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MONDAY APRIL 21, 2014 VOLUME 120 ISSUE 118 Serving ving The U University of Alabama since 1894

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By Alexandra Ellsworth | Staff Reporter

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CW | Hannah Glenn and CW File

Andrea Muñoz needed to renew her license during her sophomore year of college, so she had to get downtown. Since Muñoz does not have a car, she walked from Regions Bank on campus adjacent to Mary Burke Hall to the License Commissioner’s Office downtown. The distance was only about two miles, but during August in Tuscaloosa, it felt much farther.

Though Muñoz, a senior majoring in biology, enjoys walking and biking, she does not feel safe enough doing it off campus, she said.

“It was kind of scary, actually, and I went during the day,” she said. “I would definitely never walk down there at night.”

Katie McWain, a first-year doctoral student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has a very different story. When McWain wants a cup of coffee or to see a movie, she said she has no problem walking from her apartment to get wherever she needs.

UNL’s campus is located in downtown Lincoln, Neb., and is surrounded by a surplus of restaurants and the Haymarket district, an historic area of boutiques and restaurants. McWain said it is easy to get around her city and to commute from campus.

“I walk to school every day,” she said. “I live in a downtown apartment three quarters of a mile from campus, so I hardly ever drive my car. I absolutely love walking. It saves money I would be spending on gas, parking and wear and tear on my car. I also avoid the mess of SEE WALKABILITY PAGE 14

TODAYON CAMPUS Campus awareness WHAT: Teal Ribbon Campaign WHEN: All Day WHERE: South Lawn Office Building

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Tide comes up short in Super 6 final Gymnastics team falls to 4th place at NCAA championship

By Sean Landry | Staff Reporter

Local art WHAT: John DeMotte Exhibit: “Reconstructions” WHEN: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE: Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center

Student recital WHAT: Christopher Davis, bass trombone WHEN: 4 p.m.

WHERE: Moody Recital Hall

Like so many meets this season, Saturday night’s NCAA Gymnastics Championship came down to the final rotation. Unlike so many meets this season, Alabama’s hopes for its seventh national title came up just short, doomed by two falls on balance beam from the least likely sources: seniors Diandra Milliner and 2014 NCAA All-Around Champion Kim Jacob. Alabama finished fourth in the competition, behind LSU and co-champions Florida and Oklahoma.

“Diandra and Kim have been rocks for us,” Alabama coach Sarah Patterson said.

I’ve worked with a lot of women after 36 years, and this is one of the most amazing groups that I’ve been with.

— Sarah Patterson “They’re both individual national champions, and, really, they’re the reason that we have two national champions and we finished third last year. That is just the most uncharacteristic ending that I could have imagined.”

Patterson has been coaching Alabama gymnastics her entire career, winning six national championships, tied for the most

by any coach in any Alabama sport. Despite the ending, Patterson said this group is one of the most outstanding in her career.

“I really felt like this team. They have given it their all, all season,” Patterson said. “I’ve worked with a lot of women after 36 years, and this is one of the most amazing groups that I’ve been with.”

Until the final rotation, Alabama’s seniors had been dominant, with Milliner recording a 9.95 on the floor exercise and Jacob scoring 9.95 on floor and uneven bars. Senior Sarah DeMeo was also a star in an otherwise disappointing finale for one of Alabama’s most accomplished classes, overcoming a cut finger to record a career-best 39.65 in all-around competition.

SEE GYMNASTICS PAGE 14

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Defensive front 7 rises to A-Day challenge Annual spring scrimmage forecasts fall performance

By Nick Sellers | Staff Reporter Less than two hours before kickoff on Saturday, three former Crimson Tide captains mashed cleats and hands into wet concrete in front of Denny Chimes, forever cementing their legacies on Alabama’s campus.

Two of those former players, quarterback AJ McCarron and linebacker C.J. Mosley, were widely regarded as the unquestioned leaders of the offense and defense, respectively, in 2013. Questions

now remain as to who will take the reins on both sides of the ball this season.

A-Day offered no real answers to the question at quarterback, but the defensive front seven had a resounding answer to the doubts expressed by many on Saturday, as the unit had a field day with the offensive line and inexperienced quarterbacks.

“From the front seven standpoint, I feel a lot further along,” coach Nick Saban said. “There’s maybe not quite enough depth at inside linebacker, but there will be opportunities for younger guys to develop at that position.”

One of the critical personnel members at inside linebacker is junior

Reggie Ragland, who is expected to take Mosley’s position opposite senior Trey DePriest.

“I feel like we’re a little more focused, and I think we have a little more speed on the defense,” Ragland said of the defense as a whole. “But we still have to keep coming in and doing better everyday.”

Ragland finished with 10 total tackles to lead the White team on Saturday, with an interception to boot. He also finished first on his squad with 2.5 tackles-for-loss, showing his passrushing ability – something Saban

INSIDE briefs 2 opinions 4 culture 9 sports 15 puzzles 17 classifieds 17

SEE A-DAY PAGE 14

CW | Austin Bigoney Quarterback Blake Sims faced consistent pressure from the defense, resulting in a scoreless first half.

CONTACT email editor@cw.ua.edu website cw.ua.edu

CAMPUSBRIEFS

Monday April 21, 2014

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Women’s tennis team falls to UGA The Alabama women’s tennis team fell to Georgia 4-0 in the SEC Championship match. The Crimson Tide failed to earn the doubles point after forcing a tiebreaker on court three. It was Alabama’s first appearance in the SEC Championship.

Juniors Luicelena Perez and Emily Zabor were named to the All-Tournament Team, which is the first time the Crimson Tide has had two named to the team in one season.

SCENEON CAMPUS

Compiled by Kelly Ward

Women’s golf team places 4th The No. 8 women’s golf team finished fourth at the SEC Championship on Sunday. The team scored a 13-over-par 301 on the day. Senior Stephanie Meadow and sophomore transfer Janie Jackson finished tied for fifth at 3-over-par 219. Sophomore Emma Talley was 13th at 7-over 223.

Compiled by Kelly Ward

Baseball team loses to Tennessee The Alabama baseball team took the first two games over Tennessee 8-5 and 7-6, respectively. The No. 8 Crimson Tide (28-12, 12-6 SEC) was unable to sweep the Volunteers and fell 10-9 on a walk-off double in the series finale. The team saw a six-run lead disappear in Sunday’s loss.

CW | Austin Bigoney Former wide receiver Kevin Norwood leaves his mark at the Walk of Fame at Denny Chimes prior to the A-Day game Saturday.

Compiled by Kelly Ward

TUESDAY WHAT: Teal Ribbon Campaign WHEN: All Day WHERE: South Lawn Office Building

Student surveys now available Student Opinions of Instructions surveys are available through April 27.

Anonymous survey results are given to faculty and administrators after grades are submitted both to help instructors improve their teaching and to help the University evaluate staff.

“Student feedback on their classes at The University of Alabama is extremely important,” UA President Judy Bonner said in a message on the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment’s website.

For more information, go online at oira.ua.edu/soi.

Compiled by Andy McWhorter

P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 | Fax: 348-8036 Advertising: 348-7845 Classifieds: 348-7355

WEDNESDAY

TODAY

WHAT: Katherine Bradford: “The Golden Age of Exploration” WHEN: 9 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Sarah Moody Gallery of Art, Garland Hall

WHAT: Taco Tuesday WHEN: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

WHERE: Jim ‘N Nick’s

WHAT: Healing the Wounded Heart Exhibit WHEN: All Day WHERE: Lobby Law Center

WHAT: Stress Free Daze WHEN: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE: The Quad

WHAT: Alabama Blues Project After School Camp Performance WHEN: 4 p.m.

WHERE: McKenzie Court Community Center

WHAT: John DeMotte Exhibit: “Reconstructions” WHEN: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE: Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center

WHAT: “Alabama’s Biodiversity: Inspiring A New Century of Discovery” WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Moody Music Building

WHAT: “The State of Global Biodiversity” WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Moody Concert Hall

WHAT: Lavender Graduation WHEN: 7-8:30 p.m.

WHERE: 118 Graves Hall

WHAT: Tuba Studio Recital WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Moody Recital Hall

EDITORIAL editor-in-chief

Mazie Bryant editor@cw.ua.edu

managing editor

Lauren Ferguson

production editor

Katherine Owen

visuals editor news editor

Anna Waters Mark Hammontree

culture editor

Abbey Crain

sports editor

Charlie Potter

opinion editor chief copy editor

John Brinkerhoff Christopher Edmunds

video editor

Daniel Roth

photo editor

Austin Bigoney

lead designer

Sloane Arogeti

community managers

territory manager

Tori Hall 251.751.1781 cwadmanager@gmail.com Chloe Ledet 205.886.3512 territorymanager1@gmail.com Taylor Shutt 904.504.3306 osmspecialprojects@gmail.com

special projects account executive

Kristen Morrow 205.873.2190 osmspecialprojects92@gmail.com

account executives

DINNER

Sloppy Joe Chicken Fajita Pizza Garlic Potato Chips Steamed Broccoli Florets Barley and Vegetable Ragout

Country-Style Meatloaf with Country Gravy Chicken Fajita Pizza Cheese Pizza Delmonico Potatoes Steamed Brussel Sprouts

LUNCH

DINNER

Kung Pao Pork Brown Rice Steamed Yellow Squash Mushroom and Onion Quesadilla Mu Shu Tofu

Pot Roast with Tomato Gravy Bacon Tomato and Cheese Sandwich Creamy Mashed Potatoes Carrots Broccoli and Mushroom Quiche

OPENRECORDS REQUESTS

IN THENEWS

“Every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute.”

States target tiny beads in face wash

From statute 36.12.40 of the Code of Alabama

special projects manager

creative services manager

LUNCH

LAKESIDE

Elizabeth Lowder Lauren Robertson

ADVERTISING advertising manager

BURKE

Hillary McDaniel 334.315.6068 Ali Lemmond William Whitlock Kathryn Tanner Camille Dishongh Keenan Madden Julia Kate Mace Katie Schlumper

The Crimson White 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.

“The term ‘public records’ shall include all written, typed or printed books, papers, letters, documents and maps made or received in pursuance of law by the public officers of the state, counties, municipalities and other subdivisions of government in the transactions of public business and shall also include any record authorized to be made by any law of this state belonging or pertaining to any court of record or any other public record authorized by law or any paper, pleading, exhibit or other writing filed with, in or by any such court, office or officer.”

From statute 41.13.1 of the Code of Alabama

WHAT WE REQUESTED: List of applicants considered for vice chancellor of government relations, email correspondence between Judy Bonner and Robert Witt correlated to ‘vice chancellor for government relations’ and ‘Jo Bonner’ between April 1 and July 31, 2013.

WHO REQUESTED IT: Lauren Ferguson FROM WHOM WE REQUESTED IT: Kellee Reinhart, vice chancellor for System Relations WHEN WE REQUESTED IT: Feb. 10, 2014 STATUS: March 5, 2014, response from Reinhart: “There are no public records that are responsive to your request. I can confirm that Congressman Bonner was interviewed on May 3, 2013.”

WHAT WE REQUESTED: Documents pertaining to the murder investigation of Paula Lee Ellis, including the names of investigating officers; incident reports; police reports; correspondence regarding the investigation between UAPD and the Tuscaloosa Police Department, Northport Police Department, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Department and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation; any correspondence regarding the conveyance of evidence and any photographs related to the investigation.

WHO REQUESTED IT: Lauren Ferguson FROM WHOM WE REQUESTED IT: UA Media Relations on behalf of UAPD WHEN WE REQUESTED IT: March 18, 2014 STATUS: April 14, 2014 response from Deborah Lane: “UA has reviewed your March 18 request regarding the murder investigation of Paula Lee Ellis. We have no documents that are responsive to your request.”

MCT Campus The tiny plastic particles found in many facial cleansers and soaps promise a gentle scrubbing and luxuriously smooth skin. But those little beads of grit are also piling up in waterways, where they can suck up toxins and harm wildlife, environmentalists say.

Because of those concerns, Illinois is one of several states considering legislation to force manufacturers to drop products that use the particles, called microbeads. A measure advancing through the General Assembly in Springfield this spring would phase out the sale of microbeads by the end of 2018.

Major soap manufacturers, some of which already have plans to stop using microbeads, support the legislation. An environmental group working to reduce plastic pollution says, however, that the state’s timetable is too lax.

“Illinois is putting the environment at a much greater a risk because it has a very non-aggressive timeline for phase-out,” said Stiv Wilson, associate director of the 5 Gyres Institute.

At least four other states are considering similar bills, and at least one, New York, has an earlier deadline – 2016 – for eliminating the microbeads.

The particles, some the size of a grain of sand, are deemed safe for human use and are present in a long list of products including Clinique Exfoliating Scrub, Kiehl’s Facial FuelEnergizing Scrub-Skin Buffer for Men and Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub-Oil Free, according to the 5 Gyres Institute.

A single tube of face wash can contain more than 350,000 of the beads, according to the organization.

The particles become a problem because they are nonbiodegradable, and are so small they slip through sewage system filters and end up in rivers and lakes.

Preliminary studies in Lake Michigan have found millions of the microbeads.

The particles can absorb toxic chemicals already commonly found in such waterways, posing a hazard to fish and other wildlife that mistake them for food or otherwise absorb them.

Microbeads also have the potential to pollute soil if particles running through water treatment get into sewage sludge, which often is used as fertilizer, Wilson said.

The Illinois measure wouldn’t prohibit the manufacture of products with the plastic bits in Illinois until Dec. 31, 2017.

The sale of such products would be prohibited as of Dec. 31, 2018.

p.3 Mark Hammontree | Editor newsdesk@cw.ua.edu

Monday, April 21, 2014

CW File Shelby Hall, the nearby fountain and a commemorative pillar pay tribute to Sen. Richard Shelby’s contributions to The University of Alabama System.

Campuses honor Shelby’s impact on UA System

By Samuel Yang | Staff Reporter Senator Richard Shelby and his wife Annette Shelby’s names have been on Shelby Hall since 2004. This year, they lent their faces to a commemorative pillar guarding the sidewalk en route to their namesake building.

Senator Shelby, first elected to Congress in 1978, is the vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies. Now, his influence on The University of Alabama System is commemorated in the pillar, building and fountain at the new engineering complexes.

“Senator Richard Shelby has played a vital role in helping our three campuses become national front-runners in scientific research and development,” said UA System Chancellor Robert Witt. “To be a top-tier competitor for grants and contracts, as well as for premier students and faculty, a university must have state-of-the-art

laboratories and research centers. Senator Shelby clearly understands the direct link between university research and economic development, and his efforts on our behalf are having a direct impact on job creation and on the well-being of Alabama’s citizens.”

A strong education, with “world-class math, science and engineering facilities” at Alabama universities would help state residents find and create high-quality, skilled jobs, Shelby said.

This is a major draw for global companies who seek to do business in America.

Companies like Mercedes, Airbus, Toyota, Honda and Hyundai want to locate talent from these pools, he said.

“We want to keep this job creation going and take it to the next level, and that’s why education has been a main focus of my career in the U.S. Senate,” Shelby said. “It’s all about opportunities for the people of Alabama – now and well into the future.”

For the Tuscaloosa campus, Shelby

helped secure federal funding to construct the Engineering Quad and Shelby Hall. In Birmingham, he contributed to biomedical research at UAB, sparked in part by their treatment of Annette Shelby’s lupus. The UAB interdisciplinary biomedical research building bears their names.

UAB President Ray Watts said Shelby is an important champion in Washington, D.C., for education during a time when research funding is choked by sequestration, among other things.

“Because of Senator Shelby and others like him who support leading-edge research for life-saving and improving advancements, UAB was awarded more than $190 million last year by the National Institutes of Health,” Watts said. “This support consistently positions UAB as one of the top 12 NIH-funded public research institutions in the country, which influences UAB’s annual economic impact exceeding $5 billion in Alabama.”

For UAH, Shelby secured funding for a

building with multiple research centers and academic departments. That building is also named for him. UAH President Robert Altenkirch said Shelby’s support of their research programs have helped the institution in ranking and achieving several research milestones.

“Senator Richard Shelby has been a leading advocate for The University of Alabama in Huntsville for many years. He described UAH as the MIT of the South, and has been instrumental in creating that vision with his long-time support of the campus,” Altenkirch said.

Shelby said he has focused on STEM education because of global competition in hard sciences and engineering.

“World class educations in math, science, and engineering are critical to the ability of our young people to compete and win in today’s global economy,” Shelby said. “We don’t want to merely adapt to the next wave of technological progress; we want to be in the vanguard of it.”

p.4 John Brinkerhoff | Editor letters@cw.ua.edu

Monday, April 21, 2014

COLUMN | SENIOR FAREWELL

Sandboxes and tantrums

By Ross Green

have made me realize, you all have a chance to make these four years count.

Explore, explore, explore and not just at Get on Board Day. Make conversation with those strangers on the stoop playing guitar, or that dude jamming out on the bus, even that lonely kid in the corner of Starbucks. There are a million stories to be told, and paying attention will make you richer than the digits of your salary.

Complete your own book. Just as high school flew by, college will as well. Take chances and find out who you are. Don’t be bothered by that friend who studies abroad in exotic [insert country] every year. There is more to see being stuck between Lake Lurleen and Moundville than a European tour guide could ever show you.

Lastly, document your experience.

Keep your silly, sloppy gift your big or your summer fling made for you.

Keep a journal or a ticket stub from that game we won or lost, even if you didn’t make it to halftime. Don’t let date party candids or that tiny CW photo serve as your only scrapbook filler. Take that selfie and stow it away. For now.

When asked to write a senior farewell column, the first thing I did was look up my expectations. Sifting through the musings of student leaders from years past, I found that these reflections came and went without much reaction or apparent readership. That makes me feel loads better since I’m no campus leader or Crimson White insider.

Ross Green I’m a student who played our university like a game – or, to use perhaps a better analogy, like a sandbox. On this playground there are winners and losers, allies and enemies.

As big kids in this sandbox we call college, we vie for dominance and seek recognition. We throw tantrums when we don’t get what we want. Like William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” it all feels so real, so scary, until it’s over.

See, much of what we experience in college isn’t “real.”

Certainly the emotions are authentic, and we often see real injustice and even some social good. But it will all be over when we grab that diploma and move on to bigger and better things.

The memories may last, but little else will matter.

SGA isn’t real politics, no matter how much we cheat, fuss or scheme. Student organizations typically don’t foster real leadership, even if we hold conceited titles. After your first job, you won’t even put this stuff on your résumé.

These are, of course, our formative years. Student government shapes tomorrow’s leaders and student organizational structures translate to jobs after college. But honestly, who cares?

I spent my past four years trying to make folks inside and outside the university care. From “town and gown” efforts to a pleasant march that brought national publicity, I worked with others to turn sandboxes into solutions for the problems I thought needed to be addressed.

But mostly what I did was add more sand for students like me to play in. Like giddy children, we built temporary castles and beat our chests. More sand meant more organizations, titles and awards. It was what we deserved, after all, for fighting against the bullies of the Machine, Greek segregation or a corrupt SGA. Our campus is not alone in this charade. Indeed, this is often how the “real world” works. Rather than work across lines of difference or leverage passion and advocacy into mutual accountability, we tend to capitalize on bad situations. We turn opportunities into sand castles.

The University of Alabama must do better.

This campus has the capacity to change the world. Seriously.

Never again will we have access to such resources to better the lives of those around us. Never again will we have such a network of capable and passionate individuals. We’ll soon transition into the professional world where pragmatism is regarded all else. Now is the time for idealism.

People say that change takes time. Having been a small part of the efforts of last semester, I no longer think that’s true.

Change is a quick, fleeting moment – when we lose our footing in the sand we thought we could trust. It’s the time between change that seems arduous, even insurmountable. If UA students decided to calibrate our community – rather than get lost in the sand – the change our campus needs would come more quickly.

A campus community founded on authentic dialogue and a long-term commitment to the issues that matter will mean fewer breakthroughs. And that means fewer accolades and less recognition in our sandbox of self-congratulations. Real change should come at a healthy pace and not be reliant on national coverage or a big story after decades of buildup. And yes, that may mean no New York Times coverage of a protest or Pulitzer Prize nomination for a major story.

But it will also mean sustainable, transformative change that might transcend this sandbox we call college.

Austin Bigoney was the photo editor of The Crimson White.

Ross Green was an organizer of the UA Stands march and the founding director of SODEL.

CW | Austin Bigoney Year in review: Texas A&M football game

COLUMN | SENIOR FAREWELL

Take that selfie

By Austin Bigoney | Photo Editor My ears might bleed if I fall victim to the tunes of Drake’s “The Motto” again, yet the idea of “YOLO” reverberates comfortably for me. There is a reason you see “Carpe Diem” tattooed across limbs and printed on bumper stickers on Jeeps and Cadillacs alike.

Seize the day. You only college once.

You have made the right choice in picking the Capstone. For most of you, you may never have these opportunities you have here again. Drop your Xbox controller and pick up a shaker at the game. You have dirt cheap or free admission to elite athletic events, performing arts and entertainment right outside your door almost nightly.

I was fortunate enough to see more than I can put into words, especially with this column’s word limit. I was fortunate enough to recognize the void in the college experience I had at my previous school. The decision to transfer is one I will never regret.

Over the last two years, I have frequently had access to places I never would have visited otherwise. From experiencing the sidelines of every football game and the innards of Denny Chimes to the Hoole Special Collections and Big Al’s office, I have completed an impressive bucket list. I

Austin Bigoney forever have memories that could fill a stack of scrapbooks.

As much as I was able to see during my adventures as photo editor, I realize that I did miss out on something large: your perspective.

I could not be involved in the sights and events I was covering. The elation of shouting the words of “Rammer Jammer” after a Saturday night whooping on LSU is an experience I could only photograph. I had duties to meet, and that was a sacrifice I gladly accepted.

That being said, looking through the viewfinder at the opportunities you

COLUMN | SENIOR FAREWELL

Sweet Home Alabama

By Kirkland Back Alabama has been my home my whole life. I lived in Gadsden until I was 18 years old, and then I moved to Tuscaloosa.

For 22 years, I have walked on this ground and eaten this food and loved these people.

I have felt happy. I have felt tired. I have felt rapture, I have felt brokenness, and I have felt calm. I have enjoyed afternoons on porches with friends that turned into nights no one can quite remember, and I have left a class wondering if I should tell my parents I was failing. I have laughed until I cried on the beach somewhere, and I have cried until I laughed on a friend’s couch. I have wondered if God was real and have seen Him all over this city, too.

I’ve asked for help more than I needed it and given it less than I should have, and I have tried to be a good friend, but never could be as true as others were to me. I have won awards and stood on the Mound,

Kirkland Back and I have done things I regret and tried to move on. I have fought for this campus and I have – and I know this – gained something. I have watched you, Alabama, as a proud parent from the sidelines as you

EDITORIAL BOARD Mazie Bryant editor-in-chief Lauren Ferguson managing editor Katherine Owen production editor

Anna Waters visuals editor Christopher Edmunds chief copy editor John Brinkerhoff opinion editor

got knocked down and did all you could to get back up. I have seen you become better because of the people that love you, and that has made me smile.

All of these things, I’ve done. All of these people, I’ve been. When they ask us to write these columns, it’s done so under the assumption that we have something inspiring to say, but I don’t. I have talked a lot over the past 22 years, and I find myself tired. I no longer have the desire to share with you some sentiment about this university or state that I’m sure you’ve already heard.

Yet, I can share this with you: I have felt sorrow for leaving this place. I have felt joy for where I’ll go. I have felt love for you, Alabama. Though you have shown me what it feels like to know true heartbreak, I will miss you. Though you have told me time and time again that I am not good enough for you, I will miss you. Though you have left me wanting after every explanation of

some headlining blunder, I will miss you.

Though you have been so beautiful and so ugly at the same time, I will miss you. And though you have tried to remain as you are, unyielding to good, I will miss you.

I will leave you feeling a great weight lifted off my shoulders, but a pit in my stomach whose only cure is the sun that only shines on the Quad. I will leave you and know we are meant for more than you ask of us, so I’ll try to be better. I will leave you and take with me the love I’ve found somewhere between Andalusia and Gadsden all these years. I will miss you and know that, in spite of it all, you made me who I am. I love you for that.

I will leave you, Alabama, but you will not leave me. We all know that.

Kirkland Back was the recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. She served as a campus leader in many organizations.

WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS Letters to the editor must contain fewer than 300 words and guest columns less than 800. 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.

This Week’s Poll: What will you do during deadweek? cw.ua.edu/poll

p.5

Monday, April 21, 2014

COLUMN | SENIOR FAREWELL

COLUMN | SENIOR FAREWELL

It’s more than just grades

UA changed me and I didn’t even know it

By Koushik Kasanagottu | Diabetes Education Team President Imagine an 8-year-old boy. Imagine that he was recently pulled away from his home and moved 8,500 miles away to a new home in the United States. His 3rd grade teacher walks into the classroom and he immediately stands up, greeting her with “Good morning Teacher,” as was customary in his home country. To his dismay, the teacher takes his hand and walks him out of the classroom. With a stern face, she makes it known that her name is in fact Mrs. VanRyn, not Teacher, and she will be addressed as such. This was the first lesson I learned in America.

From then on, I have learned more lessons outside the classroom than inside.

It goes without saying that grades are absolutely crucial. A good GPA in your courses can take you far in life and are the fundamental cornerstone of a college education. However, I would argue that your extracurricular experiences would allow you to take full advantage of the stellar GPA that you have acquired. You will develop personally and professionally through these experiences. When we compare American education to other countries, our fantastic professors and focus on practical education stand out which is why we have one of best higher education systems in the world.

Those of you who know me have probably heard me say this multiple times, but about one in eight Alabamians have diabetes. I was shocked to hear about how prevalent the disease is in our state three years ago. I thought it was time for a change.

I was fortunate to have a group of friends and mentors who cared about the health of our community and had the opportunity to start an organization with them that could enact positive change.

We provided resources and information to individuals in the surrounding counties and our campus in an effort to prevent and manage Diabetes.

By Kaylyn Johnson | Spectrum President

Koushik Kasanagottu I believe we each have opportunities, even a responsibility, to try and give back to the community that puts so much into us during our four years of college. Find your passion. Find a group of friends who share that passion. Go make a difference.

I promise that you will learn more practical skills out there than in the classroom. You can and should make a difference whether you are revitalizing an old organization, assisting a university-wide campaign, starting a new group or any other service initiative.

If you asked me my most memorable experiences in college, I would revert back to the late-night Tide Talks meetings filled with music and dancing, volunteering in clinics and participating in health education sessions.

I have been extremely fortunate to be surrounded by many inspiring individuals this past four years (cough David Phelps and others). That little boy in me from 12 years ago is no longer afraid of calling people by their names and it is absolutely due to the experiences that I was fortunate to have here at The University of Alabama.

That’s what college is all about.

I have learned more lessons outside the classroom than inside.

Koushik Kasanagottu was the founding president of the Diabetes Education Team.

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APPLY NOW! Accounting AC 210 Intro To Accounting AC 289 Computer Applications AC 310/311 Financial Report Analy Bus

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This is what I thought I knew four years ago: I would hate UA, but it would be better than not leaving my hometown. I would never willingly go to a football game. I would never know the answer to the often-asked (particularly because I had just come into my queerness), “Why would you go to school in Alabama of all places?” I would get my degree, leave and never look back.

There are some things I was right about, too: I would love sitting outside enjoying the beauty of our campus. I would remedy my one regret from high school and get involved in everything I possibly could. I would no longer be silent for other people’s comfort.

I still feel like I could have done more while I was here, but there’s only one thing I really wish I could go back and change. I spent so much time focusing on the fact that I never wanted to be here in the first place that I lost sight of all of the ways I was falling in love with UA. I spent so much time trying to change things (things that still desperately need to be changed, for the safety and well-being of all students) that I couldn’t see all of the things I would never give up. I spent so much time focusing on what I could do for UA that I couldn’t see all of the things UA was doing for me.

I am a very different person than when I came here. Yes, some of that simply has to do with getting older, but my experiences here have given me skills that I will take with me for the rest of my life. Some of these skills I wish I had never had to learn, like how to tell authority figures that they were pretending I did not actually exist because of my queer identity, or how to talk about the need for policies protecting marginalized communities in a way that emphasizes profitability (by keeping UA competitive with other universities, by increasing retention, etc.) rather than the well-being of members of our UA family.

More than these skills, I have gained selfconfidence. I had barely come out to myself, let alone anyone else, the year before I came

Kaylyn Johnson to UA. I spent a large portion of my first semester here crying and alone in my room. I knew absolutely no one except my randomly assigned roommates and one or two people I met at Bama Bound, and I was 20 hours away from home. I had spent so much of my life faking things that I didn’t even know anymore when I was being my authentic self. After getting involved on campus and getting lots of great advice from mentors and professors, I know exactly who I am. I may have no idea what I’m doing or where my life is heading, but I know that I can be myself while I figure it out.

This is what I know after four years at UA: I love this school, and Tuscaloosa feels more like my hometown than where I was raised. In a sense, I was born here, because this is where I figured out how to unapologetically be me. I still don’t understand football, but there’s nothing like standing in Bryant-Denny singing “Sweet Home Alabama” or cheering. I know exactly why I ended up here in Alabama. I needed to learn that change is a process. I needed to learn that effecting change will affect you. I will get my degree, and I will leave, but I will be proudly saying “Roll Tide!” wherever I go.

In a sense, I was born here, because this is where I figured out how to unapologetically be me.

Kaylyn Johnson was the president of Spectrum.

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p.6

Monday, April 21, 2014

The BARKery puts faces to local adoptable dogs

By Chandler Wright | Assistant News Editor When she’s not in the classroom teaching classes in the Capstone College of Nursing, Monika Wedgeworth spends a much of her time managing The BARKery on 35th, a Facebook site that advertises shelter dogs to Facebook users and rescue groups.

“The BARKery is run 100 percent by volunteers, many of whom are UA students.

The BARKery volunteers go to the animal shelter several days a week,” Wedgeworth said. “They take the adoptable dogs out to the play yard to take pictures and collect information about the dogs. The pictures and bios are then uploaded and shared.”

Jeri Gulsby, a senior majoring in photography and digital media, currently takes photographs for The BARKery and said the page was started last year after the Metro Animal Shelter closed.

“When Metro shut down last summer, a group of volunteers got together and formed The BARKery on 35th Street, which was simply a small group that went to the shelter at least once a week and photographed all the new dogs that had

come in and posted them on the Facebook page,” Gulsby said. “We took them out of their kennels and into the gated back yard where we let them run and play for a little while, getting them some fresh air and exercise after being cooped up in a kennel for days on end.”

Wedgeworth said the BARKery is critical to saving the lives of dogs in the Tuscaloosa community, because it reminds Tuscaloosa citizens about the regularity of euthanizing adoptable pets.

“The majority of people in Tuscaloosa don’t know or don’t want to know that adoptable dogs are euthanized regularly in our county, and until spay/neuter laws are enacted, that fact is unlikely to change,” Wedgeworth said. “Many people are animal lovers but are afraid to go to the shelter because of the emotional toll that it takes. The group of BARKery volunteers brings the shelter to the public via social media, and a picture that is shared and re-shared often finds it’s way to someone looking for just that particular dog.”

Gulsby echoed this sentiment, saying that she has rescued two dogs herself, but for a long time she didn’t want to acknowl-

edge the overpopulation in shelters around the state.

“I stayed away from it for a while hoping it would go away – kind of one of those ‘out of sight, out of mind’ type things,” Gulsby said. “A lot of dogs euthanized every year are owner surrenders – people get rid of their dogs when they’re having a baby, they get rid of their dogs when they move, etc. One thing I’ve noticed is people don’t understand that dogs are not chick magnets or a fad, they’re a commitment.”

Gulsby said that is the primary reason why she started volunteering as a photographer, coupled with knowledge of the importance of good photography in finding animals a “forever home.”

“In shelters, most of the time it’s through the bars of a cage or it’s taken on an iPhone.

Let’s face it – if you see a blurry picture of a puppy online, you’re going to move on until you see a dog that has a better photo,” she said. “The difference in photographing a dog in a kennel and a dog outside running around freely is amazing.”

Tuscaloosa citizens can search for adoptable pets in the community at facebook.com/theBARKeryon35th.

Photo Courtesy of Jeri Gulsby Hummer was adopted through the BARKery program which advertises shelter dogs through Facebook.

Secret Meals feeds hungry children in Tuscaloosa schools

By Ana Vega | Contributing Writer When Kelley Porter began volunteering to help feed local underprivileged elementary school children on the weekends, she said her priorities began to change. Now, Porter serves as the program manager for Secret Meals, an organization she said has impacted her life.

“The primary goal of Secret Meals is to stop the cycle of poverty,” Porter said. “It is funded straight through donations. It costs $120 to feed a child for a school year.”

Porter said prior to working with the program, she often assumed that everyone was as fortunate as she has been in her life. Now, she said, she is more thankful for the little things in life and is no longer a picky eater after seeing the hungry children she has helped.

When the program started in 2008, under the original name of Backpack Buddies, it fed 18 children on the weekends at one elementary school. It later became sponsored by the Alabama Credit Union and was renamed Secret Meals. Within the first year of the new name and sponsorship, Porter said the program expanded

Photo Courtesy of Myreete Wolford Secret Meals originally fed 18 children and now feeds more than 392 Tuscaloosa kids. to all Tuscaloosa City and County Schools and fed 392 children.

Porter said when she first got involved with the program, she visited with counselors at an elementary school during lunch one day, and by examining eating habits, the counselors were able to identify 12 students who could

potentially need assistance. Ten of those children eventually became a part of the Secret Meals program.

“They exhibit signs that they are going hungry,” Porter said. “They are acting up during school because they are focusing on hunger.”

Porter said the most rewarding feeling is

when she receives phone calls from school counselors thanking her for feeding their students and knowing that the organization is making a difference.

Porter became involved with the organization when she was an intern for Alabama Credit Union.

“As an intern there, I was able to help build Secret Meals,” Porter said. “Four years later, I’m now managing the program. It’s made me fall more in love with Alabama Credit Union.”

Porter now balances her work during the week with ACU with her weekends organizing Secret Meals, and also advises a sorority on campus in addition.

Morgan Wheeler, a sophomore majoring in psychology who works closely with Porter, said Porter puts a lot of effort into her different duties and does other work outside of Secret Meals.

“The time she puts towards volunteering for Secret Meals and as an advisor for an Alabama sorority, while working at Alabama Credit Union, is truly inspirational and shows how multitasking isn’t all that hard,” Wheeler said.

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Monday, April 21, 2014

Lavender Graduation honors LGBTQ students

By Emily Sturgeon | Contributing Writer

should feel proud of their accomplishments during their time at the University.

Rainbow tassels have not normally been “I think it’s important for the students an element at University of Alabama grad- to feel and recognize that the university uations, but students at the fourth annual appreciates them for who they are and Lavender Graduation commencement cer- what they are,” Walter said. “I think it’s emony on Monday will be wrapped in the important for the faculty and staff who multicolored ropes. have gotten really close to these students Lavender Graduation, first hosted at to have an opportunity to congratulate the University of Michigan in 1995, is a them and have personal celebration with graduation ceremony held on campuses them, and I think it’s important for the across the nation specifically designed for administration to see queer-identified LGBTQ and ally students. students and their accomplishments and “The celebration is both about visibil- achievements.” ity and celebrating the accomplishments Through the special graduation process, and experiences of those individuals, and Capstone Alliance wants to acknowledge recognizing that the school experience and thank students for being engaged on they have had has kind of a unique angle campus, Walter said. to it,” said Alex Davenport, treasurer for “This ceremony recognizes that these Capstone Alliance. “So we want to honor students have a place in this university, the strength and all their accomplish- and even when sometimes they don’t feel ments for what it takes to get through and like the University welcomes and includes navigate the university campus and that them, they have a place and they are part space on a daily basis as an LGBTQ indi- of the UA community,” Walter said. vidual.”

The goal, Hitchins said, is to eliminate The ceremony will recognize more than barriers, to build a community and to 40 students who registered for the event, recognize and celebrate the differences a record number of LGBTQ and ally compared to previstudents. ous years. “ Th i s a l l ows “We know that people to be themthere’s a different selves and not be, level of struggle when they walk into that students who a space, automatiare LGBTQ- and cally seen as this, ally-identified that or the other have to navigate just because it is — Kirk Walter along with their the norm,” Hitchins studies,and their said. “This is a speorganizations and cific thing saying, all the other com‘This is a part of mitments t h ey who you are, and it have,” said Jessi Hitchins, former presi- is wonderful, and this is a part of your student of Capstone Alliance. “There’s dent experience.’ A lot of times we don’t always this undercurrent that makes it see that as part of the student experience, much more complicated, so we want to but it is.” celebrate that.”

Davenport said the ceremony will not After a welcome address from President only be a reflection of the graduates’ time Judy Bonner, the event will feature a stu- on campus, but a stepping-off point for the dent speaker representing the graduating future. class and a keynote speaker chosen by the “I want them to leave with the feeling planning committee. This year’s student that the work is going to continue, that speaker is Kaylyn Johnson, president of there is momentum, and so although Spectrum. The keynote address will be they’re graduating and moving on, that delivered by Eli Strong, a two-time gradu- we as a campus community will continue ate of UA and co-founder of SafeZone. to do that positive work and hopefully Kirk Walter, president-elect of Capstone take steps forward, so the campus can Alliance, said participants in the event continue to become more inclusive for all

I think it’s important for the students to feel and recognize that the university appreciates them for who they are.

CW | Austin Bigoney Capstone Alliance provides support to LGBTQ students, faculty and staff at Alabama. individuals,” Davenport said.

Davenport said the diversity of the LGBTQ and ally community is highlighted through the graduation ceremony, especially in the announcement of their various degrees.

“You see just how diverse the experiences of our students have been,” Davenport said. “I think sometimes people pigeonhole and think, ‘Okay, you’ve been involved in LGBTQ student organizations,’ but they underestimate how many different groups they’ve been a part of, and honor societies and volunteer organizations. And you get a real sense of how dynamic each of these individuals are.”

After walking in the 2010 University of Texas ceremony, Davenport was on the planning committee for the first Lavender Graduation at The University of Alabama in 2011.

“I think I saw how impactful it was to be a part of that at Texas, and what it meant to me to see that so many of my experiences were in a way validated and recognized that it wasn’t always easy to be a

queer-identified individual on campus at Austin,” Davenport said.

One of the original goals, Davenport said, was to have the event become expected and routine at The University of Alabama.

“I think the first year it kind of felt like a fun, one-time party, and now I think it’s starting to become a standard part of the graduation ceremonies of our university, and I think people know to look for it,” Davenport said.

Hitchins said they hope the event provides a space on campus for students to be celebrated and acknowledged.

“I think it’s important because it is the only graduation that specifically focuses on this really complicated and salient issue through people’s lives,” She said.

“People who are LGBT and allies negotiate space, on campus and after their time here, very differently, and hopefully we don’t have to do this forever because there won’t be a need to do it, but we are still in a time where I think it’s really important and we do need to do it.”

p.8

Monday, April 21, 2014

Bama Dining to eliminate Styrofoam boxes

By Emily Williams | Staff Reporter

CW File Bama Dining’s new program will eliminate more than half a million Styrofoam containers from campus landfill space.

This fall, students will no longer receive disposable Styrofoam takeout containers from dining halls.

In cooperation with an SGA resolution passed by last year’s senate, Bama Dining has decided to replace all Styrofoam containers with reusable to-go boxes starting Aug. 1.

Kelsey Faust, marketing manager for Bama Dining, said all incoming freshmen will receive free green to-go containers. Non-freshmen can purchase a box for a $5 deposit.

“When a student decides that they want a to-go meal from the dining hall, they will need to check out a to-go box with their Action Card,” Faust said. “When they are done with the to-go box, they can bring the dirty box back to one of our dining locations and check it back in with their Action Card or exchange it for a clean one. Students will not be responsible for cleaning their own to-go boxes.”

Faust said the new program will divert more than half a million

When they are done with the to-go box, they can bring the dirty box back to one of our dining locations and check it back in with their Action Card or exchange it for a clean one.

— Kelsey Faust

Styrofoam containers from landfills.

She said Styrofoam accounts for one third of campus landfill space.

Former SGA senator Jackson Britton authored the SGA resolution in support of Bama Dining’s Styrofoam free initiative.

Britton said students currently use over 12,450 Styrofoam takeout boxes every week on campus.

“Styrofoam is the primary source of urban litter and the main pollutant of oceans, bays and other water systems in the United States, but

there is no feasible way to recycle it,” Britton said. “Also, Styrofoam does not decompose and these takeout boxes take up an inexcusable amount of space within local landfills.”

Britton said SGA will work with Bama Dining and Auxiliary Services to facilitate the transition to reusable containers by raising awareness and offering incentives for students to use the to-go containers.

SGA President Hamilton Bloom said the initiative shows the SGA’s commitment to increasing sustainability in all facilities on campus.

“This initiative is a great compliment to the Recycle Bama program, which was incorporated into SGA last year,” he said. “I’m excited for this initiative. Our goal is to encourage a less-waste philosophy around campus and help promote good recycling habits.”

For more information on Bama Dining and their other sustainable programs, go online at fawp.ua.edu/ bamadining.

St. Francis turns to social media to reach students

By Caroline Vincent | Contributing Writer Susan Nelms, 61, said she has around 2,500 friends on Facebook, and nearly 2,000 of them are college students.

Nelms, a longtime campus minister for St. Francis University Parish, will be retiring in May from her position. As campus minister, she is in charge of all student-related activities at the church. These activities include the weekly Mass and Meal, worship nights and the SEARCH retreats that happen once a semester.

Nelms said she deals with a lot working on a college campus, but she would not have it any other way. She worked for 19 years as a youth director at St. James

She uses social media a lot to get in touch with all of our students.

— The Rev. Gerald Holloway

Church in Gadsden, Ala., where she led middle and high school students. She said she was nervous about taking a job on a college campus when she moved to Tuscaloosa with her husband.

“I was terrified because I had

never worked with anyone older than high school students,” she said.

Having now spent six years at Alabama, she said her mentality has changed for the better.

“I would work with college students any day over high school or middle school kids,” she said.

Nelms said she works hard to make sure she has students to work with each year. One of her responsibilities is to recruit new Catholic students at the University to join the church. She goes about this multiple ways, including sending friend requests to the new students on Facebook.

“She uses social media a lot to get in touch with all of our students, so that has been very effective in getting the number

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of students up,” Father Gerald Holloway of St. Francis said.

The church’s most successful recruiting aspect, Helms said, is being involved with Campus Ministries at the University. This connection allows for the church to be represented at orientation and Bama Bound where the most interest in joining is shown.

Once St. Francis has its students, Nelms makes it her job to make sure that they stay there. One of the church’s most popular events is Mass and Meal on Tuesday evenings. The night includes a Mass by Father Holloway and a free dinner afterward, cooked by Nelms or a guest chef. There is usually a fair crowd, Nelms said, which she believes is partly because of the meal that

comes with attendance.

“If you have decent food, people will come,” she said.

Nelms said she is especially sentimental this semester, as she will be retiring at the end of May. One aspect she said she will miss will be coming to work on a college campus, which she said is “exhilarating.”

Going to church on such a prominent football campus has its perks too, she said.

“It is exciting seeing Coach Saban at Mass,” she said.

Holloway said he knows that the church will be losing a valuable employee, but he has hope for the future.

“We’ll miss her,” he said. “But through the Holy Spirit we will continue to build.”

p.9 Monday, April 21, 2014

Abbey Crain | Editor culture@cw.ua.edu

COLUMN | FASHION

Loose clothing stands up to summertime heat

By Bianca Martin Well, everyone, it is almost here. By “it,” I mean summer. The school year is finally winding down, and there is only about one week left until we move out.

For some, this means celebrating surviving freshman year, while for others it means graduation and the end of an era.

Regardless, the thought of summer brings everyone a sense of relief.

Summer is the time for relaxation, and this feeling should be reflected in your wardrobe. Loose, breezy dresses and tops are my go-to clothes for the season.

Growing up in the hot state of Alabama, I have spent countless summers trying not to sweat to death constricted in tight T-shirts and denim. That outfit can be very uncomfortable at any time of the year, but it’s especially bad in the summer heat.

As my main fashion goal for the summer is trying not to sweat through my

shirts, I try to wear as much loose clothing as possible. Any top that constricts my underarms is a recipe for a sweaty disaster. I try to stick to loose tops and dresses made of cool fabric that are thin enough for a breeze to run through.

One of my personal favorite looks is a loose halter-top paired with rolled up jeans. Yes, I know I mentioned before that denim is usually too hot, but a pair of stretchy jeans or jeggings are great for cloudier days. If it is too hot, I would just wear the same top with a pair of shorts.

The summer clothes that I stock up on the most are dresses. From sun dresses to bohemian ones, dresses are the perfect look for summer. Dresses have the power to make it look like you put in a successful effort to look cute and polished, even if you really just woke up and got ready in five minutes.

One summer garment that may not be expected is a cardigan. There was a time

when I would have immediately thought someone was crazy if they advised me to wear a cardigan in the summer.

However, many designers are now making cardigans with thin fabric to wear on warm nights. Cardigans go great with cut-offs, a tank top and sandals to make a laid-back and easy look.

Another huge part of my efforts to stay cool in the summer is keeping my hair up. Instead of just throwing my hair into a bun on the top of my head, I try different pretty hairstyles. Stores have plenty of hair accessories like headbands and flower clips that can add a little extra fun to a casual look. For ideas on what types of hairstyles to try, YouTube is always a convenient first stop. There are hundred of tutorials on easy up-dos for the summer, from chic braids to messy buns.

So this summer, try not to sweat too much. Keep your outfits simple and cool.

Let them be true embodiments of the relaxing season.

Submitted Bianca Martin

COLUMN | TELEVISION

‘Freaks and Geeks’ serves as relatable, amusing cult classic hit

By Hannah Widener As dead week approaches and the sweet taste of summer is almost within reach, it’s given me time to think about the things I’ll miss once I go home. I’ll miss the sound of the train at 2 a.m., the way the Quad looks the night before gameday, and most of all I’ll miss my friend Ben, who will be studying abroad next year.

Who will I tell my stories of embarrassment and humiliation to? Who will go to Mugshots with me once a month? Who will bring me Milk Duds when I’m sad? Ben is unlike any guy friend I’ve ever known. It’s taken me a while to figure it out, but recently, he reminded me of three of my favorite television characters: Sam Weir, Neal Schweiber and Bill Haverchuck. If you are unfamiliar with these three men, then please do yourself a favor and

Netflix the first season of “Freaks and Geeks.”

Set in the 1980s, the show follows the Weir family as they try to maneuver what it means to be cool in high school or, rather, uncool.

Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardellini) decides to join a group of burnouts and leave her mathlete status behind. The group she joins features the now famous Busy Philipps as Kim Kelly, Seth Rogen as Ken Miller, James Franco as Daniel Desario and Jason Segel as Nick Andopolis.

Many other famous actors and actresses earned their first acting gig on “Freaks and Geeks,” including Lizzy Caplan, Martin Starr, John Francis Daley, Rashida Jones, Shia LaBeouf and Jason Schwartzman. Judd Apatow not only launched one of the biggest star-packed shows ever, but also did so in just one season. “Freaks and Geeks” was cancelled after just 12 episodes because it was not

resonating with viewers.

Nearly 14 years later, “Freaks and Geeks” is now considered a classic cult hit. The opening sequence, fueled by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ song “Bad Reputation,” is just one of the many ways the show differs from all others. Watching the show when I was 17, I could relate to every one of the characters.

Inside all of us, there is a nerd who is afraid to be uncool but is willing to let their freak flag fly because that is who they are.

There is a scene in the episode “Smooches and Mooches” where Bill is forced to go into the closet with Vicky (JoAnna Garcia) for seven minutes in heaven after playing spin the bottle. Bill says something I will never forget to the prettiest girl in school after she makes it perfectly clear that they will not be kissing: “You’re a jerk. I was just trying to make small talk. I couldn’t be less happy to be

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in here with you, so quit acting like I’m hoping I can kiss you. It’s actually the last thing I want to do right now.” In that one moment my entire sixth grade year was summed up in a nutshell. Not only because they were playing spin the bottle, but also because most of the time it was always someone you didn’t want to kiss.

Bill asks Vicky, “What is like to be pretty?

I think people treat you nicer when you’re pretty.” I can remember being the person not everyone wanted to kiss, and I don’t blame them. My hair was frizzy; I hadn’t gotten braces yet. By the end of the episode, Vicky decides to kiss Bill anyway, knowing exactly who he is. When all is said and done, nice guys are the ones who get the girl. I realized who Ben is – he is who Sam, Neal and Bill grow up to be. The kind of guy who is your best friend and you know deserves the prettiest girl.

p.10

Monday, April 21, 2014

Washington a welcome summer alternative

By Phoebe Rees | Contributing Writer

When most people plan a summer vacation, they think of the beach, relaxing in the sun and maybe getting a tan. Temperatures in Alabama often reach blistering highs and the Northwest can be a perfect destination for cool comfort. With beautiful scenery, trendy cities and activities for the most adventurous vacationer, the state of Washington has a lot to offer.

San Juan Island Take a short ferry ride from the mainland to San Juan Island. The Salish sea is famous for the pods of Orca Whales that hunt in its waters, and several whalewatching tours run from Friday Harbor. For land lovers, the island has several scenic cycling routes, and the many hills will give you a great summer workout.

Washington Leavenworth Located two hours east of Seattle, this charming Bavarian town will make you feel like you’re vacationing in the foothills of the Alps. Keeping with the German theme, sausages and beer are the town’s speciality, and for those more fond of grapes, Leavenworth has several wineries with affordable tasting packages. Nearby, the Stevens Pass Ski Resort offers a fun day on the slopes for skiers of all abilities.

Seattle This city is known for much more than rain. On a clear day, you don’t need to take a trip to the top of the Space Needle to see Mt. Rainier towering in the distance, but it does provide an excellent 360-degree view of the city. Back on the ground, see fish flee at Pike Place Market or take time to browse for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

When you’re done shopping, relax with a coffee at the original Starbucks.

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Mt. Rainier National Park While tourists flock to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, experience the tranquillity of Mt. Rainier National Park and take in stunning views of the fir-tree blanketed mountains. From Paradise Point, even the most novice climbers can rent snowshoes to hike around the mountain and be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

For those adventurous enough to summit all 14,409 feet, you’ll need multiple days and a guide, but there are several companies who offer the service.

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p.11

Monday, April 21, 2014

Students show designs at Birmingham Fashion Week

By Laura Testino | Contributing Writer As the semester comes to a close, many fashion students are anxious to see their hard work transform into a final product. For some, this hard work will be flourishing on the runway of Birmingham Fashion Week as part of the Emerging Designers competition.

Mallory Hardiman, a junior majoring in textile design and art and digital media, has enjoyed developing her own style while incorporating new techniques throughout the competition process.

“My line is based off of femininity, and I’ve definitely been able to focus more on the body and the form and how clothing fits on the person, so that someone’s wearing the clothes and not the other way around,” she said.

The participants have to be ready to dress their models by Tuesday afternoon in order to have their designs shown for the first time that evening. Hardiman and the other participants have been busy adding the final touches to their designs over the weekend.

Ragan Creel, a junior majoring in apparel and textile design, said she is looking forward to seeing the final product after two months of hard work.

“I’m really most excited about just taking all of our designs; we have a lot to offer,” Creel said. “I believe that we as a group are going to surprise a lot of people. And I’m just ready for all of our designs to be out there, and I’m definitely just excited to see them on stage.”

It’s a labor of love. You love what you do; you want to push yourself and succeed in everything you do in this major.

— Ragan Creel Creel entered the competition to gain more experience and said she is thankful to have the opportunity to grow as a designer despite the stress of the experience.

“It’s a labor of love,” she said. “You love what you do; you want to push yourself and succeed in everything you do in this major. That’s what motivates me, for sure. I want to be successful in this. This is my dream.”

Creel was inspired to enter the competition by Brian Taylor, an instructor at The University of Alabama. Taylor teaches courses in apparel design and encourages students to expand their knowledge experience beyond the classroom.

“Whether it be design competitions, volunteering for fashion shows or completing internships, any extra experience a student can do will make them a better designer and give them experience for when they enter the work force,” Taylor said. “All of the students in the competition have worked extremely hard this semester preparing for [Birmingham Fashion Week]. Balancing this competition on top of their schoolwork says a great deal about their work ethic and time

management skills.”

Elle Darby, a junior majoring in apparel design, said she has been thankful to work in a supportive atmosphere, despite the competitive nature of the fashion industry.

“It’s cool to see us all work in the same room, going in completely different directions with what we’re doing,” Darby said. “Even though the industry is so competitive, here at Alabama we’re really supportive of each other. We’re really friends and want each other to succeed even though it’s a competition, because none of us have ever done anything like this. It’s a big undertaking to do, so we really help each other out.”

Darby initially entered the competition to have more experience in design and to prepare for the senior collection show next year by further developing her own style. However, she said she would be grateful to win the competition. All of the three previous Emerging Designers winners are graduates of the program at the University.

“You have to be strong behind [your look] and be able to explain it and support it,” she said. “I’ve definitely found myself more in my designs through this process because it’s forced me to explain why I’m making this, why I’m choosing this color, doing this silhouette. It’s really made me grow as a designer. It’s a good feeling to know that I feel confident about what will be shown on the runway on Tuesday.”

The winner of the Emerging Designers competition will be announced at the Birmingham Fashion Week’s finale Saturday night.

Photo Courtesy of Elle Darby Elle Darby’s designs, among other UA students’, are featured in Birmingham Fashion Week.

p.12

Monday, April 21, 2014

DUI a costly mistake for drivers in Alabama

By Francie Johnson | Staff Reporter It’s a question that many students have been asked after a night of drinking, a simple question that only requires a one-word response: “Are you good to drive?” The response could mean the difference between spending the night on a friend’s couch and spending the night in jail – or worse.

According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2010, 621 out of 1,000 people in Alabama admitted to driving drunk, which is considered an above-average rate. To be arrested for a charge of driving under the influence in Alabama, a person must have a blood alcohol content level of .08 percent or higher. For those under the age of 21, that limit lowers to .02 percent.

“Normally [we look for] erratic driving,” said Sgt. Brent Blankley, a public information officer at the Tuscaloosa Police Department. “A lot of times with a DUI, they’ll shift from lane to lane, [or] they’ll hit the center line multiple times. Normally they’re going way under the speed limit because their perception is that they’re going faster than they are.”

Blankley said he sees DUIs from all ages. However, college students face a variety of factors that can influence their decision to drive drunk.

“I think that when you get to that age, and you’re allowed to drink, you don’t know your limit as well as some other people who have [been drinking] longer,” Blankley said. “A lot of people don’t drink until they get to college, so they don’t know how the alcohol affects them as much as somebody who’s older.”

Incoming college students often transition from a world of constant supervision to a world of complete freedom. This sudden liberation, combined with the college lifestyle’s heavy emphasis on binge drinking and the common “it will never happen to me” mentality, can cause students to make unwise decisions.

“College students are certainly faced with more temptation to drink

and drive,” said Michael Upton, a Tuscaloosa criminal defense attorney who specializes in DUI cases.

“While there has been an increased awareness [about the dangers of driving drunk], there will always be the person that says, ‘I’m fine to drive,’ when they really aren’t.”

Additionally, many individuals don’t realize what a .08 percent BAC actually feels like.

“I think a lot of time people don’t know the level of intoxication they’re at,” Blankley said. “You’ll have a lot of people say, ‘Well I just had a little buzz, so I thought it was fine.’ But at that point, you are intoxicated.”

After being arrested for a DUI, it’s crucial to find a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases, Upton said. The price varies from case to case, but it’s not uncommon to pay thousands of dollars for a qualified DUI attorney.

“One mistake people make when looking for representation in a DUI case is hiring the cheapest lawyer,” Upton said. “Searching for a DUI attorney is not the time to be cheap.

A bad result could close doors that could have otherwise remained open if the right attorney had handled the case.”

Being arrested for a DUI doesn’t necessarily mean that a person will be convicted. Depending on each individual case, an attorney might find grounds on which to get the charges dropped.

“The first thing I analyze in any DUI case is whether the police had a legitimate reason to make contact with the driver,” Upton said. “If it can be proven that they didn’t, then breathalyzer test results can be suppressed, which usually results in a ‘not guilty’ finding.”

However, if a driver has been pulled over for a legitimate reason and blows above a .08, it becomes difficult for lawyers to fight the DUI charge in court.

It might seem like it’s possible to avoid a DUI charge by refusing the breathalyzer test, but that isn’t the case. According to dui.drivinglaws. org, all states have implied consent laws, which maintain that by having

MCT Campus Through implied consent laws, drivers have automatically given consent to breathalyzer tests by having a license. a license, the driver has automatically given his or her consent to take a blood, breath or urine BAC test. In Alabama, refusing to take the breathalyzer test results in a 90-day license suspension for first-time offenders, and one can still be convicted of a DUI even without taking the test.

Upon getting arrested for a DUI, the Department of Motor Vehicles immediately places an administrative suspension on one’s driver’s license, according to duiinalabama.net.

Because it is an administrative penalty rather than a criminal penalty, this license suspension is handled separately from any criminal charges. Even if the criminal charges are dropped, the license suspension will remain.

In Alabama, first-time offenders face a license suspension of 90 days.

In some states, DUI offenders can apply for a hardship license that allows them to drive to and from work and other approved locations.

However, this option does not exist in Alabama.

“The number one question I get when meeting with a newly arrested DUI client is, ‘Is there a way I can keep my driver’s license?’” Upton said. “The short answer, in the vast

majority of cases, is ‘No.’” For first-time offenders, a DUI is considered a misdemeanor offense, and the criminal punishment includes a fee ranging from $600 to 2,100 and up to a year in jail.

Additionally, the individual must attend a court-approved substance abuse program.

According to alabamaduidefense.com Alabama’s “look-back” period for DUIs is five years, meaning if a second DUI offense occurs more than five years after the first offense, it will be treated by the court as a first offense. Secondtime and third-time offenders also face misdemeanor charges, as well as increased fees, increased minimum jail times and longer license suspensions. A fourth DUI conviction results in a Class C felony.

In Alabama, it’s impossible to get a DUI offense expunged from one’s criminal record. This can be especially harmful to graduating students searching for jobs after college. However, while finding employment after a DUI conviction may be difficult, it’s not impossible.

“Be honest on the application if you have been convicted of a DUI,” said Mary Lowrey, director of

career education and development at the Career Center. “You may not be asked to elaborate, and if not, don’t bring it up.”

While multiple criminal offenses on one’s record will probably be a red flag for potential employers, some employers are willing to look past a one-time mistake.

“The best thing applicants can do is show that the conviction was an isolated incident,” Lowrey said.

“Employers are likely to look at the type of conviction, the date of conviction and whether or not there is a pattern. [Having] no other blemishes on [your] record goes a long way in convincing an employer that you are making better decisions.”

Ultimately, though, when someone chooses to drive drunk, they could risk more than just their bank accounts, their driver’s license and their future employment opportunities – they could risk their life and the lives of others.

“If you choose to get behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking [and] you hurt somebody, you have to live with that for the rest of your life,” Blankley said. “It’s not worth it.”

p.13

Monday, April 21, 2014

COLUMN | FILM

COLUMN | THEATER

With ‘Fargo,’ classic movies adapted for modern small screens, success

By Drew Pendleton What do “Friday Night Lights,” “M*A*S*H” and “Psycho” have in common? When you look at them as movies – where they rank among classics for many – the similarities are minuscule. However, they do all share on common link: Long after they left the big screen, they all saw revivals on the small screen and became classics in their own right. With “Fargo” making its way onto TV screens, time will tell if it can join their ranks.

The “Fargo” reboot, starring Martin Freeman (“The Hobbit” trilogy) and Billy Bob Thornton, takes place in small-town Minnesota, with a similar plot to the original film by Joel and Ethan Coen: an everyman (Freeman in the series, William H. Macy in the original) faces a fallout from his chance encounter with the criminal world (Thornton in the series, Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare in the film). The original film is a cult classic, regarded as one of the Coens’ best films and the film that won Frances McDormand a Best Actress Oscar for playing the small town’s pregnant sheriff. While reviews of the new series have been positive so far, it appears that the show’s creator, Noah Hawley, has been willing to bring his own stylistic touch to the material, reviving it in a way that works.

“Fargo” is not the only movie-to-television show currently on-air. NBC’s “Parenthood” is a loose, modern adaptation of the 1989 film, with Craig T. Nelson and Bonnie Bedelia taking the roles not unlike those of Steve Martin and Mary Steenburgen in the original. The new “Parenthood” has been warmly received since first airing in 2010, although it is still awaiting renewal for a sixth season.

On A&E, “Bates Motel” is a modern prequel to the Alfred Hitchcock classic “Psycho,” starring Vera Farmiga, as dedicated, calculating matriarch Norma Bates and the owner of the titular hotel, and Freddie Highmore as her son, the infamous Norman. Depicting the Bates family’s descent into madness that consumed them in “Psycho,” the TV series – from “Lost” producer Carlton Cuse and “Friday Night Lights” producer Kerry Ehrin and Anthony Cipriano – manages to combine modern issues with old-school thrills to great success: Currently in its second season, it was recently renewed for a third.

The list goes on and ranges from more modern films like “Friday Night Lights,” “Terminator:

Wikimedia Commons The Sarah Connor Chronicles” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” to classic films like “M*A*S*H,” “In the Heat of the Night” and “The Odd Couple.”

While Hollywood may currently be entering into a sequel-and-remake culture, the adaptation to television provides a better chance at emulating the original film’s style than a big-screen remake.

While not all film-to-television adaptations succeed, those that do make their mark on the TV landscape. A cinematic touch to a weekly television show is a welcomed addition to any show, and the prospect of seeing beloved on-screen characters once again on the small screen draws in both previous fans and newcomers alike. The quality of these shows is typically top-notch, so even if there are a few bumps along the way, they both invent their own place in the television universe and preserve the integrity and classic statuses of their big-screen predecessors.

While “M*A*S*H,” “Psycho” and “Friday Night Lights” may be hard acts to follow in terms of film-to-television adaptations, the warm reception for “Fargo” – which, funny enough, premiered two weeks after the original film was re-released on Bluray – is a good sign, but time will tell if it can live up to the massive expectations it faces from fans.

CW | Austin Bigoney Absurdist plays such as “The Birthday Party” can both dismay and intrigue audiences.

Absurdist theater haunts viewer with inconsistencies, questions

By Luke Haynes Absurd is a word you don’t hear too much anymore, and when you do, it usually serves to mock an overly critical person. That being the case, I did not know what to expect when I went to see my first “absurdist” play this month – Harold Pinter’s “The Birthday Party.”

When I first heard the term “absurdism,” I immediately thought of abstract art with color, shapes and movement that, while often beautiful, follows no kind of linear thinking. While that may be the template of some absurdist pieces, “The Birthday Party” showed me sometimes everyday life can be frighteningly close to absurdism. Every single piece of “The Birthday Party” was fairly ordinary and made sense on its own.

What made this show so hauntingly absurd is that there is no context and the pieces, while simple, don’t quite fit together.

I say “haunting,” because that is honestly the best way I can describe this show. It definitely wasn’t scary, not in the way a monster is scary.

One could call it creepy, in the way a psychopath is creepy. But most of all, it’s haunting, like a sad ghost who warns you there is evil in the world, and then weeps at your inability to see it.

Aside from haunted, a multitude of other emotions result from seeing “The Birthday Party.” Most of the people I talked with about the show used the term “uncomfortable,” because the writer draws out strong emotions and then gives the audience nowhere to put them, offering no closure. However, I didn’t feel uncomfortable as much as intrigued. I spent the entire show trying to force the pieces together.

Obviously, I was not successful because the show was not built to fit, but that made

the experience even grander, because it means my mind can continue milling over this unsolvable puzzle for days.

From an actor’s perspective, I can only imagine that an absurdist play would be dauntingly difficult to perform because most of the written lines are utterly devoid of context, yet you must act as if it’s as natural as can be. I would call that the cardinal rule of absurdism: Nobody’s allowed to notice how absurd their lives actually are.

Every moment is played honestly and with absolute devotion, and it is only from the outside that the true absurdity is visible.

Wa t c h i n g an absurdist piece is no picnic either. The casual observer will quickly become confused and dismiss the show as pointless and idiotic. The audience member, like the actor, must completely commit and follow the story down every rabbit hole, regardless of what absurdity lies at its bottom. The audience must not allow themselves to get hung up on tiny inconsistencies, but instead accept that they will never understand everything.

Whether you’re observing a world of absurdity or performing within it, I can imagine no greater reward than reaching the end of an absurd production. Of course, by “end” I don’t mean that an absurdist play need have anything resembling closure; indeed, “The Birthday Party” ended without answering any questions. But when the performance stopped, I didn’t feel emptiness; I felt the exact opposite. I left the theater feeling like I’d been given a gift, but one that required more than simple reception. To fully appreciate this gift, I had to give time meditating on it. But every second I sacrificed in thought was well spent. For while I couldn’t put a price on such an experience, I can assure you that its value is, well, absurd.

I didn’t feel uncomfortable as much as intrigued.

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Monday, April 21, 2014

Downtown plan aims for easy walking accessibility WALKABILITY FROM PAGE 1

parking garages and paying for permits.”

Though The University of Alabama is not located in the heart of downtown, it is only about 1.5 miles from campus to Greensboro Avenue. The city of Lincoln is much larger than Tuscaloosa, but students in the University’s Plan First class said they still believe Tuscaloosa could be a more walkable and thriving city.

Last fall, students in Plan First, an Honors College service learning class focused on city planning, presented their proposals to Mayor Walt Maddox and Tuscaloosa City Planner John McConnell.

The students presented four different ideas they said would be beneficial to improving downtown Tuscaloosa.

The proposals ranged from suggestions for public art to public transportation, and one encouraged the development of a surface parking lot.

Madalyn Vaughn, the director of the course, said the goal of these proposals was to see some of them implemented.

“Last year we were focusing on the Strip, and we saw some of those proposals implemented, so I expect we may see some of these, as well,” she said.

McConnell said they would consider much of what the students presented, as the city is currently working on several ideas to improve downtown Tuscaloosa. In 2010, the city adopted the Greater Downtown Plan.

However, as they were preparing to implement the plan, the April 27, 2011, tornado deterred it. Now, the city is back on track, creating a new system of codes and changing its regulatory scheme to help accomplish the plan.

“The plan has everything to do with making the city more walkable and biker-friendly, more peoplefriendly in general,” McConnell said.

“The city has always been very autocentric. Ten years ago, downtown was completely dead. It was full of auto garages and had some office uses and some things that you had a little activity during the daytime, but at night, it was completely shut down. There were a lot of abandoned buildings and under-utilized space. It wasn’t a pleasant place.”

Then, the Urban Renewal program

began to make changes. Students other cities instead.” may not recognize the changes if Speck said he also believes that they did not grow up in Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa can definitely contend but the Government Plaza park and with other university cities that have federal courthouse were part of that viable downtowns. program. The roadwork that many “Beyond a certain small ministudents have seen over the past mum, cities of every size can be or several months is ongoing from that become walkable – or not,” Speck same plan. The city is also partnering said. “Tuscaloosa is certainly large with the University to improve the enough, and the downtown is close connections between the University, enough for it to attract so much more the Strip and downtown. walking and biking than it does now.

City and UA officials have start- While improvements are certainly ed a corridor study on University needed, I’ve never seen such a theoBoulevard, because it is the clear- retically walkable campus with more est connection, McConnell said. The car ownership and use.” study will probably take about four Speck and McConnell said they months and aims to create better recognize that this will be a long prosidewalks or possibly bike lanes. cess. There are few immediate and “They are so geographically close simple fixes to an issue such as this. that we need to do something to As with any plan that affects infrabridge that gap,” McConnell said. structure and the way people are used “For many reasons, both residents to doing things, it will take time to and students don’t feel it is a comfort- see results. able connection. It’s not a desirable “It’s not as simple as one sentence, walk, but it’s not a long walk.” but you need to identify the places that Muñoz said she would opt to are almost walkable and make them walk or bike before driving, espe- so, while connecting prime walkable cially since she does not own a car. zones with bike lanes and a dedicated However, it is the disshort-pulse transit connect between camservice,” Speck said. pus and the rest of “It is physically easy the city that makes it and cheap, but can hard for her to feel like be politically difficult she can choose one of until citizens have those options. the chance to learn “I’ve seen so many about the benefits.”

McConnell said he improvements just has to remind himsince my freshman self and his team that year on campus when — Jeff Speck what they are doing it comes to biking or is not for their own walking, but nothing enjoyment. really past it,” she said.

“It’s definitely a long-term plan in However, the city has added Jeff Speck to the engineering team that that you look 20 to 30 years into the has been charged with improv- future, and that’s what you plan for,” ing the connectivity of campus and he said. “I’ll always remind myself downtown. Speck, a city planner and and remind my colleagues and architectural designer, has worked in citizens, the planning we are doing Seaside, Fla., and Rosemarry Beach, today is not for ourselves. We have to Fla., and he is the author of the book, remove ourselves from the equation.

“Walkable City.” He said he believes We are planning for our children and walkability is crucial to a thriving our children’s children. So we have to be very conscious of those generadowntown.

“Polls and mapping shows that mil- tions and what their preferences will lennials and empty nesters are mov- be, and not so much what we want ing to walkable cities for the active, today.”

Tuscaloosa is taking its first steps non-car-dependent lifestyle they offer,” Speck said. “Demographically, to become a more walkable city in an these two cohorts represent the attempt to make downtown safer and majority of the population. The more convenient for students such as downtown and downtown-to-campus Muñoz to opt for more sustainable sectors of Tuscaloosa will either ways of travel. Though it may be a become more walkable and thus long process, it is one that city offipopulated by these groups, or will cials said they believe will be worth it not and those with means will choose in years to come.

I’ve never seen such a theoretically walkable campus with more car ownership and use.

CW | Austin Bigoney The Crimson Tide previews its emerging leaders and talents at the annual A-Day scrimmage.

Defensive linemen disrupt quarterbacks A-DAY FROM PAGE 1

had expressed concern about regarding the entire front seven earlier in the spring.

“I’m not satisfied with the way any of them are playing, if you want to know the truth about it,” Saban said.

“They’ve got to be more aggressive, physical, play with better leverage, hold the point better, rush the passer better. I didn’t think that last year was one of our best years up front, and even though we have a couple new players competing and Dalvin Tomlinson back, I think all of them have a ways to go.”

Another junior linebacker, Dillon Lee, led the crimson team with nine total tackles. Lee is competing for the outside spot left vacant when Adrian Hubbard chose to enter the NFL Draft.

Jonathan Allen led all

defensive players with four linebacker position, along tackles for loss, while line- the defensive line – all of us backer Ryan Anderson led are communicating well as a the Crimson Tide with three unit. Our defensive line has sacks. Anderson and Tim done a great job.”

Williams, both reserves, had The front seven even got 3.5 and three tackles for loss, the ball rolling with the first respectively. points scored on Saturday, The offensive line strug- as defensive lineman D.J. gled to conPettway tain the returned a pass-rush deflected for the handpass 29 ful of quaryards for a terbacks touchdown. vying for Ragland the starting and fellow job. The few linebacker times either Xzavier offense was Dickson able to move accounted — Nick Saban the ball, for the especially in two other the first half, picks for was by exploiting soft spots the white team. Freshman in the young secondary and cornerback Tony Brown handing the ball off to veter- accounted for the crimson an running backs T.J. Yeldon team’s lone interception. and Kenyan Drake.

Call it more focus, like “The positives would be Ragland, or better commuour communication skills nication, as Collins said, have grown as a whole,” but the Crimson Tide front safety Landon Collins said. seven’s potential was on full “At the safety position, at the display Saturday.

They’ve got to be more aggressive, physical, play with better leverage, hold the point better, rush the passer better.

CW | Austin Bigoney Following meet results, Tide gymnastics team members console each other at the NCAA championship meet.

Seniors leave behind championship legacy GYMNASTICS FROM PAGE 1

“I give her credit,” Patterson said. “I just kept telling her to be mentally calm and she would be fine, and she was.”

DeMeo said she sympathizes with her classmates, and the two falls can’t take away from the legacy left by this class.

“Out of all four events, beam is the most pressure,” DeMeo said. “Anything can happen. Kim and Diandra, they are our rocks on beam.

That’s why they’re our end books in the lineup. I was in their position last year. I know how they feel because I made that mistake last year at the national championship.

That doesn’t mean anything, because it was a team performance. It could have happened on the first event or the last event. We’re still proud.”

Patterson said much of the disappointment the team feels is due to its prior achievement.

“I think part of it is, when they were freshmen, they didn’t feel that pressure, because they came in and they

won two in a row,” she said. “I think last year is the first time they felt the pressure. We’ve never had a senior class have that kind of record in terms of their overall finish. It’s difficult when you finish first, first, third and fourth in your career and you’re disappointed. But that’s the expectations that we have. This will take a little time to get over, but I told them it doesn’t take away from the people they are, what they’ve given to this University and my love for them.”

DeMeo agreed the loss Saturday night can’t take away from the impact the seniors have had on the gymnastics program. The senior All-American said she was encouraged by freshmen like Katie Bailey, who recorded a 39.525 in all-around competition.

“It’s not just this one meet,” he said. “It’s a legacy that we’ve created. Our senior class has been such a special class from our freshman year here. The freshman class this year, they’re kind of filling our shoes, and I’m excited to see them grow. I’ll always be a fan of Alabama, and I’m excited to see what happens next year.”

p.15 Charlie Potter | Editor sports@cw.ua.edu

Monday, April 21, 2014

COLUMN | NBA

FOOTBALL

NBA playoffs lack upsets, surprises

By Matthew Wilson

CW | Austin Bigoney Freshman quarterback Cooper Bateman leads the White team offense to the red zone during Saturday’s scrimmage.

Offenses struggle in A-Day game

By Kevin Connell | Staff Reporter In nearly every aspect, Saturday’s A-Day game felt like a typical Alabama football game – except the performance.

The special teams missed two field goals and an extra point.

At halftime, both offenses combined for no points and only 516 yards for the game.

And in the starting quarterback race for next season, no one stood out enough to take the lead.

In the end, though, the White team held the upper hand, defeating the Crimson team 17-13 in Alabama’s final tune-up of the spring at Bryant-Denny Stadium. “Nobody ever has a bad spring game, let’s start with that,� Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “I think, first of all, everyone needs to understand that I was very encouraged by the offseason program that we had with this team. I was very encouraged by the spring practice that we had, but I think everyone needs to understand that in games like today, we really limit what we do on offense and defense, and we really don’t feature players. I think that may be a little bit of a disadvantage sometimes to our players.�

Senior quarterback Blake Sims, who has been anointed as the starting quarterback for the time being this spring, threw for 178 yards on 13-of-30 passing with two

interceptions in a losing effort for the Crimson team. Sophomore quarterback Cooper Bateman, the White team starter, went 11-of-24 for 156 yards.

Sims’ first interception was returned 29 yards by D.J. Pettway for the game’s opening score in the third quarter to give the White team the lead. “Blake Sims, there are probably some things that he can do as a quarterback that we really don’t feature in this game,� Saban said. “For him to be an effective player at his position, in fairness to him, it’s probably good for us to do things like that.�

Both Sims and Bateman threw a touchdown pass in the final minutes of the game – Bateman to ArDarius Stewart for a 32-yard touchdown, and Sims to Chris Black for a 55-yard score with 21 seconds left. “I didn’t think the consistency on offense was what I would’ve liked for it to have been today,� Saban said. “We did make some plays, but there wasn’t the consistency that you would like to see in the offense.�

One reason for that was the play of the Crimson Tide’s front seven – a group Saban said needed to improve this spring.

Along with Pettway, sophomore defensive lineman Jonathan Allen shared the honors for the Dwight Stephenson Lineman Award.

Allen was credited with five tackles four for loss, two sacks and a field goal block.

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“I really thought that our front people on defense made a lot of improvement this spring,� Saban said. “We’re more athletic, we probably have more depth, we have more guys that can rush, and I think that showed up in the game today.�

Allen blocked kicker Adam Griffith’s 47-yard attempt near the end of the first half to keep the score tied at 0-0. Griffith also missed a 31-yard attempt wide left earlier in the quarter and an extra point after Sims’ touchdown pass to Black. “Adam Griffith is a really talented guy.

Obviously, we would like for him to be a little more consistent,� Saban said.

Offensively, running back T.J. Yeldon won the Dixie Howell Memorial Most Valuable Player Award for the third A-Day in a row with 95 yards on 11 carries. His 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter tied the game for the Crimson team. “It is great having a running back like that, especially as an offensive lineman,� center Ryan Kelly said. “To have a guy like that who can miss defenders, obviously not every play is going to be perfect but with a guy like that back there running the ball some big plays can spring up.�

The 73,506 fans in attendance were the highest in college football this spring, but the lowest for an A-Day game in the Saban era.

Now that March Madness is over, the attention turns to the NBA playoffs, which kicked off over the weekend.

But whereas March Madness was a series of upsets and surprises, it seems that the NBA playoffs will be more predictable.

In retrospect, this year’s March Madness was an exciting turn of events where hopefuls were eliminated early and lower-ranked teams defeated higher-ranked teams in upsets. Don’t expect the same level of unpredictability and surprise in the NBA playoffs. Looking at the history of the league for the past two years, there have only been three times that a team that wasn’t ranked in the top four has won the NBA Finals.

It is unlikely that the Hawks, who have the worst record among qualifiers, will pull off an upset and beat the other teams for the title. The far more likely choice is that one of the top four teams will win the championship this year, simply because the NBA Finals leave little room for surprise and shock in their games.

While the NCAA tournament is a single-elimination event that leads to explosiveness, disappointment and victory, the NBA playoffs is a sluggish four rounds of seven-game series. While a lower-ranked team might pull a victory and upset for one game, it is far more unlikely and improbable that it would be able to clench a victory for multiple games. Usually, the team with the better record and overall average prevails. In the NBA, numbers matter, especially going into the finals.

What does that mean for No. 5 Miami Heat, two-time defending champion? Well, there’s obviously some room for surprises, but not much. It certainly helps that the last team who wasn’t in the top four to win was the Heat in 2006. Still, such victories prove to be an exception to the rule when the entire history of the NBA is taken into account.

The odds of a No. 6 team winning are even worse.

Only one team has ever won with a No. 6 ranking, and no teams ranked seventh or worse have ever won.

Based on statistics and past records, the No. 1 and No. 2 teams have a much better chance of winning this year and any other year.

What does this mean for the NBA playoffs and the legion of fans awaiting it? They shouldn’t expect a series of upsets like the NCAA tournament. The better teams are usually the ones that win, and it seems that the winner of the championship is decided before the playoffs.

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Monday, April 21, 2014

FOOTBALL

BY THENUMBERS Byy N B Nick iicck Se SSellers el | Staff Reporter

0| | .12 15| 576| 8|

C Combined om om points at halftime.

Combined third down conversion percentage of both teams.

Punts by quarterback Alec Morris on Saturday, almost half of the 40 total punts by the Crimson Tide P in 2013. in Punting yards compiled by Morris, eclipsing the 343 yards passing by all quarterbacks Saturday.

N Number um um of freshmen/JUCO early enrollees who saw action Saturday.

POSITIONGRADES Byy KKevin B evvin evin in C Connell o | Staff Reporter Linebackers

Defensive Line

A

Earlier E Ea a this spring, Saban said the defensive line had a long way to go, but after A-Day he said they have come “a lot further to aalong.” Rising sophomore Jonathan Allen and junior college alo transfer D.J. Pettway shared honors for the Dwight Stephenson tr tra ra Lineman of the A-Day Game Award after making some of the L in n biggest contributions of the game. Allen had six tackles (four for b big bi ig g lloss), los lo oos two sacks and a field goal block, and Pettway opened the game’s scoring with a 29-yard interception return for a touchgam down in the third quarter. dow do

-

A

Along with the defensive line, the linebackers received similar praise. The anchor of the linebacker corps, Trey DePriest, had seven tackles, while the inside linebacker opposite of DePriest, Reggie Ragland, had 10 tackles (2.5 for loss) and an interception. Among the outside linebackers, Dillon Lee led with nine tackles while Ryan Anderson had three sacks.

Secondary

+

B

Recievers

Arguably the most scrutinized unit of 2013 didn’t do much to earn A r ccriticism on A-Day. A few explosive plays were given up late, but cri t performance was otherwise solid. Safety Landon Collins and the th cornerback Tony Brown each had two pass breakups, ffreshman re one interception by Brown. As a unit, the secondary iincluding nc n had ha h a seven pass breakups. Eddie Jackson’s return from a torn ACL aand Marlon Humphrey’s arrival this summer will help bolster the an secondary. sec se ecc

+

B

Running Backs

B

T.J. T.J Yeldon estimated that Alabama used only about 10 percent T. of the offense, but it was enough for him to show what he can do once again. The rising junior rushed for 95 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries to win his third straight Dixie Howell tou u Most Mo Valuable Player of the A-Day Game Award. Kenyan Drake contributed well in a limited number of touches, but he fumbled co con near ne his own goal line, setting up Yeldon’s touchdown. Derrick nea Henry, who has been the talk of this spring, rushed for 22 yards He on eight carries.

C

No player took the lead in the starting quarterback race after a No performance from all of its contenders. The producfforgettable fo orr tion tio ioo picked up a little bit in the fourth quarter when the two leaders for the position, Blake Sims and Cooper Bateman, each lea eaa threw a late touchdown pass. Sims threw two interceptions, and th thr h Parker McLeod and Alec Morris each threw one. Florida State P Pa a Jacob Coker, who watched Saturday’s scrimmage from ttransfer tra ra ra th the he sideline, is expected to compete for the starting job when he arrives this summer. arr ar r

+

C

With the inconsistent quarterback play considered, the receiving corps put on a decent performance. Amari Cooper didn’t quite put up the numbers he did in the team’s first two scrimmages, but he still finished with three catches for 45 yards. After not playing last season as true freshmen, Robert Foster and ArDarius Stewart combined for 109 yards on six catches, including a 32-yard touchdown reception from Stewart. Chris Black, who mostly played in a reserve role last season, caught three passes for 78 yards and a 55-yard touchdown.

Offensive Line Combined, the two offensive lines yielded 19 tackles-forloss and seven sacks, though it’s hard to make too much of it when actually tackling the quarterback is not permitted during spring games. The line did, however, open holes for a couple of long runs from the running backs and helped T.J. Yeldon win MVP honors for the third consecutive spring game. Coach Nick Saban noted that the offensive line has been “consistently better” when true freshman left tackle Cam Robinson is playing.

Special Teams

Quarterbacks

CW | Austin Bigoney Freshman quarterback Cooper Bateman scrambles for extra yardage during the second quarter of the game on Saturday.

congratulations graduates!

+

D

Adam Griffith went 1-for-3 on field goal attempts, missing wide left from 30 yards out and having a 47-yard try blocked before halftime. At the end of the third quarter, he hit a 41-yard field goal but finished by missing the extra point after the game’s final touchdown. Reserve quarterback Alec Morris did a serviceable job punting the ball for both teams, averaging 38.45 yards per punt on 15 attempts. Incoming freshman JK Scott could compete for immediate playing time at kicker or punter this summer.

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