we’re not doing anything I just want to chill,” said Garcia. Garcia also takes time out of her schedule to visit Cerejeiras, visiting once a year. Garcia’s new home away from home, UNC Charlotte, has helped her growth as a person and player. 49ers Volleyball Coach Karen Weatherington has had a significant impact on Garcia. “One of the things that coach Weatherington taught me, it might not be directly, but sometimes when she says things it makes me think about being that powerful woman. She’s a good representation of how as women we can do a lot of things as well,” said Garcia. Garcia wants to follow in the footsteps of Coach Weatherington, and inspire younger girls to dig their way to their dreams. “I wanna say for little girls to not let people tell you what you can and can not do. If you wanna do something really badly, you can work hard, dream and set your goals. I’ve heard in my life so many times that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish something, but here I am,” said Garcia. Garcia left Niner Nation with three words. “Nothing is impossible,” said Garcia. Nothing is impossible, and this Charlotte 49er is a testament to this. There are eight games left this season, and Garcia is on pace to break her own dig record. She’s currently at 532, but knowing Garcia she’d settle for the Conference USA Championship. All eyes will be on Garcia as she continues to stake her claim in the record books, and the world.

NINERTIMES.COM

OCT. 16, 2018

THEREʼS A NEW SHIRREFFS IN TOWN

by Sam Palian Sports Editor

It’s first down Charlotte and the Niners are refusing to finish this season without breaking records and winning games. The Charlotte 49ers returned home on Saturday, Oct. 13 for Homecoming to put up the most points and claim the largest win margin in a Conference USA game in program history, beating WKU 40-14. “It was a total team effort today, from our fan base, our student body, our band, administration and our student-athletes. I told our team in the locker room, ‘that’s what a team is, you represent a university and it takes a lot of people to be successful.’ It was a great atmosphere today and Homecoming, and I’m just really proud of everybody associated with the game, that’s what a team is supposed to look like,” said head coach Brad Lambert. “Our guys came out and played a real clean game, stayed focused, played a clean second half, I thought we ran the ball well against a team I thought was pretty good coming in, ya know Western Kentucky, they beat up on us pretty good last year, so I thought our guys had real good energy and I thought they prepared extremely hard all week and that’s what it takes.” Charlotte quarterback Chris Reynolds left the game injured early in the second half with the score sitting at 9-7 and the 49ers ahead, giving Evan Shirreffs his first opportunity to stake his claim as a Niner in Jerry Richardson Stadium. “I thought Evan, for his first action, played like he’s been practicing. He’s been into it, he’s preparing hard, so he was ready to go when he went in the game,” said Lambert. It’s no surprise that Shirreffs’ first pass as a 49er would connect with running back Benny LeMay for 31 yards. Shortly after the connection, RB Aaron McAllister would receive the ball from the QB for 35 yards, Calvin Camp would rush for four and Shirreffs would run the ball one yard for his first career touchdown with Charlotte. This was the first sign of what would be an explosive third quarter for Niner Nation. “It’s always good just to get out there and get that first completion down and I mean thankfully, it was a big gain which gave us a little momentum and to this guy [LeMay] on the O line getting out

10 OCT. 16, 2018

NINERTIMES

there, knocking some guys down, so it gave us a little momentum,” said Shirreffs. After a Western Kentucky possession of less than a minute and a half, a pass to wide receiver Workpeh Kofa for 15 yards and 38 rushing yards from LeMay, a nine-yard rushing TD from LeMay and a solid extra point kick from Jonathan Cruz, the Niners would be up 23-7 with 4:20 left on the clock. Several offensive team members made strides against the Hilltoppers, including Camp rushing for 38 yards, Ishod Finger seeing a lot of action, rushing for 29 yards and McAllister rushing for 20 and gaining a touchdown. LeMay shined as usual, rushing for 121 of 229 rushing yards. “You try to have competition and depth at each position and I feel like we have that,” said Lambert. “Those guys are all good players and more importantly, they’re really good people and they want to play well and they want the 49ers to win and that’s a good thing for us.” WKU would quickly lose their next possession when powerhouse linebacker Juwan Foggie collected his fourth pick of the season on QB Davis Shanley’s first pass of the drive. Foggie has tied for the most interceptions by a Niner in a single season at four and tied the school record for most in a single game at two interceptions, and added a team-high eight tackles against the Hilltoppers. The 49ers used their 48 second possession to add on yet another touchdown thanks to the hands of Shirreffs, the 13 yard rush by WR Rico Arnold and the 14 yard rush into the end zone by McAllister. The third quarter would end with a score of 30-7 and Charlotte would begin the final quarter with a 51-yard field goal by Cruz, making it his fifth field goal over 40 yards, the most by a freshman and his second over 50 yards. “That was the challenge at the half, we played really clean in the first half and that was our challenge to them, was to take this next opening drive and see what we can do with it and I thought the third quarter was extremely energetic and clean,” said Lambert. “We didn’t have penalties, we weren’t making a ton of mistakes and I think the guys were really locked in and when you prepare

like that and lock in, you’ve got a chance. A big pass from Shirreffs to Arnold for 28 yards gave Charlotte their final touchdown. WKU’s final possession led to their second and only other TD of the game, giving them 14 points to Charlotte’s 40. “That’s just your job, just be ready at any time. I really was staying lose on the sideline, just waiting for my shot you know, and I went out there I just tried to bring a little juice and all of the guys kind of embraced me which was great. I felt like we didn’t really skip a beat at all and it started with the O line and to the backs and the receivers, it was a great second half effort all around,” said Shirreffs. With over 10 personal and team records either matched or broken, 34 unanswered points and 21 unanswered points in the third quarter, the numbers speak for themselves. The Niners have made major waves so far this season and QB Shirreffs has already made quite a mark. “Credit to my man, Evan. It’s big, it’s a big win for us. We really worked hard this week, like Coach Lambert said, we focused in on what we had to do,” said LeMay. “He practices with an enthusiasm and energy all week and like he [Shirreffs] said, we didn’t miss a beat.”

Photo by Chris Crews

MECKLENBURG COUNTY SHIRREFF

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

LIFESTYLE

BREAK-UP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

It may seem difficult at first, but it will have lasting effects on your life by Katherine Hererra Staff Writer

It’s safe to say the majority of all of us love social media and have either Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and/or all of them. I am guilty of having all of them and I use them all day, every day. I wouldn’t be surprised if most of you are just as caught up with social media. Social media can be very consuming for a few different reasons: it gives us easy access to so much information, we can easily connect with all of our friends, family or strangers, and they provide fun activities for us to participate in. We can do about everything we want to do on our phones by using any of those platforms. What keeps us involved is being able to connect with anyone and stay up to date with people’s lives and vice-versa. I was caught up in social media and most of my time went into checking my phone for updates, posting pictures, talking to people or just making sure to stay relevant. For some reason, I got so caught up that I felt that if I didn’t post or update others, it would be like I went missing or something. Another thing is that anyone can try to connect with you unless you block them. Well, I had a bunch of people wanting to talk to me that I personally didn’t want to talk to. I don’t like negativity, so I try to avoid the whole person all together. I had people try to friend me and communicate with me. People don’t like everything I post and it was feeling like a job to

me. I became so invested in social media. This is my last semester and I became very distracted, so I finally made the decision to just break-up with social media all together. I heard about people cutting social media off completely or doing a detox from social media. I was very skeptical, which is why it took me so long to do it. I did a detox and deactivated Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Anyone that was important to me had my number, so I wasn’t worried. My first day after deactivating everything was kind of hard. I had my phone and barely had anything to do since I was so used to having all of my social media. That was a bit of a struggle. I even asked myself if I should even go through with the detox and questioned if it even works because I wanted to reactivate my accounts. I stayed strong, focusing more on my school work and other stuff in life. After a few days, the struggle became less hard and I found myself finding more time to do things and focus more in class (just a bit). A few weeks later, I finally got into the habit of not having to check my phone or have the temptation to want to reactivate any of my accounts. I didn’t even want to reactivate them at all at this point. I felt free from social media, I was back to doing more things, I wasn’t worried about anybody else, and I didn’t have to deal with people and other issues. When I tell you

I felt free, I felt free and was free from social media. I have been off social media for a couple of months and until last week I reactivated all of my social media for work purposes. It’s not so bad anymore because there were some longterm effects in my life. I was afraid I would get consumed right back in, but I didn’t, and because I detoxed for a couple months, it helped me for the future. I haven’t been so consumed with it. I barely check my social media pages. I don’t care about making sure I keep everyone up to date. Social media is not as important to me anymore. I did get people messaging me asking where I went and why I got off of the platform, but at the same time, it was not that serious as to where people cared that deeply about me being gone. If you feel caught up in your social media and it’s becoming very distracting to other things in your life, I suggest taking a break. I know it’s hard and you’re wondering whether it may or may not work. I thought the same, but I had to stick with it for the first couple of days and it became easier as time went on. I think because we are surrounded by so much technology, it is so easy to get caught up with it, and I recommend for everyone to try it for a couple of weeks. It will make a difference, make your life a bit easier and help you become more focused on what’s going on in the moment.

NINERTIMES.COM

OCT. 16, 2018

12 OCT. 16, 2018

NINERTIMES