Niner Times: September 28, 2015

NINERTIMES.COM

SEPT. 29 - OCT. 5, 2015

VOL. 28, ISSUE 5

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Jordan Snyder editor@ninertimes.com

Nick Cropper news@ninertimes.com

Matt Chapman sports@ninertimes.com

Leanna Pough ae@ninertimes.com

Alyssa Fronk

community@ninertimes.com

Jared Allen

sports@ninertimes.com

John Lineberger lifestyle@ninertimes.com

Casey Aldridge

Ben Robson

opinion@ninertimes.com

photo@ninertimes.com

Diane Gromelski

Andrew Hocutt

copy@ninertimes.com

Nick Clemens video@ninertimes.com

layout@ninertimes.com

Salina Dickie, Hunter Heilman, Sydney Stephens

ADDITIONAL STAFF Alex Sands, Indira Eskieva, Leysha Caraballo, Pooja Pasupula, Kristen Johnson, Tracy Copeland, Luis Rumbaut, Maria Saenz, Hailey Turpin, Nicole Buckenham, Vanessa Martinez, Chris Crews, Andy Gustafson

Matt Lorenz

Andrew Hocutt MARKETING STAFF

Tia Warren, Ashley Lyons, David Mendez, Darrell Hayden Jr.

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

MEGAN VAN EMMERIK

www.ninertimes.com/app 2

Cover and contents photos by Ben Robson

SEPT. 29 - OCT. 5, 2015

NINERTIMES

MEET THE DRUM MAJORS INDIRA ESKIEVA STAFF WRITER

Madelyn Colby As the academic day is coming to a close and most students are retreating back to their dorm rooms or driving to their homes off-campus, instrumental music is faintly heard in the background.

UNC Charlotte’s marching band is practicing on a large recreational field, headed by two drum majors and Director of Athletic Bands Jeff Miller.

Drum major Madelyn Colby is studying communications and she intends to concentrate in public relations. She is one of the two drum majors for the UNC Charlotte Marching Band.

From Concord, N.C., Colby chose UNC Charlotte for its quality programs and convenient location.

Colby started playing the flute when she was in seventh grade.

She was inspired to pick up the instrument by the orchestral features she used to watch on the PBS channel as a child.

“I wanted to be just like them,” Colby said.

Colby fell in love with marching band after a halftime performance hosted by Concord High School’s band when she was in middle school. She began marching band herself upon enrolling in high school.

“I have always wanted to contribute to the cause that is greater than myself,” said Colby.

Colby has been devoting a lot of her time to the marching band at UNC Charlotte since drum major auditions were held last spring.

“During band camp we got up at 6 a.m. and didn’t stop until everything was accounted for that

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Quinten Wrenn

night, which was [at] about 10 or 11 p.m.,” said Colby. “We are at every single rehearsal, just as everyone else is.”

Her fast-paced schedule did not slow down when the academic year began. Between classes, rehearsals

Drum Major Quinten Wrenn is a senior at UNC Charlotte, currently studying music education. In fact, the music program is what brought him to UNC Charlotte in the first place, where he knew he would get personal attention from the faculty

Drum majors Madelyn Colby (left) and Quinten Wrenn (right). Photo by Ben Robson

and getting homework done, Colby does not normally go to bed until 1 a.m.

“It is definitely a unique adjustment, but I just have to write every single thing I have to do in my planner, even the most mundane things like printing forms or remembering to call someone.

Add being a drum major to that, and you are on call for answering questions and consulting one another pretty much at all times,” said Colby.

and staff.

Originally from Monroe, N.C., Wrenn recently moved to the University Area to get closer to campus. He started off as being a part of the inaugural drum line at UNC Charlotte before he became acquainted with the band and tried out to be a drum major. He was previously a drum major for two years in high school, and has been a drum major at UNC Charlotte for a year.

“I started marching band my freshman year of high school. I

SEPT. 29 - OCT. 5, 2015

fell in love with it when … eighth graders from Parkwood Middle School came out and played in the stands with the Parkwood High School Marching Band. I saw how much fun they were having and how much like a family they were and I was hooked,” said Wrenn.

Being a drum major is not an easy undertaking. He begins his classes early in the morning, practices with the marching band three times a week for two hours, works with a local marching band two times a week for three hours and finds time to meet for a weekly lesson with his euphonium professor.

“It has been quite busy for sure,” said Wrenn. “With being president and a province representative of a fraternity, vice president for another organization and manager of an ensemble, this has been the busiest semester yet … Once all of my classes have ended, I see what homework I have and get to work. After that, I try to find time for food and sleep. That is rare nowadays.”

Wrenn and Colby spend a lot of time together not only during band rehearsals, but also when they go over music and logistics for the marching band.

“The rewards never stop,” said Wrenn. “For me, I feel immense pride and joy when we are all marching in to the stadium and when the first downbeat happens.

Every time on game day, I look forward to wearing that white uniform. It is an incredible and unforgettable feeling!”

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UNC Charlotte braves the shave Students shave heads to raise money for cancer research ALYSSA FRONK COMMUNITY EDITOR

The UNC Charlotte community and Alpha Omega Epsilon (AOE) took a bold stand against childhood cancer Friday night by shaving heads and raising money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation all in the spirit of finding a cure.

The St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser was hosted by AOE and held in the Student Union Friday. It was a night honoring those affected by childhood cancer.

AOE alumna and cancer survivor, Great Clips employees shave the heads of some volunteers. Photo by Pooja Pasupula Kurrisa Vialet kicked off the charity had testicular cancer about four or $614.00 and UNC Charlotte student event with a heartfelt speech on five years ago. So I wanted to honor Dillon Hooks with $510. her personal battle with cancer and him and raise some money,” said Burchette, who coordinated why she supports the St. Baldrick’s Scheetz, who earned $275 for his both UNC Charlotte fundraisers, foundation. participation. first discovered the St. Baldrick’s At 7 p.m. the shaving party began “I keep thinking about anyone my Foundation in 2013, after attending as 23 men and three women stood age or younger having to go through a Charlotte Checkers hockey game to “brave the shave for kids with that. I can’t even fathom that, at all,” where several members of the team cancer,” as three volunteer Great said AOE member and shavee Kelsey shaved their heads to raise money.

Clips hairdressers shaved the Lynch. “They should be out having As a student aspiring to be a participants’ heads. fun and being with friends and doctor, Burchette was inspired to join Out of the 26 volunteers, 20 of playing, but they can’t do that. If this the campaign on ending childhood them were UNC Charlotte students. helps in any way shape or form, then cancer.

According to event coordinator it’s definitely worth it,” “I love the fact that it’s not just Marissa Burchette, over $5,000 and Lynch raised over $600 for her giving money to people, but you’re counting has been raised, surpassing shaved head. also going an extra step. You’re the 2014 UNC Charlotte St. UNC Charlotte still remains in the trying to sympathize with people Baldrick’s fundraiser by $2,000. top five childhood cancer research who have gone through this [cancer] AOE estimates that over 200 fundraising schools in the country. and obviously in no way is shaving people were in attendance for this UNC Charlotte has moved from fifth your head comparable to a child with year’s campus fundraiser. place to third in a matter of days. cancer,” said Burchette.

UNC Charlotte student Tommy The other top four universities AOE is still accepting donations Scheetz was joined by seven of his include Kennasaw State University, through the end of 2015. To donate, brothers from the Triangle fraternity Lincoln Memorial University, go to https://www.stbaldricks.org/ to shave their heads, in charitable Oswego State University and the events/mypage/11371/2015. camaraderie.

University of New Mexico.

All proceeds go to the St. Baldrick’s “I thought it would be a good The top earning shavees of the Foundation. way to honor all the kids who have night were Charlotte local Barbe cancer, and also my grandfather Bartlett with $827.00, Lynch with

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SEPT. 29 - OCT. 5, 2015

NINERTIMES

SGA update: Sept. 24 ALEX SANDS INTERN

Messages to the Senate At the Student Government Association (SGA) legislative meeting, campus architect Peter Franz came to talk about the construction happening around campus.

“We want to make campus more of a public venue” said Franz.

Franz anticipates more than 35,000 students to attend UNC Charlotte’s campus in the near future.

Franz said that their aim is to make the campus more open and inviting for pedestrians. Future plans to make this happen include construction of more roads, and stoplights to reduce traffic.

Franz explained that UNC Charlotte should be able to accommodate up to 42,000 students in a matter of years.

He also hit on some of the buildings being constructed in the

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near future. Belk Gym renovations are still underway and the project is expected to be done in November of this year.

The Hauser Alumni Pavilion, a 8,000-square-foot event space, was completed just last week.

There are also plans to renovate Colvard and buildings similar to it.

Campus architects plan to add more windows to this building so that it can take in more natural lighting.

Executive Cabinet update Secretary of Student Affairs Melissa Martin aims to change the food being served in dining halls to meet the needs of students.

She and a few other students have been going to Crown Commons and conducting surveys to see what kinds of foods students prefer.

Martin also plans to make dining hall menus more visible via Twitter.

Faculty council meeting

Vice President of the Student Body Jared Dobbertin was able to attend the Faculty Council meeting on campus last week.

In this meeting, he found that UNC Charlotte has been given an $18 million grant, which will be used to increase the salaries of faculty on campus.

Out of all the schools in the UNC system, UNC Charlotte is one of the worst when it comes to pay for professors. Dobbertin also mentioned that the General Education Program has not been reformed since 2003. He, along with other members of SGA will be meeting with some of the University College faculty to discuss how to reform this in the near future.

Committee Reports The Academic Affairs committee met this past week to discuss the

SEPT. 29 - OCT. 5, 2015

feasibility of the class waitlist, transfer credits and the Starfish advising system.

The committee would also like to reinforce the academic integrity policy, since a lot of students only review it once while attending UNC Charlotte.

The Internal Affairs committee is still working to amend bylaws in the SGA Constitution. Chairman of the Academic Affairs committee Andre Jefferies is also working on adopting a mission statement for SGA, since they require all other student organizations to do so.

The Organizational Ways and Means committee was excited to announce that 1200 students came out to vote, which is a new record for Charlotte.

The Student Affairs Committee is still working to improve crosswalks and make pedestrian right of way signs more visible.

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STANDING WITH AMBER ROSE

Learning about self-love and ending the cycle of slut-shaming from this short-haired beauty KRISTEN JOHNSON STAFF WRITER

For the past couple months I have been following Amber Rose on Instagram. I first noticed her when she dated rapper and future president Kanye West and have since marveled at her bald head and amazing body shape. But lately, she has been doing something that has made me want to be her best friend.

She made some bold statements this summer. From wearing her insults on her outfit at the VMAs, to organizing a call to action for respect for women’s bodies in the form of the Amber Rose Slut Walk, she has made it known that she isn’t here for anyone’s judgement.

However, I still can’t help but notice that both men and women are still raising eyebrows, side eying her choices and criticizing Muva Rose for living her own life.

Too often, Rose has had to make public statements defending the decisions about her body and motherhood. There are so many people who cannot seem to understand women like Rose, their unbothered lifestyles and their comfortability with it all.

But Rose always seems to have a golden response to the haters.

When the Kardashians came for her about being slutty, she smoothly

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blew off their comments with ease.

When West called her out for being unwholesome, she attacked his manhood with no remorse. When people leave comments about her being an unfit mother on Instagram, she continues to lovingly mother her 3-year-old.

Rose embodies the description of a woman who has complete control and power over her own body. She upsets so many of us because her beliefs and choice to live without validation is threatening.

The very idea that women have the power to do what they want for their own happiness is scary because after all, women should never be given the right to actually live for themselves. Right?

Though you have to agree that this is nothing new. No, this calling a woman everything other than her name isn’t new. The act of making a woman feel less than worthy because she makes choices about her own body is nothing new. Women and girls have been subject to what is now known as slut shaming for generations.

In case you do not know, “slut shaming” is a form of social disgrace applied to people who are believed to violate traditional expectations

for sexual behaviors, mostly applied to women and girls, according to Wikipedia.

Slut shaming ranges anywhere from calling a girl a “hoe” for kissing a boy to not believing a woman who reports a sexual assault. Shame and the way in which women and girls are treated in society go hand in hand.

I believe that the shaming of women and girls is a learned behavior. The misogynistic culture and lessons (often religious) that are embedded in the minds of young boys and girls affects the way they view gender, worth and self-respect.

Many of us know that when you are taught that purity and piety make one more superior to those who do not exactly fit those constructed descriptions, we begin to look at others differently, leaving room for judgement and even selfloathing.

But the funny thing about selfrespect I’ve learned is that it is solely for self. The definition itself is the pride, confidence and honor in an individual’s sole being. It has nothing to do with anyone else nor what other people believe and that little part is what so many people miss. That missed fact is what often

SEPT. 29 - OCT. 5, 2015

drives the division between the slutshamers and the shamed victims.

No one has a right to tell a woman what she can and cannot do nor what really constitutes self-respect.

No one has the power to deem Rose an unfit mother because she likes to twerk with her booty out. No one has the power to tell a woman how to live any kind of way, except that woman.

The end of 2015 is near and we are still hating women for caring about their own bodies. We are still believing that women and girls who are assaulted were “asking for it.”

We are still ostracizing girls who do and laughing at the girls who do not.

We are still placing women at the bottom of the society’s totem pole for existing.

I applaud Rose for her efforts to end the culture of slut shaming. Her impact may be small to many, but to those who have experienced the sting of shame for simply living: She is empowering millions.

I am standing with Rose. Her efforts, and those of so many other women and men, to bring recognition to an issue that poisons our society will never go unnoticed.

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Photo by Ben Robson

CHARLOTTE VS. TEMPLE 路 OCT. 2, 2015

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UNC CHARLOTTE FOOTBALL 2015 FRIDAY, SEPT. 4

Georgia State at Atlanta, Ga.

3:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12

STAFF PICKS

Presbyterian at Charlotte, N.C.

Noon SATURDAY, SEPT. 19

Middle Tennessee at Murfreesboro, Tenn.

7 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26

Florida Atlantic at Charlotte, N.C.

GAME-DAY TAILGATING EDEN CREAMER GUEST WRITER

With the launch of a new football program, the need for an official policy regarding tailgating at the university becomes necessary.

As the university revved up for football, a tailgating policy was created to make sure students and fans have the most fun possible while being safe. These rules and regulations are meant to maximize safety and comfort for all that attend.

Tailgating rules and regulations are completely broken down in University Policy 706, Alcoholic Beverages.

Any violation of this policy may cause students and campus guests revoked tailgating rights, criminal prosecution, disciplinary action through the Office of Student Conduct if the violator is a UNC Charlotte student and/or trespassing charges should the individual be a campus guest.

7 p.m.

CAMPUS ENTRANCES AND LOT INFORMATION

FRIDAY, OCT. 2

Temple

at Charlotte, N.C.

7 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 17

Old Dominion at Norfolk, Va.

3:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 24

Southern Miss

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 7, Temple 34

“Charlotte nearly pulled the upset against Florida Atlantic despite seven turnovers. Temple is the best team the 49ers have played in program history and a win will be tough to come by.”

at Charlotte, N.C.

Noon SATURDAY, OCT. 31

Marshall

at Charlotte, N.C.

TBA SATURDAY, NOV. 7

LOT CONTRABAND

FIU

at Miami, Fla.

12 p.m.

Kegs, glass containers, drinking games, devices used to accelerate the consumption of alcohol, grills in parking decks and on brick pavers, open pit fires, staked tents, household furniture and animals are prohibited.

SATURDAY, NOV 14

UTSA

at Charlotte, N.C.

TBA SATURDAY, NOV 21

Kentucky

at Lexington, Ky.

TBA SATURDAY, NOV 28

Rice

at Houston, Texas

TBA

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All entrances except the main entrance and the John Kirk Road entrance will be closed five hours prior to kickoff. Game-day entrances open four hours prior to kickoff.

Parking and tailgating will be available in lots 5, 5A, 6, 7, 7A, 14, 18, 19, 23, 25, 27 and CRI 2 and 3. Decks available for parking are Union Deck, Cone Deck 1 and 2, West Deck and CRI Deck. Oncampus residents not attending the game can park in East Deck 2 and 3 or North Deck.

Students who live on campus who normally park in lots designated for tailgating for football game-day parking will be required to move their vehicles to an alternative parking location the night before a home game. If there are any cars in the parking lots as of midnight on game day, the vehicle will be automatically towed.

Tailgating areas will open four hours prior to the game.

Tailgating at halftime and during the game time is prohibited, and tailgaters will be encouraged to vacate lots. Lots must also be evacuated no later than two hours after the end of the game.

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 13, Temple 31

“Charlotte looked stellar defensively against FAU but the lack of offensive production will continue to curb the 49ers going forward.”

Tweet us your predictions to @NT_Sports using #CHARTEMPPicks

STADIUM CONTRABAND Tobacco products, other drugs, alcohol of all kinds and weaponry are prohibited.

Football patrons will be permitted to bring empty, clear, plastic bottles into the stadium to fill with water at designated fill stations, but other beverages will be prohibited.

The complete University Policy 706 is available online. Tailgaters are encouraged to read this policy prior to game-day.

GOLDRUSH · A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

GAME DAY IN THE QUEEN CITY Niner Nation packed Jerry Richardson Stadium as football continues to grow

MATT CHAPMAN SPORTS EDITOR

When I first stepped foot onto the campus of UNC Charlotte four years ago, 49er football fever ravished Niner Nation like a plague of biblical proportions. I’ve been blessed beyond belief with the opportunity to cover this program since its inception, witnessing moments that will live on forever in the history books and deep in the Niner Times archives.

Memories from the scene of the inaugural game against Campbell in 2013 showcased the potential of Charlotte as a college football haven. However, the electric atmosphere flowing through the stadium Saturday night served as the culmination of decades of patience and perserverence. A record-setting crowd of 17,444 rowdy Niner fans clad in black filled Jerry Richardson Stadium past capacity as the Charlotte 49ers took center stage for the first time as members of Conference USA. As I walked through campus a couple of hours before kickoff, I got my first taste of what makes college football Saturdays in the South such a unique experience. The newly-erected lights towered above stadium, providing the perfect

backdrop for hours of tailgating festivities. Music bellowed from the speakers, the aroma of food fresh off the grill filled the air and students and alumni joined together to welcome the Niners as the brand new Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band led the traditional Niner Walk through the tailgating village, up to the stadium.

“It was unbelievable,” said 49ers head coach Brad Lambert when asked about his thoughts on the crowd after the game.

“Once again the Niner Walk was a great atmosphere. The student body was unbelievable tonight. It was a lot of fun from the time we got off the bus until the end of the game. Once again, our fanbase hasn’t disappointed since I’ve been here in 2011. They’ve come out and supported us and it was a really, really good environment tonight.”

Lack of attendence caused a good deal of concern last year as interest appeared to dwindle during Charlotte’s final season at the Football Championship Subdivision level. The absence of stadium lights resulted in noon kickoffs in the sweltering heat for games against schools most

fans had never heard of. The designated student tailgating lots were located on the opposite side of campus, isolated from the alumni and nearly a mile away from the venue itself.

Thankfully the differences in 2015 have been literally and figuratively night and day. Fans no longer have to wake up at the crack of dawn to allow ample time for tailgating. The brand new 49er Village, a lot near the stadium lined with tents, has brought students and alumni together, fostering the opportunity to establish a culture for all future members of Niner Nation as the program continues to grow.

Rob Dibble, ‘96 alumnus and mastermind behind the Normbulance, spoke with me about the new fan experience before the game. Dibble’s ambulance has been established as the tailgating epicenter since the first game in 2013.

“When I look back, I see the first two years as us trying to figure out what we were doing,” said Dibble.

“Over the last couple years the students have been way away from everything. The reality is you have to make it fun. I think the first couple years

A record setting crowd of over 17,000 fans filled Jerry Richardson Stadium on Saturday to witness the first home game under the lights. Photo by Chris Crews

CHARLOTTE VS. TEMPLE · OCT. 2, 2015

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we didn’t do a good job of that for the students.

We have a lot of students that walk by the Normbulance and see us. I think that’s powerful because they see alumni that are invested in this university and are proud to have graduated from Charlotte. Hopefully what this does is tell students that it’s okay to be passionate. There are alumni here that want to be part of the student experience and love giving back to the university.”

I also spoke with Niner Nation Gold President Brian Pearlman who gave me a little insight into the benefits of the new tailgate set up from a

student’s perspective.

“I think the new tailgating community does a couple things that are pretty cool,” Pearlman explained.

“Everyone’s a lot closer together here and it forces people to interact. Fraternity tailgates used to be seperate from non-fraternity tailgates, but now they’re interacting. Also, it’s so much closer to the stadium so now we’re right here in the middle of it.”

Niner Nation has a lot to be excited about with a team that has matured quickly behind a defense

that has been lights out in three of four games this season. Austin Duke and Kalif Phillips have home run ability on offense and the 49ers could shock some people if they find a quarterback that can take care of the football.

The alumni provide the tradition and establish the tone, but it’s up to the students to take pride in their school and provide the noise and passion that make Charlotte’s opponents dread taking the trip to the Queen City.

Left: 49er fans showed up dressed in black to match the team’s uniforms on the field.

Right: Coach Lambert enjoys his time in the tailgating village during the Niner Walk.

Photos by Chris Crews and Ben Robson

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GOLDRUSH · A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

49ERS PREPARE FOR TEMPLE After a stellar defensive performance against FAU, Charlotte readies themselves as they host Temple, Friday night at Jerry Richardson Stadium

ANDY GUSTAFSON STAFF WRITER

Charlotte parades out of the tunnel. Photo by Chris Crews

The Charlotte 49ers (2-2) will look to bounce back this Friday, Oct. 2, against the Temple Owls (3-0) under the lights. In front of a sold out Jerry Richardson Stadium, the 49ers defense rebounded against Florida Atlantic, forcing five turnovers.

However, Charlotte couldn’t play a complete game as the offense turned the ball over seven times, ultimately losing to Florida Atlantic 17-7.

The Charlotte defense led the charge Saturday against FAU. After a rough showing against Middle Tennessee, the 49ers’ defense only gave up 205 total yards and scored the lone touchdown. Tank Norman’s pick-six nearly sparked a comeback, but offensive troubles plagued Charlotte all game. Head coach Brad Lambert commented on the defensive effort.

“I was really proud of them because they bounced back after last week. I thought they refocused on what they had to do.”

Charlotte made another change at quarterback this past weekend, but the results were the same. Junior, Lee McNeill made his first start, finishing with four interceptions. Charlotte gave fellow junior Matt Johnson an opportunity, but two of three passes were picked off by the Owls.

Coach Lambert commented on the recent performances from the Charlotte Quarterbacks.

“It’s not very good. We’ve got to continue to get better there and take care of the ball. Part of that was the weather, but we’ve got to value the ball better. It’s amazing we had a shot to win the game at the end.”

A bright spot for the 49ers’ offense would be the play of running back Kalif Phillips, finishing with 165 rushing yards. Phillips running would provide more than half of the total yards for Charlotte Saturday night.

Charlotte will have a lot to prepare for on a short

week against a talented Temple squad. The Owls are undefeated this season, including wins against Penn State and Cincinnati. Phillips and the rest of the 49er squad will have less running room, as Temple ranks 12th in the nation against the run. As for the Temple offense, they are well-balanced, ranking in the middle of the pack in passing and rushing in the nation.

A few keys to the game for Charlotte would be protecting the ball and continuing the defensive momentum created from the Florida Atlantic game.

If Charlotte continues to turn the ball over five times a game, then victories will be few and far in between.

Charlotte currently has the third worst turnover margin in the nation. Perhaps keeping the ball on the ground would help the Charlotte offense maintain possession.

The 49ers must rely on the defense to carry the load until the offense finds their rhythm. Scoring points from the defesive side of the football isn’t the easiest task, but Charlotte found a way to score seven off a turnover in the game against FAU. The Niners allowed a yard per rush attempt against Florida Atlantic last week. Repeating a defensive performance like the one Saturday night will prove to be a difficult task, but one that can be accomplished. Also, the 49ers found success in Florida Atlantic’s backfield, generating three sacks and nine tackles for loss.

After a strong start to the season, Charlotte has hit a rough patch in their schedule, dropping the last two games. The 49ers must find stability at the quarterback position if Lambert wants to continue the progression of the young football program. Jerry Richardson Stadium is sure to repeat another as a great environment as Charlotte plays its next game under the lights on Friday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

CHARLOTTE VS. TEMPLE · OCT. 2, 2015

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GOLDRUSH 路 A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

Turnover troubles haunt Charlotte 49ers in 17-7 loss at the hands of Florida Atlantic Seven turnovers overshadow defensive performance in the first Charlotte night game MATT CHAPMAN SPORTS EDITOR

A record-setting crowd of over 17,000 fans packed Jerry Richardson Stadium for the first time under the lights on Saturday night and witnessed a gutsy defensive performance in the pouring rain.

The Charlotte 49ers nearly rallied behind a Tank Norman pick-six in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t overcome seven turnovers in a 17-7 loss against Florida Atlantic.

“Our defense was really humming and I was really proud of those guys.

They played extremely hard and got five turnovers,” said 49ers head coach Brad Lambert after the game.

“I was really proud of them because they bounced back after last week. I thought they refocused on what they had to do … I was really proud of their effort and how they played.”

The Niner defense stifled the Owls all night as the front seven wreaked havoc in the backfield led by nose tackle Larry Ogunjobi who had a career night with 11 tackles, including four behind the line of scrimmage.

Charlotte (2-2, 0-2 Conference USA) held Florida Atlantic under 200 total yards and forced five turnovers a mere seven days after allowing 42 points in the first quarter against Middle Tennessee.

“I think the game against Middle was a really bad showing,” said Ogunjobi.

“I feel like a lot of people got the wrong impression of us. I feel like tonight we showed up and showed everyone what type of defense we’re trying to be.”

Charlotte’s defense produced the only touchdown of the contest for the home team. In fact, Saturday marked the first game in program history where the 49ers’ offense failed to find the end zone.

Running back Kalif Phillips broke

Tank Norman returns an interception 28 yards for the only 49ers touchdown. Photo by Chris Crews

Things got chippy between the two teams in a hard-hitting defensive slugfest. Photo by Ben Robson

free for 165 rushing yards on 29 touches and Lambert commented after the game that maybe they should have fed him the ball more.

“I thought Kalif was running extremely hard and our offensive line was obviously blocking them pretty well,” said Lambert.

“The o-line was giving me everything they could. I’m not a stats person and the offensive line gave me everything that I got,” added Phillips after the game.

Phillips provided the only spark on offense as the two Charlotte

quarterbacks combined for 89 yards on 34 pass attempts and three fourth quarter interceptions.

Lee McNeill made his first start of the season, becoming the third different starting quarterback in four games. McNeill had no luck pushing the ball down the field, accounting for four turnovers and a pick-six with under two minutes to play that sealed the loss.

Matt Johnson played sporadically throughout the night, but didn’t fare any better. Johnson only threw the ball three times and two of those

CHARLOTTE VS. TEMPLE · OCT. 2, 2015

passes were intercepted.

Coach Lambert was very blunt with his assessment of the quarterback play after the game.

“It’s not very good. We’ve got to continue to get better there and take care of the ball. Part of that was the weather, but we’ve got to value the ball better. It’s amazing we had a shot to win the game at the end.”

Curiously, redshirt freshman quarterback Brooks Barden didn’t see the field after starting each of the past two weeks. Barden struggled in his first two collegiate games, but has the tools to develop given some playing time in a dynamic 49ers offense that boasts two home run threats.

Charlotte’s quarterback carousel continues until someone showcases the ability to take care of the football.

“We’ve got to remember … this team (FAU) was battling Miami two weeks ago,” added Lambert as the press conference came to a conclusion.

“This was game 26 for us in the history of our school. Our guys are battling and we go out there every day to win the game, that’s why we show up to play. Middle Tennessee, we’re watching them against Alabama. We’re watching FAU against Miami. These teams have been in big ball games for a while now, so I’m proud of our guys and the way they continue to grow. We’ve got a lot of things moving in the right direction, but we have to finish that game and win it. We’ve always got to keep that in mind.”

The 49ers will welcome the Temple Owls (3-0) to the Queen City on Friday, Oct. 2.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with the game being televised nationally on the CBS College Sports Network.

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CHARLOTTE VS. TEMPLE 路 OCT. 2, 2015

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49ERS DOUSE UAB Martha Thomas nets her NCAA-leading 11th goal of the season as the 49ers crawl back from a two goal defecit

JARED ALLEN SPORTS EDITOR

The Charlotte 49ers battled back from a two goal deficit at home behind stellar performances from Katie O’Neill and Martha Thomas.

O’Neill recorded her first multigoal game of the season while Thomas netted her 11th goal of the year.

“It was a gut check, it was a test of our character,” Charlotte head coach John Cullen said. “We learned our lessons from the non-conference games, certainly we don’t want to fall down 2-0 but I think we learned how to get back into the game, believing in our style. I think it goes back to what we did in nonconference. It prepared us and made us more resilient. To come back and win 3-2, couldn’t be more proud of the girls.”

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) struck first on a rainy and windy night as the Blazers’ Carolina Kehrer was able to loft her shot over 49ers’ goalkeeper Annika McHenry in the third

minute. Paige Hanks doubled the Blazer’s lead in the 16th minute receiving a through ball from Marin Carter and finishing past McHenry.

O’Neill sparked the comeback for the 49ers, scoring in the 27th minute. O’Neill bolted down the right sideline, entering the 18yard box before cutting back and curling a left footed shot around Blazer’s goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty.

Five minutes later, O’Neill received a lofted through ball from 49ers’ defender Kaitlin Walker.

O’Neill struck the ball on the volley with her left foot, rifling her shot past the frozen UAB goalkeeper. The goal marked her second of game and third of the season.

“Playing in the rain helped, I like it better than playing in the scorching heat,” O’Neill said.

In the 76th minute, senior Loren Reilly was the catalyst

“IT WAS A GUT CHECK. IT WAS A TEST OF OUR CHARACTER.”

in Thomas’ game winning goal, sending a cross to O’Neill on the opposite flank. O’Neill controlled the ball with ease before sending a pass across the face of goal. Thomas connected with the pass, redirecting the ball past Daugherty.

Thomas’s 11th goal of the season ties the mark she set last season, scoring 11 in her freshman year. The goal also places her in ninth-place in Charlotte’s single-season goal scoring record chart.

“It’s good to get on the scoreboard especially getting to where I am with however many games left. I think it’s been a team performance, last year I had a lot of individual goals but this year it’s definitely the team,” Thomas said.

The rain would prove to be a non-factor as the 49ers doubled the Blazers in shots, recording 16 while registering four corner kicks on the night. McHenry was only forced to make one save in 90 minutes of play.

“Technically we have a clean sheet in conference. We knew we needed this one and were happy we got the result,” Thomas said.

Charlotte will have a week off before hitting the road to continue Conference-USA, traveling to Mississippi to take on Southern Miss, Oct. 2. The 49ers will then head back to Charlotte, stopping in Tennessee Oct. 4 to face Middle Tennessee in the final game of the road trip.

HEAD COACH JOHN CULLEN

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The 49ers organize a set-piece on one of their four corner kicks. Photo by Ben Robson

SEPT. 29 - OCT. 5, 2015

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STUDENT ART ON DISPLAY IN THE STUDENT UNION TRACY COPELAND INTERN

The Campus Activities Board is hosting its annual Student Art showcase. Students with a passion for art were invited to submit a piece to be featured on the second floor of the Student Union.

I’m not an artsy person, but I admire those who are willing to display their talent.

One drawing that caught my attention was a painting titled “Wrinkles” by Akash Ramesh. Ramesh constructed this composition with great detail. I noticed I continued to come back to this particular piece. Those of us enjoying our youth will one day resemble Ramesh’s muse, timeworn.

The elderly woman pictured looks as if she’s staring at me. I soon realized that will be me looking at myself in the mirror one day. I’ll be the old person on the other side looking at her past self, reminiscing on everything that has happened throughout my life. This submission caught my attention; it allowed my imagination to roam as I stared into the eyes of the what could one day be me.

Art has always been one of the greatest forms of expression. This expression in turn speaks to viewers in different ways, allowing for individual interpretation. Each piece sparks a different idea and meaning for viewers, just as art intended.

I look forward to seeing what other talent our students have in the future, but this was a great experience for me.

I’m sure there’s something for everyone.

The Fall 2015 Student Art Showcase will be on display on the second floor of the Student Union until Tuesday October, 6. Students are invited to enjoy light refreshments after voting for a showcase winner.

Photos in spread by Leysha Caraballo

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SEPT. 29 - OCT. 5, 2015

NINERTIMES

Open Mic Night: A spiritual santuary for poetry lovers LUIS RUMBAUT INTERN

Say you were told that open mic nights can serve as spiritual experiences, would that catch your attention? If so, then you should have been to this latest happening on the Sept. 24 because it sure did feel like everyone who went left with something.

Whether that something was the audience leaving with a new insight on things because of the poems said, or the support the presenters received for being courageous enough to be vulnerable on stage, by the end of the night everybody had something to enjoy about the open mic.

What began with a small crowd of spectators one minute grew into a sizable audience in the blink of an eye as the event wore on. The event was hosted by two UNC Charlotte alumni who were also part of the SlamCharlotte team that won the National Poetry Slam competition two years in row, Bluz and Carlos, the former being the Slam Master at the time.

It was an honor to not only have two alumni performing on campus, but also to see two well-versed poets interact with the crowd in such a way that people feel

comfortable being themselves. Both hosts made sure when they were performing to convey the message that ultimately the night belonged to those people in question who felt like presenting their work.

From the presenters, most of whom were students or soon to be students, with the exception of Miss Kim Hight who works over at the financial aid office, sprung an array of different topics that for the most part dealt with different aspects of identity, specifically race and gender.

Those topics also merged into the themes expressed in the rest of the poems, which dealt with the strength it takes to overcome what obstacles life may bring, which talked about depression, heartbreak, physical abuse, etc.

Something sacred was born out of the shared experience of this Open Mic Night, where the spectators replied to every performance and performer with enthusiasm and every presenter put themselves into their piece, something that elevated the event to that of a spiritual affair.

66 Homer Simpson outbursts 67 Home run gait 68 More than rotund DOWN 1 Ice cream holder 2 Length times width 3 Kitten calls 4 Updates a wiki page, say 5 Org. that issues about 5.5 million new numbers annually 6 Zesty Twirls maker 7 Graceland’s st.

8 Informal “Likewise” 9 Cloak-and-dagger type 10 Honduras neighbor 11 “Kindly stay on the line” 12 In a bit, old-style 13 Golf bunker filler 18 Epoxy, e.g.

22 Hog home 24 “What happened next?”

26 Stanley Cup org.

27 Chinese counters 28 Sick kid’s TLC giver 37 “Alas!”

ACROSS 29 Southern Florida coastal 1 Sleeps out under the 38 At full speed resort city 39 Basic biological molecule stars 31 Sound in “cube” but not “cub” 6 NYC gambling outlets 40 Skier’s spot 32 Like electric guitars 41 Food __: listlessness after a 33 West Yorkshire’s largest city closed in 2010 large meal 10 Transcript figs.

35 Dorothy portrayer in the film 14 Cookies in some pie 42 Cranberry source “The Wiz” 43 Lost color crusts 39 Sassafras soda 44 “My goose is cooked!”

15 Gather in a field 40 Drove too fast 48 Cavity filler’s deg.

16 Latin for “elbow” 42 Push-up top 17 Reuters or Bloomberg 49 Not skilled in 45 QB scores 50 Lends a hand 19 Geological age 46 Wager over darts, e.g.

52 Boldly states 20 Los Angeles-to-San 47 Former “The View” co-host 54 Hay holder Bernardino direction Lisa 56 County of the Blarney 21 Sausage unit 51 Cancel at NASA 22 Produce seller’s kiosk Stone 52 Served to perfection?

60 Parting word with an air 23 Macho man 53 Ristorante glassful kiss, perhaps 25 Chips in a chip 55 River of Pisa 61 Aromatic plot, and where to 57 Comics dog 27 Top USN rank 30 Nutritionist’s recom- find three different plants hid- 58 Cherry and ruby den in 17-, 30- and 44-Across 59 “Oh! Susanna” joint mendation 63 SASEs, e.g.

34 Wedding party 61 Alt. 64 Dancer Kelly 36 Popeye’s Olive 62 In the past 65 Tour leader

Photo by Maria Saenz

NINERTIMES.COM

SEPT. 29 - OCT. 5, 2015

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE TO TRAVELING

Photo by Hailey Turpin

HAILEY TURPIN STAFF WRITER

With the hustle and bustle of college life, finding time to explore new places can be challenging.

From classes to social life, and everything in between, college can be tedious. When it’s time to take a break or just get away, we have the perfect college bucket-list of places you should visit— both local and around the country. Included are places within Charlotte, places within North Carolina and places within the United States to visit.

Amélie’s French Bakery: Charlotte, N.C.

If you haven’t heard of Amélie’s, one if its locations is North Davidson Street, on the left end of the shopping complex. It began in 2008, and had a dream to uphold originality, authenticity and the classic French pastries. The bakery makes and sells many tantalizing French delicacies, including popular deserts. Payton Welch, a UNC Charlotte student and avid Amélies goer, said Amélies is the place to be. “My favorite thing to order is the Salted Caramel Brownie, because it has a smooth caramel layer on top of a brownie that has a little crunch to it. It pairs well with a cup of hot raspberry tea too,” Welch explained. The Bakery is open 24 hours to serve the all-nighters and midnight sweet tooth, so stop by on a study break. Prices of food items vary, so just stick with what your stomach and wallet tells you.

The Discovery Place: Charlotte, N.C.

Whether you are five or 55, The Discovery Place offers many things for all ages. The attraction is located on North Tryon Street and includes exhibitions like Fantastic Frogs, World Alive, Body World & The Cycle of Life (coming soon) and many more. Along with the many stations to explore and have fun, the main concept is for kids and adults to learn about the past, current surroundings and new ideas. Fossil Day is an

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upcoming event on Oct. 3, which allows any and all to come and test out the archaeologist in you. The event houses its own extensive fossil collection and invites the public to dig up the remains of the creatures from long ago. The event is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is located on level 1 of the building. The Discovery Place is a place for all ages and could be a fun trip with your college buddies to spend a day learning and connecting with the people around you. The cost of attendance is a one-time only fee per visit (excluding IMAX Theater), so it is perfect for a day trip to uptown Charlotte.

Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia and North Carolina

The 469-mile parkway includes 300 overlooks, 91 buildings and 133 structures and pieces that tell the history of the mountains and its people.

Some of its greatest attractions are the Mabry Mill and Rocky Knob, both located in Virginia.

Mabry Mill is a still working, but not functioning mill that in 1903 was designed as a gristmill and sawmill. Today it attracts thousands of people to the beautiful surroundings and the history of the mill. The Blue Ridge Parkway is not fully explored in one day, but for that reason can be a place to continue coming back to. With its beautiful views, nature and wildlife, the Blue Ridge Parkway is full of things for all age groups to experience.

Take a weekend trip with friends to the open roads of the parkway and experience the beauty.

This trip is perfect for the college wallet because it only takes gas money and time. Depending on where you start your journey, it will cost you gas money, but because of the historical aspects, should be relatively cheap.

Atlantic Beach in North Carolina (East Coast) Atlantic Beach is a place of serenity and SEPT. 29 - OCT. 5, 2015

friendly people. With many public beaches and interesting activities, the area is a home away from home. Known for its calm surroundings and beautiful coastline, Atlantic Beach has much more to it. In the town of Atlantic Beach is Fort Macon, a fort built in 1834 to build up the navy on the coastline and prevent attacks.

However, many years later it was used for a Civil War battle, to fight off the Union soldiers until it was taken over by the north in 1861. Today the fort is one of the most visited attractions in North Carolina, bringing in one million visitors. The Atlantic Beach coastline is a great opportunity to soak up the sun and visit the historical sites with friends. Atlantic Beach is ideal for a relaxing spring break trip and perfect for a romantic getaway.

This trip is ideal for a college budget because it is very affordable, and if shared with a group of people, can be even less expensive. As a college student—the cheaper the better— and historical landmarks tend to be free. Plus you get to learn something in the process.

Colorado

This trip is definitely on the pricier side of vacations. However, it is definitely worth the money put into it. Colorado is a diverse state that has many things to offer. The downtown city of Denver, home of the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies, is the ultimate place for young adults.

With its hundreds of restaurants and attractions, the city of Denver is always in motion. In contrast, an hour from downtown is the beautiful landscape and rocky mountain range. With attractions including the birthplace of Buffalo Bill, the Native American Cliff Dwellings, Pikes Peak and the continental divide landmark, there is never a dull moment in this great state.

NINERTIMES

COLLEGE RELATIONSHIPS ARE COMPLICATED Unclear intentions and unspoken feelings make it scary to enter the college dating world

NICOLE BUCKENHAM INTERN

College students tackle one tough exam after another, join extracurricular activities and some even balance a job all on top of that.

But when it comes to the dating world, it is a never ending roller coaster ride of confusion. We are often stuck in the awkward phase of no longer being an immature high school student where we do not yet know what we are looking for, but are not yet looking to settle down.

We do not want to be immature about being in a relationship, but at the same time we are in the most important and fun years of our lives, and being involved in a commitment with someone can be a little too scary sometimes. The most confusing thing about this situation is we never know where someone stands with relationships when we first meet them. We just assume everyone is stuck in this confusing in-between stage, and this is where things get complicated.

The term “hooking up� comes into play a lot while in college, and is quite frankly the root of this problem. First encounters with attractive strangers are not so innocent anymore. In elementary school, most of us thought of the opposite sex as carriers of cooties.

Then in middle school, we seemed to have dated almost everyone in our grade--considering asking someone out was as easy as passing a note back and forth to confirm it. In high school, things were a little more serious.

It was easy to meet someone through mutual friends or a class.

You were attracted to them, but wanted to see where things could go. You started off slowly so nothing would get ruined along the way.

In college, things move at a faster

NINERTIMES.COM

Photo by Nicole Buckenham

pace. When you first meet someone you are attracted to, you no longer have those innocent thoughts or shy feelings. You probably did not even meet them through such an innocent way. It is likely you met them at a party, or even through Tinder. Then once you meet them, things start to escalate.

This is where the term hooking up is used. Hooking up can mean different things to different people, but the bottom line is you do not wait to date someone to share that

special butterfly feeling, first kiss with them like in high school. This time, you go way past that. Once you have hooked up with this person, you do not know what comes next. It is a mystery, and because of this, we feel that everyone in college is going through a phase of not knowing what they want to do.

Sometimes after such an encounter, you never talk to that person again. You might see them in passing and give a little wave, or do nothing at all. Maybe this situation

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will gain you a new friend, or even a special kind of friend.

These options just mentioned are for the types of people who are still just trying to have fun and enjoy college as a free person. They do not want feelings for someone to stand in the way of their future career goals or opportunities to go out and have a good time.

After all, if you end up in a relationship with this person, you cannot have outings like this again.

If you are on the other end of the spectrum, maybe the two of you realized there is something worth trying here. Maybe you moved pretty fast, but there is some sort of spark you never expected and want to see where it could take the two of you. After a hook up, you will get their number, continue to see them afterwards and go tell all your friends about it.

However, with no one really knowing what direction hooking up with someone will take them, it just makes it confusing for both parties. Maybe both people want a relationship, but nothing is ever clarified because the intentions are not clear. With not knowing what the other person wants, it makes everything complicated. People hook up just to hook up, and do not think much of what comes next. If a relationship comes out of it, it is a shock to just about everyone.

This is the problem with relationships in college. The intentions of others are not clear.

Opportunities could be missed because feelings are not spoken.

Everything is done with such speed that the person you could possibly spend the rest of your life with just flashed before your eyes.

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Humans of UNC Charlotte VANESSA MARTINEZ STAFF WRITER

“I thought I’d be rich by now, like multi-millionaire rich. Every day that goes by I feel a little bit more discouraged. When I was 14, I thought I would be rich in my 20s, now it’s maybe I will be rich in my 30s. You know, it’s not even about being rich, but more about having the luxury of not letting money dictate your life.

Someone asked me the other day ‘Why are you 21 and a sophomore? You should be a senior.’ Well, I have been working full-time to afford school part-time. It’s like taking two steps forward and one step back. In a perfect world I would be part of a band— touring the globe and not having a worry in my mind about money. I like to think that someday it might actually happen.”

Paula Cuesta

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