THUR THURSDAY, RS SD DAY A , FEBRUARY FE EBR B UARY 19, 1 2015 VOL LU L UME ME 121 | IISSUE SS S SUE 93 VOLUME
12
NEWS | UAPD
University to investigate allegations
SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SINCE 1894
Gymnastics
3 Same Sex Marriage
After posting a season-high score last week, the Alabama gymnastics team will travel to the University of Georgia. The meet will mark a new era of a storied rivalry between the two teams that are consistently in the top tier of the conference.
Forty-eight of Alabama’s 67 counties were issuing same-sex marriage licenses as of Wednesday morning, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Tuscaloosa is one of those counties.
KEEPING THE FAITH Students find ways to practice religion in college By Laura Testino | Assistant Culture Editor
Letter alleges bullying, misconduct in UAPD
Eric Mayo spent his first Sunday as a college student exploring his new surroundings, and eventually found his way just west of BryantDenny Stadium and Rama Jama’s, on the corner of Paul W. Bryant Drive and 12th Avenue. Mayo had just unpacked and situated his belongings in his dorm, but he had already stumbled upon a new home: Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. Mayo, now a senior majoring in communication studies, started college with a plan to find a church by trying different locations each week. He quickly became acquainted with the route to Calvary Tuscaloosa, making his spiritual transition to college fairly smooth, he said. After looking around Tuscaloosa, Mayo found himself retracing the steps he made that first Sunday in town, and has been taking the same path over the last four years. Growing up, Mayo attended a Southern Baptist church with his family but wanted to choose a church that had a larger college-centered population when he came to school. He found that Calvary incorporated a blend of families and students, and he enjoyed the mix, he said. “I wanted to choose a church that had a little more diversity as far as background, and I found
By Sean Landry | Production Editor
The University of Alabama will investigate allegations of misconduct by University of Alabama Police Department officers detailed in an anonymous letter sent to President Judy Bonner and other top officials, UA spokeswoman Deborah Lane confirmed to The Crimson White. The letter, a copy of which was sent to The Crimson White, begins, “I am employed by the University of Alabama Police Department” and alleges a pattern of favoritism and inconsistent disciplinary policies by UAPD administration asserting that “more than ... more than one standard one standard exists for police employees at exists for police UAPD.” The letter also employees at accuses UAPD UAPD. administration of inaction when confronted with — Anonymous — accusations of internal “bullying” and racially - m o t ivat e d insults. Lane confirmed in an email that she and Bonner had received the letter and that “the matter will be investigated.” According to the anonymous writer, a UAPD officer is currently under internal investigation after misusing his power to illegally obtain personal information concerning another police officer, but has not been suspended from the force. The source claims this same officer has previously been disciplined for disobeying a direct order by UAPD administration. According to the letter, the officer was promoted several months after the disciplinary action. SEE LETTER PAGE 9
Get in the game with GAMEDAY.
Students have begun to chalk information about The Well, Calvary Church’s college ministry, on sidewalks. CW / Layton Dudley
INSIDE briefs 2 news 3 opinions 4 culture 7 sports 12
SEE RELIGION PAGE 10
CONTACT email editor@cw.ua.edu website cw.ua.edu twitter @TheCrimsonWhite
2
THURSDAY February 19, 2015
SCENE ON CAMPUS Kevin McPartland, a sophomore majoring in history from St. Louis, takes some pictures for his photojournalism class. CW / Layton Dwudley
P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 | Fax: 348-8036 Advertising: 348-7845
EDITORIAL editor-in-chief Andy McWhorter editor@cw.ua.edu
managing editor Tara Massouleh production editor Sean Landry visuals editor Sloane Arogeti online editor Beth Lindly opinions editor Patrick Crowley chief copy editor Peyton Shepard news editor Rachel Brown culture editor Francie Johnson sports editor Kelly Ward photo editor Pete Pajor
TODAY’S EVENTS
CAMPUS BRIEFS
Career fair
University Programs hosts Oscars viewing
WHAT: Technical and engineering
University Programs will host an Oscars viewing party Sunday at 6 p.m. in Presidential Village. The 87th Academy Awards ceremony, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will be aired live on ABC starting at 7 pm. The nominees for Best Picture, the award given last at each ceremony,
career fair WHEN: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. WHERE: Bryant Conference Center
Science lecture WHAT:“Let There Be Light: LED
Triathlon team accepting applications
Applications from Lighting to Killing Pathogens” WHEN: 2-2:30 p.m. WHERE: First floor outside the Nightingale Room, Rodgers Library
Alabama Triathletes, also known as Bama Tri, are now accepting applications for new members. The triathlon team is open to all students at The University of Alabama. According to the team’s website, both new and seasoned triathletes are welcome to join. Team members are provided with training plans and workouts that vary between
video editor Patrick Maddox lead designer Ashley Atkinson community manager Alessia Grijalva
ADVERTISING advertising manager Keenan Madden 251.408.2033 cwadmanager@gmail.com
territory manager Chloe Ledet
205.886.3512 territorymanager@gmail.com
special projects manager Taylor Shutt 904.504.3306 osmspecialprojects@gmail.com
creative services manager Hillary McDaniel 334.315.6068
is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama. The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students.The University of Alabama cannot influence editorial decisions and editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the official opinions of the University. Advertising offices of The Crimson White are in room 1014, Student Media Building, 414 Campus Drive East. The advertising mailing address is P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. The Crimson White (USPS 138020) is published four times weekly when classes are in session during Fall and Spring Semester except for the Monday after Spring Break and the Monday after Thanksgiving, and once a week when school is in session for the summer. Marked calendar provided. The Crimson White is provided for free up to three issues. Any other papers are $1.00. The subscription rate for The Crimson White is $125 per year. Checks should be made payable to The University of Alabama and sent to: The Crimson White Subscription Department, P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. The Crimson White is entered as periodical postage at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson White, P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2014 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of The Crimson White.
are “Boyhood,” “American Sniper,” “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance),” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “The Imitation Game,” “Selma,” “The Theory of Everything” and “Whiplash.” Compiled by Rachel Brown
swimming, running, and cycling. The team trains and competes year round, and race season lasts from August to May. Dues are $52 per semester. Interested students can learn more and apply by visiting bamatri.com/join-now.html. Compiled by Rachel Brown
Physics tutoring WHAT: Free walk-in
Honors College offers specialized advising
assistance WHEN: 2-4 p.m. WHERE: 108 Tutor Suite, Osband Hall
The Honors College will offer fall 2015 advising sessions for business, Arts and Sciences and prehealth students. Business students with fewer than 91 earned credit hours can receive Honors-specific advising Feb. 25 and 26 and March 4 and 5 from 3-5 p.m. 176 Nott Hall. Arts and Sciences students who have already planned their class schedule for
Chemistry tutoring WHAT: Free walk-in
the fall can attend Honors express advising Feb. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Gorgas Library Room 205. Students can attend advising sessions with pre-health advisors Feb. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. 205 in Gorgas. Compiled by Heather Buchanan
assistance WHEN: 5-7 p.m. WHERE: 137 Osband Hall
Last chance to attend Honors Abroad info sessions Honors College students interested in participating in Honors Abroad programs in Germany, Ecuador or Costa Rica will have one more week to attend an information sessions for those programs. The information sessions will last an hour and review deadlines and other information students need to know before studying abroad. Sessions about the Ecuadorian and Costa Rican programs will take
Math tutoring WHAT: Free walk-in
assistance WHEN: 5-7 p.m. WHERE: 137 Osband Hall
On Tuesday, Feb. 16, The Crimson White ran an article titled “Spectrum to host LBGT conference.” The article attributed the incorrect gender pronoun to Gaby Wilson. In the article Wilson was referred to as “she.” Wilson’s correct pronoun is “they.” The Crimson White regrets this error and is happy to set the record straight.
cw.ua.edu
Compiled by Heather Buchanan
Honors Town Hall meeting to discuss campus safety
CORRECTION
VISIT US ONLINE:
place at 1 p.m. on Friday and at noon on both Wednesday, Feb. 25 and Friday, Feb. 27. Sessions covering the German Honors Abroad program will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27. All sessions will meet in 292 Nott Hall.
The Honors College invites students, faculty and community members to attend a Town Hall discussion on campus safety. The meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. in the Ferguson Forum. Classes planning to attend in a large group need to
@TheCrimsonWhite
contact Anna Jones at aejones5@crimson.ua.edu to ensure enough space is reserved at the meeting.
The Crimson White
Compiled by Heather Buchanan
thecrimsonwhite
3 48 Alabama counties allow same-sex marriage Editor | Rachel Brown Newsdesk@cw.ua.edu Thursday, February 19, 2015
By Elizabeth Elkin | Staff Reporter
The number of counties in Alabama that are issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples is rising. As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Human Rights Campaign, 48 of 67 counties are issuing same-sex marriage licenses. Eleven counties are not issuing licenses to same-sex couples, and 6 counties are refusing to issue any couple regardless if orientation. Two counties were slated to begin issuing licenses on Feb. 16 but did not. Wednesday morning, HRC, a civil rights organization working towards equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, submitted a petition with more than 28,000 signatures to the Alabama Judicial Committee in Montgomery encouraging an ethics investigation of Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore. “Chief Justice Roy Moore issued a letter to probate judges urging them to not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples,” said Ashley Jackson, state director of HRC Alabama. “There was a complaint asking for investigation
because that was not something that he should have been doing.” The petition was posted approximately two weeks ago on the HRC website for supporters to sign. “We encouraged people to sign the petition and stand in solidarity with the LGBT and allies in Alabama,” Jackson said. Tuscaloosa is among the counties issuing marriage licenses to all couples. “Personally I am of the opinion that marriage has historically been a religion-based institution, and I believe that it should remain between a man and a woman,” said TJ Kory, a freshman majoring in finance. “As far as rights, however, our country has always prided itself on equality. I think that there should be a legal bond, such as a civil union, which would afford couples legal rights regardless of gender, and that this should be kept separate from the institution of marriage.” Ryan Richardson, a sophomore majoring in theater, said he is a supporter of same-sex marriage. “From a religious standpoint, I do understand why gay marriage is frowned upon,” he said. “However, from my own personal
THE UNIVERSIT Y OF AL ABAMA
Media Planning Board invites applications for these positions for the 2015-16 academic year
Editor/Ad Manager
The Crimson White Station Manager
WVUA 90.7 FM
opinion, I don’t believe it is right to deny someone their right to marry whoever they love. Love is love.” Luke Knight, president of Spectrum, a student group for LGBTQ and their allies, expressed confidence in the direction same-sex marriage in Alabama is heading. “The number of counties that are refusing to grant licenses is steadily shrinking, and I do not think those counties will be able to hold out against marriage for much longer,” he said. “It seems to me that the state and the counties are not in a position to continue refusing to issue licenses contrary to the ruling of a federal judge.” Knight said he hopes this is only one step of many to come in the right direction for equality. “I think that the Supreme Court will rule this summer to make marriage equality the law of the land,” he said. “It seems likely that they will, and I hope they do, but I also hope that the nation as a whole doesn’t let LGBTQA+ activism end there. Once the marriage issue is settled, I hope that other legal protections, like employment and housing, can be implemented.”
Same-Sex Marriage Licenses in Alabama Counties
3.0% 2 counties
16.4% 11 counties
both same-sex and opposite-sex marriage licenses issued opposite-sex marriage licenses issued no marriage licenses issued scheduled to start issuing on Feb. 16, but did not *Percents out of the 67 total Alabama counties.
Information from the Human Rights Campaign, CW / Claire Whorton
Winter Sport Coat
SALE
30 -50 Off %
Editor
Marr’s Field Journal Editor/Assistant Editor
Southern Historian D EA D LINE FEBRUARY 26, 2015 @ 4 p.m.
71.6% 48 counties
9.0% 6 counties
Traditional Clothing
www.locker-room.biz
Applications are available online at osm.ua.edu.
1-800-749-0992 • 205-752-2990
Call 348-8034 for more information
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
1218 University Blvd.
%
4
Editor | Patrick Crowley Letters@cw.ua.edu Thursday, February 19, 2015
COLUMN | BRYCE
Bryce plan shows UA’s commitment KYLE A.
Simpson Staff Columnist
Tribune News Service
GUEST COLUMN | SGA
SGA Exec responds to Spirit of Alabama Act By Mackenzie Brown | SGA Director of Media Relations
No current Student Government Association official ran on raising taxes, but that’s exactly what a group of Senators wants to do. The idea of even taxing students is simply ridiculous. We pay a significant amount as it stands through tuition; the SGA should never increase that burden. President Hamilton Bloom and the Executive branch of the SGA have and will continue to take a stance against this unfairly represented tax. The Spirit of Alabama Act was proposed on Feb. 5 and might be up for debate in tonight’s Senate meeting. The Act proposes a $12.50 per semester, or $25 per year, tax on every student with the proceeds going to the SGA. The SGA at The University of Alabama should not tax the student body. Period. That’s it. It doesn’t matter where the money might go, the SGA should not tax students more money than they are already paying in tuition. The Act would raise approximately $900,000 each year in addition to the $140,000 the SGA already budgets. Like other campus organizations, the SGA receives its funds from Student Affairs. Organizations such as The Crimson White, the SOURCE and University Programs receive their
funds in the same way. Student Affairs, in turn, receive their funds from tuition. Historically this has worked for us, but other schools choose to take a different approach. Many schools have a Student Activity Fee added in addition to tuition. In fact, the author of the Spirit of Alabama Act listed nine SGA presidents from various schools who support the Act on that principle. He says these schools are able to have a higher budget from these fees and “every one of these schools … has a higher activity fee than ours would.” But the problem is these fees pay for all of their individual Student Affairs departments. The fee opened precedent to allow other fees, which, in The University of Minnesota’s case, lead to an additional $1,627.55 (plus or minus depending on individual cases) on top of their $6,030 tuition and other college fees each semester. Imagine if the SGA raised taxes on students every time someone came up with a “worthwhile” idea on which to spend money. Who else would want some extra funding in addition to their regular budget? The Crimson White works countless hours for little pay producing a free, award-winning newspaper. Advertising can only go so far. Maybe they should charge the student body a fee for their service, too? Or University Programs, who puts on incredible activities for any and all
University students. Surely they could do even more incredible things with a larger budget. If the SGA proposes a tax, more will follow. Then what starts as $12.50 per semester can balloon to more than $1,600 very quickly. Just ask students at Minnesota. The Senators proposing the Act believe this will be a “one time fee,” but if this group has big ideas for $900,000 of students’ money, imagine all of the wonderful ways they can think of to spend $9 million. The Executive branch will continue to fight for no taxes, but we ask for your help. Let us know what you think by emailing us at info@sga.ua.edu. Find your Senator at sga.ua.edu/ find-your-senator, email them and let them know that you do not support a SGA tax. This isn’t about Executive versus Senate, Greeks versus non-Greeks or one group versus another; this is about the simple idea that the SGA at The University of Alabama should not tax its students. The Executive Council consists of the elected offices of President, Executive Vice President, Executive Secretary, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for External Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice President for Financial Affairs, in addition to the appointed Chief of Staff.
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
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.
Since The University of Alabama purchased the property of the historic Bryce Hospital facility in 2010, many have wondered exactly how the University would make use of the 168 acres of space just off Hackberry Lane. Continuing with its remarkable pace of expansion, this week the University announced the master plan of the Bryce campus expansion, and the proposed construction will advance the University towards being a leader in many areas of higher education. An important aspect of a university is the student body, whose diversity of strengths creates a unique environment for learning and growing. As the University population continues to grow, current infrastructure will struggle to support the hordes of students, as a drive across campus on a school day shows. Sewage, drainage, power and road infrastructure improvements are a large part of the expansion, and these features will alleviate some of the growing pains. The new construction provides a new outlet to and from campus, and many University ancillary services are being relocated to the outskirts, keeping some of that traffic out of the heart of campus. Infrastructure allowing for more students to come to the Capstone will provide for a richer, more diverse college experience, which is invaluable and raises the quality of education for everyone. The most recent major campus addition, the construction of Shelby Hall and surrounding science and engineering buildings, proved that the University is committed to being on the cutting edge of science and engineering programs. With plans to build new homes for the department of theatre and dance and the graduate school on the Bryce campus, the University is showing that it is committed to being a leader in all areas of higher education. This should be encouraging for all students, not just theatre majors, because a more encompassing university is a more complete university. Many people are bothered by the constant construction and expansion of the University. However, this expansion results in a university that excels at numerous areas, rather than focusing on one. This, accompanied with an increase in student population from in-state and out-ofstate alike, results in a more diverse workforce for Alabama in the foreseeable future. In an increasingly competitive global economy, it is important that Alabama’s flagship university is capable of exceeding at all forms of higher education, and doing so will ensure Alabamians’ role in shaping the country and the world for years to come. “The Capstone of Higher Education” will become just that – the crowning achievement of the state’s public school system. Kyle Simpson is a sophomore majoring in biology. His column run biweekly.
Last Week’s Poll: Do you think Harper Lee’s second book should be published? (Yes: 73%) (No: 27%) This Week’s Poll: Do you think The University of Alabama supports free speech? cw.ua.edu
5
OPINIONS Thursday, February 19, 2015 COLUMN | EDUCATION
Part 2: Alabama’s deficit is The University of Alabama’s problem too PATRICK
Crowley Opinions Editor
Last week, I explained how Alabama’s tax system and state constitution collects the least in taxes per capita and earmarks 90 percent of taxes collected. Because the state collects so little and is handcuffed in how they distribute the revenue, areas of public service like education, mental health and public infrastructure are woefully underfunded. For example, since 2008 funding for both primary and higher education has been drastically cut. This partially explains the annual rise in tuition for The University of Alabama system – increases also seen across the nation. Yet there are additional consequences besides just the price tag of the Capstone. The most visible consequence is that The University of Alabama is now majority out-of-state students with current trends perpetuating the rise in out-of-state attendance. Simply put, the pool of academically qualified students
capable of succeeding is already small Higher Education,” will be the University in Alabama and shrinking every year, for and of every other state. Alabama’s whereas the pool of such students out- leaders should be worried because the side of Alabama is much, much larger. state desperately needs intelligent, In fact, in 2013, according to the ACT, knowledge based workers that can bring 38,122 Alabama high school graduates 21st century business to a 20th century took the ACT and only 20 percent met state. Perhaps some kids from California college readiness measures in all four and Dallas – and even kids from ACT subjects – that’s roughly 7,624 stu- Alabama – will stay in Alabama and do dents in Alabama who scored at least great things, but a majority of kids will a 21 on the ACT. Let’s say those kids likely return home or seek employment who took the ACT in 2013 outside the state. The entered the University in leaders in Alabama canfall 2014. Hold on, though: not seriously bank on the the freshman class of 2014 roll of a di0e or the whim The leaders in consisted of 6,856 students of a recent University of with an average ACT score Alabama graduate. Alabama cannot of 26.1. So not every qualiWhat is more troubling seriously bank on the about all the cuts is not fied Alabama high school student could even attend the future demographroll of a die... the University, let alone ics of The University of stay and succeed here. Alabama, but what its The future isn’t much purpose and mission will brighter for future in-state be. Governor Scott Walker attendance rates since of Wisconsin, a far-right Alabama’s primary education fund- politician, recently cut $300 million over ing has been slashed severely over the two years in funding for the University past few years and will continue to be of Wisconsin campuses. The scarier slashed, thereby producing fewer aca- part is that he proposed changes to demically qualified Alabama high school the University of Wisconsin’s 110-yeargraduates capable of admittance at The old mission statement – the so-called University of Alabama. Wisconsin Idea. He removed “the search So the University, “The Capstone of for truth” and put in a line about meeting
“the state’s workforce needs.” He disregarded the idea of a university existing for “educating people and improving the human condition” in favor of believing a university is about training workers for the state. Just work, don’t think – it’s good for the state. He eventually restored the edits to the mission statement after immense national backlash, but left the cuts intact. He is the first to attempt to dismantle the national model of education that taught our parents and grandparents how to develop thoughtfulness. I’m afraid he will not be the last. Let’s all hope Alabama’s politicians do not attempt the same to our university. Currently, the state of Alabama and Governor Bentley are asking leaders across the state to raise taxes. But the history of deep cuts in education are already creating ripple effects that are visible on campus and that the state will reap for years to come. Alabama’s state motto is “We dare defend our rights,” but we dare not defend the right to a quality education for all Alabamians. After all, we just can’t afford it. Patrick Crowley is a senior majoring in mathematics, finance and economics. He is the Opinions Editor of The Crimson White.
Welcome to the Brickyard. Bama Softball 2015 support the tide this spring and get the dugout-ready gear you need.
6
NEWS
Thursday, February 19, 2015
School of Social Work to feature civil rights leaders By Alaina Upman | Contributing Writer
Contestants from a previous Miss UA pageant pose in front of Bryant-Denny Stadium. CW File
Bama Theatre to host Miss UA been helping contestants with choreography and backstage tasks for five years. Jones said she knows the Alabama pageant system well. This year, as a tribute to the partnership between Miss America and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, all pageant contestants in the Miss UA competition will be paired with a girl from Alabama aged 7 to 11 that has some connection to Children’s Miracle Network. The contestants also each raised $100 for the non-profit organization. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the Bama Theatre box office, which will open at 5:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
Rogers and Linton were the main organizers who planned the march to the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse to protest segregation, Whitfield said. The march began at the First African Baptist Church, but never made it to the courthouse. Ellen Csikai, chair of the diversity committee in the School of Social Work, said Bloody Tuesday was similar to the march that occurred in Selma. People were injured and jailed as a result of the march, she said. “We hear a lot about the other events that went on around the state and around the country, but we don’t realize what happened here locally,” she said. “It’s important for us to know our history here in Tuscaloosa.”
Great Selection Men’s and Women’s
30% off
NA
The 41st annual Miss UA pageant, an official preliminary pageant to Miss Alabama, will take place Saturday night at the Bama Theatre. The pageant is sponsored by the University of Alabama National Alumni Association. Seventeen young women representing different colleges and majors will compete for the Miss UA title and the scholarship that comes with it. The competition will begin at 7 p.m. and will likely run two hours. The competition is judged based on interview, physical fitness and talent portions as
well as an evening wear portion in which contestants must answer a question. Four judges from various pageant backgrounds and one non-affiliated judge will oversee the contest. This year will mark the 20th year that Carol Wright will direct the Miss UA pageant. Wright said she grew up admiring the pageant circuit. “I always enjoy getting to know the young woman serving as Miss UA, and I enjoy seeing not only what she will do for her platform, but what she will do to represent the University as well,” she said. Tammy Jones, a former Miss Alabama and UA alumna, has
Thomas Linton (left) and Maxie Thomas are speaking Feb. 20. Photos Courtesy of Vickie Whitfield
Downtown Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
752.6931 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7-6 pm • Sat. 9-5 pm
www.TheShirtShop.biz
NA5656403
By Paige Henderson | Contributing Writer
The University of Alabama’s School of Social Work will host a colloquium on Friday to discuss Tuscaloosa’s African-American civil rights heritage. “The School of Social Work is proud to celebrate Dr. Ethel H. Hall African-American Heritage month by hosting a colloquium featuring speakers Rev. Thomas Linton and Mr. Maxie Thomas, two icons of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Vickie Whitfield, the spokeswoman for the University of Alabama’s School of Social Work. Both Linton and Thomas played instrumental roles in the march in Tuscaloosa during the early ‘60s, which became known as “Bloody Tuesday,” Whitfield said. “A lot of people are not familiar with what happened on Bloody Tuesday, June 9, 1964,” she said. “Rev. Linton and Mr. Thomas are going to shed some light and let people know what happened during that time.” The Bloody Tuesday incident began with an attempt to demand integration of the segregated water fountains. The Rev. T.Y.
$5 FOR ANY
PITA AND A REGULAR DRINK In-store only, not valid on delivery, not valid with other coupon offers.
1207 UNIVERSITY BLVD. • The Strip 205-409-8889 • www.pitapittuscaloosa.com
Expires 5/15/15 • Expires 5/15/15 • Expires 5/15/15 • Expires 5/15/15
7
Editor | Francie Johnson Culture@cw.ua.edu Thursday, February 19, 2015
BARS
WEEKEND BAND SCENE THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
GREEN BAR
The Primitive Talk
CBDB, Little Raine Band
The Maness Brothers w/ Defenders of the Universe
ROUNDER’S
DJ Archnemesis
Matt Bennett Band
DJ Spinnzz
BUFFALO PHIL’S
Soul Tide
Ham Bagby
N/A CW / Taylor House
CBDB to throw album release party By Becca Murdoch | Contributing Writer
On Friday night, local band CBDB will debut two songs from its new album that have never been performed live before. Photo Courtesy of Paul Oliver
CBDB and Little Raine Band will both bring their blend of progressive rock and improvisational jam-band energy to the Green Bar on Friday night. Tuscaloosa-based CBDB is made up of Cy Simonton, guitar and lead vocals; Kris Gottlieb, lead guitar; Glenn Dillard, saxophone and keyboard; Donald DeLoach, percussion; and Paul Oliver on drums. The band will be celebrating the release of their new album, “Joyfunk is Dead.” “We’re going to do the album in order with some improv and stuff,” Simonton
Conquer Spring the beach Break in style. YOUR AD HERE
said. “I’m excited to play ‘Seven Seas’ because we’re going to have Rob Alley come up and play on the trumpet who played on the record with us.” Little Raine Band, with Daniel Raine on rhythm guitar, harmonica, keyboards and lead vocals; Davis Little on lead guitar and vocals; Isaiah Smith on bass guitar; and DeVonte Hutchins on drums, joins CBDB. “Expect some wild jams and some wild and intense improv,” Little said. “Just expect a lot of surprises. It’s going to be a really fun night and a nice get-together with the whole community.” At the show, CBDB plans to debut two
new songs from “Joyfunk is Dead” that have never been performed live before. Oliver said this album’s sound is a bit of a step away from the first. “The best way for me to describe it is that it has a more aggressive sound and is a little bit edgier,” Oliver said. Both members of Little Raine Band and CBDB said they are looking forward to returning to Tuscaloosa for Friday’s show. Because this show is a release party for “Joyfunk is Dead,” everyone in attendance will receive a hard copy of the album before the online release Feb. 24. The show starts at 10:30 p.m. and the cover is $10.
Glow Run returns to Tuscaloosa By Ellen Johnson | Contributing Writer
Neon tutus, glow-in-the-dark accessories and funky knee socks are just a few examples of the gear that will adorn runners this Saturday night as they whiz past Tuscaloosa hotspots in an electric display of color. Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports will welcome the Glow Run 5k back to Tuscaloosa for a second year. Proceeds will benefit Tuscaloosa One Place, a resource center that empowers families in the community. The Glow Run is a different kind of race, placing more emphasis on the atmosphere than on the participant’s race time. “The Glow Run is done at night, which is different than a lot of other adventure runs,” said Brandt Garrison, director of communications and public relations for Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports. “It’s such a fun and positive atmosphere, and runners capitalize on that energy.” The Glow Run will host an after-party, complete with a DJ, Garrison said. While the evening will be fun and light-hearted, she also explained the importance of raising money for charity. Amanda Waller, director of development at Tuscaloosa One Place, shared the significance of the partnership between the Glow Run and her organization. “We strive to strengthen families in the community, and we do that through a lot of different programs like GED classes and career development,” she said. “All the money raised from the Glow Run will go to support these programs that we already do.” Lindsey Martin, a freshman majoring in
Tuscaloosa’s second Glow Run will take place Saturday night, followed by an after-party. Photo Courtesy of Brandt Garrison
PLAN TO GO WHAT: Glow Run WHEN: Saturday, 6 p.m. WHERE: Old Farmer’s Market parking lot in downtown Tuscaloosa mechanical engineering, has participated in the Color Run, and she described the adventure run experience to be a race like no other. “It’s different because it’s about the experience, not about how fast you get there,” she said. “There really are no winners.”
8
SPORTS
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Baseball faces first test of season By Nolan Imsande | Staff Reporter
The softball team will host the No. 4 Michigan Wolverines on Friday. CW File
Softball to host Michigan By Kelly Ward | Sports Editor
There are no easy games left for Alabama softball. After going 4-1 at the Stanford Nike Invitational, the Crimson Tide returns home for a five-game slate in the Easton Bama Bash against three teams who made the NCAA Tournament last season. Lipscomb and James Madison made a regional while Michigan made it to a super regional. First up is No. 4 Michigan, who fell to Florida State in three games at the Tallahassee Super Regional after beating the Seminoles in the first. The Wolverines (8-1) are on an eight-game winning streak after falling 2-1 to open the season against defending national champion No. 1 Florida. “Obviously, we really want to prove that we can beat one of the best teams in the country in Michigan,” junior centerfielder Haylie McCleney said. “You know, they’re going to come here ready to play. They want to beat us on our home field and we’ve got to protect that so we just have to stay within ourself I think and not get too caught up in the hype. You know, it’s a topfive matchup, all this kind of stuff. We really gotta stay within ourselves, just remain calm, execute, know what we have to do to win, take it slow, do the little things right and the result will take care of itself.” The Crimson Tide has been able to rely on its pitching to get the job done. In her second start after throwing a perfect game, sophomore right-hander Sydney Littlejohn nearly threw a no-hitter. Freshman righthander Alexis Osorio did throw a no-hitter on Sunday in the 10-0 win over California Polytechnic State. “Our pitchers have done really well,” coach Patrick Murphy said. “Only one little bump in the road to me and that was Lexi’s start against Stanford, and just every freshman has that little hiccup and she
came back and threw the no-hitter on Sunday, which everybody was really proud of her ‘cause she could’ve folded her tent, but it was a totally different kid on the mound.” Alabama’s bats have complemented its pitching. In five of its 11 wins, Alabama has finished the game in five innings after invoking a mercy rule. Through 12 games, the Crimson Tide has outscored its opponents 91-17. Still, there is room for improvement. “We need some of our power hitters to start connecting,” Murphy said. “That to me is probably the thing we need to improve on the most. Just get the ball out of the infield ‘cause we had bases loaded, no outs against Pacific, didn’t get a run in, and that shouldn’t happen.” The Crimson Tide has been able to rely on two hitters to get the job done. McCleney was named SEC Player of the Week. She hit .571 over the weekend with 12 hits and 11 RBI. Her batting average is .568 through 12 games. She owns a .660 on-base percentage and a .811 slugging percentage. Freshman infielder Demi Turner is second on the team with a .541 batting average. She has the highest slugging percentage on the team (.865), which Murphy said was what surprised him the most. Turner’s only home run this season was straight over the centerfield wall, which Murphy said is a sign of a good hitter. As good as McCleney and Turner have been, Murphy said the team can’t rely on two hitters the whole time. “I think the other people will start to hit the ball,” he said. “I’m not worried about it. But it’s going to be fun when they all start to contribute.” Alabama starts the weekend Friday at 4 p.m. against Michigan.
Use a commercial car wash that treats its wastewater or wash your vehicle in a yard. Dispose of used fluids and batteries at designated recycling facilities. Clean up fluid spills immediately. Properly maintain vehicles to prevent oil, gas, and other fluids from being washed into the storm sewer system.
After sweeping Maryland-Eastern Shore in the first series of the year by a combined score of 36-0, Alabama will face a much tougher opponent in the second series of the season. The Crimson Tide will travel to The University of Houston for a three-game weekend series with the No. 3 Cougars. “They return their entire rotation from last year and six starters,” Alabama coach Mitch Gaspard said. “Really just watching a little bit on tape and going back to last year with what they did, they are a very complete, well-coached team... Should be a really good matchup, especially for us coming off of last weekend.” The weekend rotation will be the same for Alabama. Senior left-hander Taylor Guilbeau will start Friday’s game, junior righty Will Carter will pitch Saturday and sophomore right-hander Geoffrey Bramblett will get the ball in Sunday’s finale. All three pitched at least six innings and allowed zero runs in their first starts of the season last weekend. Alabama looks to stay on track offensively. The Crimson Tide scored more than six runs in all three games against UMES and scored 19 in the series finale. “We were rewarded for a lot of efforts we put forth last weekend, which was good to see,” Gaspard said. “I think we have a lot of good building blocks to takeaway and moving forward into
The Crimson Tide baseball team will travel to the University of Houston this weekend to face the No. 3 Cougars in a three-game series. CW / Amellia Armstrong
the season.” Sophomore Casey Hughston was one of the offensive catalysts in the first series. He hit .846 (11-for-13) with three doubles, a triple and eight RBI. Junior second baseman Kyle Overstreet hit .545 (6-for-11) with two doubles and 10 RBI in the first three games of the season. “It’s just our approach, our whole team is hitting really good right now,” Hughston said. “We’ve got to stick to the approach we are taking at the plate and just keep grinding it out.” Friday’s game starts at 6:30 p.m.
9
THURSDAY February 19, 2015 University spokeswoman says investigation pending LETTER FROM PAGE 1
“To my understanding, [the officer] is currently performing his duties as if no violations have occurred,” the letter reads. The anonymous writer also alleges that when UAPD administration was made aware of incidents of bullying a female officer or race-based bullying, it responded by either taking no action, or reprimanding the parties who reported the incident for
insubordination. According to the letter, UAPD administration is aware of a supervisor’s history of “comments concerning the intelligence of [a black officer] and questionable comments concerning his race.” This supervisor, the writer claims, later told other UAPD officers that he would have the black officer’s “sorry black ass” removed from his assignment. The letter goes on to identify five examples of internal disciplinary activity within UAPD, outlining an inconsistent standard of enforcement that results in the persecution of some officers, while other officers are “protected, not held accountable for
these actions, and are well accustomed to items ‘being swept under the rug.’” The Crimson White placed phone calls to both Police Chief Tim Summerlin and Assistant Vice President for Public Safety Steve Tucker’s office seeking comment on the letter’s allegations. After being informed both were out of their offices, messages were left with each office requesting a response. Shortly afterwards, UA spokeswoman Cathy Andreen reached out to The Crimson White asking that questions to UA administrators be directed to the UA Office of Media Relations. The Crimson White requested comments from
$3 at “The Free” Mon-Wed
Shots
Drinks
$5 Doubl 2/18 es, $ fireball 2
Thursday
Archnem 2/19 esis Live!! Purchase for $5 pritickets or to show
Monday 9 - until 2am $1 Draft Beer & Bingo
Irish Gold
Sabanade
Tuesday 9 - until 2am
Fireball
Margarita
$1 Tequila Shots $5 Margaritas
Washington Apple
Wednesda y
Summerlin and Tucker regarding the letter’s allegations. While neither Summerlin nor Tucker were available for comment, Andreen released an additional statement from Lane. “Due to the need for confidentiality regarding a pending investigation and out of consideration for the privacy of University employees, it is inappropriate to address the specifics alleged in the anonymous letter or the status of the investigation,” the statement from Lane read. “However, in general, any allegation of improper conduct by UAPD or any other employee is thoroughly investigated.”
Glass of Wine
Wednesday
Happy Hour All Day
$2 Tallboys Bud Light Coors Light Yuengling Miller Light Michelob Ultra 20% off food with student I.D.
***No Cover Thursday***
Thursday 9-12 $3 32oz. Well Drinks & Live Music
Fri, Sat, Sun
Happy Hour 3-8
Live Music $3 Domestics $5 Bushwackers $7 Pitchers
Everyday 1/2 off Domestics, Well Drinks & Bushwackers, $2 tall-boys everyday
Friday 2/ 20
Matt Ben nett Band and DJ Sp innzz
Saturday
2
DJ Spinn /21 zz
Sund
Sunday F ay un $4 Pitche day rs Bombs, , and Mart in $2 Fireba is, and ll Domestic and s
Wednesday 2/18
$5 Doubles, $2 fireball
Thursday 2/19
Archnemesis Live!! Purchase tickets for $5 prior to show
Friday 2/20
Matt Bennett Band and DJ Spinnzz
Saturday 2/21 DJ Spinnzz
Sunday
Sunday Funday $4 Pitchers, Bombs, and Martinis, and $2 Fireball and Domestics
10
THURSDAY February 19, 2015 Cultural Center during her undergraduate studies, and these jobs changed her view of the South. While finding and understanding a cultural identity can still be difficult, Saeed was thankful for the opportunity to work with others who were culturally sensitive, she said. “I realized that core values in my culture and my faith are very similar to those of a Southern culture and faith,” she said. “That was very interesting, and I was happy that I realized that, because it helped to change my perception of Alabama and of the culture of the South in general.”
Campus religious groups offer community, education RELIGION FROM PAGE 1
that at Calvary,” Mayo said. “It’s really cool seeing people from so many different walks of life and church backgrounds, even, just because it’s so close to campus and people find it so easily.” To inform other students on campus about Calvary, Mayo, along with a couple other students on Calvary’s leadership team, began chalking information about The Well, the church’s college ministry that meets each Wednesday at 8 p.m. The chalk advertisements remind students who already attend The Well to return, and draws some new students, Mayo said. “We realized we enjoyed [chalking,]” he said. “It was relaxing and nice outside, and also, several people would stop us while we were chalking and ask us what we were doing, so we got to invite people in person.” In addition to The Well, Mayo also attends Life Groups on Monday nights, which are smaller groups at Calvary where students study the Bible, and also discuss life events they are facing, he said. Last fall, Mayo arrived to Life Groups after taking an English Bible as Literature course, one of the few Bible-focused classes that he has taken for his religious studies minor, he said. Analyzing passages of the same text from an academic perspective in class and then a faithbased perspective right after was an interesting experience, he said. “The class was definitely a challenge, because it’s hard to read the text that you’re familiar with, from a religious point of view, academically, and I think it’s very good to do, to read it from a different point-of-view and to hear the experiences of other people in the room,” he said. ••• Meredith Haynie, a junior majoring in dance, grew up in a school where most students were Jewish, and in a home of various religious practices. She chose to attend a Methodist Church with her mother, and transitioned to Alabama Wesley, a ministry of the United Methodist Church, during her freshman year of college. Haynie has enjoyed meeting friends and enjoying the smaller community of Alabama Wesley, she said. She said she hopes to become a small group leader later this semester. “One topic I’d be interested to discuss [in my small group] would be how it can be challenging keeping faith in college,” she said. “I think it’s wonderful and beautiful to be around so many different ideas and ideologies, but knowing that it’s okay to stay true to who you are and be respectful of other people as well.” In addition to the small groups, Haynie has also enjoyed working with the Collegiate Recovery Community on campus, where she and other students from Wesley would attend open
•••
Calvary Tuscaloosa advertises its college ministries with chalked messages. CW / Layton Dudley
recovery meetings. “We would go to the meetings and just be supportive of the people who were going through recovery,” she said. “I think that was a huge reason that drew me to Wesley.”
years here in Alabama were very difficult, and I think it was because of my schedule and the people [in retail] that I worked with,” She said. “That kind of affected my [spiritual] practices.” Saeed worked part-time jobs while ••• attending classes, making it difficult say a three- or five-minute prayer Hailah Saeed majored in crimi- at certain times throughout the nal justice and social work during day. She would pray in empty classher undergraduate education at The rooms, or try to make the prayer University of Alabama, up later in the evening, and is currently in the she said. last semester of the MPA Students of any faith program. The transition can use Room 305 of the ...it’s wonderful and Ferguson to college was not the Center as a first time she had a locabeautiful to be quiet space for reflection tional transition while or prayer. Muhammad around so many practicing Islam. Saeed, Farooq, a graduate stuborn in Yemen, moved to dent in the department different ideas and Michigan in 2001, becomof electrical engineerideologies... ing part of a large Arabing, is the current presiAmerican population. dent of MSA. Farooq Being in a community said he is thankful for — Meredith Haynie — surrounded by others the efforts made by with a similar cultural the Division of Student identity made the transiA ffa i r s , Cr o s s r o a d tion easier, as she was able to take Community Center and the daily breaks for prayer and breaks Ferguson Center to make throughout the year for Islamic it possible. holidays, she said. “[The University] attracts a lot of During her last semester of high international students, specifically school, Saeed moved to Alabama, and from Saudi Arabia, so it’s very importhen transitioned to The University tant for them to have a space that is of Alabama, where keeping her faith close to campus to pray,” Saeed said. became more difficult, she said. “It’s very difficult when you come Although Saeed became part of the from a country where your work and Muslim Students Association, it class schedules are centered around wasn’t until she had already been at the schedule for prayer.” the University for a couple of years. Saeed worked at the Rose “I think my first two or three Administration and Crossroad
Sarah Hoffman, a freshman majoring in nursing, has found that the transition to college has been fairly easy in regards to keeping her faith, she said. Hoffman practices Judaism, and has attended Bloom Hillel, a Jewish student organization on campus. Hoffman attended a public high school, but was enrolled in a private Jewish elementary school until fourth grade. Her faith was part of her family and often discussed: her mother converted to Judaism, her father is Jewish, and her grandfather is a Holocaust survivor, she said. “In the fifth grade, [my grandfather] came and talked to my class about [the Holocaust],” Hoffman said. Hoffman began learning about the events of the Holocaust in the second grade, and it is a big part of her family, she said. Lisa Besnoy, the director of Bloom Hillel, encourages students to come to Hillel as a home away from home. The organization strives to meet students where they are in their faith, whether they are from Jewish families or not, and regardless of their year in school, Besnoy said. Around 400 students have attended Hillel events, which is right around half of the number of Jewish students that the organization expects are on campus, she said. “I always say that there are enough Jewish students that they don’t feel like they’re the only Jewish students on campus, but they also don’t feel like they’re just another Jewish student,” she said. Hillel encourages students to be involved of other areas of campus, but act as a common core for Jewish students. In addition to other events throughout the year, Hillel invites Jewish professors at the University to speak to students about various subjects and opportunities as they relate to Judaism. Hoffman has recently developed friendships that lead her to Hillel, but said she feels she has been able to relate to students on campus regardless of religion, she said. “I think having my roommate from high school made my transition to college easier, because I was able to hang out with her and then we both branched off,” Hoffman said. “But [transitioning to college] was nice and comfortable.”
THURSDAY February 19, 2015
MARKETPLACE
TODAY’SDIVERSIONS
How to place a classified: For classified line ads visit www.cw.ua.edu and click on the classifieds tab. For classified display ads call (205) 348-7355 or email cwclassmgr@gmail.com for a free consultation. The Crimson White is published four days a week (M, T, W, TH). Each classified line ad must run for a minimum of four days and include no less than 16 words.
HOUSING Walking Distance to UA Campus Audubon Manor Efficiency or 1 Bedroom Apartment Walking distance to class On-site laundry. No Pets. Call 205-752-1277 Email crissy@weaverrentals.com Efficiency Unit OnCampus Cobblestone Court Apartments next door to Publix. Water and garbage included in rent. $450/mo. or $475/ mo. No Pets. Call 205752-1277. Email crissy@ weaverrentals.com University Downs 115 Condo furnished. Email pdoyle@riddellsales.com JOBS Business Development Specialist FastHealth Corporation, a local
internet healthcare company, is seeking college seniors and recent graduates for positions with our sales/marketing team. All majors are encouraged to apply. Send resumes to
chubbard@fasthealth.com ANNOUNCEMENTS RELIABLE PSYCHIC 80% accuracy Refund if incorrect Lodestar-Predictions.com
Need a ride to the Airport? Birmingham & Atlanta
Private & Shared Rides
Crown Transportation (205) 758-3875 Crownlimo10@yahoo.com
From Where You Live And From Around The World
â&#x20AC;&#x153;SURV<P 500â&#x20AC;? PER M U to B ARE R E C P BUM TAL CAR TO
International Religious Survey
For All Ages Especially College SEE HOW YOU COMPARE?
205-556-8411
For further info, please visit:
TIDE DISCOUNTS 12% OFF
www.survey500.org
up to $100 Mention Crimson White when you drop off car. Other terms apply.
)FZ 8IBU BCPVU UIPTF EJOPTBVST XXX JDS PSH
3017 McFarland Blvd
HOROSCOPES
Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday (02/19/15). Mars enters Aries today, motivating profits to begin your next year. Advance your career. Use your power for good. Friends support your success; nurture your networks. Make preparations to realize a personal objective after 3/20. Carefully track numbers, especially after 4/4. Budget extra for the unexpected. Partnership sparks after 10/13. Express your love and appreciation. 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 a 7 -- Slow down and think it over. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an opportunity if you take time to look for it. Focus on restoring health and wellness, and supporting vitality. Consider mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Rest and recharge. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Words and actions align, but there may be a roadblock. Try another tactic. Dispel confusion with key questions. Your network has the answers. Take a leap of faith. Others respect your good sense. All ends well. Strengthen reserves. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Extend your influence by taking new responsibility. Achieve a career milestone or new level. Do what you said you would, and the pieces line up. Generate profits from home. Let your partner win. Stand for love.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 9 -Put your money where your mouth is for a fat payout. Remember the rules. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fall for an illusion. A delightful adventure carries you off. Post selfies from exotic destinations. Record the amazing things youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re learning. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spend more than you can afford or finance a fantasy. Handle obligations and bills before treats. Listen to your partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream, and determine how to support it over time. By working together, you can grow resources. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -Keep your promises with your partner, and dreams become possible. Do what you said, and then create new promises to realize shared goals. Organize your efforts. Together you can accomplish amazing things this month. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- The work you do now and for the next month has long-lasting impact. Make bold declarations and realize them. Play bigger than you normally do. Expand your game. Provide exceptional value, and it comes back to you. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- All that practice pays off. The talents youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been honing shine in the spotlight. Long-term benefit is possible. A dream takes
RATES: $1.25 for the first 5 words, $0.25 for every additional word, A border around your ad is an additional $0.50 per ad DISCOUNTS: 5% off for 4 issues; 10% off for 8 issues; 15% off for 16 issues DEADLINES: Classified line ad deadline is the previous business day by 4:00 p.m.
focus. Take on a big challenge and win. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting exceptionally fun (and romantic) this month. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Big home renovation projects (or possibly a move) come together this month. Ask for what you really want, and then show up to do the work to get it. You can make dreams come true. Set long-term goals. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Talk is cheap, so back yours with action. Get practical, and hone your message down to basics. Declare your intentions, enlist support from your circles, and then keep your word. You can accomplish huge things together. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- Keep showing up and doing what you said this month, and raise your income without stress. Get creative with your work. Play with it. Stay in communication and meet your deadlines. It could get wonderfully profitable. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- You can realize things you thought impossible this month. Put on your power suit and go drive them wild. Others say nice things about you. A personal breakthrough is available. Expand your boundaries. Take new ground.
SUDOKU
11
12
Editor | Kelly Ward Sports@cw.ua.edu Thursday, February 19, 2015
Alabama-Georgia gymnastics rivalry starts new era By Kayla Montgomery | Assistant Sports Editor
It was, for decades, the biggest rivalry in college gymnastics. The University of Alabama versus The University of Georgia pitted two rival coaches – Alabama’s former coach Sarah Patterson and UGA’s Suzanne Yoculan – and two top-tier teams against each other year in and year out. Since 2000, the teams have a combined total of eight national championship titles. When the No. 5 Alabama gymnastics team travels to Athens, Georgia, on Friday to compete against its storied rival, it will mark a new era in the competition. Yoculan retired in 2009 with the UGA program now being led by Danna Durante, and the Crimson Tide is now under the leadership of Dana Duckworth. Though things have changed around the program, Duckworth said little has changed in the cross-state rivalry. Both teams, she said, will continue to push each other to new heights in their quest to maintain the legacy that has been laid. “What’s similar is that it’s two great teams who bring the best out in each other year after year,” Duckworth said. “That’s what the rivalry is about. I am confident that
After earning its highest score of the season last meet, the Alabama gymnastics team will travel to Athens, Georgia, to take on the Bulldogs on Friday. CW / Hanna Curlette
we will have a great meet; I am confident that they will have a great meet. When two teams have that rivalry and that pursuit toward carrying on that kind of history, there’s something electric about that. I joke that it was Sarah versus Suzanne, now it’s Danna versus Dana – different, yet similar.” The Crimson Tide will travel to
Georgia after posting its top score of the season in last Friday’s Power of Pink meet. The team also posted season-best scores on the uneven bars and balance beam, and tied its season-best score on the floor exercise. “Take what we did last week, add a couple more vault ladings and take it on the road,” Duckworth said. “Do that and we’ll take a huge set in an
LEASE NOW for Fall 2014 t 2 Bed / 2 Bath t 1,400 Sq. Foot Units! t Only $675/Bedroom! t Huge Walk-In Closets t Includes Wi-fi, W/D, and Kitchen Appliances
away setting. Let’s get a great away score. That’s what we want to focus on doing our job and let the scores take care of themselves.” After last week’s performance, sophomore Katie Bailey said the team will be focusing on the more minor details in this week’s competition. “We’re going to work on the little things, just staying in bounds, pointed toes and little things we can work on,” she said. “I think we’re really excited and we’re going to do great.” In addition to the minor changes, senior Kaitlyn Clark said the team is still working on its depth and lineups. The team is where it should be at this point in the season, she said, which makes its potential to continue improving all the more exciting. “We’re still changing people in and out of lineups and getting that depth,” she said. “Even though we did so much better in sticks, we still only had two stuck vaults out of six, and we had some people who always stick beam not stick. We can always clean up our leaps and our floor landings and upgrade our floor passes as well. Really there’s so much more room for improvement and that’s what is so exciting, because we’re doing so well and we have so much more to grow.”
Win an
iPad Mini! Tour The Gates for your chance to WIN!
www.TheGatesAtCedarCrest.com
345-1440
The
Perfect
Game
FEBRUARY 19, 2015 STATE OF ALABAMA
GAMEDAY S TA F F EDITORIAL editor-in-chief Andy McWhorter editor@cw.ua.edu
managing editor Tara Massouleh magazine creative director Maria Oswalt production editor Sean Landry visuals editor Sloane Arogeti
3
online editor Beth Lindly opinions editor Patrick Crowley chief copy editor Peyton Shepard news editor Rachel Brown
PITCH PERFECT
culture editor Francie Johnson sports editor Kelly Ward photo editor Pete Pajor video editor Patrick Maddox community manager Alessia Grijalva
ADVERTISING advertising manager Keenan Madden 251.408.2033 cwadmanager@gmail.com
territory manager Chloe Ledet
205.886.3512 territorymanager@gmail.com
special projects manager Taylor Shutt 904.504.3306 osmspecialprojects@gmail.com
creative services manager Hillary McDaniel
6
334.315.6068
PAGE 3 CW | Pete Pajor
GAMEDAY 2015
STATE OF ALABAMA By Sean Landry | Production Editor
Continued on page 4
PAGE 4
GAMEDAY 2015
CW | Pete Pajor
or the fi rst time since 2012, The University of Alabama is the top basketball team in the state. Alabama’s come-from-behind 79-68 victory over Auburn on Tuesday night gave the Crimson Tide its fi rst regular season sweep of its instate rival since the 2011-12 season - the last time coach Anthony Grant’s squad made the NCAA Tournament. “I am just really proud of our team tonight. I thought they really battled,” Grant said. “They showed a lot of heart and determination. I am really happy for our seniors, Levi Randolph and Rodney Cooper, being able to get the sweep of our in-state rival. Their last game here, to be able to come out with a win. I thought our guys really rallied. We got a lot of great efforts out of a lot of people. In the fi rst half, we played well. We had some turnovers there that allowed Auburn to take the lead at halftime. All we talked about was making sure that we make the right decisions.” Alabama entered the half trailing 36-33 with 11 turnovers and 12 personal fouls, including a technical foul on Grant. In the second, Alabama outscored the Tigers 46-32. Randolph and Cooper played the entire
second half, scoring 15 and 8 to fi nish with 19 and 13, respectively. “[At halftime] Levi Randolph said ‘I’m good, coach’ and I said ‘Let’s make sure,’” Grant said. “After the game he said, ‘Coach, I told you I was good’ and he was. He was really good today.” Now, Alabama returns home to host the Georgia Bulldogs, one spot above the Crimson Tide in the conference standings. As the third best long-range shooting team and fourth best rebounding team in the league, Georgia excels where Alabama doesn’t, but in recent games, the Bulldogs have struggled, dropping the last two games to Auburn and South Carolina. Georgia averages 37 rebounds per game, a mark that has held steady over the last few games, while Alabama averages only 33, but has shown marked improvement. Over the last five games, Alabama averages 36.4 rebounds per game, including 38 boards against Vanderbilt and 40 against Auburn. “That’s another thing we stress every day,” Randolph said after Tuesday’s win. “It just came down to our preparation and how we practice. The things we do every day are the defensive drills and the box-out drills. They played a major role today in this game.”
PAGE 5
GAMEDAY 2015
CW | Pete Pajor
Randolph and junior guard Retin Obasohan said they both credit an improved sense of urgency for Alabama’s win. Randolph said the team will have to carry that energy into Saturday’s game against he Bulldogs. “We just stressed as a team in the locker room to come out early and play with great energy and effort,” Randolph said. “That has been one of the focuses for us. In the practices leading up to today, one thing we talked about was just to play together and to play hard. Anytime that you play this game, especially with it being a rivalry, it’s going to be emotional. We just tried to play with passion. When that emotion went away, we just tried to play together and continue throughout the second half.” Alabama tips off against Georgia at 7 p.m. in Coleman Coliseum on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
CW | Pete Pajor
SAMFORD
Earn your graduate degree in education Samford offers NCATE-accredited graduate programs in education that blend theoretical concepts with practical, hands-on experience. Samford has traditional master's degree programs as well as flexible schedules for working professionals. Our postgraduation employment rate is nearly 100%. Degrees Offered M.S.E., Elementary Education M.S.E., Gifted Certification M.S.E., Instructional Leadership M.S.E., Educational Leadership: Policy, Organizations and Leadership 5th-year Alternative Graduate Program in Early Childhood/Elementary Education 5th-year Nontraditional Master's in Secondary Education Ed.S., Teacher Leader Ed.S., Instructional Leader Ed.D., Educational Leadership
FOODIES Rejoice! When you start with the finest ingredients, the dishes that follow are fresh and creative. They describe them as delicious twists on classic dishes and new favorites worthy of foodie blogs and Instagram pics. This passion for distinctive flavors is what makes Another Broken Egg Cafe so unique.
Mon-Sun: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
1650 Jack Warner Pkwy, Tuscaloosa samford.edu/go/education-UA
PAGE 6
GAMEDAY 2015
PAGE 7
GAMEDAY 2015
PITCH PERFECT By Kelly Ward | Sports Editor
Nothing about warmups made it seem like the game would be different. When sophomore Sydney Littlejohn was in the bullpen before her start, she felt like it was any other day. Except it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any other day. Feb. 6, 2015, was the day Littlejohn threw a perfect game. Continued on page 8
CW | Layton Dudley
PAGE 8
GAMEDAY 2015
ost pitchers would give anything to throw a perfect game. It’s the highlight of a career, a highlight that is rarely done. For Littlejohn, it was the highlight of the weekend. “It was great while it lasted, but I’m like, ‘Well, shoot, now I’ve got to live up to it,’ but it’s just a great confidence builder to know that I am capable of doing that,” she said. It was her fi rst start of the season. She threw five shutout innings in her second start. “Sydney did such a great job, and she just freaking kicked butt,” junior infielder Leona Lafaele said. “She just went out there and dominated, and I’m so proud because if anybody deserves a perfect game, but if anyone can do it, it’s Sydney. And to do it at such a young age, like her sophomore year, that’s crazy, and she did such a good job.” The perfect game spanned five innings. Littlejohn struck out a thencareer-high eight batters in the 8-0 win over Eastern Kentucky. She has since struck out 10 in an eight-inning complete game shutout.
M
Wicked Movement Jaclyn Traina was the face of Alabama pitching until this year. She willed her way through lineups, overpowering batters with ease. She led the team to a national title in 2012, the fi rst for any SEC team, and she led the team back to the championship series last year. But the Crimson Tide has three pitchers who are not Traina who’ve helped Alabama to an 11-1 start. Senior right-hander Leslie Jury (3-1) and freshman right-hander Alexis Osorio (4-0) fi nish out the pitching staff. Osorio put together a no-hitter on Sunday, only the fourth thrown by a freshman at Alabama. “All three have a chip on their shoulder,” head coach Patrick Murphy said. “You know, we’ve had Jackie for four years and was tremendous, and I think they feel like they have something to prove this year and they’re good too. I mean, Leslie, this is the best she’s pitched in her career, and obviously Sydney with her perfect game, and to throw in Lexi, and they’re all three different too. So to have those three different combinations, it’s going to be a lot of fun to see what they do when we get going here.” Littlejohn doesn’t overpower batters with speed. Littlejohn is a
curveball pitcher. So far this season, she’s held batters to a .131 batting average. Her ERA through 25 innings pitched is 0.28. The only earned run she’s allowed was a home run. “To me, she’s the softball version of Mariano Rivera, who was the greatest closer in baseball with the Yankees,” Murphy said. “And he threw one pitch, and he said, ‘Here it is. Hit it.’ And it didn’t matter who it was, lefty or righty, he was going to get them out probably. Every now and then, yeah, they’d hit it. But with Sydney, if her curveball moves, people do not hit it.” Littlejohn thrives on her ability to move the ball. When it’s not moving, a batter can hit it. “Nobody ever hit a great curveball in either baseball or softball,” Murphy said. “They always hit the hanging curveball, which means it didn’t curve.” That day, Feb. 6, the ball was moving. It moved enough for Littlejohn to strike out eight, two of whom went down looking. She retired five in the air and two on the ground. “They were taking really big cuts at her balls, and it’s always fun to see someone like back off the plate ‘cause they think the ball’s gonna come in on them when it ends up right down the middle because her ball moves that far off the plate,” senior catcher Chaunsey Bell said. Littlejohn’s curveball can freeze a batter. A surefi re ball cuts back and crosses over the plate faster than a batter can react. In subsequent at-bats, Eastern Kentucky made adjustments. So did Littlejohn. “That day, the ball was really moving, and you can tell right off the bat when they swing and miss like out of their shoes,” Murphy said. “And then maybe in the second and third inning, they get a very tip of a bat at the very end, and the ball slices to the opposite side of home plate that hits the backstop, you know then that her ball is moving. If the ball comes off the bat and it spins weird, she’s going to have a good day.” Catching the ball with the tip of the bat can rip the cover of the ball. An umpire usually checks the status of a ball after it’s fouled off and hits the fence or backstop. If a ball is too damaged, the umpire replaces it. Murphy said that happened at least three times in the perfect game because Littlejohn spun it so much. “Yeah, that happens a lot with Syd,” pitching coach Stephanie VanBrakle said.
CW | Layton Dudley
PAGE 9
GAMEDAY 2015
Don’t Jinx It No one talks about a perfect game until it’s over. No one wants to be the person to jinx it. No one says anything to the pitcher or a teammate because the wrong word could ruin the whole thing. “You don’t want to think about it,” Littlejohn said. “I mean, thoughts would run through my head around like the third and fourth inning. I was like, ‘Wow, no one’s gotten on base,’ but then I was like, ‘Wait, don’t think about it. We’re just going to focus on the next pitch. Do not think about that.’ It was funny to see too that the girls knew it as well, but they weren’t going to say anything.” While Littlejohn realized what was going on early, Bell said she didn’t know until the top of the fi fth inning. “She was just on fi re all game, and her ball was moving and everything was going the right way at the right time,” Bell said. “It was just, I was so excited for her, and when I caught that last pitch, I was just like, ‘Syd, you did it’ like I was just so happy for her, and you know, we still had to score another run before so she didn’t have to go back out there for a run rule, but it was just great. That is such a great moment for her, and to be able to be a part of it just a small part of it was awesome.” For others, they knew it would be a perfect game from the beginning by the way Littlejohn took the circle. Littlejohn kept her expressions and attitude the same throughout the game, Lafaele said.
“She was just so focused. From the fi rst couple innings, I was just like, ‘No one can touch her,’ like she just looks the part,” Lafaele said. “She just looks like she’s in the zone, and nothing fazed her that game. And she just threw an awesome game. She was so focused, and she totally deserved every part of that.”
Alabama’s Pitching Legacy Littlejohn was not the fi rst to throw a perfect game for Alabama softball. Of all the days to throw a perfect game, VanBrakle did it on the most unbelievable. It was no prank on April 1, 2006, when she threw a perfect game at Kentucky. It was no joke. It was the fi rst perfect game in program history. It was also a cold day. “I wasn’t really thinking about I’m throwing a perfect game right here,” VanBrakle said. “I was just thinking about I wanted a shutout, and like the seventh inning, whenever we had the last three outs, I thought, ‘OK, if I get these three outs, you know, I have a perfect game,’ but that’s the only time I thought about it.” VanBrakle was named the SEC Pitcher of the Year in 2006, the same year she helped Alabama to its fi rst SEC regular-season title. In 2003 and 2005, the Crimson Tide won SEC Tournament titles. She was named the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2003. Alabama made NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals in all four of her years at Alabama,
CW | Layton Dudley
We Accept
University of Alabama
STUDENT SPECIAL
FREE
Large Drink with your student ID and the purchase of any wich* Blvd. Lofts
Midtown Village
2128 University Blvd. 1800 McFarland Blvd East 205.764.1673 205.469.9082 blvdlofts@whichwich.net midtownvillage@whichwich.net
*Offer valid at Blvd. Lofts and Midtown Village locations for a free 32 oz fountain beverage with the purchase of any wich. Guest must show valid student ID. Limit one per customer. Not valid with any other offers. No cash value. Tax not included.
EXPIRES 3/31/2015
PAGE 10
GAMEDAY 2015
including three trips to the Women’s College World Series in 2003, 2005 and 2006. “When she played, she was just a competitive bulldog on the mound, and her fi re and her refuse to lose attitude, it rubbed off on everybody. And I think she brings that to the pitching staff as well,” Murphy said. After she graduated, she played professionally for the Philadelphia Force in the National Pro Fastpitch league. In 2007, she worked as a student assistant coach at Alabama. She spent the next year as the assistant coach at Birmingham-Southern College. In 2009, she took over as the head coach of the Panthers. After two years as the head coach at Birmingham-Southern, she was hired as Samford’s softball coach. After a season with the Bulldogs, she was hired as Alabama’s new pitching coach. “I think the key to having a pitching coach is somebody that has done it, not a catcher, not somebody that studies pitching, but a person that has pitched, and so just her experience, that brings us so much,” Murphy said. Part of the coaching model is setting goals for each pitcher. VanBrakle has each pitcher set goals for herself for different stages in the season. She makes the bullpens hard so the game will be easier. “One pitch at a time with them, and we try to set some goals for each inning, each game, some things that they’re trying to accomplish,” VanBrakle said. “So if we, for instance, say we don’t have any walks, we want a shutout, we set kind of goals like that, that kind of stuff like the perfect game and no-hitters, that kind of follows all that.” The small goals worked, and Littlejohn joined an elite club whose only other member is her pitching coach. After the game on Feb. 6, VanBrakle hugged Littlejohn and congratulated her. “It’s defi nitely a cool experience to throw one and then be a part of another one, and see her do it, and I’m proud of her,” VanBrakle said. “And she deserves it. She works really, really hard, and just like the other two, and they deserve all that stuff, all the no-hitters, all the perfect games, all the shutouts, everything. They work hard for me.”
CW | Layton Dudley
CW | Layton Dudley
PAGE 11
GAMEDAY 2015
CW | Layton Dudley
SIGN AND
SCORE! SIGN your lease BY SPRING BREAK AND CHOOSE A PRIZE PACK!
TUSCALOOSA APARTMENT HEADQUARTERS
27 COMMUNITIES TO CHOOSE FROM!* PRICES STARTING AS LOW AS
$320/bedroom! *Offer valid for select Sealy properties only. Choose from a 20QT Yeti Roadie cooler, 40-42â&#x20AC;? flat screen TV, Sealy Furniture Outlet prize pack or current apartment special. Offer valid for select Sealy properties only. Must present University ID and sign on or before March 15th to be eligible. Limited time offer based on availability; restrictions may apply. Sealy Management Co., Inc. does not lease by-the-bedroom or participate in roommate matching. Pricing based on fully occupied unit.
PAGE 12
GAMEDAY 2015