Niner Times' Spring Fever 2014 by Niner Times

2014 FOOTBALL UPDATES

HOLI MOLI PREVIEW

SPRING FASHION TREND ALERT 1

SPRING FEVE R EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

Eden Creamer

COMMUNITY EDITOR:

Patrick Bogans

WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS:

ASST. CREATIVE DIRECTOR:

Bryan Archilla, Edward Averette, Sara Carson, Chris Crews, Claire Dodd, Amanda Duke, Jonathan Golian, Billy Lincourt, Michelle Liringis, Libby Weihsmann

Alyssa Fronk

MARKETING DIRECTOR:

CIRCULATION MANAGER:

MARKETING AND SALES:

Courtney Bartlett, Louis Bernasconi, Lexy Price, Nathan Propst, Dylan Robison

Emmanuel Loredo

Precious Sheff

CREATIVE DIRECTOR:

CIRCULATION TEAM:

Megan Van Emmerik

Student Union Loading Dock Team

Niner Media Adviser: Wayne Maikranz Marketing Adviser: Kelly Merges Business Manager: Laurie Cuddy Graphics & Production: Pete Hurdle Office Manager: Mark Haire

49er Football

April events calendar

Campus gallery exhibitions

Holi Moli

Hammocks on campus

Charlotte nightlife

Op-Ed: Drawbacks of early break

Op-Ed: The end of year burnout

Spring fashion

@Niner_Times

49er FOOTBALL Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football team gets ready for their second spring game with changes to coaches and player line-up LIBBY WEIHSMANN

Sports Editor

Photographed by

CHRIS CREWS

The Charlotte 49ers football team made their debut inside Jerry Richardson Stadium in a way that those there would never forget. In the first-ever football game, the 49ers dominated Campbell 52-7 and showed little to no first-year jitters. In the first year of football, Charlotte finished 5-6. Despite

the under .500 record, the 49ers had plenty to be proud of after it was all said and done. In the very first football game, Mark Hogan had a statement pick-six. In the fifth game, the 49ers recorded their first-ever FCS road win against Presbyterian by a score of 45-21. In the sixth game against Gardner-Webb,

Kalif Phillips during the Sept. 14, 2013 game against the NC Central Eagles.

the 49ers rallied back to upset the Runninâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bulldogs 53-51 to record their firstever FCS top 25 win. Now that all the firstever hype is gone and out the window, the 49ers have begun spring practice to gear up for the second year of college football at Charlotte. Fans can expect to see some changes on the turf come August, but the team will welcome back many returners. On the offensive side of the ball, the 49ers welcome back quarterback Matt Johnson who finished the season throwing for over 2,500 yards and 21 touchdowns. The redshirt sophomore threw for more than 300 yards in two games last season. In addition to welcoming back Johnson, sophomore

Kalif Phillips will be back for the 49ers. Phillips, who finished the season with 716 yards and 13 touchdowns, was the top stiff-arming

running back for the Charlotte team. Austin Duke, the top receiver for the 49ers, finished the season with 727

Austin Duke during the Oct. 5, 2013 game against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs.

yards and six touchdowns. The redshirt sophomore recorded a career-high 128 receiving yards in the game against UNC Pembroke. On the defensive side of the ball, Charlotte will see the most changes. The 49ers graduated Mark Hogan, a key linebacker for the team. Micah Bryan will not return to the field in 2014 after he was dismissed last season to tend to family issues. “We really want to kind of figure out who’s going to step up and be those playmakers other than guys we know. Who’s that going to be on defense, that’s what we’re looking for right now,” said Head Coach Brad Lambert. “We really want to continue to develop our depth and bring that along. Who’s going to progress in our offense, our defense, our special teams. Fundamentally, just get better and develop

“They [the offensive line] kind of lead our football team since day one and we expect them to continue to do that.”

Brad Lambert

our depth as we build our roster.” Though Hogan and Bryan, two key linebackers from last season, will not be returning, the 49ers do welcome back Desmond Cooper and Caleb Clayton-Molby. “The number one concern for us is D-line. In the spring, we’ve got three guys out. Larry Ogunjobi isn’t going to be full contact since he had shoulder surgery. Devon Johnson is still coming off of his Achilles tear, so he’s not full contact. Then we’ve got a guy like Devin Clegg who played for us some last year and he had shoulder surgery,” said Lambert regarding the lack of depth on defense. “We’ve got two new guys in and Nick Carroll, who we redshirted, and Josh Manley. That’s the one position that gets a little dicey depth wise. We’ll have to be careful with

how we practice and how much contact we do, making sure we take care of that group.” On the other hand, Lambert says the group with the most depth is the offensive line. “That group brings a huge level of intensity every day. They’ve kind of lead

our football team since day one and we expect them to continue to do that,” said Lambert on the importance of the offensive line returning. The 49ers have dismissed Martay Mattox for violating team rules. “He violated some team rules and we were at the point where we just had to make that decision. We dismissed him from the football team, so we’ll have to replace him,” said Lambert on the dismissal of Mattox. Alan Barnwell, Terry

Lee McNeil during the Sept. 14, 2013 game against the NC Central Eagles.

Caldwell and Kariym Gent have been suspended indefinitely for violating team rules. Though Lambert did not give details regarding the suspensions, Barnwell was arrested in the offseason for driving with a revoked license and drug paraphernalia.

The 49ers have made it known that redshirting players that had an impact on the field last season is a very possible option, though Lambert acknowledges that the decision won’t be made until August. “Typically, we don’t make redshirt decisions until

2014

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Saturday, April 5 Green and White Spring Game

Saturday, Oct. 4 Away vs. Gardner-Webb

Thursday, Aug. 28 Away vs. Campbell

Saturday, Oct. 11 Away vs. The Citadel

Saturday, Sept. 6 Home vs. Johnson C. Smith

Saturday, Oct. 25 Home vs. James Madison

Saturday, Sept. 13 Away vs. North Carolina Central

Saturday, Nov. 8 Home vs. Coastal Carolina

Saturday, Sept. 20 Away vs. Elon

Saturday, Nov. 15 Home vs. Wesley College

Saturday, Sept. 27 Home vs. Charleston Southern

Saturday, Nov. 22 Home vs. Morehead State

August,” said Lambert. “Once we figure out our depth situation what the incoming guys look like coming out of the spring, we’ll make that decision.” Five December signees have been able to get adjusted to the college life during the offseason. The 49ers welcomed freshman quarterback Brooks Barden, junior safety Branden Dozier, junior linebacker Nick Cook, redshirt sophomore defensive end Josh Manley and junior halfback Richard Murphy. The 49ers will play their annual Spring Game inside Jerry Richardson Stadium on April 5 at noon. Though most of the team will already be on campus for summer school, the 49ers will report to camp on July 29 with the first official day of practicing kicking off on July 30. The 49ers will open their season on the road at Campbell on Aug. 28 before opening up at home on Sept. 6 against cross-town Johnson C. Smith.

02 03 07 08 09 10 13 15

Sanskrit Literary-Arts Magazine reception, Union Union Unplugged with Kevin Mac NCAA Tournament Watch Party, Norm’s 2D/3D BFA Student Exhibitions reception, Rowe Micro-Reality NASCAR racing, SAC “Spring Awakening” production, Robinson Hall Capital Cities w/ Scavenger Hunt, Halton Arena Coffee House featuring Brenda Nicole Moorer

16 17 18 22 22 23 24 27

“Spring Awakening” production ends 49er Game Night, Norm’s Spring Weekend Graphic Design BFA Student Exhibition, Rowe The Exchange, performing in Rotunda CAB Show-Off Fashion Show, SAC Superwoman! with Lilly Singh, After Hours 49er Field Day, Front Fields

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center prepares to host ‘Postsecret: The Show’ this spring BRYAN ARCHILLA

Intern

Postsecret is an art project created by Frank Warren in which he receives confessions written anonymously in postcards from around the world and posts them to his project titled blog. “Postsecret: The Show” is a theatrical interpretation of some of the secrets sent to Warren and will be playing on the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center from April 22 to May 4. The show will include a presentation that brings the secrets to life on the stage, secrets shared by the audience and what Warren

describes as “experimental and immersive with surprises throughout the show.” The show attempts to break the line between the digital medium of his project and the stage that brings these secrets to life by breaking the conventional rules of the theater such as having the actors leave character and share secrets of their own throughout the performance. The project started 10 years ago when Warren decided to explore the deepest motivations and thoughts in people. Since then it has

grown from a blog post to a series of five books, art exhibits, plays, live talks with Warren and has inspired many songs. The source of the postcard is never revealed and what is left is a collection of the heaviest thoughts and feelings people carry. The secrets range from hilarious to heartbreaking and sometimes even inspire anger but they are honest and real. “Postsecret The Show” is not to be confused with “Postsecret Live! with Frank Warren,” which is a separate event that ran on March 19.

Spring welcomes eight art exhibitions to galleries on campus JONATHAN GOLIAN

Intern

Niners enjoy the gallery exhibition for the Sanskrit Liteary-Arts Magazine in the Student Union. Photo by Eden Creamer

UNC Charlotte constantly houses different art galleries from various student artists and their respective organizations. Using the gallery spaces in the Rowe Arts Building, the Storrs building and in the Student Union, students can visit the rotating galleries throughout the school year. Here is a schedule of galleries lined up for the rest of the spring semester: Appearing this month in the Student Union, which began March 12, is an exhibition of the artwork shown in the Sanskrit Literary-Arts Magazine. This will display the many pieces contributed to the book, including multiple photographs and paintings that bring life to the stories within its pages. On the final day of the exhibition, the annual magazine will be released to the public.

Upcoming afterwards is another Student Exhibit, showcasing artwork from those going for their BFA’s. This showcase will be opening on April 15 at 5 p.m. and will be open to the public through April 24. In the main gallery in Rowe, the current exhibit, The Re-Birth of the Queen, began Thursday, March 13. Many of the pieces that are currently going up feature Her Majesty in a variety of ways, showcasing our ideals on what she stands for and homage in general. The artist represented here is our Artist-In-Residence, Crystal Nelson. This exhibition will be open to the public through April 1. The following exhibition will be opening on April 8 at 5 p.m., showcasing student’s work in computer generated mediums, displaying their work on 2D/3D shapes and forms. This gallery showcase

will be open to the public through April 15. The gallery will open the student work from those earning their BFA’s in Graphic Design on April 22 at 5 p.m. This gallery showcase will be open to the public through April 29. May 3 begins the Exhibition titled “The Art of Student Teaching.” This gallery showcase will be open to the public through May 8. Storrs Galleries will be beginning their spring activities with the exhibition “Palladio Virtuel.” The opening for this showcase will be on March 10 at 5:30 p.m. and will be open to the public through April 25. Activities slated in Storrs during the month of April will be a Lecture from Architect Joshua PrinceRamus, starting on April 3 at 6 p.m., Room 110.

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HOLI MOLI

Annual university event celebrates the beginning of spring and pays tribute to Hindu tradition

SARA CARSON

Asst. News Editor On Thursday, April 10, UNC Charlotte students will come together for Holi Moli - the annual spring festival filled with color and fun. Sponsored by the Campus Activity Board (CAB) and hosted on the front fields of campus, the traditional Indian

festival symbolizes absolution. In addition to forgiving and forgetting, the color-launching festival also represents a general transition from the winter to spring seasons. The lighting of bonfires during this celebration also symbolizes the

burning of evils. “[Students will]

have a chance to mix and mingle with students of the traditions that they wouldn’t normally get to,” said Melody Lee, president of CAB. “There will be different kinds of people, because UNC Charlotte has so many international students, and different types of music ... it just

helps customs bleed throughout.” During the festival, individuals wear light-colored clothing and launch vibrant colors of paint to the sky as if throwing their regret and remorse into the air and letting the breeze take them (along with winter) far, far away. To help get people into the Holi spirit,

traditional Holi music is generally broadcast during the paint party. This year, CAB will also be playing mainstream top 40 hits.

In the past, 300 to 400 UNC Charlotte

students have shown up for the event. UNC Charlotte’s observance of Holi has attracted the attention of prominent Hindu stateman Rajan Zed. In Nevada (USA) today, Zed said the CAB event is a “step in the right direction” toward better universal understanding of religion.

The annual Holi Moli celebration on campus is held on the Front Fields and brings students together. FILE PHOTOS

Hanging on campus

CLAIRE DODD

News Editor

One week the temperature is in the 50s and the next week it’s in the 70s. Although North Carolina is inconveniently indecisive, those 70 degree days indicate that spring is in sight and hammocks are making their appearance on campus. Hammocks popular with those who like to hike or be outdoors are known as ENO hammocks, or Eagles Nest Outfitters. In fact, the acronym ENO doesn’t just stand for a noun anymore. It’s becoming popularly used as a verb as well. Sophomore Stevie Billman, who commonly hangs up her ENO on campus, picks the Botanical Gardens as her number one spot to “hang.” “It’s really peaceful to hear the running water of the pond [underneath the gazebo.] I like to ENO because it’s an escape from all of the pressures of my day; I can go outside and hang out with a good book and just relax for a while,” said Billman. Kelly Bacak, a junior elementary education major, is in love with the outdoors, which means wearing her Chacos any time she can, hanging up her ENO when the sun’s out or going on a weekend kayaking trip with Venture. “I love to ENO anywhere and everywhere I can. My favorite place on campus though

is in the woods behind Robinson Hall. I like to hang on the trees closest to the lake,” said Bacak. “There is nothing better than hanging up your ENO and just soaking up the sun. I promise you it will be the most peaceful you have ever been,” reports Bacak. According to junior Daniel Liao, who is studying athletic training, it’s not all about just being lazy and relaxing in your ENO. “The trick to ENO-ing is finding the perfect balance of being a lazy couch potato and a rugged outdoorsman/woman,” said Liao.

The campus Botanical Gardens are a great place to set up a hammock and relax. Photos courtesy of Stevie Billman

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Charlotte nightlife Uptown Charlotte’s EpiCentre has plenty of options for Niners looking to explore the nightlife scene MICHELLE LIRINGIS

Lifestyle Editor

Nightlife is an exciting part of any college experience. Luckily, Charlotte has numerous opportunities for students to let loose. The EpiCentre is the hub of Charlotte nightlife. There are a variety of clubs and restaurants there for you to enjoy. Clubs include Suite, Whisky River and Howl at the Moon. Suite is a nightclub and lounge with an upscale ambiance. They have an outdoor balcony in addition to the indoor dance floor and bar. From the balcony, there are great views of uptown Charlotte. Wednesdays are college nights so it is 18 and up, while weekends are 21 and up. Whisky River is another club in the EpiCentre. It is more of a southern place and has country music and live performances. They are open seven nights a week for your enjoyment. Howl at the Moon is a high-energy bar. They have specials on various nights of the week. On “You Sing it Tuesdays” you can sing with the band all night with no cover charge or stage fee. On Wednesdays, you can enjoy “Craft Beer Wednesdays” with $3.50 craft brews all night. On Thirsty Thursdays,

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The EpiCentre features nightlife options for all club preferences. (Clockwise from top) Suite, Whiskey River and Howl at the Moon. Photos courtesy of CarolinaNightlife.com

enjoy $3 shot specials and $2 16-ounce select beer. On Fridays, they feature “Happy Hour Fridays,” where there is a complimentary buffet with drink specials. There are also a variety of restaurants at the EpiCentre to delight any craving. There are more relaxed restaurants such as Firehouse Subs, Five Guys or Wild Wing Café. If you are in the mood for something more upscale, you can try out Fleming’s Steakhouse or Blackfinn. If you want to try something a little different, there is Enso Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar. They have exotic dishes and an elegant restaurant and lounge feel. No matter what you are interested in, the EpiCentre is the place to be in Charlotte.

EDWARD AVERETTE

Staff Writer

The memories of spring break have already started to fade into the distant horizon. For some, the break was filled with exploits and adventures they will never forget, for others it was filled with unspectacular experiences. One thing is for sure, though: UNC Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s break occurred too early, March 2 through 9, and the following six reasons explain why.

Managing stress to prevent the “end of year burnout” BILLY LINCOURT

Staff Writer

As the end of the semester draws near, we students find ourselves increasingly burdened by an ever-growing workload. With group projects, tests and presentations all piling up, it is easy to get overwhelmed. This overwhelmed feeling is called “burnout” because, fittingly, you feel like you’ve burned through all of your energy. The main causes of burnout are stress and lack of energy. Luckily, there are tips to reduce stress and avoid the sluggish, burned out feeling. I personally use all of the following strategies, and I hope that you find them useful as the semester continues. One of the simplest strategies is planning out your days and weeks in advance so that you are not waiting until the last moment to finish a paper or study for a test. Burning the midnight oil is sometimes necessary, but don’t make a habit of it. Be sure to include some time to relax and have a bit of fun when planning your week; this reduces stress, thus reducing burnout. Now let’s talk about diet. Junk food is the norm for most of us, but a good, healthy meal is beneficial for morale as well. Eating less processed foods makes you feel much better and more energized. This increased energy will, in turn, increase motivation. Sleep is another factor in avoiding burnout. Being well rested means your mind is in tip-top shape. Eight hours of sleep is typically recommended as it gives you plenty of time

to let your mind and body recharge after a full day. Now that spring is here and the weather is improving, there are even more opportunities to prevent burnout. Something as simple as going for a walk around campus or through a local park can do wonders for relaxation. In fact, regular exercise is a great way to reduce stress, so if you are feeling like you want to rip your hair out after a hard study session, hit the gym and rid yourself of stressful buildup before it burns you. Another benefit of the spring weather is you no longer have to stay cooped up in the library or your room studying, reading over notes and your textbooks. If you’re tired of fluorescent lighting, pack up your books and set yourself up at a picnic table outside. The fresh air can make studying a bit less stressful, and you can work on your tan at the same time. There are even some UNC Charlotte events that can help you blow off steam. With baseball season picking up, you have a great opportunity to go out and cheer on your fellow 49ers. You will be amazed at how much group events can help with stress and burnout. In addition, the Counseling Center and the Center for Academic Excellence offer workshops and groups to help you through the semester, as well as individual solutions. Hopefully, you found these tips helpful. Just remember as we go into the home stretch of the school year: Control your stress before it controls you.

AMANDA DUKE

Asst. Lifestyle Editor

Spring fashions to make you feverish

Spring is here and the warm weather is just around the corner so that means it is time for fun spring time outfits. Everything from floral tops to sporty dresses this is the best time of year to express yourself through your outfits.

Springtime is perfect for sun dresses and shorts to show off your style. Clear your closet of all your winter clothes and make way for some new spring outfits. Here are some ideas of things to buy after you clean out your closet.

Sandals

Show off your pedicure with a new pair of sandals. Sandals are perfect to wear with jeans, dresses, shorts and skirts. Invest in a pair that will stand out, such as a pair with sparkles or flowers.

Fun sunglasses Forget your typical black or brown sunglasses and stand out with fun colors like pink or green. Even try different shaped lenses, such as hearts or circles, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re down to try it.

Flirty skirts With the warm weather coming, it is time to break out the fun skirts that have been hiding in your closet. Wear them with booties or sandals for the perfect spring look.

White jeans

White jeans add the perfect amount of spring to any outfit and it matches with everything. You can wear white jeans to the beach or to a bonfire with anything from a floral shirt to a light sweater.

Photos by Michelle Liringis