OFF TO A NEW START by Talon

TALON ISSUE 95 / FALL / 2018

OFF TO A NEW START

INSIDE: FEATURE

INTERNATIONAL

SPORTS

TOBACCO CHANGE

US CUSTOMS IN SAUDI ARABIA

FROM A PLAYER TO A COACH

PAGE 6

PAGE 26

PAGE 44

INSIDE

LIFESTYLE

INTERNATIONAL

P 26 US CUSTOMS IN SAUDI ARABIA | P 28 BACK TO THE BOOKS | P 30 SAUDI ARAMCO | P 32 YOUTH SAFETY

SPORTS P 36 NEW YEAR, NEW EAGLE | P 39 NEW INITIATIVES ON CAMPUS| P 40 RUSSIA 2018 | P 42 NEW YEAR, NEW CONFERENCE | P 44 FROM A PLAYER TO A COACH

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CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR IN-CHIEF SAVANNAH PARRIS MANAGING EDITOR KYLEIGH ZOLTEK SPORTS EDITOR SARAI JORGENSON INTERNATIONAL EDITOR HESHAM ALBADR DESIGN EDITORS HESHAM ALBADR EMME MOOREHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHERS MARLON JONES TALAL ALASSEERI ADVISOR DR. J ANTHONY SNORGRASS

TALON TEAM HESHAM ALBADR EMME MOOREHOUSE SARAI JORGENSON KYLEIGH ZOLTEK CODY STURGILL BRELANDE EDMOND JOSHUA DYSON SAUD ALOTAIBI MUSAAD BINKHUZAYYIM BRANDON PHILLIPS MEGAN DUFFY DANIA GOMEZ FARID ALUTAIBI THOMAS BLOOD

INSTRUCTOR CODY TAPP

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ON THE COVER & BACK: Photo By Talal Alasseeri ISSUE 95 |

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FROM THE EDITOR Brand new issue, brand new team. In this issue you are going to see stories from several new writers along with a whole new editing team. The team as a whole works perfectly together even though we haven’t known each other very long. Being the first issue, there was some set backs but we came out on top. I’m proud of all the writers and how much effort and time they’ve put into their work. This issue was about new beginnings and getting back into the groove of school. You’ll hear about things going on in the world, sports, campus renovations, and Avila’s first ever fight song! I hope you enjoy reading our first issue for this year.

Sincerely, Savannah Parris Editor-in-Chief

EDITORIAL POLICY The Talon News Magazine is produced by students of Avila University. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Talon News Staff, the Trustees, administration, faculty, or staff of the University. The Talon News Magazine encourages letters to the editor. These may be submitted electronically or in writing and should include the writer’s name, address, and telephone numbers for verification purposes. Letters can be mailed to the Talon News Magazine Editor, Avila University, 11901 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. The Talon reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space, clarity, or inappropriate language. Copies of the Talon News Network Operational Guidelines may be requested by writing to the above referenced address.

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TOBACCO CHANGE

Is Change Coming to Kansas City’s Tobacco Law? Cody Sturgill The Tobacco 21|KC effort is being launched by Healthy KC to encourage cities in the Kansas City metropolitan area to increase the minimum age to purchase any tobacco or tobacco related product from 18 to 21. This movement began last October and has taken flight and has spread faster than people thought. As of recent, 15 Metro area cities have passed the ordinance. This all started two years ago when city officials, representatives from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, implementers, and endorsers met to discuss how to make Kansas City different but better. They talked with public health experts and came to the conclusion to make Kansas City healthier by raising the age to sell tobacco and tobacco related products. They believe that by raising the age, that they will cut down the number of youth smokers and that this will lower the number of future smokers. “Ninety-five percent of adult smokers start before the age of 21,” said John Schachter in ‘Tobacco 21 rules spread quickly, reaching majority of KC metro area’ by Ruth Serven, spokesman in Washington D.C. the campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “And 90 percent start when they’re 18 or younger.”

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Photo by Sullivan Parris

Tobacco 21|KC is hoping and foreseeing that with the age minimum being raised to 21 that it will dramatically reduce the use of tobacco in our youth. Most smokers start when they are 18 or younger, and this is why this movement was brought about. They believe that if they stop youth from even starting, that this will dramatically lower the number of smokers in the future. They believe that this campaign will work. And the proof is from Needham, MA, who did a similar campaign. Within 5 years the number of youth smokers went from 13% to 6.7%, tripling the rate of what other counties had. So needless to say that this campaign, if done correctly, will lower the number of youth smokers and will help make Kansas City a healthier place! For more information about the facts and the in-depth details of the campaign, visit www.wearehealthykc.com. ISSUE87 95|| ISSUE

HETEROSEXUAL HATE Big Brother Star Receives Backlash Brelande Edmond Sexuality, gender, and preference are very sensitive subjects to speak on nowadays. It’s to the point where if someone was to say the acronym ‘LGBTQ’ something positive would have to be said after or they will be attacked for expressing that opinion, which is not a bad thing. Anybody who believes in or stands for something would defend it if anyone was to go against it. But with this topic it’s different. It’s almost as if it’s a crime to have an opinion about this group of individual unless it’s positive. Take the situation of R&B singer Ginuwine on Big Brother U.K. where on live T.V. he stated that he would not date a trans woman, a man who changed their sex to female, and he did this in a respectful way. He did not bash transgender people, nor did he say it was wrong, he just stated that he himself would not feel comfortable in a relationship with a transgender. But he didn’t make this statement in a room of like minded individuals, he said it in the presence of a transgender woman who happened to be on the show. After making this bold statement the trans woman by the name of India went in for a kiss where Ginuwine rejected it. This caused mad controversy and backlash towards Ginuwine labeling him as a transphobic homophobe. My question is, why does he have to get all the hate?

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Not saying that India deserves any, but why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t his opinion and sexuality be respected the same way he stated earlier in the interview that people of whatever sexuality they are can be them. The moment someone states that they are straight or would not date someone transgender they are labeled as the enemy. The point of the matter is, no matter the personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gender or how they identify themselves, we all need to reach a level of respect for each other and understand our positions, respecting our boundaries as well.

Photo from: www.womenintheworld.com

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Allegations Against Kevin Spacey Ruins New Movie Sarai Jorgenson

Kevin Spacey used to be a beloved actor starring in many movies and even popular Netflix series House of Cards u ntil multiple sexual assault accusations came against him in late October. He then became hugely hated and was fired from House of Cards and was replaced in the movie All the Money in the World. Billionaire Boys Clubwas released the weekend of August 17 and people were not too pleased to know he was in the movie, even as having a small role. The box office for the first day received a whopping $126 and $618 for the whole weekend. Hollywood Reporter states that Vertical Entertainment, the distributor of the film, wanted people to know that Spacey’s allegations were unknown when the movie was made two and a half years ago. They explain further saying he only has a small, supporting role, and he alone should not affect the film negatively when the rest of the cast and crew put so much work into the film.

USA Today has a complete list of the people who have accused Kevin Spacey of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and attempted rape. The first accusation came from Anthony Rapp, an actor in Star Trek: Discovery, on October 29. Rapp was 14 at the time when the incident happened in 1986. Sincethen, many other men, who were in their teens at the times Spacey made sexual advances, have come forward with accusations against him. If you are harmed in any way and need help or need to talk to someone, there are many options to help you, including MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault): 816-5310233, Avila Campus Safety: 816985-6079, Counseling Services: 816-501-3767, or 911. If you need other resources, you can find them on the Avila Website under “Eagles Aware and Title IX.”

BILLONAIRE BOYS CLUB

Photo by Sarai Jorgenson ISSUE 87 |

AU CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Changes At Avila University Thomas Blood

As most know Avila University is 100 years old which makes it a pretty old school. In this day there have been renovations throughout the school whether it would be adding to the school or even fixing up some old roads or even buildings. A renovation that has been added to Avila this past year has been some more lights on campus and even some cameras in the dorm halls to prevent anything that happens inside the dorms. Another renovation is the parking lot near Dallavis Center and Thompson Hall. Another part of the master plan is the Honeywell Webbs Direct Digital Control in 6 of the major buildings at Avila University. The use of these is for more savings in energy usage throughout the year when it comes to everything going on at Avila University events wise. Most renovations are getting made with some great success in the process.

Photo From Jessica Albina

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As the year will progress especially for the 2018-2019 Fall and the 2019-2020 Spring the renovations will not only be more noticeable but also the conditions of this older university will thrive and will also make the campus in all look a lot better especially in years to come. In time Avila Students and Staff will have more renovations to help the school and will also possibly help enrollment at Avila like it has been since 2012. More is to come for this school and the improvements will be greatly appreciated.

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WELCOME TO AVILA

Avila Welcomes Incoming Students

Sarai Jorgenson Starting college or starting at a new one can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. For freshmen, leaving high school and entering the world of ‘adulting’ can be difficult and daunting. For transfers, leaving one college for another can be overwhelming. But, Avila is a great school with so many resources to help new students so that they don’t dread going to school. Avila is excited for the new classes. I was able to interview some freshmen, Kanon Nakamura, Maddie Malone, and transfer student, Darline Henrius, to see how they feel about the school so far. When asked about why they came to Avila, Nakamura said she wanted to learn more about theater, since it’s her major, and that Japanese culture doesn’t have a theater major. Malone stated that she came on a softball scholarship and is majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology. Henrius said she needed to get her grades together from her previous school (Missouri Valley College), and that Avila was affordable and close to home. She is studying communications. First impressions of the campus were the same as mine when I first visited the campus a couple years ago; it’s small but it’s comfortable. Henrius said, “These people are so nice it’s creepy.” She thought it was a one-time thing, but no, the people at Avila were consistently helpful and nice every time she visited.

Photo by Sarai Jorgenson

Photo From Lexi Yanez

Photo by Sarai Jorgenson I asked them if they had any goals for the semester, and Malone said, “I want to do well in school, get a 4.0...and I want to get a good group of friends,” and Nakamura stated, “my goals are to improve my English...and to participate more in academic classes, and make more friends. ” Henrius’ answer was a mix of both of their goals, “I want to get good grades, stay out of trouble, and meet new and different people.” She explained that she’s only here for a semester (for now) and she wants to make the best out of it. All three are looking forward to events on campus. Some include, international events, football games, breaks, joining more clubs like BSU (Black Student Union), and just being more involved. This is my second year at Avila and I really enjoy it here and I hope Kanon, Maddie, Darline and every other freshmen and transfer student enjoy it, too. Welcome to Avila! ISSUE 95 |

EXTRA MEASURES P A rotecting

vila

Emme Moorehouse

With the plague of multiple shootings in the Kansas City area, Avila is going to take extra measures to make sure students are safe and prepared for anything. Within the past week in Kansas City they have started cutting down on party goers and now have implemented metal detectors and a list of items not allowed on the streets during night hours. With all these aspects intertwined with the area, a meeting was held on August 24th, 2018 with staff discussing on how to undergo protocol if there was ever an instance involving an active shooter at Avila.

Photo From Jessica Albina

Photo by Emme Moorehouse

On the campus safety website there are instructions on how to go about handling a hostile intruder, such as streaming from calling 911, securing and locking doors, fleeing if able to, and not approaching the intruder. These crucial elements could keep students safe during such a extreme environment. Austen Cummins stated, “for the most part I know what I’d do if there was an active shooter on campus. I spend most of my time in Dallavis and there are exit doors in the labs.” Knowing current surroundings is another way of protecting oneself from any harm.

Photo by Emme Moorehouse

Chris Roberts, the head of Campus Safety stated, “The Kansas Police Department is urging people to flee the scene and not stay in the same spot. If anyway possible to get out of the harmful area and to find a safe place. If you can’t get away, hide and fortify the area.” This breaks the traditional standard students once knew while practicing drills in high school. The mindset of staying and locking the doors is not the steps Avila is taking to protect their students from harm anymore. Chris also stated, “hopefully everybody is aware and this is a reminder. It’s been two years since the police department has been here. I also hope that this meeting gave teachers, students, and

all faculty a peace of mind.” After all is said and done, as a student here, there is no safer place one could be. A peace of mind is definitely an aspect one could receive after seeing all the effort that is put forth to protect Avila students and staff. Avila is equipped with new bolt locks, security cameras, and campus safety galore. The new protocol set by the Kansas City Police Department and Avila campus safety will have a positive effect on students now and in the future. Hopefully, students will see a different viewpoint and break away from the traditional model of staying in the same spot if there was ever an active shooter.

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COMMUTER CAMPUS ACTIVITIES Where Are The Campus Activities For Commuters? Kyleigh Zoltek

Living the life of a commuting college student can be difficult, even stressful. Waking up every morning, driving to that 8am class, fighting traffic, and finally arriving on campus after searching 10 minutes for a parking spot…the commuting life can be hard! Sometimes, we just need a chance to relax and have fun on campus – it’s not all about going to class, is it? Why not try going to some on-campus events? Many of the on-campus events for students seem to be late in the evening. At times, they creep about during the early evening hours, when commuters are at home studying or perhaps even at work. It’s easier to go to such events if a student lived in the dorms – it’s just a walk back to their room. For commuters, it’s a 20, maybe even 30-45-minute drive to and from campus, only to participate in an event for an hour or more/less. Where are the events geared toward commuter students? There are a few that start early in the day/afternoon on campus, yet some of them seem to be food-related (but who doesn’t like free food?). Many of the interesting, fun events seem to start later in the evening, by contrast. However, commuters could opt to start events of their own; for example, a small club geared toward commuters could be created. Fun events for commuters, such as a small ice cream social, could be started earlier in the day. There are possibilities! Though events that have commuters in mind seem to be few and far between, there are some alternatives. Joining clubs, creating events of your own…the possibilities aren’t entirely limited as to what you can do as a commuter. And, if you’re up to it, drive to the later events on campus – but remember to consider your other event options as well!

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Photo by: Hesham Albadr

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BE PURPLE, LIVE GREEN Avila Starts Recyling Program Brandon Phillips The recycling initiative starting on campus is called: Be Purple, Live Green. The purpose of this program is to change the culture of Avila towards living sustainable. Last year they started with some recycling bins in buildings and recycling and composting in the cafeteria. This year they are progressing forward with the recycling initiative by allowing residents in Wylie and Thompson halls to check out a recycling bin for their room. These efforts help the Avila community make caring for the Earth a part of their everyday expectation while on campus and then carrying on with them after students graduate and move on in their lives. This idea for our campus to combat climate change started when the social justice ministry hosted a showing of the Leonardo DiCaprio documentary “Before the Flood” in 2016. Afterwards students in ministry accumulated over 100 signatures requesting a formal way

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for our campus to live sustainably. Alexis Delgado explains, “It has taken some time to really get everything going but this year will be a big jump for our campus towards this effort. It hasn’t been too difficult because we have had a lot of support from Dr. Slepitza and the Avila community.” The justice ministry as a whole and their ministry leaders have been working on this project for many years. Alexis states, “I am the justice ministry leader this year and this move towards caring for our common home is a passion of mine so I have taken on the student leadership role for Be Purple, Live Green. I have had a lot of support from the other members of ministry, and our ministry leaders, Julie Cowley and Dave Armstrong.” This initiative has brought a positive change to the campus changing the way people carry out everyday life at Avila.

Alexis gives examples of this stating, “I think the students and faculty will respond well. So far many of my friends and professors have talked to me about the initiative with an optimistic outlook. People on our campus and community have expressed their interest for making a difference to care for the Earth and this program is the outlet for the opportunity to do so.” The way for Avila to keep maintaining this attitude and making it a tradition on campus is pretty simple: people have to care about each other and the Earth and show that through their actions. Alexis explains personal beliefs stating, “From my experience as a student, people on our campus do care about the Earth and those around them. Now we all have the resources to take action together.” What’s next for Alexis? Well, she will continue to be the justice ministry leader. Providing awareness and training on other social justice issues this semester for human trafficking, migration, and of course, climate change. She goes on saying, “I’m really just going to focus on providing resources for students to live sustainable in college and be the person to talk to if anyone wants to understand more what living sustainably means, why it’s important and what climate change is.” And ends with “At the end of the day we share the Earth with such a huge amount of people it’s hard to grasp the concept of what was do impacts billions of people. But it’s easier to understand it if you think of it as a living area you share with people you care about such as family or roommates. It’s respectful to keep the common space clean so everyone can enjoy it and that’s what the Earth is just on a larger scale.”

PHOTO BY: Brandon Phillips

Photo From Jessica Albina ISSUE 87 |

CHILDREN

A Jail for Children Dania Gomez

“One Day I’ll promise we’ll be together again.” Many come to the United States in search of a better life and a brighter future trying to keep promises they may never fulfill. Sacrificing everything they have ever known, without knowing what truly lies on the other side of the border. False hopes, broken dreams, and families torn apart. They only see what is portrayed through the movies. Wealth, fame and overall happiness. But what really happens as soon as one packs up and begins the long journey that awaits them through the desert or wherever it is they are coming from? What happens if they do not make it to their destiny or get caught in the process? Recently Trumps Zero-Tolerance policy has been brought up into daylight, it is inhumane and immoral. This policy comes into full affect as soon as a family is caught attempting to cross the border or while seeking asylum. When caught the adults are charged with a federal misdemeanor, they are sent to a detention center waiting for trial. Meanwhile the children are then sent into what they call a shelter, but in all honestly, they are nothing more than incarcerated spaces for children. | ISSUE 87

PRISONERS

These spaces are filled with children crying for their parents and their loved ones. A young teen fleeing violence in Guatemala shares, â&#x20AC;&#x153;there is no telling whether it is night or day, there are no windows and no clocks.â&#x20AC;? The children are only given an aluminum sheet to keep warm during the cold nights away from their parents. The children are bombarded with insults as they are told their parents will no longer be with them and that they are all alone. It is inhumane to treat anyone this way, let alone a child. Their water is contaminated with chlorine by the heartless people who work there, so even if they get thirsty there is no way of drinking it because of the repercussion it might have. The Zero Tolerance policy put on by the Trump administration is not only seeking to separate lives, but to end them. No one deserves to be treated this way no matter where you come from or what part of 87 | the world you live in at the end of the day we are allISSUE humans.

ISSUE 95 / FALL / 2018

INTERNATIONAL SECTION

INSIDE: FEATURE

FEATURE

US CUSTOMS IN SAUDI ARABIA

BACK TO THE BOOKS

YOUTH SAFETY

PAGE 26

PAGE 28

PAGE 32

Contents

BRING ING THE WORLD TO AVILA AND AVILA TO THE WORLD

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

USA CUSTOMS IN SAUDI ARABIA MAKING IT EASIER TO GET THROUGH CUSTOMS ARABIC TRANSLATION BACK TO THE BOOKS DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE YOUR BOOKS ON TIME? ARABIC TRANSLATION SAUDI ARAMCO SAUDI ARAMCO PUBLIC LISTING ARABIC TRANSLATION YOUTH SAFETY HAS YOUTH SOCCER GONE TOO FAR? ARABIC TRANSLATION

ON THE COVER: www.alpenews.al LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WELCOME BACK! It’s a new year and a new beginning. This is my second year as an international editor for the Talon, I’m really excited for another amazing experence. I’m really looking forward for more good tories from round the world! Sincerely, Hesham Albadr, International Editor ISSUE 95 |

US CUSTOMS IN SAUDI ARABIA Making it Easier to Get Through Customs Saud Alotaibi

Passengers from Saudi Arabia can now get Visa pre-clearance from the Riyadh and Jeddah airports. A US customs and Border protection facility main work is to verify documents of people traveling to the US, meaning that upon arrival they do not have to undergo clearance when they land into the US and upon arrival will be treated as a domestic passenger. These facilities are not many and it will really help people travelling to the US from the Saudi Arabia region. The intention of these stations is to stop people with ill intentions for example terrorists from boarding flights. This will increase protection in the flight and will increase faith in the air transport putting into account previous terrorist attacks involving air travel. The second advantage of this facility will be reducing congestion in custom stations in the US upon arrival. This arrangement will only clear passengers and no cargo or commercial goods. The passenger must have a ticket to enter into the preclearance area. This will sieve off all jokers. The good thing about these preclearance stations outside of the US, only passengers from Saudi Arabia may be processed. This will reduce the load on the Customs officer and reduce the waiting time to be cleared for the passengers. In the US the Custom clearance stations will be looking at passengers from all the countries. Arriving as a domestic passenger is another plus that establishment of these Custom stations will provide. Domestic passengers do not undergo certain checks in airports unlike foreign passengers. All in all these facilities will increase the convenience and ease of travel from Saudi Arabia to the US as well as maintain good security and close loopholes that may facilitate insecurity.

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BACK TO THE BOOKS Do You Want To Receive Your Book On Time? Saud Alotaibi

In the beginning of each semester some students have issues with their books. Sometimes it is a delay from the bookstore and sometimes it is the student who registers late. Some professors say, ‘’The only problem they have had with the books and the students is for students who enroll late into the class and sometimes it is not the bookstore’s fault.” On the other hand, some students stay on the waitlist for a class until one or two days before the class starts. One of the professors came up with the idea that it could help “If we could get some extra books, maybe one or two for each class that will be in the library the students could use not to check out.” It Is not anybody’s fault, it is part of the system if the bookstore has time before the classes start they will have it on time. Stacey Horn,

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who works at the bookstore said, “Usually the books are delayed because either the teacher has not got it on time or the students register later than when they originally ship the books out.” When the students register for classes your name goes to IT and they send your name with the books that you need to the book company. That could take 3 to 5 days, so if you register for class on Friday and that class start on Monday, there is no way you’re going to have that book on Monday. Sometimes students register on time, but it has still been delayed. The reason could be the company doesn’t have enough copies, or it could be a glitch in the system where that class didn’t drop in the registration office and show that you register for that class.

Photo From Yessica Ramirez

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SAUDI ARAMCO

Saudi Aramco Public Listing Ibrahim Almutawa Saudi Aramco is Saudi Arabia’s biggest energy company and it produces 10% of the World’s oil. The revenue raised from the company fund the country as a whole. The company was valued at around $2 – $2.5 trillion, and was bound to sell its initial public offer in 2018. By selling its IPO, the company would become the world’s most valued listed company, and raise at least $100 billion for the Saudi State, and also funnel millions of dollars into Wall Street banks in terms of fees. However, after consideration, many global investors have become skeptical of the benefits they can gain from the IPO. This has been as a result of the overambitious valuation and timetable by the company. As a matter of fact, the valuation of the company has been unstable due to various factors. To begin with, the United States through President Donald Trump, is more concerned about maintaining the price of gasoline than the fact that

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the company will be trading in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In addition, midterm elections for the Republicans have made President Trump to pressure Saudi Arabia to pump more oil and crude into the United States at lower prices. Lower prices of oil ultimately result to lower valuation of the company. In addition, a majority of Saudi officials are opposed to the idea of making the company public. Many argue that listing the company in the NYSE could expose Saudi Arabia to lawsuits considering that the company’s finances are not transparent, and would need to be made so if the company was to go public. Moreover, the structure of the listing is still a complex issue. Initially, the plan was to trade the company both locally and in one major foreign stock exchange. However, this structure has had to be revisited and is still in discussion. Some officials have stated that the company might actually never go public.

Photo From: http://www.saudiprojects.net

YOUTH SAFETY

Has Youth Soccer Gone Too Far? Farid Alutaibi Soccer is a sport that people from around the world love. Both boys and girls play soccer and many develop this into a lifelong passion for the sport. Parents are happy about it because their kids are not getting tackled on football fields so soccer is a good alternative for parents who are concerned about their kids getting hurt. But American youth soccer and, in particular, the kind played outside of school, on competitive private “club” teams at the highest level has also come under criticism. The problem, of course, is not with the sport itself, but with the highly demanding nature of the top tier of play. For one, the risk of injury is high, due in part to many kids’ decision to focus intensely on one particular sport. This can lead to an increase in overuse injuries, overtraining, and burnout. Research has found that emergency-room visits have increased dramatically among children aged 7 to 17 in the past years and these injuries are related to sports. There have been some efforts at protecting kids as there is a safety and injury-prevention platform

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called Recognize to Recover that instituted a rule disallowing children 10 and under to head the ball. There have been movements toward stepping up coaching education and being deeply committed to creating a culture of safety for all players. Intense youth travel teams can also send unhealthy messages, to kids and adults alike, about a family’s priorities. Club soccer can require huge commitments on the part of adults driving regularly to and from distant games, giving over weekends to a soccer game, and dividing up the family to take different kids at separate venues. One of the main jobs of parents is modeling for children what adulthood should look like. Youth sports teams that require parents to devote huge amounts of time and income signal to children that grown-ups are an afterthought, and that being a parent means being a chauffeur to their kids lives. Overall, soccer is a huge sport that attracts fans of all ages. It is very important that we protect our youth and every fan out there.

Photo From Talal Alaseeri

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ISSUE 95 / FALL / 2018

SPORTS SECTION

INSIDE: FEATURE

FEATURE

NEW YEAR, NEW EAGLE

RUSSIA 2018

FROM A PLAYER TO A COACH

PAGE 36

PAGE 40

PAGE 44

Contents

CAPTURING THE LIVES AND INTERESTS OF AVILA’S STUDENT ATHLETES

NEW YEAR NEW EAGLE A FRESH START

NEW INITIATIVES ON CAMPUS AVILA’S FIGHT SONG

RUSSIA 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP 2018

NEW YEAR, NEW CONFERANCE AILA’S FIRST YEAR IN THE KCAC

FROM A PLAYER TO A COACH AVILA GRADUATE TAKES LEAD TO COACH OUR TEAM

ON THE COVER: Photo From Talal Alaseeri LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I’m very excited to be the Talon’s new sports editor! It’s an opportunity I didn’t see coming, but I’m glad it happened. This issue in sports is full of new things: coaches, a new conference, a new fight song. I’m looking forward too see all of our fall sports win big and I’m looking forward to what’s to come in later issues!

Sarai Jorgenson, Sports Editor ISSUE 95 |

NEW YEAR, NEW EAGLE A Fresh Start Joshua Dyson With the start of a new school year comes a lot of new things. This fall Avila welcomed two new athletic trainers to the staff. Brad Hensley takes over as the head athletic trainer and Jason Pendergraph is a first-year graduate assistant. I had the chance to meet up with some of the new members of the training staff and they feel they bring youth and energy to the table. As quoted by second year graduate assistant Rachel Jones, “things are more organized.” Jones also mentioned a new energy. There is a new eagle flying around for sure as the football team had its hottest start in four years. A quote from captain and defensive leader Jamad Thomas, “the team has been working since day one of camp to form a brotherhood and [to] do everything we can to get better, and just win.” Even with a rough start, the volleyball team is not fazed. They’re young but have a good core of upperclassmen to help guide them. “The talent and hard work is there [if ] everyone is willing to put in the extra rep,” stated Paige Reckers. Rackers and Amara Meeks, both upperclassmen, mentioned that this is the closest team they have been on. “Even though there were some tough losses the first few games of the season, the team was able to build from the losses leading to their first win of this season. Though it’s still early in the season the team connection and level of play continues to increase after each match, making this a year of opportunity for the women’s soccer program,” stated upperclassmen Sammie Earley.

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Photo From Talal Alaseeri

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NEW INITIATIVES ON CAMPUS Avila’s Fight Song Brandon Phillips

Dance coach Cindy Freeman, has been asking the school for a fight song for 18 years now. After constantly getting turned down it took a certain competition to turn the tide to her favour. That being the UDA/UCA cheer and dance national competition. Now this competition has a certain competition within it called the “game day” competition. The only way Avila could compete in this competition is if they had a fight song. According to Avila dancer Emma Davis, “Cindy and the cheer coach Malissa Shipman were the two spearheads in get-

ting the school to agree to make a fight song.” The music director of the school made up the song based off the sounds of other schools, claimed they wanted the song to sound older rather than modern like all of the other schools. Davis states, “I think once people hear the lyrics to the fight song, it’ll be an awesome school tradition.” The fight song is a start to a new beginning here at Avila University, along with the new conference hopefully making the students feel more attached to Avila and bring more school spirit to all sports activities.

LYRICS

“Fly eagles fly, let’s go!” “Purple, gold and white, let’s fight!” “Bring out your spirit within, Avila Eagles, Go Fight Win!”

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RUSSIA 2018 FIFA World Cup 2018 Ibrahim Almutawa The FIFA World Cup was held in Russia for a month from June 14, 2018 to July 15, 2018. The FIFA World Cup is the world’s biggest sporting event. In 2018, Russia spent just over $14 billion in readiness for the event. This money included the costs for stadiums, infrastructure, and accommodation. This has made the 2018 World Cup the most expensive event of its kind ever held. Officially, the entire event was expected to cost around $11 billion. However, The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, felt that more investment into infrastructure would be important, or at least it would help to develop the nation’s economy even after the event was over. Nonetheless, a few months after the event ended, the economic boost that was expected has not yet been achieved. The event effectively allowed Russia to experience a major boost in the month during the event, however, a study conducted by Moody’s Investor Service (Elyatt, 2018) indicated that the number of

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investments that can be associated with the World Cup only amount to around 1% of the total investments. As a result, not much long-lasting economic boost should be expected from the World Cup. The World Cup was held in 11 major cities, which saw all the 11 cities get improvements in transport and utility infrastructure. This means that the cities will at least gain more tax revenue from such infrastructure, and reduce any future capital spending. However, the fact that resources had to be redirected to these cities, other places in the country were left unattended and thus, while the economy of the 11 cities in which the events were held might see some improvement, the other areas’ economy might eventually drop and drag the entire economy of the country down as well. Consequently, all the revenue spent on stadiums might actually be wasted if the stadiums are not used more frequently for events.

Photo From Talal Alaseeri

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NEW YEAR, NEW CONFERENCE Avilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Year in the KCAC Megan Duffy 2018 is a year of change, as all Avila sports teams move from the Heart of America Athletic Conference, to the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC). The KCAC was founded in 1890, making it the oldest conference in the NAIA, and the second oldest in the United States. There are thirteen full members of the KCAC, and seven affiliate members. The switch was announced last year and was said it would be a better fit for the school. It has been a year to start over, especially for the football team. The past few seasons have not gone the way that the players and fans would have liked, so moving to the KCAC was a way to start fresh and start the season off with confidence. The football team also has a brand-new head coach, Marc Benavidez. A fresh start was proved effective as the Avila football team won the home and conference opener versus Sterling College by a score of 38-34. The KCAC will bring brand new competition to all teams and will be a new experience for both players and fans.

Photo From Talal Alaseeri

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Photo from www.kcacsports.com

Avila athletic director Cristina Cowan said, “The process began over 3 years ago” when asked about when Avila made the decision to change conferences. It was said that a lot of research went into trying figure out all the data, with scholarships and travel to make sure the KCAC was a good fit. Avila was approved in June of 2017 to enter the KCAC in the 2018-2019 school year. When asked if the change in conference was intended for new beginnings and a fresh start, Cowan said, “It [a fresh start] comes from the excitement and momentum that our coaches have been able to instill in each of their teams.” It is a fresh start indeed, as the 2018-2019 school year is now in full swing with sports in the thick of their seasons trying to prove themselves in their new home of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.

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FROM A PLAYER TO A COACH Avila Graduate Takes Lead To Coach Our Team Musaad Binkhuzayyim Demonte McClary or MR.UNDERRATED, is a former Avila University running back who graduated in 2017. This year, he is still in the team but as a coach. I spoke to him about how he got to this point. What made you start coaching?: “After coach Eric Hicks left the program, the majority of the coaching staff left too, and the team no longer had a running back coach. After a few former players continued to asked me (begged me) I gave it serious thought and sat down with the new head coach about the need to fill the position. Plus, I feel like owe the game to “pay it forward” to the players after me. Since I’ve been at Avila the football program NEVER had a running backs coach that played the actual position, so it’s hard to really sharpen your craft and be taught the technical fundamentals of the position if you’ve never played it. I saw there was a need I could fill.” How did you make it to coaching at Avila: “I believe in signs and it came in an array of different signs. Former players begging me, it being in my heart to pay it forward and my brother persuaded me as well.” Do you plan on going to another school/ team after Avila?: “I don’t really plan on it. Then again I never planned on being a coach, especially this soon! However, I’m always open to new opportunities”. What do you think about Avila sports environment?: “They certainly have the community and alum support. I think the environment is always a positive one, and now we can gain a bigger fan base because we moved into another conference that I know we will succeed at. We’ve let our fans down for so long that it’s about time we give them a reason to continue support us.” It makes me happy to see people working in their passion.

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Photo From www.avilaathletics.com | ISSUE 95

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome back to the start of a new school year! As managing editor and copy editor, I am thrilled to have helped with the release of this Talon issue and I am very excited to be on the Talon Team! This issue is all about starting a new school year, highlighting the changes that come with it: Campus renovations, new coaches, and new campus initiatives. Everyone did so well in this issue of the Talon, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Team going forward!

Managing and Copy Editor, Kyleigh Zoltek

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Social media has opened many doors of opportunities in this day in age. I’m geeked to run the social media for the Talon. Interactive Editor, Brelande Edmond

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Hesham Albadr Photo From Dr J

Savannah Parris

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Kyleigh

TALON

Emme Moorehouse

Marlon Jones

Sarai Jorgenson Megan

Zoltek

Ereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shay Winters

Duffy

Brelande Edmond

TEAM

Brandon Phillips

Joshua Dyson

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“AND SUDDENLY YOU KNOW: IT’S TIME TO START SOMETHING NEW AND TRUST THE MAGIC OF BEGINNINGS.”

MEISTER ECKHART

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