THURSDAY, FEBRUARY FEBRUA 12, 2015 VOLUME 121 | ISSUE 89
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SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SINCE 1894
Nirmala Erevelles
4 Alabama’s Taxes
12 BWFF Map
UA professor Nirmala Erevelles teaches students about social justice and rights for those with disabilities. She works with the school to improve its accessability.
The state of Alabama faces a $265 million budget deficit. In part one of a two-part series, Opinions Editor Patrick Crowley explores the results of the state tax system.
Black Warrior Film Festival returns to Tuscaloosa for its third year. See our map and schedule of events to make sure you know when and where to catch all the best flicks.
CULTURE | FILM
Film fest returns to Tuscaloosa Black Warrior Film Fest to run through Sunday By Drew Pendleton | Contributing Writer
In the spring of 2013, a group of University of Alabama students returned from a trip to the Sundance Film Festival with a mission. Inspired by Sundance’s atmosphere, wheels began to turn. Three months later, in April, the first edition of the Black Warrior Film Festival hit the screens in Tuscaloosa. Showcasing student films from around the South, including films by current UA students, the Black Warrior Film Festival, now in its third year, opens Friday, Feb. 13 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 15. As the festival takes shape, Executive Director of Festival Production Katie Howard and Director of Public Relations Connor Fox – members of the festival’s founding group – said they have high expectations for the festival as both a student-run entity and a showcase of Southern filmmaking. “We try to get as many elements of the South in the festival,” said Howard, a senior majoring in public relations. “All of the student films are from the southeast, so that environment may show through.” The festival has attracted highprofile filmmakers in recent years. Writer-director Ava DuVernay (“Selma”) gave a master class and screened her film “Middle of Nowhere” at last year’s festival. This year is no different. This year, documentarian Margaret Brown will screen her Mobile-based documentary “The Great Invisible,” about the Gulf SEE BWFF PAGE 9
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On Friday, Sarah and David Patterson will be recognized at Alabama gymnastics’ Power of Pink meet. This is the first Pink meet the Pattersons will not coach. SEE GAMEDAY.
INSIDE briefs 2 news 3 opinions 4 culture 12
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THURSDAY February 12, 2015
SCENE ON CAMPUS Morgan Olive, a junior majoring in secondary education, and Alicia Cook, a sophomore majoring in secondary education, hold up motivational posters for Random Acts of Kindness Week. CW / Layton Dudley
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MA painting exhibition
Geography professor recognized by AAG
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Evolution colloquium WHAT: Darwin Day WHEN: Noon – 5 p.m. WHERE: 100 Smith Hall
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Children’s music event WHAT: Lullaby Concert WHEN: 5-6:30 p.m. WHERE: Child Development Research Center
Professionalism lecture WHAT: On the Town: Dinner at Chucks WHEN: 5 p.m. WHERE: Meet at Ferguson Center
Career fair WHAT: Beyond UnlockED WHEN: 7-9 p.m. WHERE: Rotunda, Carmichael Hall
Performance and signing WHAT: Black Notes WHEN: 7-8 p.m. WHERE: 205 Gorgas Library
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Bobby Wilson, a professor in the department of geography, was awarded the Association of American Geographers 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award for his more than 40 years of work with urban and social geography, urban studies and anti-racist theory and practice. In addition, he was recognized
for his teaching, leadership and mentoring. Wilson will be presented the award at the annual meeting of the AAG in Chicago, April 25. Compiled by Katie Shepherd
Composer Anthony Braxton to visit UA for residency Composer and musician Anthony Braxton will visit Alabama Feb. 18 through 25 to work with students in the College of Arts and Sciences’ art, percussion, jazz studies, theatre, dance and arts administration programs as part of a weeklong residency. The residency is presented by the Sonic
Frontiers concert series and was partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts “Art Works” grant. It will be Braxton’s first major residency in the southeastern United States. Compiled by Katie Shepherd
Alumni to host weekend of dance at Hotel Capstone For singles, couples and individuals of all kinds, University of Alabama alumni, TJ and Wendy Zito, will host the second annual Anti-Valentines West Coast Swing and Carolina Shag weekend at the Hotel Capstone Feb. 13 through 15. There will be workshops starting Friday taught by shag professionals for beginning, intermediate and advanced dancers. Saturday, there will be workshops, shag
competitions and social dancing and the Saturday Night Pro Show and “Heartbreak Ball.” Sunday includes additional workshops and a farewell Pajama dance party. The price for students is $45. Attendees who pre-register before Feb. 12 can use the code “Roll Tide” for a $10 discount on weekend passes. Compiled by Mary Catherine Hodges
Chinese New Year to be celebrated Sunday The Association of Chinese Students and Scholars, in association with University Programs, will celebrate the Chinese New Year Sunday, Feb. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Ferguson Student Center. Chinese cuisine will be served and attendees can learn to
write Chinese and watch a traditional dragon dance. Tickets will be sold until Feb. 13 at the Ferguson Student Center. Compiled by Laura Testino
Changes to McFarland Boulevard proposed An 11.2 mile transportation project was proposed for US 82/McFarland Blvd. between Rose Boulevard in Northport and Jug Factory Road in Tuscaloosa, an area that includes the University. The construction is expected to increase capacity by 10 percent and reduce travel time by 15 percent and will be a 12 to 15 month process that ends in the latter part of 2016. The project will remove four traffic signals and make access management improvements, such as adding or modifying turn lanes, which will aid in
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managing road congestion. Member and non-member businesses who will be impacted by the construction can call to make an appointment with ALDOT for Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon. The Chamber office is located at 2201 Jack Warner Parkway and can be reached by contacting Jill McDonald at 391-0555 or Brad Darden with ALDOT at 554-3244.
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Editor | Rachel Brown Newsdesk@cw.ua.edu Thursday, February 12, 2015
Cleveland to advocate for Republican internships By Arielle Lipan | Contributing Writer
Michael Cleveland, a junior majoring in political science, is the current president of The University of Alabama College Republicans. Cleveland is from Oneonta, Alabama and has been involved with the College Republicans since his freshman year. What motivated you to first become involved with the College Republicans?
internship spots at those offices in D.C. I’m actually flying to D.C. in two weeks to talk with some local congressmen about that.
I was working on a campaign in Birmingham and there was a group of College Republicans who helped knock on doors. I knew they did a lot with campus involvement and were a big grassroots organization, so that really inspired me to find out more about them.
How would you describe what it means to be a Republican in three words?
What legacy would you like to leave behind from your presidency?
Have you dreamed of pursuing leadership positions in national politics?
I would like to grow the membership. We’re already growing, but I would like to be able to meet in the biggest room Alabama has to offer. Right now we are meeting in Bidgood and have about 20 members who come to every meeting, but at the end I would like to have a scholarship fund for these College Republicans. Another thing I’m currently working on is getting two internship spots for College Republicans in every senator and congressman’s office in the South. Our members could apply and go through the interview process and have secured
I would like to go to law school after college, and after law school I would love to run for the state senate seat in my district.
I can do it in four if you count the “the,” but, “Caring about the future.”
What do you think is the biggest problem facing your graduating class? The taxes. It’s killing the private sector and that’s where all the jobs are. Right now 53 percent of graduating seniors are underemployed or unemployed, and that’s pitiful. We go to school, we spend all of our money, we
have tons of debt built up when we get out, and then there are no jobs because the private sector is where most of the jobs are. These new taxes tax the people who own the businesses so much they can’t afford to hire any new employees, and the owners even have to lay people off. What is your favorite memory with the College Republicans? My f avo r i t e memory would have to be the Lincoln Reagan dinner in Tuscaloosa. It was when I was getting ready to run for chairman. I got to speak with Governor Bentley and talk to him about my plans. He told me he was proud of me, and any way he could help out he would be more than happy to. Knowing that I had that support was pretty cool.
Michael Cleveland CW / Layton Dudley
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Editor | Patrick Crowley Letters@cw.ua.edu Thursday, February 12, 2015
COLUMN | TAXES
Alabama’s deficit is the University’s problem too PATRICK
Crowley Opinions Editor
CW / Kevin Pabst
GUEST COLUMN | SGA
SGA senators call for new funding Patrick Fitzgerald Today, the SGA Senate will vote on whether to pass the Spirit of Alabama Act. The vote will be simple. We will either do the right thing (work together to reform and retool the SGA into the system that our students deserve) or we will do the comfortable thing (choose to continue to let the SGA come up short of fulfilling the needs of our constituents). This year marks the 100th anniversary of the SGA. The Spirit of Alabama Act, a direct reinvestment into our student body of over $900,000, will be a great first step forward for the next 100 years of SGA work. I have been blessed to have cosponsors to help me craft this legislation. Two of them are Jesse Turner and Elise Ferrer – their testimonies can be read below.
Jesse Turner Although there are dark clouds surrounding this plan from the SGA’s Executive Branch, my 14 cosponsors and I have faith that our colleagues will dig deep, work together and do the right thing. Today, with the passage of this bill, we can feed 250 food insecure students for a year, bring more people and ideas to the SGA’s table, save the bankrupted FAC fund for clubs and organizations (which is empty with five months remaining in the fiscal year), greatly expand on our
investment in student scholarships and reward our hard working students with a phenomenal spring concert, with an operating budget larger than any other concert hosted on this campus. I pray for the safe passage of this bill, allowing us to enact common sense reforms to improve our struggling SGA. I also gladly invite the Capstone to be there at 6 p.m. tonight in third floor of the Ferguson Center to hold our SGA accountable for what it was elected to be – a true voice for the needs of the people.
Elise Ferrer Today, an act of immense merit and potential will receive a verdict in our SGA Senate. This act, titled the Spirit of Alabama, has the power to positively impact thousands of individuals not only on this campus but also in the Tuscaloosa and Alabama communities. The initiative, which calls for a mere $12.50 charge per student each semester, will fund programs that provide meals to impoverished students, financially aid the 400 plus organizations on campus, unify the diverse university body and support the educational advancement of our students. If this act were to fail, the Senate would be committing a grave injustice to the trusting students of this university. Last spring, on the steps of the Gorgas House, I made a
This act ... has the power to positively impact thousands of individuals ... — Elise Ferrer —
pledge to my university and to my peers. I pledged to represent my fellow students with justice, integrity and morality, always keeping in mind that I serve not myself, but the greater good of this campus. With this in mind, I cannot stand to see this legislation, written with such valid intent and passion, be voted down. As its title suggests, this act is the Spirit of Alabama. It is progress. It is the Capstone Creed set in motion. It is what the campus needs. I urge all students to reach out to your college’s Senators and ask them to support this visionary act. Thank you and Roll Tide! Patrick Fitzgerald and Elise Ferrer are SGA senators representing the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration. Jesse Turner is an SGA senator representing the College of Education. For the full text of Spirit of Alabama Act, go to cw.ua.edu.
EDITORIAL BOARD
WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS
Andy McWhorter editor-in-chief Sloane Arogeti visuals editor Tara Massouleh managing editor Beth Lindly online editor Sean Landry production editor Peyton Shepard chief copy editor Patrick Crowley opinions editor
Letters to the editor must contain fewer than 300 words and guest columns fewer than 500. Send submissions to letters@cw.ua. edu. Submissions must include the author’s name, year, major and daytime phone
For those unaware, the state of Alabama faces an immediate deficit of around $265 million with a longer-term $700 million due. Unlike the federal government, which can issue debt through various treasuries, the state of Alabama cannot issue debt to pay down present obligation. The combination of the inability to write IOU notes and the constitutional balanced-budget amendment, which prohibits the state from spending more than its income, forces Alabama to generate new revenue quite quickly to fix a massive fiscal hole. Add in Alabama’s inability to change for the better without some sort of federal oversight and, voila, we’ve got ourselves a good ol’ crisis. The origins of this fiscal crisis starts with Alabama’s ridiculous tax system. In 1988, The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama published it first research paper. They wrote, “Alabama collects less in taxes per resident than all but two states, Mississippi and Arkansas.” (In the age old tradition of being an Alabamian, let’s take a moment and thank our neighbor to the west and Arkansas for being worse than us.) By 1994, Alabama earned the title it still holds to this day: the nation’s lowest tax revenue per capita. What little tax revenue that is collected is earmarked according to Alabama’s State Constitution in specific allocations to specific departments. To make matters worse, Alabama earmarks 90 percent of tax revenue, compared to the next highest 63 percent of Michigan and the national average of 24 percent, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. So not only do we fetter ourselves by having the lowest taxes per capita in the nation, but we inefficiently distribute money to departments based on the longest Constitution in the world. The PARCA report of 2013 aptly concludes, “This may seem the ideal recipe for limiting government and keeping its burden light. But cheap government is not necessarily efficient government.” The years of government inefficiency and willful, conscious negligence of fiscal management hindered our state’s economic growth and potential because the state continually removed funding from critical areas of public need like education, mental health, prisons and courts and continues to do so. Since 2008, Alabama has made the second largest cuts to per-pupil funding for K-12 students in the nation and slashed higher education funding by more than $556 million, a 28 percent decrease in a few years. Such deep cuts in education partially explains the annual rise in tuition across the University of Alabama System. Indeed, the University’s tuition from 2008 to 2014-15 has increased 72 percent for in-state and 51 percent for out-ofstate students. It’s just basic mathematics: if one variable (state funding) in an equation decreases, another variable (tuition) must increase to ensure equality in University operations, all else constant. But the ramifications of years of the Alabama legislature cutting funds from education and the University gradually increasing tuition extend far beyond a basic math equation. The state of Alabama’s leaders will reap what they sow. And they shall have only themselves to blame. Patrick Crowley is the Opinions Editor of The Crimson White. This column is part one of a two-part series. Part two will be published next Thursday.
number. Phone numbers are for verification and will not be published. Students should also include their year in school and major. The Crimson White reserves the right to edit all guest columns and letters to the editor.
Last Week’s Poll: Should SGA elections implement a party system? (Yes: 65%) (No: 35%) This Week’s Poll: Do you think Harper Lee’s second book should be published? cw.ua.edu
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OPINIONS Thursday, February 12, 2015 COLUMN | EDUCATION
More information, not just free school, will grow college attendance JACKSON
Poe Staff Columnist
Obama’s plan for a free community college education to all qualifying high school graduates sounds great. A high school education is not enough to progress in the workforce anymore. A two-year degree can launch a career rather than a job. Making community college free would strengthen the American workforce and middle-class. All of these arguments are sound. But making community college free is not the best answer. It might be the easy answer, but certainly not the best. Most importantly, money is not the problem for most high school graduates deciding on college. The average annual community college tuition is $4,000. Taken from Shelton State’s website, the total annual cost of tuition and fees based on 15 credit hours per semester is $3,960. That means an entire two-year degree at
Shelton can be completed for $7,920. The maximum award for a Pell Grant is around $6,000 annually. For those unfamiliar with Pell Grants, they are federally-funded needbased awards that do not have to be paid back. This means students with the most need are eligible to receive $2,000 more per year than the average cost of tuition and fees at community colleges. This is money that does not have to be paid back and does not even include scholarships, work-study programs or loans. The program would not help these students. Even for students who are not eligible for the full or even any Pell Grants, this program wouldn’t be of much help. If a student does not value a community college education that is only $2,000 a semester, will they really value a free education? Students must see the benefit of community college. They must see that the price is very small compared to the return. The problem is the lack of information high school students have about community college, which fosters a lack of motivation. Free community college sounds great, but if students do not know why they should go and place value in it, they will probably
not attend. Instead of offering free community college the government should use the money to inform high school students of the benefits of a two-year degree. High school students need to know that students from all kinds of backgrounds with all kinds of academic abilities can succeed in community college. They need to know college is not structured like high school and that they can find something they are genuinely interested in and pursue it. They need to know they can take these interests and turn them into valuable skills that lead to a career instead of just another job. They need to know community colleges are not second-tier to four-year universities. They need to know they can do well at community college and earn scholarships to four-year schools. Once students know the details of why they should go to community college, the motivation will come. Every high school student will want to pursue community college. This plan will get high school students excited about education and is what will eventually “strengthen the U.S. workforce,” as Obama said. Providing free community college
WHAT I THINK • Instead of offering free community college the government should use the money to inform high school students of the benefits of a two-year degree. • High school students need to know community colleges are not secondtier to four-year universities. They need to know they can do well at community college and earn scholarships to four-year schools.
does not solve the bigger problem. Informing students about community college and showing them the benefits is empowering. A large number of students will not start attending community college because it is free. Students will only start attending when they know the benefits and decide on their own. Jackson Poe is a junior majoring in finance and accounting. His column runs biweekly.
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NEWS
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Professor Erevelles promotes campus social justice By Amanda Sare | Contributing Writer
Nirmala Erevelles, a professor of social and cultural studies, has done more than just teach since joining The University of Alabama. “There are many attributes of Dr. Erevelles that make her both unique as a professor and central to the teacher education process,” said Paul Landry, a doctoral candidate in the College of Education. Erevelles teaches a variety of courses at the University, including Multicultural Education, Social Cultural Studies, Critical Race Theory and her favorite, Education and Politics of the Body. She joined the University in 2001 after teaching for three years at Auburn. She received her undergraduate degree in mathematics from her home country of India. “India didn’t have any type of degree in education,” she said. After moving to the U.S., she earned her master’s and doctorate degree in special education at Syracuse University. “Going to school as an outsider, I could see segregation happening in schools,” Erevelles said. Erevelles said she tries to teach
Education can be a source of amazing freedom, but can always become a great source of oppression. — Nirmala Erevelles —
her students that disability identity is not very different from race, class and gender. She said she wants to talk about disability as a civil rights issue as opposed to a medical issue. “Whenever students want support on issues with social justice, I am there to advise them,” she said. “I am a pain in the butt for a lot of people on campus.” Erevelles said she is trying to make sure campus is accessible for all students with disabilities. She recently influenced the parking staff to increase parking spaces near Graves Hall. Most buildings on campus have disability access, but it is sometimes located at the rear entrances. This is the type of issue that Erevelles said she tries to address for students
with disabilities. “What does it mean to say ‘welcome’ to students on campus by telling them to come to the back door?” she said. Erevelles does not just leave her work on campus. She is involved with local school systems and other universities. On campus, she is involved with a group called Crimson Access, a disability rights group. She is active in the system at her daughter’s school. “Education can be a source of amazing freedom, but can always become a great source of oppression,” she said. Jean Swindle, president of the Graduate Student Association and teaching assistant in the department of educational leadership, policy and technology studies, said her experience in Erevelles’ course inspired her interest in social justice issues. “I have always believed myself a conscientious member of citizenry, however, I have been changed and compelled to react, research, and recommit to service to the benefit of all members of society because of Dr. E’s influence in my academic and personal development,” she said.
Nirmala Erevelles, a UA professor and a native of India, is trying to make campus more accessible for all students with disabilities. Photo Courtesy of Nirmala Erevelles
Swindle said Erevelles’ teachings influenced her life in more ways than just her education. “We often claim to ‘acquire’ KSAs (knowledge, skills and abilities) in college; I am grateful that my interaction with Dr. E has resulted in much more – a transformation in me for the better,” she said.
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CULTURE Thursday, February 12, 2015
FRIDAY, FEB. 13 5
BLACK WARRIOR FILM FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, FEB. 14
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SUNDAY, FEB. 15
7 PM Ya’ke Smith Film Screening and Q&A Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center 10 AM 11 AM 1 PM 2 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM
Film Block 1 - Ferguson Center Theater Sidewalk Film Fest Panel - Ferguson Center Film Block 2 - Ferguson Center Theater Ya’ke Smith Directing Workshop - Ferguson Center Film Block 3 - Ferguson Center Theater Film Block 4 - Ferguson Center Theater Margaret Brown Screening and Q&A Ferguson Center Theater 6 PM Film Block 5 - Ferguson Center Theater 7 PM Valentine’s Day Screening: “Juno” - Ferguson Center Theater 2 PM Tom Heller Production Workshop - Maxwell Hall 4 PM Tom Heller Intro & Screening: “Mud” - Bama Theatre 7 PM Awards Ceremony - Bama Theatre
CW / Belle Newby
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CULTURE
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Tom Heller to speak about producing, making movies By Matthew Wilson | Contributing Writer
Major film producer Tom Heller will introduce his film, “Mud,” at the Bama Theatre as part of the Black Warrior Film Festival. Heller has worked on numerous films in his career including “127 Hours,” “Precious” and “Foxcatcher.” Heller is one of three award-winning filmmakers the festival is bringing to the Tuscaloosa community. “It sounds like a fantastic festival,” he said. “I’m looking forward to meeting students and sharing my experience in the film industry.” Katie Howard, executive director of the festival, said Heller’s visit will be encouraging to both Tuscaloosa and the wider film community. “That’s just the best feeling knowing [Heller] is interested in coming here and talking with our students,” she said. “It’s so cool that we’re able to talk with someone who’s so highly regarded in film.” Before the screening of “Mud,” Heller will host a workshop where he will go through the process of what it takes to make a film from creation to post-production. “I’m really interested in producing,” Howard said. “It’s kind of disciplinary to learn about a process and the different steps.” Heller’s film “Foxcatcher,” a true crime drama based on the life of Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz, may be a strong contender in the Oscar race, but developing it was a
Tom Heller, executive producer of “Foxcatcher,” will be visiting Tuscaloosa this weekend as a guest filmmaker for Black Warrior Film Festival. Photo Courtesy of Connor Fox
10-year journey for Heller. In 2004, he was approached by Michael Coleman with the idea and was skeptical at first, he said. “I quickly saw that this could be a special film,” Heller said. “I thought that the story would make a great movie because it had so many unique and compelling elements – the Olympics, complex characters and the murder.”
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
CAREER FAIRS Spring 2015
Communication Career Fair February 17, 2015 Bryant Conference Center 1:00pm – 4:00pm General Interest & Business Career Fair February 18, 2015 Bryant Conference Center 11:00am – 4:00pm Technical & Engineering Career Fair February 19, 2015 Bryant Conference Center 11:00am – 4:00pm
The next step was for Heller and Coleman to acquire Schultz’s life story rights and then research and develop the film. “We brought on several writers and, at one point, had an Oscar-winning actor interested in playing du Pont,” he said. “However, when we pitched the project to the studios, they told us that the story was too dark for them to buy as a pitch.” The studios asked the two to pitch the story again after they found a director. Heller was drawn to Bennett Miller, an Academy Award-nominated director, but he knew it was a long shot. Heller approached Miller at a DVD signing and was surprised when the director decided to make “Foxcatcher” his next film. “It was an amazing moment,” Heller said. “After years of struggle, we had found a champion with the vision, talent and track record to take this story to the next level.” Connor Fox, a senior majoring in public relations and the director of public relations for the festival, said he is thrilled Heller is coming to Tuscaloosa. Fox said the festival brings in people who wouldn’t normally come to Alabama. “I think one of the main things about the festival is to bring these enlightening perspectives, but also to bring people that we wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to meet in a professional environment,” he said. Heller said he likes to tackle material that interests him on a gut level because it’s important to find a film he feels
passionate about. “I genuinely believe that there is an audience for challenging stories if they are told well,” he said. He said films like “ET,” “Back To The Future” and “Pulp Fiction” got him excited about the potential of telling stories through film. After graduating from college, where he studied English literature, Heller moved to New York and started working at a talent agency before moving on to Miramar Films. “Each job that I’ve had has been a learning experience,” Heller said. “I’ve had to start at the bottom, but because I love what I do, it has never felt like work.” Heller’s film “Mud” was partially filmed in Arkansas and along the Mississippi River. Howard said she’s interested in learning how working on films in Los Angeles and New York is different than working on a movie filmed in the South. “To have the person who worked on it from start to finish, be there and talk about its production is really amazing,” she said. “I think students can learn about what it takes to be a producer.” Heller’s advice for those looking to enter the film industry is to be passionate and persistent. The film business is a challenging industry, he said, but it is also full of opportunity. “You will likely have to start at the very bottom and work your way up,” he said. “But, everything is possible if you are committed.”
THE UNIVERSIT Y OF AL ABAMA
Media Planning Board invites applications for these positions for the 2015-16 academic year
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Southern Historian DEADLINE FEBRUARY 26, 2015 @ 4 p.m. Applications are available online at osm.ua.edu. Call 348-8034 for more information
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CULTURE Thursday, Febraury 12, 2015 Black Warrior Film Festival to showcase Southern films BWFF FROM PAGE 1
of Mexico oil spill. Ya’Ke Smith, whose acclaimed short films have screened at festivals such as Austin City Limits and South by Southwest, will both open the festival and give a directing workshop. Producer Tom Heller, whose credits include the Arkansas-filmed and festivalclosing film “Mud,” the James Franco drama “127 Hours” and “Foxcatcher,” will
also attend. Fox and Howard said the festival’s inception was inspired by the success of the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham. “We really admire the work that Sidewalk does,” Fox said. “It helps make Birmingham a desirable destination, and contributes to the renewal of arts and culture that we want to bring to our campus.” Howard said she agreed and said Sidewalk and Black Warrior share a common goal. “Sidewalk is a major southeast film festival that’s growing in numbers,
attendees, and funds, and that’s really becoming a showcase for Southern film,” she said. “It’s not just filmmakers taking their movies to New York. Both festivals admire what they do, and celebrate it.” Andrew Grace, an instructor of telecommunication and film and a documentary filmmaker, said the Southern film industry has begun to grow in recent years largely due to film incentive packages offered by states like Georgia, Louisiana and North Carolina. “There’s a longstanding belief that the South is full of storytellers that has brought filmmakers to the Deep South,”
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CULTURE
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Students showcase films at Black Warrior Film Festival By Mackenzie Lyng | Contributing Writer
annual Black Warrior Film Festival. The festival will exhibit works from other University of Alabama student film- student filmmakers, including Florida maker Tanner Lee Robbins, a junior major- State University student Jamie Rice. ing in telecommunication and film, spent As a second-year filmmaker, Rice said months creating his short film thriller, returning to BWFF fueled her growth “Syzygy.” The film, which debuted at this as a filmmaker. “My BWFF experience last year was very year’s Campus Movie Fest finale event Jan. exciting because it was the 29, explores themes of peer first film festival I was a part pressure and immorality. of,” Rice said. “This year is “Filmmaking is hard different because I’ve had a work, and I rely on a great BWFF will allow me whole year of education to team of crew and actors to help bring the vision to life,” to connect with other grow as a filmmaker.” In her film, “Earning Robbins said. student filmmakers Jenny,” Rice documents As a winner of CMF’s experience of underJury Award, Robbins will and share my voice the privileged students at Camp have the opportunity to within the Southern Jenny. Rice, who worked attend CMF’s Hollywood Camp Jenny for seven Student Film Summit. With filmmaker community. with years, said she hopes her more than 1,000 student film will raise awareness filmmakers from 60 college — Ava Lowrey — and support for organizacampuses, Robins will partions that encourage stuticipate in professional film dents to become leaders workshops, networking and and contributing members of industry advising. “It is incredible how this opportunity will their community. “This documentary is very personal to affect my future,” Robbins said. “Being a part of CMF’s Hollywood Film summit will me,” Rice said. “I want raise awareness expand my network of contacts, enhance about this program and how programs my industry experience and help me grow like Camp Jenny can truly help shape kids’ futures.” creatively as a director.” In addition to Rice visiting campus, As this year’s winner of the Warrior Award, “Syzygy” will screen at the third Ava Lowrey, a graduate student at Duke
Alabama native Ava Lowrey, a graduate student at Duke University, will show her film, “Fred: The Town Dog,” pictured above, at Black Warrior Film Festival. Photo Courtesy of Ava Lowrey
University, will present her documentary short, “Fred: The Town Dog.” As a firstyear participant in BWFF, Lowrey said she plans to network with other young Southern filmmakers. “Every film festival is special to me,” Lowrey said. “BWFF will allow me to connect with other student filmmakers and share my voice within the Southern filmmaker community.”
A native of Alabama, Lowrey said she drew cinematic inspiration from her Southern roots. “After attending NYU for my undergraduate degree, I found myself missing Alabama and wanted to bring a piece of the South to the screen,” she said. “Through my film, I hope people discover the hidden treasures across Alabama and appreciate the beauty within.”
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Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday (02/12/15). Fortune smiles on group endeavors this year. Take on something together so big it seems impossible. After 3/20, financial flow increases. Divert some to savings. A new focus in your research sharpens after 4/4. Collaborate to grow your family nest egg, especially after 10/13. Feed your heart: talk about beloved people, pastimes, flavors, sights, and experiences. Share your love. To get the advantage, check the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Travel conditions look excellent today and tomorrow. An adventure calls. Postpone a social engagement. An opportunity arises that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be missed. Take advantage of a whirlwind of productivity, and take notes for later. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -Complete tasks for satisfaction and peace of mind. Pay the bills today and tomorrow. Orders arrive fast and furious. Changes could necessitate budget revisions. You can surmount a formidable barrier. Get expert advice. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 9 -- A conflict between partnership and adventure requires negotiation. You may not have the same priorities as your teammate. Talk it over, with special consideration for the finances.
You can devise a scenario that works for everyone. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 9 -Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extra busy today and tomorrow. Things may not go as planned. Get facts before arguing. Your partner shares goals. Friends make a connection. Wheel and deal. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get charmed into abandoning your principles. Provide great service. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Play a part in someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game. Offer time and talents. Go for fun today and tomorrow. Take advantage of creative enthusiasm and a fiery collaborative spark. Keep communications channels open. Call if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be late. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -Domestic responsibilities call to you over the next two days. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty to manage. Can you work from home? Otherwise, keeping late hours could keep you away longer. Save energy by traveling less. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 9 -Your enthusiasm carries far and wide. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier to concentrate for the next few days, which is lucky. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of buzz around your project, requiring focus and action. Get feedback from family and friends first. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- Invest in efficiency, especially at home. Conserve energy and save money. Today and
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tomorrow could get quite profitable. Others offer practical ideas. Try some of them out. Not everything works as suggested. Choose the most cost-effective strategies. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -Inspire action, rather than demanding. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re becoming more confident. Enjoy the spotlight today and tomorrow. Use your megaphone to incite passion. Stir up the enthusiasm level. Monitor feedback and adjust to suit. Sing out. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Set lofty goals. Consider your spiritual purpose or course. Go for your heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire. Action and chatter interrupts your solitary contemplation. Balance emotion with reason today and tomorrow. Learn to delegate (again). Find some peace. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -Enjoy the company, and make more money together. Group input matters today and tomorrow. Old assumptions get challenged. Strike out in a new direction. Follow the path before you. Get tools and supplies together. Friends help. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Take on new responsibility and leadership today and tomorrow. A new source of funding arises. Balance emotions and logic to pass the test. Keep passion tuned to practicalities and logistics. Think before speaking. Keep your promises.
SUDOKU
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Editor | Francie Johnson Culture@cw.ua.edu Thursday, February 12, 2015
BLACK WARRIOR FILM FESTIVAL LOCATIONS
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FEBRUARY 12, 2015 WRIGHT PLACE, WRIGHT TIME
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GAMEDAY 2015
PAGE 3
CW | Pete Pajor
Continued on page 4
PAGE 4
GAMEDAY 2015
By Elliott Propes | Staff Reporter
T
he year was 2000 and it was Kristy Curry’s second year as head coach at Purdue University. Curry thought she was going to have another successful season after a second-round exit in the tournament earlier that spring. Along with some returners from her fi rst season, Curry had welcomed some new freshmen, including two named Shereka Wright and Lindsey Hicks. What Curry did not know was that these two young ladies would lead Curry to four of the best seasons she ever coached. What she also did not know is both of them would be beside her coaching the Alabama Crimson Tide 14 years later. “Those four years were just great. As a senior class we were one of the most winningest classes of the Big Ten,” Wright said. “It was a great experience. Each and every year I learned something new about myself and just enjoyed the competiveness of the Big Ten.” Curry knew Wright was going to make an immediate impact. Wright was a great high school player from the state of Texas, and in her senior season won the USA Today high school player of the year. She could go anywhere she wanted to go in the country and decided to commit to Purdue with the highest-ranked recruiting class in the nation. She and her classmates wanted to win a national title, like the team had done the year before Curry arrived. Curry said she was very impressed with how Wright practiced and knew she was somebody special. “I can’t remember a day in four years that she wasn’t the hardest working player in practice,” Curry said. “The thing that always amazed me about Shereka was that she practiced as hard as game time.” Wright and the Boilermakers had a spectacular 2000-2001 season. They won the Big Ten conference regular-season title and qualified once again for the NCAA Tournament. Wright had an excellent tournament and was on the Final Four all-tournament team. Purdue made it all the way to the championship, and Wright was ever so close to the dream she had. The game came down to the wire, but Notre Dame won 68-66. “That experience as a freshman just making the Final Four and the championship game was pretty incredible,” Hicks said. “Its something that a lot of players don’t get to experience, so I’m really grateful for it.” The Boilermakers made the Tournament each of the next three seasons, but Wright and Hicks never made it back to the championship game. Their senior season Purdue made the Sweet 16. It was the closest they ever got, but it was not to be. In their four years, Purdue had an overall record of 113-23. “My favorite part [of the Purdue years] was getting to know my teammates and going through those ups and downs together,” Hicks said. “Still when we are 30-something years old we are still close. I can call any of my teammates and they are right there for me.” Shortly after the season ended, Wright was drafted No. 13 overall to the Detroit Shock of the WNBA. She only played two seasons and suffered from an Achilles’ tendon tear. She joined Curry at Texas Tech and was with her all seven years. At Alabama, she is one of the main assistant coaches along with being the recruiting coordinator. Hicks went on to play six years of pro basketball in foreign nations before being hired by Curry as the video coordinator for the Crimson Tide in 2013. “I remember before I got drafted I told [Curry] that my ultimate goal was to actually get into coaching, it was something that I enjoyed,” Wright said. “When I did get that phone call from her I was defi nitely thrilled.” Curry and her staff are looking to build the kind of program Purdue had at the beginning of the 2000s, but she has not had the kind of year she has wanted. So far Alabama is 1-9 in the SEC. Curry has reiterated throughout the season that it is a process and the main goal is to just improve day-today. Wright said they are working towards creating a culture like that of the old Purdue teams. “When you compare [Alabama] to Purdue, Purdue has had success for many, many years, and I think that is always the standard,” Wright said. “I absolutely think that it [the program] can get back to the where it needs to be and be competitive each and every year in the SEC, and I know all of us on the staff is committed to doing that.” Each game is another step for the Alabama program, and Wright believes each brick laid in the foundation will turn into a house like Purdue built. The Crimson Tide is back home Thursday, hosting the Missouri Tigers at 8 p.m.
CW | Pete Pajor
CW | Pete Pajor
PAGE 5
GAMEDAY 2015
Met Life By Nolan Imsande | Staff Reporter
The Alabama Crimson Tide kicks off the baseball season with a home stand this weekend. The Crimson Tide will play a three-game series starting Friday against Maryland Eastern Shore. Coach Mitch Gaspard’s club will play the majority of its home games at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium due to the rebuilding of Sewell-Thomas Stadium. “I don’t see the travel being a real issue, especially for college-age guys, they’re pretty resilient when it comes to that,” Gaspard said. “They’re very excited about being here.” Alabama returns junior shortstop Mikey White, who was recently named to the preseason Golden Spikes Award Watch List. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top amateur baseball player. After losing Ben Moore, Austen Smith and Wade Wass to the MLB, White returns as the team’s leading hitter. He hit .300 last season with seven home runs and 33 RBI. “Mikey has been really consistent since day one,” Gaspard said. “He’s one of the few guys that has played primarily every inning since he stepped
CW | Pete Pajor
on campus. We expect a lot out of Mikey, and he expects a lot out of himself as well. I see him this year as a middle of the lineup hitter, and a guy that’s going to be one of the faces of our program.” White is part of a group of returning position players this season along with outfielder Georgie Salem, second baseman Kyle Overstreet, utility player Casey Hughston and infielder Chance Vincent. “I think this is a really talented group,” White said. “We’ve got some young guys that will helps us out a lot. As a team, we’re kind of growing into veterans. I think this will be a really fun group to watch, and a really good group to play with.” The expected starting pitcher for Friday’s season opener is left-hander Taylor Guilbeau. He only made one start all of last year but it was a complete game win against Kennesaw State in the NCAA Regional. Righthanded junior college transfer Will Carter is expected to start Saturday’s game. Right-hander Geoffrey Bramblett will start Sunday. Alabama’s home opener Friday is scheduled for a 6:35 p.m. start. Saturday’s game will start at 2:05 p.m. while Sunday’s has first pitch slated for 1:05 p.m.
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A Lasting
GAMEDAY 2015
Legacy GAMEDAY 2015
PAGE 7
By Kelly Ward | Sports Editor If football at Alabama is king, then Sarah Patterson was queen. No other Alabama figure led with such grace and charm as Patterson. She isn’t the most legendary figure – not even she could come close to eclipsing Paul “Bear” Bryant, but she came as close as any. She retired as the head coach of Alabama gymnastics over the summer after winning six national championships. Her team fell short of a seventh in April. Two uncharacteristic falls kept Patterson just shy of having coached the most national championship winning teams in school history, a record she shares with Bryant. She retired as the winningest coach in Alabama history after racking up 1,006 wins in her 36 years at Alabama. Her teams made 32 consecutive NCAA Championship appearances from 1983-2014. Every year since the inception of the Elite 89 award, which honors the athlete with the highest grade point average at a championship, Alabama has won it. Sixty-six athletes under Patterson earned 302 All-America honors. “It’s incredible,” women’s basketball coach Kristy Curry said. “When you look at what she’s done so long over [36] years, the consistency of it, not just a year here or there, but year in and year out, year in and year out competing for a national championship, and it’s really hard to get to that point, but it’s even harder to sustain it. The way she sustained it with great class and integrity and passion is absolutely amazing.” Patterson didn’t do it alone. Her husband, David, stepped down as Alabama’s volunteer assistant coach, a position he held since 2008 after serving 30 years as an associate head coach. The two put together a national powerhouse which led the nation in top four finishes, top three finishes and Super Six Team Finals appearances with 27, 22 and 20 respectively. Alabama won an NCAA-best 29 Regional Team Championships under the Pattersons’ leadership. “I think it’s just remarkable,” softball coach Patrick Murphy said. “First, for a couple to be at one school, both of them over 30 years, is incredible. That just doesn’t happen. So their loyalty and their love for Alabama is probably unsurpassed by – I mean, I don’t think I can even describe it, just beyond the championships and the All-Americans, all those things, one of the coolest things that they can say is they brought the Power of Pink, and it spread across the country so it’s quite the legacy.” In 2005, Sarah Patterson started the Power of Pink initiative after she had trouble passing a routine mammogram. Though she was breast cancerfree, she wanted to do something for those who didn’t have access to prime health insurance like she did. Power of Pink was and still is a way to do that. Power of Pink, now in its 11th year, has raised more than $1.35 million for the DCH Breast Cancer Fund. It extends beyond gymnastics. Every women’s sport at the University participates. “I feel that the Power of Pink initiative has grown to be such a large production that to be able to continue to use gymnastics as a platform to educate women on early detection, and being able to somehow be a part of helping the fund grow so people can have the opportunity to walk up and get a mammogram if they can’t afford it, that’s something I hope Alabama gymnastics can be part of forever, because you’re making a difference,” current gymnastics head coach Dana Duckworth said. “You’re learning that what you do in the gym is great, but being able to use the tools you have to go to a whole other level, that’s what life is about. Life is about giving back, so it’s using the platform to be able to give back. That’s what I love.” The Pattersons will be recognized at this year’s Power of Pink meet Friday. CW | Pete Pajor
PAGE 8
GAMEDAY 2015
SAMFORD
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PAGE 9
GAMEDAY 2015
CW | Pete Pajor
Powerof By Kayla Montgomery | Assistant Sports Editor
F
or 36 years, coach Sarah Patterson was the face of the Alabama gymnastics team. Her 1,006 wins, 43 postseason championships and six national championships with the Crimson Tide, as well as her philanthropic endeavors, made her a celebrity. Patterson retired in July 2014 and will be honored Friday night, along with her husband, David, for their contributions to the Alabama gymnastics program as the team hosts No. 12 Boise State for its annual Power of Pink meet, an event Patterson herself began in her time with the team. Over the last decade, Patterson’s Power of Pink cause, which began in 2005 and is centered in breast cancer awareness and fundraising, has raised more than $1.45 million for the DCH breast cancer fund. “To have a loved one, whether it’s immediate family or close friend, that have been affected, you realize that, keep things in perspective,” coach Dana Duckworth said. “Life can change very quickly, and that we get to do gymnastics and flip and learn through sport, but in the big picture of life, the fighters are trying to find a way to fight for their life. Then you realize, yeah, I’ve got it pretty good, as far as what I get to do, and that we can give back to others and help them fight as well.” To celebrate the cause, gymnasts will escort a survivor out onto the floor in pre-meet activities. Aja Sims will escort her aunt, Vernell Thomas, who was began her battle with breast cancer in 2007. “It was definitely tough,” Sims said. “I remember that she was in the hospital a lot, and it was scary at times and we just prayed through it a lot. We are a huge religious family and we just knew that God was on our side and He helped us through it.” Sims said not only is she excited to celebrate her aunt’s victory over cancer and have her watching in the stands for the first time since Sims was younger,
but she enjoys spreading awareness about the disease that touches so many. “We get to support a great awareness factor and we’re just bringing love to show that we’re more than a team of just classes that does flips,” she said. “It’s just a big awareness that we can bring to the whole state.” In addition to the lasting tradition of Power of Pink that Patterson created, she and David also formed the high standards of the gymnastics program. For that, Lauren Beers said she is excited to see the two receive recognition at Friday’s meet. “It’s awesome for them to get honored,” Beers said. “They have built this program into what it is today, obviously. Sarah was such an amazing coach and David right there beside her, but I’m excited to see them honored for all of the hard work they put in over the past 30-some years, and I know that they’re really enjoying this different side of the gymnastics world, but they’re still involved and love seeing them at the meets.” With the Pattersons watching from the stands and offering support, Duckworth took the reins of the program and led the team to a sixth-place national ranking this season. The Pattersons’ legacy lives within Duckworth, she said, and she learned from the two that excellence is a choice. As she seeks excellence with her own team, Duckworth said Patterson has become a mentor through the transition. “She has been there when I needed her, “ Duckworth said. “She hasn’t tried to overstep or over coach, or over mentor, and all I can say is that they have handled this transition as beautifully as one can handle. The great part is I know they’re there if I need to reach out to them. “ Most importantly, she said, the Pattersons are always a welcome presence in the program. “This is the house they built,” Duckworth said. “So they’re welcome in their home any day.”
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CW | Pete Pajor
GAMEDAY 2015
Who’s on first? By Kelly Ward | Sports Editor An official visit is usually the time for coaches to market their program. Recruits can see the facilities and experience what it’s like to be on campus. Junior Leona Lafaele didn’t need an official visit to decide on Alabama. In fact, hers took place the fall after she decided. “That doesn’t happen very often,” coach Patrick Murphy said. “When she called, I said, ‘Are you sure? Are you going to see it first?’ and she said, ‘No, I just can’t keep it out of my mind. I’ve been thinking about it.’” Lafaele was at a tournament in Colorado where Alabama’s coaching staff saw her play. Afterward, they went to the hotel and met her mom and coaches. Murphy said it was two or three weeks later when she committed. “I just knew from the coaches meeting that I wanted to play for two great coaches [Murphy and assistant coach Alyson Habetz] because if they’re great, their girls have to be great too,” Lafaele said. The first time she saw Alabama was on her official visit. She and her mom made the trip out to Tuscaloosa from California. “I think it was the most pictures and video of any recruit we’ve ever had because that was the first time they’d come,” Murphy said. At Alabama, the infielder has thrived. She has a .979 career fielding percentage. She hits .247 after hitting .266 last season. As a sophomore, she had 55 starts and 61 appearances. She hit her first and only career triple against Arkansas on a weekend where she went 6-8 at the plate. “I think she’s very skilled,” Murphy said. “She’s very athletic. She played basically third and caught in summer ball, and immediately, she gets to Alabama and she learns first base, and she’s very good at first base. She’s got a lot of power, pretty good game sense, and I think she just loves to play the game, and I think it shows with her performance and just her joy on the field. She just brings a really good presence.” Lafaele said she didn’t think she was on Alabama’s radar before the Colorado tournament where the coaches happened to pass by and see her play. “It was so perfect because I didn’t know anything about Alabama softball, and the only thing I was looking for was just a home to where I would play the sport I love and be around people who are like my family,” she said. One thing Murphy tries to do is schedule a homecoming game for his players. He can’t guarantee it will happen, but he tries. Sometimes weather keeps Alabama away. Sometimes the Alabama’s schedule conflicts with open tournaments. This weekend, he made it happen. Alabama will head out to California for the Stanford Nike Invitational. Lafaele, a Sacramento native, will be about an hour from home. “It’s so much fun for our girls – her teammates – because they get to meet everybody in the family, all her friends, people she’s probably talked to about
with her teammates for the last three years, and then finally everybody gets to meet these people that we’ve been hearing about,” Murphy said. It’s the closest she’s played to her mom in a while. “California is really far away and being from such a big family, not all of them can come out,” Lafaele said. “Like my mom has only been to one game, and it’s cool. Like she always watches it on TV, on the radio. She’s always updated on it. My mom is there but she’s really not there, but she’s really there.” Despite the distance from her family, Lafaele keeps a positive outlook. Sophomore pitcher Sydney Littlejohn said Lafaele is a good teammate because of her attitude. “She comes to the field, and she’s just so passionate about what she does, and no matter what, she always has a smile on her face,” Littlejohn said. Lafaele and the rest of the softball team will play five games over the weekend. Alabama begins play against Pacific Friday at 2:30 p.m. CT.
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EXPIRES 3/31/2015 UA Athletics
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GAMEDAY 2015
Chasing -aStreak Continued on page 12
CW | Pete Pajor
PAGE 12
By Sean Landry | Production Editor This weekend, when the Alabama basketball team hosts Vanderbilt (1310) it will have its best chance since the start of conference play to do something it hasn’t done in over a month: win back to back games. Since beating Tennessee Jan. 10, Alabama has been unable to string together a pair of wins, winning just three out of nine games, including a three game losing streak at South Carolina, Kentucky and Arkansas. On Valentine’s Day, Alabama, fresh off a 55-51 win over Mississippi State, will host a Commodores team ranked 103rd in RPI. “There was a lot of adversity for us in the game,” Alabama coach Anthony Grant said after Tuesday’s win. “In the fi rst half we really struggled from an offensive standpoint. In the second half the zone cost us some problems but I’m really proud of how our guys rallied around each other and they understood that this was going to be a 40 minute game. We were more than capable of making plays to get the win. We had some guys that really stepped up today coming into the game. “We didn’t know if we would have Mike Kessens available because of an ankle injury but he ended up really stepping up and he gave us some bigtime minutes. Rodney Cooper woke up with flu-like symptoms this morning but he ended up giving us 34 minutes today and gave us that three that helped stretch our lead. We made plays offensive and defensively. It was a great team win – one that we needed. With seven games left it gave us some momentum going into our next game and we’re just very happy to get that win.” Alabama weathered a late rally from the Bulldogs to hold onto Saturday’s win, doing so without some of its top players. Junior guards Ricky Tarrant (leg injury) and Retin Obasohan (hand infection) were both unavailable for the game, while forward Mike Kessens was limited with an ankle injury, playing only 19 minutes. At the time of publication, Tarrant and Obasohan were both doubtful for Saturday’s game. The Crimson Tide showcased one of the positive hallmarks of the Grant era in its win Tuesday night, holding the Bulldogs to only 51 points on the night and 21 points in the fi rst half. Alabama will need to showcase that defensive fortitude again when it takes on Vanderbilt, the fi fth-best
GAMEDAY 2015
scoring offense in the conference, averaging 69.5 points per game. “What we try to do is have a variety of things that we can do from a defensive standpoint and I think we full court pressed today and we played zone and did a lot of different things today,” Grant said. “They hurt us in some things, they had some success against the press scoring-wise.” Alabama will match up against one of the worst defenses in the conference by defensive efficiency, with Vanderbilt conceding roughly 97 points per 100 possessions and 103 points per 100 possessions away from home. The Commodores play an aggressive defensive style, but if Alabama can break its press, it will be well-poised to score. “We just have to move around and fi nd open gaps to get the ball inside,” forward Shannon Hale said. “I think we have been playing good. I have confidence to just go out there and play.”
CW | Pete Pajor